Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Darkest Night (can't wait for Sat and Tues)

A magical time of year, when things change unexpectedly. No explanation... poof! Everything is different! A good time to pull in, renew - and even more important, to get out, connect, find our community, remember how to laugh. Friends and family are great for helping us to laugh at ourselves. Laughing together. Laughing so hard we can't remember - tears of grief? Tears of joy? Rage? What's so funny about that? About what? Laughter feels good.

What a treat to be able to share some exquisite music with you this season. Find your way over to the St Julien Hotel Saturday, Dec 25, 6-8pm (yes, Christmas Day!) and again Tuesday, Dec 28, 6:30-9:30pm to hear the Dexter Payne Quartet.

Musically, I am very excited about this group of musicians. Nothing new, you say? Something IS new - something happened in the group recently, a real spark. It's evolving from a foreign tradition into something with a life of it's own. Bill Kopper, Dave Willey and Raoul Rossiter have played Brazilian music long enough to have a really rooted and yet personal voice in it. Bill, Raoul and I all started playing the stuff in the mid 90s with Mitchell Long. And these are guys who do not sit still!

Further, things are shifting at the St. Julien. The new austerity has cut the budget for music, and there will be no music on Tuesday nights. In addition, there is a new weeknight policy emphasizing jazz, funk, blues, folk, Americana and soul.  Management responds to the clientele who are vocal about what they want to hear.   So......

 Want to hear Brazilian choro and baiao at the St Julien again? You have two more nights to get it! Please rally, bring your friends and families, let's have a great time - come enjoy the Christmas season with sounds from Brazil. It has been a real pleasure to play there for you over the last four years and we appreciate your support. Time to celebrate!

See you there...

SAT  Dec 25, 6-8pm  St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Christmas Night with Dexter Payne Quartet
Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter, Dexter Payne

TUE  Dec 28, 6:30-9:30pm  St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Dexter Payne Quartet
Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter, Dexter Payne 

Friday, December 3, 2010

December music is coming!

Yes, it has been a while - sorry! Some great things are happening, and exciting recordings are under way, so you will not be left out in the cold... but more on that later!

I have been busy, unfortunately not playing out in public so much.  Occasionally, yes, but often it seems to be a last minute call. That is changing and I will give you a heads up now - Dexter Payne Quartet will be at the St. Julien Hotel on Christmas Night, SAT, Dec 25th (NOT Eve!) Mark your calendar and join us for some Christmas cheer, Brazilian style to round out your holiday. Ill be playing with Dave Willey, Bill Kopper, Raoul Rossiter. All we need is you!

Right now I want to let you know that this week, SAT Dec 4, I will be playing with Playback Theater West at the Dairy Center for the Arts. This is something I get to do all too rarely, and I love it! Their shows often sell out, and that is because they are amazing, taking stories from the audience (that's YOU) and turning them into improvise skits before your eyes... and I get to do the sound track! We never know what is coming next, and I mean that literally. It takes a very talented, present, connected, honest, compassionate group of people to pull off playback time and again - and Playback Theater West is all of that and more.

Sunday, I leave for a few days in Austin, TX to record with the great singer/writer, Ray Bonneville. A few of you will remember the Bluebirds, Ray Bonneville Blues Band and other permutations from days of yore! I will be back Thurs, Dec 9th in Boulder at Tonic with the very new Alchemy Project, a multimedia art concept - come check out the maiden flight!

Please keep in mind that I am gearing up for my third year directing the Naropa Afropop Ensemble, this year with collaboration of percussionist Scott Parker Mast. I am excited about what we have to offer together, and I strongly encourage anyone in the community who wants to participate to check with Naropa University and see if it fits. Class will meet every Monday afternoon for about 3 hours, roughly 14 classes Jan-May.

See you soon,
Dexter
www.dexterpayne.com
www.dexofon.com
www.facebook.com/dexterpaynemusic
(schedule below)

SAT Dec 48pm, Dairy Center for the Arts
Playback Theater West


Thurs, Dec 9th, 9pm,  at Tonic (2011 10th St, Bldr)
Alchemy Project

FRI, Dec 24th, 6pm,  Divine Science Church (1400 Williams, Den)
Christmas Eve musical service, including Michael Stanwood & Dexter Payne


SAT, Dec 25th, 6pm,  St. Julien Hotel 
Christmas Night with
Dexter Payne Quartet

Friday, October 29, 2010

All Saints

Dear faithful blog readers!

All saints. Days of the Dead. Trick or Treat. Nights are darker, winds are fiercer. Summer sun perfectly stored up in harvest.The spirit of fall is upon us!

I have been remiss - chalk it up to a busy schedule. Just finished a fine blues tour with Little Joe McLerran and Robbie Mack with dates in OK, IA, IL! Plus a Little Joe demo session with the addition of Andre Bohren. Yeah, you right! Andre is the New Orleans drummer of renoun, son of Spencer Bohren, currently with Johnny Sketch. A very cool quartet you will be hearing more from!

Meanwhile, back in Colorado... tonight (FRI) I have a couple of sets with Lionel Young Band at the Boulder Outlook Hotel (800 28th St). This is a really fine band - picked to represent our region at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next Feb. Come and help the Blues Society raise expense money for our trip.

Keep in mind if you are of the Balkan (or any other) brass band persuasion, that Gora Gora Orkestar will hold forth FRI at the Laughing Goat (Pearl St) beginning at 9:30pm. I will be racing there to catch the last of the set!

