Monday, December 5, 2011

Back from Istanbul

Dear Friends,

As if a summer of touring the US and Canada was not enough (NY, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, SF, LA - all in one season!) I am amazed and humbled by it all!

It was hard to leave Turkey, what an amazing place! My top priority was studying with Turkish clarinet Serkan Çagri, a great human being and extremely talented. While there I met classical clarinet star Boja Kragulj, who, in between worldwide symphony appearances, is studying with Serkan on a Fulbright Scholarship. Met lots of great people there, some fine musicians, and I am definitely looking forward to my next visit to the really unique artistic scene in the ancient city of Istanbul.


Had a wonderful time in Paris with the Lionel Young Band (which really tore it up - four nights of capacity crowds at le Meridien Etoile Jazz Club). Yes, I could go there again, too! Meanwhile, I am writing you from NY, where I am recording for my dear friend, Thiago de Mello...

Will be home in time to do my favorite gig: Second Thursday at Caffe Sole. This month the quartet will feature Francisco Marques along with the amazing Dave Willey and dynamo Raoul Rossiter.  Guaranteed fun for dancers and listeners!


Then I am off to Austin for a week of gigs with a variety of music, most notably two nights at the Elephant Room with my dear old friend, the amazing Stanley Smith.

Please join in the fun!

THUR   Dec 8,   7:30pm   Caffe Sole (Table Mesa Center, 637 S Broadway, Bldr)
Dexter Payne Quartet with Francisco Marques, Dave Willey, Raoul Rossiter

And if you have friends in Austin:
FRI      SOS Christmas party with Bill Oliver and the Otter Space Band
SAT     Bossa Christmas at  Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
MON  wi Sayra Elizabeth Campbell "Bummer Nite" at Artz Ribhouse 7:30-9:30
TUE    wi Stan Smith at Elephant Room 6-8
WED   wi Stan Smith & the Jazz Pharaohs at Elephant Room 6-8
WED   wi Jon Emery Band at Jovita's   8:30-10:30

See you there!
Dexter






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