Hi all — I have two shows coming up in Manhattan this weekend — both are with great groups and will feature original compositions. Hope you can make it out to see me play some original music with some great players on the scene!

Friday April 27 — The O’Connor Quintet at the UC Lounge
87 Ludlow St NYC 10002 — (212) 677-1100
9-10pm / $10 cover
feat. Jason O’Connor (tenor), Brian Lotze (trumpet), Andrew Grau (bass), Michael Kihn (drums), and myself (keys)

Saturday April 28 — Grautet w/ special guest Don Hahn (trumpet) at Somethin’ Jazz Club
212 East 52nd Street NYC 10022 (212) 371-7657
— 11pm — $5 cover
Special guest trumpeter Don Hahn along with Andrew Grau (bass), Darrell Smith (drums), Jason O’Connor (tenor), myself (keys)

Attention Western MA people! Since the last update, a few of my shows this weekend have been changed — here’s the new schedule for my shows back in Mass:

Saturday Night April 14– AMHERST COFFEE — 8:30-11:30
28 Amity Street Amherst, MA
with Tyler Heydolph (bass) and Alex Syndman (drums)

For those that can remember that far back, AmCo is the spot where it all started for my trio — I have so many memories of playing this place and maintain that it was a crucial part of my musical development to have a residency here every Thursday for many years. Please join us for this very special homecoming show.

Sunday Night April 15 — THE NIGHT KITCHEN — 7:30-10:30
(at the Montague Bookmill — 440 Greenfield Road Montague, MA)
with Tyler Heydolph (bass) and Alex Syndman (drums)

If you want to treat yourself, I can honestly think of no better way. The Night Kitchen serves hands down some of the best food I’ve ever had, along with an unbelievable atmosphere at the Montague BookMill (for real the stuff story books are made of). AND some live music to go with it? Don’t miss this one!

Hey everybody —

I know it’s been a while and there’s plenty to catch up about, but for now I’ll cut to the chase and let you know about some upcoming performances I have coming up —

For those that live in the NYC area (or if you happen to be visiting and want to say hello) I have TWO weekly gigs where you can catch me:

Every Wednesday
Sezz Medi’ Pizzeria Napoletana
1260 Amsterdam Ave, New York NY (Morningside Heights)
8-10pm, no cover
w/ Brian Lotze (trumpet) & Andrew Grau (bass)
http://www.sezzmedi.com/

Every Thursday
Yukatan, Fine Mexican Cuisine
2107 Williamsbridge Road, Bronx, NY
7-10pm, no cover
Latin Jazz with “Nacido”
w/ Drew Coles (saxophone and flute), Andrew Grau (bass) & Ken Swinkin (drums)
http://www.yucatannyc.com/

I am also very excited to announce a couple of shows that I’ll be playing in Western MA…

Friday April 13th
The Night Kitchen at the Montague Bookmill
440 Greenfield Road, Montague, MA
(413) 367-9580 — Call ahead for reservations
Dinner Set: 7:30-9pm / Late set: 9-10:30pm
- This place is amazing. I have such fond memories of playing here years ago when I was first starting up in the Valley — the food and atmosphere are out of this world. Don’t miss this one!

Sunday, April 15th
Eclipse Restaurant
186 Main Street, Northampton, MA
(413) 584-6006 — Call ahead for reservations
8-10:30pm
- Great local scene and restaurant/bar. Come support live music, drink some wine, and eat delicious food!

On both of these gigs, I’ll be playing with two great musicians who I have missed collaborating with ever since I moved out of Northampton — Alex Snydman (drums) and Tyler Heydolph (bass) — We’ll be playing our versions of jazz standards and tunes from the Great American Songbook, along with fun cover tunes and original compositions. I’m really looking forward to this reunion, it’s going to be a tremendous amount of fun and I really hope you’ll join us for one or both nights.

On a slightly more personal note, I’ve been adjusting to my new life in NYC. It’s been quite an experience so far. It’s exciting, challenging, and humbling all at once. But it’s all good — I love the feeling of being surrounded by so many different types of people with all sorts of experiences and backgrounds. There’s so much to learn, musically and otherwise.

I’m seeing plenty of music (crazy how anytime I want I can just hop on a train and see incredible music of any style) All the players in the music community, both the younger and older generations, are an inspiration. I am also getting a lot out of school, continually challenged by the excellent faculty at Queens College — learning lots and just trying to soak it all in.

Thank you, as always, for reading and for supporting the music. Be on the lookout for more shows and a new home studio project, among other things! And I promise I won’t wait so long til the next time I write.