SAT at 8pm the party moves to Denver with the Kailin Yong Peace Project at Swallow Hill . Music Assoc - Tuft Aud. (71 E Yale at B'way) the band is heading into the studio this month to make what should be an amazing album. Seeing is believing! Hearing, I mean. Intimate setting to witness the creative force at work! (Kailin Yong, Jesse Manno, Jeff Jenkins, Kim Stone, Bret Bowen, Dexter Payne)

And just to prove it, the Kailin Yong Peace Project will be playing in Denver the next night SUN @ 8pm at Dazzle (9th & Lincoln) Did I mention this is an amazing band?  (Kailin Yong, Jeff Jenkins, Kim Stone, Carl Dixon, Bret Bowen, Dexter Payne)
Halloween costume party!

Boredom should not be a problem this weekend. Come on out - I will look for you there.
And be sure to say hi, even if you think I see through your disguise!!

Dexter
dexofon.com
dexterpayne.com

FRI  Oct 29, 8-10:30pm    Lionel Young Band 
Boulder Outlook Hotel (800 28th St)

SAT Oct 30th, 8pm   Kailin Yong Peace Project 
Swallow Hill Music - Tuft Aud (71 E Yale at B'way)


SUN   Oct 31st, 8pm  Kailin Yong Peace Project  
Dazzle (9th & Lincoln) reservations 303.839.5100
Halloween costume party!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Nissi's & St Julien

Seems like we keep greeting each other with "How is your summer?"
Yes I know, nights are cool. The sun is well on the way south.

Busy activity of summer seems to continue into the new season, anyway.
More performances, recording plans, travel plans, teaching, writing collaboration...
everything is swirling around and taking shape.

Dexter Payne Quartet is playing Brazilian music at Nissi's for the first time on Sunday.
No cover!
Enjoy the intimate room, great sound and good eats.

Tuesday again at the St Julien. Last time there we played a really exciting set.

Life these days is pretty hectic and full for everyone. It is so wonderful to see those familiar faces,
I am grateful and filled with joy when you choose music for a couple of hours. The frequency with
which we can bring our music to venues like both of the above correlates directly with how we are
supported and received. Please come out and let the managment know you appreciate having us there!

Rehearsal calls, so I will cut to the chase:

FRI Oct 1, 4:30-5:30pm    13th & Pearl Street Mall (or nearby at 13th & Walnut, Bldr)
Dexter Payne & Alchemy Project: Multimedia collaboration with artist Neil Hirschowitz

FRI  Oct 1, 7-10pm   St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Mohammed Alidu & Bizung Family

SAT Oct 2 private event with George Inai's Curious Ghost Orchestra

SUN  Oct 3, 7-9pm   Nissi's
(2675 North Park Drive, Lafayette, CO 80026 Ph: 303-665-2757)
Dexter Payne Quartet
featuring Francisco Marques, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter
 
TUES  Oct 5,  6:30-9:30pm   St Julien Hotel
(9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Dexter Payne Quartet
featuring Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter

See you there!
Dexter


www.dexterpayne.com
www.dexofon.com

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Dazzle Friday with Rene Marie

Many have said, "I like Dazzle. Tell me when you play there again!" Well now is that time - Tomorrow, Friday, Sept 17I have the honor and pleasure:

FRI Sept 17,  7-10 (303-839-5100 for reservations)

Rene Marie, Bill Kopper, Marc Simon, Raoul Rossiter, Dexter Payne
Dazzle Jazz (9th& Lincoln)

Please reserve now and join us for a great night!

Best,
Dexter

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Rain Dance

 Music this week goes out to everyone who ever lost their home, even temporarily.

Today, Thursday, we resume the monthly celebration known as Bateria Alegria - a samba parade in Boulder at 7:30pm down Pearl St Mall from Broadway to the Laughing Goat, followed by singing and dancing with Ginga Grande at 8 or so. Let this be a rain dance for relief from the fires!

Saturday is 9-11, time for the third annual Kailin Yong Peace Concert at Broomfield Auditorium, 7:30 pm. Cannot say enough about this inspiring original music and the great players the amazing Kailin has drawn together: Bret Bowen, Carl Dixon, Jesse Manno, Jeff Jenkins. Yes, Ill be there too! Let's all take some time this day to imagine a world where peace is really possible. Come to Broomfield, and imagine with us!

Sunday is the final round of competition for the band to represent Colorado at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis next February. Outlook Hotel, Bldr, 3-6pm. I go on with the Lionel Young Band at 4:40pm.

A big thanks to those who came out to the St Julien Tues for the Dexter Payne Quartet, a small but very appreciative audience. We loved playing for you! Not to mention the exotic sighting later in the evening!

And a shout to the impressive Liza Oxnard and the great players in her band, Ryan Tracy, Dechen Hawk, Chris Engleman and Brian McRae, for a great couple of nights way over yonder in Telluride and Durango.

