Andrew Carney: News

For those of you who have been waiting for a new entry, I'm sorry it's taken so long. Much has happened since my last entry....some great things, and some a bit less then great. I wanted to bring you up to speed on a couple of GREAT things. This past weekend I had the chance to perform at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in Jacksonville Florida. I traveled with a New Orleans Style group from here in Los Angeles called the Bluecat Express. Upon arrival at Jacksonville airport I had a chance to meet one of my heros....Herbie Hancock. I didn't get much time to speak to him but I did get a chance to thank him for so much great music over the years....what do you say to a living legend? Anyway it was quite a thrill for me. Before our performance on the following day I heard a great set from drummer T.S. Monk...Thelonius Monk's son. Great players, wonderful solos, inspirational music to hear. They went on just before us and we were followed by vocalist Carmen Lundy. I loved her band (which included drummer "Smitty" Smith from the Tonight Show). Very progressive arrangements with a great groove. Across the field from us we could hear a bit of Kenny G's set. By this time the skies had opened up and we were huddling for shelter in one of the band RV's behind the stage. One of the highlights of the weekend for me was the jam session held later that night. It was here that I got a chance to hang with trumpeter James Gibbs from T.S. Monks band. We decided to play together and trade solos on Love for Sale. By the time we finished the tune we both received a standing ovation from the 200 plus crowd. I had so much fun playing with him, we pushed each other pretty hard and came up smiling at the end. I met more great players from all over the country, swapped cards, traded tips, and made a few new friends.
Another great experience for me was getting the chance to perform with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra back in February. This is one of those groups that I've wanted to work with for quite a long time. When I got the call, I found myself becoming a bit nervous...and I haven't been that nervous in a very long time. The gig was at the West Coast Jazz Party here in Newport Beach California. In addition to working with two of my favorite players (and people) John Clayton and Jeff Hamilton, I got to play with the great trumpeter Snooky Young. Again, a living legend of jazz and an inspiration to me. I wish I performed better that day than I did. I'm always hard on myself but I knew that I could have played with a bit more confidence....I guess I was enjoying the experience of being surrounded by so many amazing players...George Bohanon on trombone, Ricky Woodard on tenor, Ira Nepus on bone, Sal Cracchiolo and Bijon Watson on trumpets...I could go on...Anyway, I think that will do it for now. I feel energized and motivated to keep digging, keep striving for the next level...and to try and stay positive even when circumstances don't always encourage that. It is such a comfort to know that my steps are prepared before me by my loving heavenly Father. There are times when I know that He opens a door for me just as a way of reminding me that He still loves me and that I'm not just spinning my wheels. I ask Him to place me where He wants me to be so that I may be used to bring honor to His name, and sometimes I
actually am able to recognize those times. For me, these experiences are gifts from Him that I'll treasure forever.

The past few Monday nights I've been dragging myself across town to check out some friends of mine who are working at the Wyndham Bel Age Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. This is a very upscale venue as one might expect, but the audiences are wonderful. Very attentive for the most part so it makes performing there a lot of fun. I typically bring my horn and will sit in on a couple of tunes. This particualr evening I arrive at the hotel and as I am passing through the lobby I notice that Bobby Brown (Whitney Houston's husband) and his "crew" are hanging out. I walk by saying hello and enter the club. It's packed...pretty unusual for a Monday night here in L.A. I manage to find a seat at the bar and order dinner. The band is smokin'. On the break Ryan Cross (bandleader and bass player) tells me that Stevie Wonder had sat in a few weeks ago and that Bobby Brown had sung a blues tune/rap earlier that evening. As the next set starts I notice that a gentlemen walks in with a trombone case and is recognized by some of the patrons. It turns out to be Wycliffe Gordon who is in town to play at the Hollywood Bowl in a few days. I had never heard him live before so I was looking forward to seeing him in action. As it turned out, Ryan asked Wycliffe up as well as myself. So, not only do I get to hear him, I get to spend a good part of the evening trading solos and fours with him. What fun.....there is a reason this guy teaches at Julliard folks....what a talent. As the evening draws to a close I find myself talking to Bobby Brown....actually, he's kind of scatting in my ear....as the band is playing. He seemed to be really enjoying the music and the energy. The last tune is played, the club begins to empty. I say my goodbyes and begin to head out of the door....Bobby and a few of his friends decide to jump on stage and do a little freestyle rap.....so, I unpacked my horn and joined in....it actually was a lot of fun.

There are days here when I absolutely hate to live in this city. Traffic, crime, noise, etc....there are also days when I'm thankful to be here. You never know what's waiting for you around the next corner.....

For all of my friends that have grown weary of asking me where my next gig is..or where I've been...or whatever happened to me....here is a place to find some answers. I know that for some of you it's been a bit frustrating trying to find a venue to come out and hear me live. So much of my work recently has been either private, out of state, or out of country. After taking a bit of a break (about 2 years), I'm finally making a concerted effort to hit the club scene again. It has become very important for me to kind of rediscover why I got into this career in the first place....the MUSIC. There is a dynamic that exists in clubs and concert venues that exists no where else. The instant feedback of an attentive audience can motivate musicians to reach for levels of creativity that can't be reproduced in the comfort of the practice room. While the payoff my not be monetary in the local jazz club, there is indeed a payoff. Hang in there with me....and keep an eye on the calendar!