Peace,

(Or as we say in Queens, Wassamaddawitchu?!?)

Jeff D

Hope the first few days of summer have been treating you all right. I am writing with some exciting news — I’ve decided to enroll in a Master’s program in Jazz performance at Queens College in NYC. I’ll be starting this Fall. This is thrilling for me — a chance to study with some incredible teachers and connect with great players. But there’s also a hint of sadness as I will be leaving the Valley, my home for over 10 years. I’ve been blessed to play with and learn from some amazing musicians and to have gotten some great performing and teaching opportunities (Amherst Coffee, Sierra Grille, Greenfield Community College, Putney School etc) so it’s with a heavy heart that I leave the area. But I think the next few years will be a great time for me to grow as a musician and person and I’m looking forward to the challenges that city will surely bring.

So, for the time being, I won’t be playing as much in the Valley, but I’ll certainly be coming back now and then to play shows, and I will keep you all posted.

It’s hard for me to believe but I’ll be moving in only one week! I have a few “final” shows before I move that I would love to see some of you at:

TONIGHT Thursday, June 23rd — Spoleto’s in East Longmeadow, MA (84 Center Square) Duo with the fabulous Jessica Freeman (vocals). 6.30pm, no cover.

Saturday, June 25th — Montague Bookmill (440 Greenfield Rd. Montague, MA) — Mike Marcincowski Trio with myself on keys and Tyler Heydolph on bass. 8pm, $5.

Monday, June 27th — Side Street Cafe (42 Maple St, Florence MA) — Duo with Zack Danziger (guitar). 6-9pm, no cover.

As always, thanks for all of your support.

Jeff D’Antona

I have an exciting show coming up on Friday, April 1st — a rare occurrence that combines my performing and teaching worlds.

Here are the details:

What: Greenfield Community College Music Dept Faculty Show
Who: Jeff D’Antona Trio (w/ Bob Weiner-drums and Tyler Heydolph- bass), Swing Caravan (w/ Matthew Shippee) and Jazz Demolition Project (w/ David Goodrich) along with other GCC music faculty Geoff Cunningham, Sarah Clay, Adam Bosse, and David Nelson.
Where: Shea Theater - 71 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
When: Doors 7pm, show starts at 7:30pm
How: Tickets are available at the GCC Foundation, 270 Main Street, Greenfield (413-775-1600) and at the Main GCC Campus, One College Drive (413-775-1426), or at the door. Prices are $15 for general admission, $13 Students/Seniors and $25 to attend both the concert and a private post-event reception at the Hallmark Gallery located next to the Shea with the President Pura and the performers.
Why: To see and support an amazing contemporary music department in the valley. All the proceeds for the benefit go to the GCC Music Department.

I sincerly hope you can make it…it will be a special night!

Best, Jeff D’Antona

Here’s a quick update for some upcoming shows in March - hope to see you out!

Saturday, March 5th - Jeff D’Antona Trio at Eclipse Restaurant (186 Main Street Northampton, MA) 7:30 - 11:30pm. Featuring Tyler Heydolph (bass) and Bill Chapman (drums). No Cover.

Friday, March 11th - Alex Snydman Trio at Eclipse Restaurant (186 Main Street Northampton, MA) 7:30 - 11:30pm. Featuring Tyler Heydolph (bass) and myself (piano). No Cover.

Friday, March 18th - Leah Randazzo Quartet at the Arts Block (186 Main St Greenfield, MA) 9pm - featuring Leah Randazzo (vocals), Sturgis Cunningham (drums), Tyler Heydolph (bass), and Jeff D’Antona (keys)

Wednesday March 23rd - “The Music of Bobby Timmons and Ray Charles” featuring an amazing lineup: Carl Clements (sax), George Kaye (bass) and Bob Weiner (drums), and myself (piano) Don’t miss this one! Other groups will be playing including a killer saxophone quartet featuring Paul Lieberman, Marty Ehrlich, Jason Robinson, and Gary Smulyan. Cape Cod Lounge, Student Union - UMASS Amherst - 8pm.

Thursday, March 24th - Leah Randazzo Quartet - “Jazz at Schwemm’s” series at Amherst College. 9 -10:30 pm - Free and Open to the Public.

Peace,

Jeff D’Antona
–

In the upcoming weeks, I have some amazing gigs with the talented Leah Randazzo (vocals), David Goodrich (guitar)/Bob Weiner (drums), and Evelyn Harris (vocals)…I hope you can make it out to see some local live music!

