Tag: funk

The Blues Grill, June 13 – hitting the curve ball…

I was honored to work with my old friend Ricardo Monzon which is always a setting for magical things. The club is having a dispute with the major licensing organizations (BMI, ASCAP and SESAC) which is a story for another day, but until its resolved performers are not able to perform any of the music they license. Since that’s nearly every popular song over written, I performed four hours of my original music along with many improvisations.

Like many of the land bound towns close to the shore, after a beautiful day followed by a warm summer’s night the audience often wanders to the shore. Not the case this night. Attendance was very good and people were very generous with their applause and praise. This kind of warm response really fueled the music. I had a fantastic time and think they did as well. Thank you again to everyone who made it out that night. I’m looking forward to the next show.

I am in the middle of writing a blog about the recent behavior of ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. If you’re interested, keep your eyes open for it. Be well.

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

I owe you!!! I didn’t know what I was asking….

First let me say Thank You for your support as we won First Place in March’s competition for the JVC Newport Jazz Festival, and I will now be considered for a performance slot at the festival this summer. I am so grateful and totally blessed to have the kind of friends that will step up in this way, and now it is in the hands of the Festival board. OurStage is holding 3 or 4 more monthly competitions and the contest rules state only that OurStage and the Festival Board will choose 2 of the top bands to perform. I will keep you posted of any updates I get.

Also, I have received a few messages from the faithful friends who helped me out by voting for my music in OurStage competition, and I have learned of the time and trouble involved in voting at the site. My good friend Christopher spent four hours ranking music. I am incredibly blessed and humbled that you would make this effort. I had no idea how long or complicated this was going to be when I asked you to get involved, and I am actually upset at the OurStage people that they would put people through this kind of thing. I never would have asked if I had any idea how frustrating and time consuming this would be for you. As a small gesture to begin to thank you for your support, I am offering Circles free for my friends at a special page on my website. Go to http://billchampitto.com/SpecialThanks.html and you will receive a Download of Circles for your computer, iPod or mp3 player. I have also created a ring tone which you can get for you cell phone, again at no charge. I know this only begins to repay you for your support and effort, but please accept this small gift. Be well.

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.