After a gorgeous early dinner at the Minetta Tavern in Greenwich Village, we strolled up north to West 14th Street - to a private club called Northwood, where we saw a fantastic duo performance by NY-based pianist Jon Regen and singer David McAlmont from London. The latter, with a voice and phrasing similar to the young Jimmy Scott, delivered some excellent cover versions of standards, 80s pop songs, and self-penned tunes. A real treat and a great venue.
Today is the busiest day of the whole year in terms of travel since it's Thanksgiving Day tomorrow (Thursday) and it seems that the whole country is on the move-
One last beer last night in the Broadway Lounge of our hotel, the Marriott Marquis at Times Square and now it is time to pack for the trip home. More info and insights in my afternoon drivetime show Monday to Friday of next week!

Oprah Winfrey was the first to break the news that Alicia Keys is to play Lena Horne is a forthcoming Biopic - that's Horne on the left...

What you see are are intimate, sometimes frail and unusually innocent looking faces and postures from people like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, David Bowie, and Wilson Pickett.
Bassist John Lee has founded his own record company, Jazz Legacy Productions. The artist roster consists of Cyrus Chestnut, Steve Davis, Sharel Cassity, and The Heath Brothers - all of whom are performing tonight at the Blue Note so we have another exciting night of great Jazz to look forward to!

At the Blue Note, the show started with a solo piano feature by one of the most prolific pianists in Jazz, Mr. Cyrus Chestnut. He was followed by the superb Brazilian pianist Helio Alves who played with Joe Henderson a few years ago and who will record for Jazz Legacy Productions as well. Each artist in the showcase played for about 10 minutes but the quality and musicianship was superb throughout. Just tune in to our programme to hear young saxophonist Sharel Cassity from Oklahoma who did a tremendous job.
Also on the roster, trombonist Steve Davis, the group One For All which features Eric Alexander, David Hazeltine, Jim Rotondi, among others, and a sensational young guitarist from Israel who reminded me of a young Kenny Burrell, and the legendary Heath Brothers. This looks like an exciting new venture and already scheduled for next year are releases by Randy Weston and James Moody.
Tonight, we are visiting the Northwood Club on West 14th Street where Jon Regen and David McAlmont will perform a duo set with some special guests.

Matthias Kirsch's JazzRiff 22. 11. 09
Going Around in New York City!


In New York for a few days with my colleague Michaela Wagner. The Big Apple reigns unchallenged as the World capital of Jazz. There's so much great jazz on offer, it is difficult to know where to start!
After checking in to the splendid Marriott Marquis Hotel at Times Square right in the heart of the city, Michaela and I went upstairs to the 48th floor to have a drink in New York's only revolving bar and made plans for the night.