THIS FRIDAY, October 29 at the Arts Block (Court and Main Street, Greenfield, MA)
The Jeff D’Antona Group featuring Leah Randazzo (vocals), Tyler Heydolph (bass), and Sturgis Cunningham (drums).
8pm, $5 cover, Cash bar
We will be playing jazz standards, R&B hits, and originals with Leah, as well as breaking down to a trio to do some of my original tunes.
www.theartsblock.com

Saturday, November 5 at the Arts Block (Court and Main Street, Greenfield, MA)
David Goodrich/Bob Weiner/Jeff D’Antona
(guitar……………drums……….keys………….)
8pm, $5 cover, Cash bar
The folks at the Arts and Music Factory had this to say about this new group:
“Playing with the openness and sensitivity found in only the best improvised music, this new group creates a sound and experience unlike any other. It’s experimental, ambient, and deep - filled with tradition, raw emotion, and an undeniable communicative synergy.”
www.theartsblock.com

Saturday, November 6 at Cummington Community House Stage (Main St, Cummington, MA)
Duo with Evelyn Harris (vocals) (opening for Radio Free Earth)
8pm, $10 Cover
www.radiofreeearth.com

Friday, November 12 - Northampton Arts Night Out @ ODE (Northampton, MA)
Duo with Evelyn Harris (vocals)
7-8:30pm

Now, do you want the good news or the bad news?

Ok, the bad news is, as some of you may have noticed, the Sierra Grille Monday Night Jazz Series has sadly come to an end. It was a great run while it lasted (over two years!) and was truly a blessing to be able to play with all the amazing musicians in the valley week after week. Many thanks to O’Brian for treating us musicians so well for so long. There is a chance things will start back up again in January, so I will certainly keep you all posted as things progress. In the meantime, you can catch some live music at other great venues in the valley! (see above)

Now for the good news, I’ve just finished mixing some brand-new studio recordings! No, it’s a not quite a full-album, but it’s close. Myself, Makaya McCraven (drums), and Tyler Heydolph (bass) spent a day in the studio last weekend and recorded some of my originals as well as some jazz standards. I’ve just finished mixing and I can’t wait for you all to hear it. I’m still working out the details of how it will be released, but I will let you know as soon as things are moving…

Thanks to the Arts and Music Factory (a small independent label out of Greenfield) for helping to fund this recording as well as my last record, Ocean Rising, which you can purchase from their website www.artsandmusicfactory.com. While you are there, make sure to check out some of the other great artists on the roster.

That’s all for now, hope to you see you in Greenfield THIS FRIDAY for Leah Randazzo, Tyler Heydolph, and Sturgis Cunningham.

Be well, Jeff D

It’s hard to believe it’s September already and summer is winding down. Soon my teaching gigs will be in full swing and I’ll be back to the grind. But I can’t complain, it’s been a wonderfully productive summer filled with lots of practicing, a little bit of writing and recording, and lots of great happenings in my personal life including an amazing new nephew and a cute new kitten.

Despite summer being over, I am thankful to have new musical adventures on the horizon to look forward to…here’s what’s in store for September.

The Arts Block (Friday, September 10, 8pm / $10) <—-TOMORROW!!!
289 Main Street, Greenfield MA

Leah Randazzo feat. Darby Wolf (organ), Sturgis Cunningham (drums), myself (piano)
Original Soul, Jazz, and R&B

Sierra Grille Monday Night Jazz Series (every Monday 9.30-midnight, no cover)

September 13: Leah Randazzo (vocals), Darby Wolf (organ), Sturgis Cunningham (drums), & myself (piano)
September 20: David Goodrich (guitar), Bob Weiner (drums), myself (keyboard)
September 27: David Goodrich (guitar), Bob Weiner (drums), myself (keyboard)

Sept 20&27 should be very interesting nights of music. It will be a bass-less trio, an exciting and challenging context in which to play, so we decided to do two weeks in a row so we can really get a feel for the textures and the deep level of communication needed for this type of experiment. I am truly honored to be playing with David and Bob on this gig, two of my favorite musicians in the valley. I hope you all come out and share this experience with me.

Boy, it’s hot. Hope you all are doing well, despite this crazy weather. Just wanted to give you an update about my upcoming shows in July. I’m especially excited about the last two shows of the month, which will be taking place at a brand-new venue in Greenfield, the Arts Block Cafe. This new spot is the venue partner of the label (Arts & Music Factory) that funded my second CD. This place has all the right tools to become a major venue in the local music scene and is already doing great things to support local musicians. I’ll be playing a bunch there, so please come out and support the new venue as it opens up!