See you soon,
Dexter

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

August's End

Warming or cooling trends in the weather I will not discuss here (though I am happy to, elsewhere!) but of one thing we can be sure: August is coming to an end. Not mentioning the end of anything but the current month. As far as I'm concerned, summer could go on for ever with no complaint. However, some things I can predict with fair certainty:

THUR  Aug 26, 6:45-8:45pm  Rhythm on the Rails (Downtown Nywot)
Lionel Young Band

FRI  Aug 27, 7:30pm Emma St House Concert (Lafayette)
Joao Junquiera & Dexter Payne
RSVP to kimmerjae@gmail.com (suggested donation $15, limited seating)

SAT  Aug 28,
11am Gilpin CO Library (Hwy 119) - Andre Mallinger Marimba Ensemble
2-5pm  Centennial , Narc Anon Dance - Moussa Konate Band
8-11pm  Mercury Cafe - Johnny Long Band
11-12  Mercury Cafe - Gora Gora Orkestar

WED  Sept 1,  7pm  Outlook Hotel (28th frontage before Baseline)
Johnny Long

Who? What?
Lionel Young is one of the best fiddlers around, definitely the bluesiest. In fact the new 6-piece version of his band just advanced from the local to the state level in IBC competition. We want to take it to Memphis! (Stay tuned for the next competition Sept 12)

Joa Junquiera is a treasure trove of Brazilian musical culture & we have a great time playing together, all too rarely! Join us for an intimate house concert Friday...

Andre Mallinger  is one of the best marimbists in these parts, and this is a collection of friends from a few different marimba bands (Tobatana, Zebras to name two). This performance celebrates the conclusion of Andre's Artist in Residence post at the library.

John Long is a very special bluesman who does not get around here as often as he used to. If you like the blues, or even if you dont, this will be a night of music you will remember.

Stick around for Gora Gora Orkestar, the hottest new band I belong to! Balkan leaning brass music - with 10 members, all great players!

See you there!

Dexter

Thursday, August 19, 2010

End of August Music

It's a great season. The Lion knows when to show up! And I am trying to keep up with myself, knowing the time for regrouping and introspection is coming. Off to the mountains before a very busy weekend, or three!


SAT Aug 21, 12 pm   Bohemian Nights Festival (Ft Collins)
Kailin Yong Peace Project
A great group: Jeff Jenkins, Jesse Manno, Carl Dixon, Bret Bowen and yours truly, with Kailin at the helm.

SUN Aug 22, 5pm Outlook Hotel (28th almost at Baseline, Bldr)
International Blues Challenge Boulder competition.
Lionel Young has assembled a great group to compete this year:
Jay Forrest, Kim Stone, Ricardo Peña, Andre Mali, Dexter Payne and Lionel Young.
Come cheer us on to the next round!

FRI Aug 27, Emma Street House Concert
Joao Junquiera & Dexter Payne
Its Brasil time! Come get a dose of Joao's special Brazilian magic.
I love playing duo with this man, it flows like water!
RSVP: kimmerjae@gmail.com

SAT Aug 28, hold onto your hats:

11am - Shona Marimba music with Andre Mallinger - her final offering as Artist in Residence at Gilpin Library. Andre is one of the best marimba players around, has been a mentor to a surprising number of the marimba bands in this area. This will be fun!

2pm- Moussa Konate Band in Centennial for NarcAnon
Moussa is rocking these days - a big thanks to all who came out to the St Julien.
You know who you are cause youre still smiling!

8-11pm Johnny Long at the Mercury Cafe Upstairs
A very special occasion - John Long is one of a kind and we were very lucky for some years of his presence here. Now we have to get it when he comes to town...
Dont miss it!

11pm- Gora Gora Orkestar , Mercury Cafe (downstairs)
This new brass band with Balkan and other tinges is hot. No other word to describe - Come check it out!


I dare you to make them all! But really, I hope you show up at one -I look forward to seeing you!


Dexter

Friday, July 23, 2010

Summer music

Some real diverse musical fun is building up and I want to let you know 'in a timely fashion':

SUN July 25, 3-4pm  Boulder Meadows Library (1001 Arapahoe Avenue, Bldr - near Foothills & Baseline)
Kailin Yong wi Lil Sumpin Sumpin
This was a dynamic and interesting journey at the last show. No telling what lies in store!

MON  July 26, 7:30-10pm   Boulder Outlook Hotel
Little Joe McLerran 
Eugene Smith and I will join Joe and Rob for a great night of blues.
(Joe & Rob will be at Lafayette Library Sat night with a film of their recent tour in Yemen and the Middle East)

WED  July 28, 5-5:45pm  CU Shakespear Festival
Gora Gora Orkestar will warm up the stage for Taming of the Shrew.
Check out this hot new Balkan influenced brass band!

FRI July 30, 7:30-8:30pm  D Note (7519 Grandview Ave, Old Town Arvada) 
Dexter Payne & Francisco Marques warm up for Sambadende - Brazil night at the D Note!
Folks in Denver have asked when they will have a chance to hear this beautiful Brazilian music... See you Sunday!

... that's 4 great shows before I take off to spend a week with the Olmsted/Roderick family in Sardinia, NY, just outside Buffalo. Family camp - playing music with the kids and hang out at the creek!

SUN Aug 8, 4pm   Returning to do a fun show with Eric Moon & Mike Fitzmaurice.
Where? Ask around, and if you find out give me a clue! I am sure it will be a great one, in such musical company!

Always take the time to enjoy summer!

Dexter
www.dexterpayne.com
www.dexofon.com

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Balkan Brass Band Dance Party in Ft Collins, Th July 15!

Been having way too much fun lately! SF Bay Area gigs and Balkan Camp were a blast. So much so that it seems years have passed!

