June 11 at the Revolution in Boston

The Revolution turned out to be an interesting night. There was a booking mix-up as happens occasionally so there were three bands performing that night. We had to quickly scramble to make sure everyone got on stage somewhere near their originally scheduled time. The good news was that there was a very good turnout for the night.

The Revolution is adorned with rock memorabilia and very comfortably fitted with a number of sofa pits as well as traditional bar stools and stands. The club’s staple are DJ’s and they have a couple of nights a week with live music spotlights. I think their typical performance is more pop/rock oriented so we take them a little by surprise when we hit the stage.

We hit at 9:00 and had a very good show. One of the highlights has to be Keita Ogawa, our percussionist who during his solo on Rigamaroll had the chef come dancing out of the kitchen to enjoy the music. Keita has been getting some big name gigs with Yo Yo Ma and Tiger Okoshi and I think the experience is upping his game. He was incredible which elevated all of us. I swear I’ve never seen Keith (Kirkpatrick, our ever solid bassist) smile so much.

The results of the April Newport Jazz Fest contest are in… Thanks.

I am sorry it took a couple of days to post this… I have been swamped. But I want to thank you for all of your support over the last two months. We placed 3rd for April’s JVC Newport Jazz Festival contest at OurStage. I don’t know what it’s going to take to get the Festival Board to notice us, but a 1st place in March and a 3rd in April is a pretty good start.

 

I can’t tell you how much your support means to me. It’s uplifting and encouraging in an industry with too many knocks and disappointments. It just re-enforces for me that I am performing for you, not the festival boards or media companies. I hope you make it to a show some time soon and I get a chance to thank you in person.

 

The JVC contest continues into July. Then the board picks two of the top bands from the OurStage contests to perform at the festival. This year’s line-up is amazing and the festival just keeps getting bigger and better every year. So hopefully 2008 is the year we debut. Peace to you and yours… and be well.

 

Ciao’

Bill C

A review from “The Vault” magazine

The Vault, a prominent music industry magazine that focuses on upcoming indie artists targeting the music industry execs who are interested in this talent pool. Here is their entire review…

Bill Champitto – You Know Me
 

Ladies and gentleman, a VAULT first, an adult contemporary review!!!  Let me preface the review with the following:  1)  I am not a fan of adult contemporary, and 2) When it comes to the intricacies of the genre, I have no idea what I am talking about.  What I can speak to is passion and commitment — picking one thing and doing it better than anyone else.  If I, a total non fan of the genre, can pick up on Bill Champitto’s passion through just a couple of quick listens, I think it is safe to say Bill knows what he is doing.  “You Know Me” is soulful and jazzy, with a slight reggae edge at times. Will you find the disc in my car?  No.  The CD player by the pool? Why the hell not.  Variety is the spice of life.  Oh and his picture rocked.