Hey Everyone,

October 24th is my debut performance with the Golden State Warriors Band!  This is so cool and I know you didn't know but it's been a long process with application, waiting for emails, auditioning live and the more waiting for emails.  Then finding out that I made it in for the live audition rehearsal and then waiting once again for emails.  Now just to be fair, this is a brand new venture for the Warriors so there has been a lot of first time decisions with both the Warriors and the Blue Devils Event people.  (Oh the Blue Devils are the people who gave you all the exciting drum line group for the past few years at the games).  Ben Nadler is the BD Entertainment Production manager of the Blue Devils!  And he and I met at a parking lot where my son Paris was leaving to go on tour in southern Cali and my wife Christine and I happen to meet Ben as he was walking by before leaving.  He stopped and asked if we were parents of someone leaving in the buses?  We said yes and he introduced himself and mentioned that the Warriors were going to have a band starting this year and to tell people that they are having auditions.  My wife being helpful with letting people know that I am a sax musician told Ben and he said I would be perfect to audition, so I did and the rest is history!

New Year Blast 

Jazz on Inklings Stage opened 2019 with a packed and enthusiastic crowd and a memorable battle between two tenor sax players who were ready to reignite the 1950's contests of LA's Central Avenue. Unrehearsed, Noel Catura and Benny Torres had a spontaneous blast. Matching and surpassing each other's solos, they took the contest to the last notes of the night and fought to an honorable draw. Spurred on by the drumming of Geechi Taylor, and Inklings duo of Matt Finders and James Hall, the two tenors seemed inexhaustible, their only respite being the dramatic interventions of James Hall on vibes. The prolonged standing ovation at the concert's end was well-earned. 

This was intended as a fun night, presented as theater, and its reception by the audience was rewarding for the musicians and encouraging for the promoters. 

There will be a shift of gear for the next concert on Friday February 8th. 

SF trumpeter Erik Jekabson will make a second appearance at Inklings, accompanied by percussionist Jeff Marrs. Erik has the technical mastery and lyrical gift that enables him to do justice to the greatest exponents of jazz trumpet. On his last visit he paid tribute to the great Clifford Brown and this time he will play tribute to the wayward genius, Chet Baker. Expect some gems of Romanticism from the Great American Songbook and some exciting jazz standards. 

Thanks to sponsorship, admission will be free, but anticipate Inklings and Downtown parking problems. Seating is limited but seats can be reserved on Eventbrite and are held until 6.45 pm. 

Roger Hall (PJS)

If you are looking to listen to great music this summer, Noel is performing at some cool venues like the Impulse Room in Walnut Creek on July 25, Retzlaff Winery on July 22 and the Top of the Mark/Mark Hopkins Hotel in San Francisco on Aug 3.  More information and concerts are listed on Noel's gig calendar.  Noel is currently composing new music for his CD including the single Cesaria in memory of his mother.  You can hear this new song at his concerts too.  Keep cool!