A very special night is upon us - I have been immersed in a Balkan Brass Workshop in Ft Collins presented by the non-profit "The World In Colorado" and led by Michele Simon and Peter Jaques as well as Diane Montgomery.
See Diane's website (www.theworldincolorado.org)

Michele is a vocalist with KITKA and vocalist/percussionist with Brass Menazerie in the Bay Area. Peter (clarinet,trumpet) is the musical director of Brass Menazerie, among other projects.

The workshop culminates Thursday evening with a dance party featuring:

Balkan Brass Kicks Band (workshop participants)
Gora Gora Orkestar
Veelah (wi special guests Peter & Michele)


I will play in all three sets! Please come, enjoy the great sounds, fun dancing (its so easy to learn, even I can do it!) and support this cultural event! ($5 cover)

8-10pm
Empire Grange,
2306 W. Mulberry St, Ft Collins

See you there!
Dexter

Friday, May 28, 2010

I have been away from the keypad, taking in the spring - seems like summer now. A shifting of gears, a pause in the action as the focus changes.  The garden is flourishing and as usual, I find great nourishment from what many look upon as "weeds". The earth is an amazing place to live, in every season, but especially hard to ignore it in spring... the more so now, when the balance of things is so tragically threatened by our mindless activities.

My "school year" was really wonderful. This year's Afropop Ensemble, as in '09, taught me so much. I would challenge my students as to who learned more from the experience. Someday, when I really know how to teach, they will learn as much as I do! It was a great bunch, a joy to work with, and they performed very well indeed. Some very talented, and all were enthusiastic and engaged. I was a student as well, taking Bill Douglas' Musicianship class, last time he will teach it as such. Lucky me! It was fun, challenging and inspiring and I learned ways of looking at (listening to) things that will be valuable for life. Friends have told me for years how much they gained studying with Bill - no exaggeration. I count myself as very fortunate.

Another move into the world of new music! Having upgraded my cyber-situation, when my dear and very creative friend, Scot Ray, invited me to collaborate on a long-distance recording project I was able to accept. As a result, I am on two tracks of his newest endeavour, Earth Circuit (clarinet on Human Tide and Earth as a Bridge.) The album is not being manufactured physically, but is available for download from iTunes and other outlets. You can listen to excerpts at: http://www.myspace.com/scotray/ I encourage you to discover Scot's abstract/lyrical and surprising musical world and welcome your support of this project!

In keeping with breaking new ground, I am repeating my pilgrimage of last summer to EEFC Balkan Music Camp outside Mendocino CA. What's new, you ask? Well, this year I am going first to San Francisco for a couple of low-key engagements with new friends. I will be playing with guitarist David Saxton in Berkeley and Sausalito on June 23 and 24 respectively. Please let your Bay Area friends know - invite them all to come and get acquainted!

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Moussa Konate set archived on KGNU

Monday was a good night to listen to the radio, but if you missed it you can still download or stream the set at kgnu.org. I have played with Moussa for almost ten years, and Monday was was a fresh burst. Reminded me of first getting acquainted touring in CA playing places like Club Amnesia, Restaurant Baobab in San Francisco and up and down the coast. But this time it was Moussa's music - a bunch of original tunes. And the line up was great also - Glen Taylor and Eric Moon, and some young blood: Nate Ruchames, Max Friedman & Willow Duhamel, with Freddy Jean Baptist holding it down on drums. You will be seeing the Moussa Konate band around here in the near future, come check it out!

Meanwhile, download this great set from kgnu.org and dance!

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Endings - Beginnings

A school year comes to it's end. I had a great time with Naropa Afropop Ensemble - a really great bunch this year. They learned a lot (I think!) and sang and played like pros for the final concert Sunday night. They really lead themselves - I just helped them through the rough spots. And at the same time I was completely inspired and enlightened by taking a class with Bill Douglas. The legendary! I have heard about Bill's classes for so many years (from so many great musicians), it was a special treat to be there. Pushed me into places I don't normally go! Meanwhile, music is alive:

WED   May 5, 6:30-9:30pm   St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Moussa Konate Band

Moussa Konate, Malian guitarist/singer has a new line-up, including three members of the Naropa Afropop Ensemble! Great dance music!

THUR   May6, 7:30pm  Broadway & Pearl (heading to the Laughing Goat @ 17th&Pearl)
Bateria Alegria

The samba parade band of the one yr old Boulder Samba School. Join the fun! We parade the first Thurs of every month to the Laughing Goat where Ginga Grande leads the popular roda de samba pagode session. Sing, dance!

MON   May 10, 7-8pm KGNU (88.5fm, 1390am, www.kgnu.org)
Moussa Konate Band

Moussa Konate and the band on KGNU's Concert Cabaret. Tune in! Call in!

See you there!
Dexter

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Another fun weekend!

Infinite variety reinvents itself as ... something new! Three fun things to do this weekend depending on where you are and how you feel, assuming, that is, that you want to hear music.

If you want to hear one of the most engaging singers in the jazz idiom, you are in luck if you get to Breckenridge for a concert sponsored by Colo Mtn College:
FRI, April 30, 8pm, "New Breckenridge Auditorium"
 (107 Denison Placer Rd, Breckenridge)  
ReneMarie  $20 ticket
They say it's so new, it's not on Googlemaps.
  
