Austin Biel in his own words

wow. Today's gig could not have been more meaningful, more fun, more emotional. what a beautiful note to end my tenure as a 'current resident' Houstonian jazz player...

The band convened at Ruggles for the Sunday Jazz Brunch at 11am. Now first, I must mention that despite my close association with Mark Dini (guitar) and the Mark Dini Group, it's been a while since we played a lot together. I mean, like TWICE this year!!!

So, first Mark shows up as a surprise to me, and I was SO EXCITED! So much of Mark's material has come to mean so much to me. and playing with Mark, it's like I know what he's going to play sometimes before he does. the chemistry is so cool, and what a TRUE PLEASURE that he sat in with the band. All of the brunch band are also alumni of the MDG, so we were really able to dig in to that music.

Some of my favorite tunes like 'Afterhours' (Dini), 'Josie' (Steely Dan), 'Down Here on the Ground' (Wed Montgomery), and 'Kentucky Serenade' (Dini). If you haven't, you must get his cds, especially the most recent project, 'Live at Sambuca', with yours truly plus Mark Simmons, drummer for Al Jarreau.



Next, my trio partner, George Coward was on the gig, playing bass and vocals. this let us do some of my favorite tunes that we had developed in our trio that normally wouldn't be done on a Mark Dini gig OR the Ruggles Jazz Brunch. Oh my gosh, I hadn't played with George as much lately, and he was in FINE VOICE (simply stellar) and seems like he had a few new bass tricks to pull out. What a joy.... and what tone...

Highlights for me were George singing 'So Good' (Jarreau) & 'Spain' (Corea), and George on the gig enables me to sing 'Is You Is' (Biel/Waits/Armstrong version, hehe), 'Walking in Memphis' (Cohn) and Hornsby's 'The Way it Is' in a white man's salsa style.... oh SUCH FUN! We've made a lot of great music together, buddy. Here's to much more...!



Of course, the leader of the Jazz Brunch band is Ken Mondshine on saxophone. Not only one of my all-time favorite sax players, famous or not, but Ken is such a great guy as well. His cadenza before 'For Lease' was the best I've ever heard him do it, doing the Sanborn tune 'Lotus Blossom' was exquisite, and he was just plain WAILIN' on the R&B medley of 'Just the Two of Us/What You Won't Do For Love'.



Now, the rhythm section with Patrick Williams (drums) and Milton Comeaux (percussion) have been playing together for so long; it's like they share the same brain. Patrick's solos on Afterhours and his balancing of ferocity and delicacy throughout the gig plus his ENORMOUS ears (figuratively...hehe) make him one of the most musical cats around. Absolutely LOVE playing with him... Check him out here.

Miltonis from another planet, it seems. This guy starts prophesying on his instruments and brings the house down. Tasteful, musical, but totally entertaining, spiritual. When he gets to going, he captures the heart of everyone in the place. His extended solo was something special to behold. You can catch a video clip of a different day with a taste of Milton's solo here. (my favorite is 2:00 into it...)

most of you that know me know that my mindset on a gig is more about the other players than the audience. and of course, the jazz brunch has such a great crowd - totally into the music, the vibe and atmosphere. but this time around I was SO BLESSED to have SO MANY friends come and be a part of this special day.

I'm totally gonna forget someone, but in part, Brett & Ruth Campbell, Andy Guttman & his family, Paul Friedman & his family & business partners including Claudia- my close friend, Jeanne & Lou, Wes & his wife (name slips my mind, & I played for their wedding! shame!), singer Danette McMahon& husband Terry, Patty Sanders, and so many more.....



What a treat that my oldest daughter, Rebekah Jazz (almost 12) chose to come with me today on her 'Daddy Date'. I mean, on every level, I couldn't imagine a better day, with the exception that my wife Brandy wasn't able to be there.... : (



A HUGE THANKS to Andrew Lienhard (regular brunch pianist) for needing me to sub for him today -wink-. I can't thank all of you enough for making it such a beautiful thing for me today. heading to Florida does NOT mean I'm gone forever, and I look forward to many reunions with everyone as life continues to walk forward with each of us.





Always on the 'fringes' of the Houston jazz scene, I've been so blessed to be a part of the niche that I've been in. Some stellar people and fabulous players that I've enjoyed playing with and knowing, and though it will continue, it will be different.
Dini and I both started tearing up on the final tune, 'Phase Dance' (Pat Metheny). I'm gonna miss you guys, but I'm TOTALLY calling ahead when I'm coming, hoping someone can setup a gig or two...

Thanks again... feel the love... I know I do.

Austin



Ruggles Jazz Brunch - 7/22/07 - (L to R) Patrick Williams (drums), Ken Mondshine (sax), (piano), Austin Biel, George Coward (bass - top), Milton Comeaux (percussion - bottom), Mark Dini (guitar)

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