The first show at the Arts Block Cafe is on Thursday, July 29 and I am honored to be playing with the Geoff Vidal Quintet which features some amazing musicians from the Valley, past and present. The group is lead by and will feature original music by Geoff Vidal (tenor sax), a Valley All-Star who now has a successful musical career in NYC. The group will also feature Paul Chase (bass), Joe Hundertmark (guitar), and the amazing Bob Weiner (drums). Don’t miss this one. I know I say that a lot, but this time I mean it. Really. See below for details.

And I’ll be playing at the same venue the following night, Friday, July 30. I’ll be debuting a new concept of mine, a project that I’m calling J.DOT (The Jeff D’Antona Organ Trio) This group will feature the incredibly talented Darby Wolf on organ and Sturgis Cunningham on drums. It’s my aim with this project to mix my original compositions with more groove and hip-hop based drum beats while still keeping it spontaneous and open, all the while not playing smooth jazz (smile). So…we’ll see what happens! Hope you can join me for this experiment, or experience should I say?

Anyway, here’s what’s in store for the entire month…

Monday, July 12 at the Sierra Grille. Monday Night Jazz with Leah Randazzo (vocals), Darby Wolf (organ), and Sturgis Cunningham (drums). Strong Ave, Downtown Northampton. 9-12, No cover.

Thursday, July 15 at the Esselon Cafe. Duo Alchemica (Michael Dunning-bass & myself on piano) with Leah Randazzo (vocals). Route 9, Hadley. 6-8, No cover.

Saturday, July 17 at the Black Lobster. With the North Shore Roots Band. Roots reggae music and other cover songs with my old college buddies. If you’re out in the North Shore area, come and check us out! We play from 8-11. Salem, MA.

Monday, July 19 at the Sierra Grille. Monday Night Jazz with Tyler Heydolph (bass) and Alex Snydman (drums). Strong Ave, Downtown Northampton. 9-12, No Cover.

Monday, July 26 at the Sierra Grille. Monday Night Jazz with Zack Danziger (guitar), Tyler Heydolph (bass) and Alex Snydman (drums). Strong Ave, Downtown Northampton. 9-12, No Cover.

Thursday, July 29 at the Arts Block Cafe. Geoff Vidal Quintet feat Jeff D’Antona (piano), Paul Chase (bass), Bob Weiner (drums), and Joe Hundertmark (guitar). 8pm. 236 Main Street, Greenfield.

Friday, July 30 at the Arts Block Cafe. J.DOT (Jeff D’Antona Organ Trio) feat Darby Wolf (organ) and Sturgis Cunningham (Drums). 9pm. 236 Main Street, Greenfield.

And as always, please check myspace.com/jeffdantona for updates and thanks for all your support.

hi y’all: here’s what I have lined up for June shows so far…hope to see you at some shows!

Monday, June 7th: Monday Night Jazz at Sierra Grille with David “Goody” Goodrich (guitar), Jamie MacDonald (bass), and Doug Raneri (drums). 9.30-12, no cover. Strong Ave, Northampton. This group has some of the Valley’s best musicians and is always filled with energy, spontaneity, and plenty of surprises.

Friday, June 11th: Bishop’s Lounge with the Ryan Hommel Group. 10pm, $5. An fun opportunity for me to play some funky groove-based music as I sit-in with the incredibly talented guitarist/vocalist, Ryan Hommel. I’m very much looking forward to this one, Ryan’s got a great lineup of musicians and it’s sure to be a blast.

Monday, June 14th: Monday Night Jazz at the Sierra Grille with Leah Randazzo (vocals), Sturgis Cunningham (drums), and Darby Wolf (organ). 9.30-12, no cover. Strong Ave, Northampton. One of my favorite line-ups to play with at Sierra Grille. Darby and Sturgis holdin’ it down for Leah’s amazing vocals, and I get to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Saturday, June 19th: Eclipse with the Alex Snydman Trio. 8pm-Midnight, Downtown Northampton, next to Harlow Luggage. Fine dining with great music while you eat and drink.

Monday, June 21st: Monday Night Jazz at Sierra Grille feat. with Alex Snydman (drums) and Tyler Heydolph (bass). 9.30-12, no cover. Strong Ave, Northampton. Back to the Trio, my bread and butter, for the last two Monday’s of June…Alex, Tyler, and I have been working together a lot recently and are starting to develop a great sound and cohesiveness as a unit. Come check out a bunch of new tunes and originals.

Monday, June 28st: Monday Night Jazz at Sierra Grille feat. with Alex Snydman (drums) and Tyler Heydolph (bass). 9.30-12, no cover. Strong Ave, Northampton.