SAT , May 1, 10pm      Boulder Drafthouse (13th&Spruce)
Moussa Konaté and the New Lost Tribe
Moussa is a guitar master from Mali who will have you on your feet in no time.

SUN, May 2, 7pm   Naropa Univ PAC (Main campus, Arapahoe & 21st)
Music Dept Final Concert:
Naropa Afropop Ensemble performs and so will my Musicianship class with Bill Douglas! Both classes have kicked my butt this year!

Come and enjoy!
Dexter

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Peach blossom

Now I know why it is so cold - my peach tree is in full bloom, at least the part that didn't just mysteriously break off. Gorgeous time of year and it seems there is often a little cold snap just as the fruit trees burst out. Gardens are growing - it is really grand!

Meanwhile the music flows. I have been so busy I forgot to report: this year's Naropa Afropop Ensemble truly rocked the Goat 11 days ago! Someone came up at the end asking for our email list! Ad the management said "We would definitely have you back!" Way to go gang!!!

This week I am happy to be playing with Rene Marie at Dazzle Wed, but sad to say it is a "private" affair. We WILL be playing at the  

"New Breckenridge Auditorium" NEXT WEEK: 
April 30, 8pm (107 Denison Placer Rd, Breckenridge)

They say it's so new, it's not on Googlemaps.

Meanwhile, you CAN come hear us this week at the: 
St Julien Hotel, Thurs, 6:30-9:30, Apr 22 - It's the only chance this month, so come down and share the love! I will be there with Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter .

We will be grooving on choros, sambas and baiaos of Brasil, a perfect night for an early evening spring dance party!
See you Thursday!

Dexter

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Hmmm...!

The bees are busy and they are not alone. We can be very thankful for all that! And, there is music in the air:

THURS   Apr 15, 7:30pm  Outlook Hotel (28th St, Bldr)
Laurie Dameron sings blues & jazz

FRI    Apr 16,  2:30-4pm    Longmont Senior Ctr (910 Longs Pk Ave, Longmont)
Veelah Balkan Band ($7)

FRI   Apr 16,  7pm   Chautauqua Community House (Bldr)
Dawn & Dave Kimball CD Release

SUN    Apr 17,  2pm   Boulder Main Library (Canyon Concert Hall)
Beco Do Choro

I will remind you again in a few days - but here is fair warning:

WED Apr 21 with Rene Marie at Dazzle, Denver
THUR Apr 22, Dexter Payne Quartet at St Julien Hotel, Bldr

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Sleep Fast!

This week finds Dexter in five diverse musical settings, including some great venues. You will want to see them all! Catch your breath and let's go!

WED Apr7 9:30pm     Dazzle (9th & Lincoln, Den)
Piano Conversations with Jeff Jenkins

FRI April 9, 8-8:30pm    Laughing Goat (16th & Pearl, Bldr)

Naropa Afropop Ensemble  - Dir. Dexter Payne
Special guests Moussa Konate, Scott Parker Mast


SAT April 10, 11-11:30am   Little League Opening Day
Bateria Alegria  @  Iris Ball Park (16th&Iris, Bldr)

SUN   Apr 11, 2-5:30pm    Lolita  (Boulder St, Den)
Salem


SUN Apr 11, 7-9pm  Trinity Lutheran (301 E Stuart, Ft Collins)

Kailin Yong Peace Concert featuring Jeff Jenkins, Jesse Manno, Bret Bowen

NOTES:

Jeff Jenkins is always a treat, a gentle giant, powerhouse with a heart. The more I play with him, the more respect and admiration I feel. I love playing in his Wed duet series.

Bateria Alegria, Brazilian samba percussion group, is the performing ensemble of the one year old Boulder Samba School. Help us celebrate the beginning of Little Leage baseball season and see/hear what we are all about! (Note: Boulder Samba School is actively seeking a home... a local corporate sponsor who would like to make a tax-deductable donation of after hours rehearsal space. Please email note@dexterpayne.com)

Todd Johnson & Salem are always a treat at Lolita, unique Denver restaurant created by owners of El Centro, Jacks Fish House. Win-win!

Kailin Yong Peace Project increases in momentum and depth with each performance. Kailin is experimenting with more intimate groupings. Just back from a midwest tour with a trio, this group is five.

Afropop Ensemble is an 11 piece group who plays music from So Africa, Ghana & Mali. Featured with the ensemble will be percussionist Scott Parker Mast as well as Malian guitarist, Moussa Konate.

These are talented students and they have been working hard on their musical craft, learning and perfecting tunes for this performance. From the first day of class ten weeks ago, this group has worked together naturally, complimenting each others strengths and supporting everyone's musical process. They understand the joy of music. Last year the Ensemble got rave reviews backing Ghanaian singer/composer Kofi Mawuko at the Bao Bao Festival at the Boulder Theater.

The Ensemble performs music by Mawuko's and by Moussa Konate, guitarist from Mali. The Laughing Goat has transformed in a short time from a coffee house where folk musicians disturbed chess players with their guitars and mandolins – into a vibrant music venue where an 11 piece band can play a warmup set.


See you there!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

A Spring to Remember

I have just returned from a very moving gathering of old friends. Saturday was a sad and joyful day as we celebrated the life of Bruce Laxalt, poet, lawyer, glider pilot and bass player in a couple of bands I played with in California and Nevada in my early years. Bruce died  March 19 after a 9 year battle with ALS. I joined David Horgan, Rob Saunders and Eli Dokson playing old favorites and new sounds for the funeral and the party which followed. It was great seeing friends, some of whom I have not been with for years. We laughed and cried.

Other news: I have a new clarinet! I have retired the instrument that I have played continuously since I was 14 and I am very excited... and enjoying an even older instrument! Come check it out!

TUE  March 30,   6:30-9:30pm    St Julien Hotel (9th&Walnut, Bldr)
Dexter Payne Quartet with Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter

FRI    Apr 2,         8pm                 Naropa Faculty Concert (21st&Arapahoe, Bldr)
Trio: Greg LaLiberte, Francisco Marques, Dexter Payne

SAT   Apr 3,         8pm               Playback Theater West  (Dairy Ctr, 26th St, Bldr)

Come out and enjoy the warmth!

Dexter

Monday, March 8, 2010

Spring-like

Cannot help myself - it is very welcome and it feels like a hint of spring. The birds think so too. So come out - sing, dance! Dont be shy - come say HI!

TUE  March 9, 6:30-9:30   St Julien Hotel (9th & Walnut, Boulder)
Dexter Payne Quartet featuring Bill Kopper, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter

WED  March 10, 6:30-9:30  Blending Cellar (Pearl St, Bldr, next door to the Trident)
Dexter Payne & Bill Kopper

THUR  March 11, 7-10   Nissi's (95th & Arapahoe, Lafayette)
Beco Do Choro with Kailin Yong, Joao Junquiera, Francisco Marques

SUN  March 14,  4pm   1st Unitarian Church, Lafayette
Kailin Yong Peace Concert with Jeff Jenkins, Jesse Manno

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Naropa, Bateria Alegria and Beco Do Choro

Busy-ness is not all business and this week is a good example. Come join the fun!

THUR  March 4,  7pm  Naropa Works in Progress Concert

I will perform with my Afropop Ensemble as well as with Bill Douglas' Musicianship Class.

THUR  March 4,  7:30pm   Bateria Alegria monthly 1st thursday samba parade on the mall (B'way to Laughing Goat)

Sounds like a conflict, huh? It is, and I may be joining the parade a little late...


SUN   March7, 3-4pm  Beco Do Choro @ Meadows Library, Bldr. Short and sweet - finally we get to play for the whole family!

OK I want you to read this so that's all for now!

See you soon,
Dexter

Monday, February 22, 2010

Boulder Wed, Aspen Fri & Sat

Another great week in Colorado. Well, if you like cold, snow, sunshine... and music from Brasil! Dont miss out!

Wed Feb 24 6:30-9:30pm

St Julien Hotel
Boulder, CO

Dexter Payne
Dave Willey, 
Bill Kopper, 
Raoul Rossiter

Fri Sat
Feb 26,27
7:30
& 9:30pm
Little Nell
Aspen, CO
JAS@LittleNell: 
Jeff Jenkins,
Kai Lin Yong,
Dexter Payne,
Mark Simon,
Raoul Rossiter   
Tickets: $30  




Come down to the St Julien Wed and welcome Dave Willey. Dave is such a musical force (speaking of Hamster Theatre, Thinking Plague, Corvettes) that his talents as a sideman go under-appreciated. Sit by the fire and marvel.

And, of course, if you find yourself in Aspen this weekend with nothing to do... problem solved! Another great musical adventure with the astounding pianist Jeff Jenkins. Not to mention Kailin Yong, Mark Simon and Raoul Rossiter. Oh yes, to mention: What a line-up!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Wed at Nissi's: Beco Do Choro

Special announcement: Wed is the firsappearance of Beco DO Choro at Nissi's in Lafayette. Please come out and show your support, so we can return on a weekend!

We are playing for  February's "Singles Night" Buffet. Only $19.95 for dinner and music.

Dont wait by the phone - treat yourself to Nissi's fine food and the sounds of Brasil: Beco Do Choro delivers a variety of Brasilian music seldom heard even here in Brasil/Colorado!

With Joao Junquiera, Francisco Marques and Kailin Yong and Dexter, Beco serves up a set of Brasilian grooves that won't let you sit still. Samba? Forro? Bossa Nova? We have it all.

See you there,
Dexter

Nissi's
2675 N Park Dr, Lafayette, CO
303.665.2757
http://www.nissis.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Forro Preview @ St Julien, Salem & Swing Dancing

What am I talking about? Forro? Well just hold on one second! First the schedule - then I will expain! These were listed last week, it is true. But it's a special week and you will not want to miss one opportunity for live music. I am really all over the map, in geography and  style, so charge up the batteries in your Prius and throw in the dancing shoes. Here it is:


Thur Feb 11 6:30pSt Julien Hotel              Boulder, CODexter Payne
Quartet:
wi Bill Kopper,
Francisco
Marques,
Raoull Rossiter


Fri Feb 12 9:00p
Whistler's Cafe
Nederland, CO
With Salem

Sat Feb 13 8:00p
Pastor Mustard, 
& National Swing
Band

So "What is forro", you ask. Or if you are really in the know- "Hey! You guys don't play forro!" well, as an addition to our rich diet of Choro music, traditional jazz of Brasil (which you can actually samba to) we are gradually adding some dance music native to the North-East of Brasil - "baiao" and "xote" are varieties of Forro, a range of music made popular by Luis Gonzaga, accordionist. To celebrate this exploration, we have the honor of a visit from Dave Willey, composer and accordion of Hamster Theatre, and of Veelah. Come early to catch this exciting sound!

Then Friday I am up in Nederland with Salem, the canvas for Todd Johnson's original music. We will be sure to be funkin it up, latin style, with a little jazzy hiphop thrown in. Whistlers is the focus of a happening night scene in Ned.

Can't get enough? Saturday night at the Operahouse in Aspen will be a real treat for swing dancers, complete with some hot exhibition jitterbuggers and lindyhoppers, it's the National Swing Band, led by legendary Pastor Mustard of Telluride Bluegrass fame. I first met the Reverand Pastor as Dan Sadowsky, fearless leader of the Ophelia Swing Band (his bandmates included the likes of Tim OBrien & Washboard Chaz - Check them out on youtube.) Mustard, long-standing MC at Telluride Bluegrass, will rip it up for the dancers with a hot line-up including yours truly and Katie Glassman, extraordinary fiddler.

Come on out and say HI at one of these events. We will have fun - and remember it's Mardi Gras/Carnaval! Denver folks who cannot make it to Aspen Saturday should consider the Carnaval events at Euphoria Cafe on Larimer with Ginga Grande & Bateria Alegria!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

It is a new year

Not news, you say? Well some of us come in slowly. Let's just say I'm savoring it!  I'm trying a new scheme for this "alert". Schedule first! That way if you dont have time for my gab... Grab the dates and we will catch up in person!


Thu Feb 4 10:00p
Appaloosa Grill
Denver, CO
With Salem

Fri Feb 5  9:00p
Winter Park Pub
Winter Park, CO
With Salem

Sat Feb 6 8:00p
Playback Theater
West. Dexter joins
incomparable PTW -
The story is you!
Sat Feb 6 9:30p
Boulder Draft House
Boulder, CO, CO
With Salem
Sun Feb 7 10:00p
With Salem
Thur Feb 11 6:30pSt Julien Hotel              Boulder, CODexter Payne
Quartet:
wi Bill Kopper,
Francisco
Marques,
Raoull Rossiter


Fri Feb 12 9:00p
Whistler's Cafe
Nederland, CO
With Salem

Sat Feb 13 8:00p
Pastor Mustard, 
& National Swing
Band


There you have it - this week and then some. For those who plan ahead - I know there are some of you out there!

If you are staying close to Boulder Thursday, dont miss Bateria Alegria on the Mall 7:30-8pm (weather permitting) and afterwards, Ginga Grande at the Laughing Goat. I will be absent, but there in spirit!

Salem has been busy, travelling all over the west, western Canada, Alaska - they are here for a few so catch me with them this week and next. Socially conscious funk/hiphop/jazz/latin creation of drummer/singer, Todd Johnson. Curious? Check the website at www.salem-music.com. Yes, that's me on sax. Come on out!

It is my great pleasure all too infrequently to play with Playback Theater West. This is definitely play - if you don't know Playback, you are missing out. A group of very present actors act out the story YOU tell them. I provide the soundtrack. Live entertainment at it's best! Playback is at the Dairy every month - I will have one more show with them this season.

My favorite Quartet is back at St Julien. All you folks who asked when - it's now! We will look for you! The best Brazilian choro, samba, bossa, forro. 

Next week in Aspen, it's time for that caution to the wind Valentine date - Swing dance at the Wheeler Opera House! Dan Sadowsky, aka Pastor Mustard, is known to many for a lifetime of MC-ing Telluride Bluegrass. He is also known to some for the Ophelia Swing Band, a Boulder gem from the 70s which featured Dan with Tim OBrien, Washboard Chaz among other stellar players. Hot swing is an understatement for the National Swing Band with pearls from Cab Callaway, Louis Jordan and more.

Naropa's Afropop Ensemble shows early signs of promise. Watch for our show at Laughing Goat in April

Meanwhile, I just received news that the Little Joe McLerran CD, Believe Ill Make a Change, has topped the blues charts! Yes, Joe's album is number one on the Roots Music Report, one of the biggest around. I am really happy for Joe, who deserves every bit of success he gets, and proud to be on his album, playing harp and horns, too.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Beco Do Choro Trio

Brasilian music to warm up the CO winter (this is LOCAL warming, not global!)  We have two special evenings in store with a different configuration of Beco:

Joao Junqueira, Kailin Yong, Dexter Payne

The beauty of playing music with great artists is the blend, the give and take - and so with each variation in line-up there are new flavors, new colors and and textures coming from the kitchen. Joao, Kailin and I have performed together many times, but never in this configuration, and I am very excited to show you what we have started cooking!

If your wallet is slim, or you just can't break away from other plans Friday, then come down to the Blending Cellar tonight (Thurs, Jan 28) at 7pm and you can hear it all come together.

The real deal will take place at Dan & Diane's House Concert Friday, and I know there will be some folks who will have to hear both nights!

See you there!
Dexter

Here is Dan's invite:

Announcement From Hosts Dan and Diane:
Hello All! Please join us for a concert at our home.

Beco Do Choro (Trio) in Concert
Friday, January 29th, 2009 8PM
(Pot luck 6:30PM)
Come enjoy a fantastic concert with Beco do Choro!
Beco is a pre-eminent ensemble of musical artists in our region playing Brazilian music. Clarinetist/
percussionist Dexter Payne and violinist Kailin Yong join the incomparable guitarist, singer and Brazilian music scholar Joao Junqueira to create a synergistic presentation of music from the width and breadth of Brasil, including Choro, Baião, Maracatu, Frevo and other branches of the huge Brazilian musical tree.



Group: Beco do Choro Trio
Date: This Friday, January 29th, 2010
Place: 330 S. 39th St., Boulder [call or email for directions]
Time: 6-8pm pot luck (bring anything or nothing), 8-10pm or beyond, music
Suggested donation: $15 per person (100% goes to the musicians)

Members of the group:
Joao Junqueira - Brazilian Guitar, percussion, voice
Dexter Payne - Clarinet, percussion
Kailin Yong - Violin, percussion

We love this group, and we're sure you will, too!

Please rsvp by email (dhf2000@comcast.net) to reserve a place and to get directions.

Thanks for supporting Boulder's amazing, moving musicians.

Dan Fairchild And Diane Rabson

******************************************************

Beco do Choro (Choro’s Alley) is Brazilian music at its best: instrumental virtuosity combined with traditional folk elements to generate fresh and exciting arrangements of old and contemporary songs of Brazil, including Antonio Carlos Jobim, Pixinguinha, Baden Powell, Jorge Benjor, and Caetano Veloso. Beco does not stop there - their original compositions are strikingly beautiful and also deeply rooted. The members of Beco combine instrumental virtuosity on violin, clarinet, saxophone, acoustic guitars, cavaquinho (Brazilian Ukulele) with an authentic infectious singing style and the irresistible rhythm of traditional batucada (percussion ensemble): surdo (the largest drum), pandeiro (Brazilian tambourine), tamborim (the smallest drum), ganzá (shaker), tan-tan (mid-size hand drum), reco-reco (scraper), and repinique (the lead drum in the batucada/samba-school style). Beco’s songs present a high level of poetry and vibrant Afro-Brazilian rhythms, portrayed by traditional percussion instruments, which energize listeners from a diversity of communities.

See http://www.myspace.com/becodochoro

We are very fortunate to this kind of music available to us in Boulder. I have been told that even in many Brazilian towns and cities you cannot easily find music of this quality and tradition.

If you have not been to a house concert here, they're a lot of fun and you are very welcome to join us. We start with a potluck - bring what you like or nothing at all. One of the lovely things about these concerts is meeting new people as well as seeing friends again.
We invite musicians who are local and that we love to listen to ourselves. Boulder's pool of musical talent is world class, but there is a lack of opportunity to hear them in intimate, acoustically friendly venues. We try to do our part to rectify this situation.

We are fascinated by musicians with something unique and challenging to present, often with musical influences outside the norm--whether geographically, culturally, or stylistically. We often hear from the musicians that this is an inspiring setting.

D&D

--

Dan Fairchild / Diane Rabson
330 S. 39th St.
Boulder, CO 80305

dhf2000@comcast.net

303-886-9887 (Dan)
303-875-4102 (Diane)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

St julien tonight

Its another late night in a new year. Lots is new, school, recording and... which Ill tell you about - when its not such a late night!

Writing now just to say come on down to the St Julien Wed for the Dexter Payne Quartet, with Bill Kopper, Francisco Marques, Raoul Rossiter. An evening of Brasil in Boulder, even forro dance numbers! That's all for now. Come, enjoy and lets get this new year going with some good vibes!

WED Jan 20, 6:30-9:30pm   St Julien Hotel
Dexter Payne Quartet

See you there,
Dexter

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

January is always new

Life never fails to surprise, just when I think I know the pattern it skips a stitch, or reverses completely! Had a lovely Christmas and holiday season - in spite of myself! Focused on the gates of doom closing around us all, I was repeatedly surprised by the ringing phone and found myself with opportunities to present a variety of music to all kinds of people. Isn't that what a musician lives for? (Say amen somebody!)  From the heart of Aurora to Snowmass, it was good, and now it's over. Actually, several new gigs hold promise for repeating!

January is a whole new picture. Several recording projects to work on: composer Sebastian Albu, songwriter George Inai, a new project with my very special friend, Michael Stanwood. A previous project with Dawn and David Kimble is finally coming to fruit with a new CD. Breaking new ground for this young fella is a new collaboration with another good friend, the very talented Scot Ray (Gut Puppet, Active Vapor Recovery). Doing this at home, surrounding myself with gear I barely understand and climbing the steep part of the learning curve - adding my musings and reflections to a couple of Scot's musical journeys. Ask me about it in a week or two!

Meanwhile school is in, literally. Monday was the first day of classes at Naropa University, where I am once again the fearless Director of the Afropop Ensemble. No way to know what is possible til the first day - looks like an enthusiastic crew, and with the addition of at least one "continuing ed" community member, it promises to be a rewarding adventure. Surprise of surprises, dream of dreams: I am hoping to take a semester of Musicianship from the amazing Bill Douglas. Yes, it's back to school with lots to learn!

Gigs, you say? When will I play for you? Coming right up next WED!
Don't miss it! Start a new season with the Dexter Payne Quartet featuring Bill Kopper, Francisco Marques, Raoul Rossiter: music of Brasil!


WED  Jan 20th  St Julien Hotel   (9th&Walnut, Boulder) 6:30-9:30 pm

Come in and say HI. So danca samba! Forro tambem!

Have a great week - See you next WED!
Dexter
www.dexterpayne.com
www.dexofon.com