PolskiДорога Україно!
Дорога Україно! Як я уже зазначив у моєму попередньому блозі, я хочу подякувати кожному, кого зустрів під час моїх візитів в Україну у 2010 році. Я пригадую, як перший раз відвідав Україну у 2007, і мені було цікаво, чи коли-небудь випаде можливість налагодити зв'язок з її мешканцями, і зараз я такий щасливий, що цей зв'язок між нами є… Зважаючи на палку підтримку, яку ми недавно отримали у вашій країні, я думаю розпочати Блог українською мовою, даючи можливість шанувальникам завантажувати усю нашу музику і фотографії безкоштовно. Ми ще ніколи не розповсюджували нашу музику в Україні, проте зараз це цілком можливо, але подібні намагання є досить важко і дорого реалізувати. Тому я повинен бути впевненим, що люди в Україні цього прагнуть. Ось як ви можете мені допомогти це зрозуміти. Відішліть посилання на нашу офіційну інтернет-сторінку (www.letmeend.com) стільком вашим друзям, скільком можете, і хай вони зроблять те саме. Якщо буде більше ніж 1,000 нових візитів з вашої країни, через тиждень я скажу людям в Америці, щоб вони розпочали розробляти сторінку українською мовою, яку я буду оновлювати кожного тижня. Також, досягнувши цієї мети, ми відсвяткуємо, зробивши наш попередній альбом «A Love of the sea» безкоштовним для завантаження на одні вихідні. Я й справді надіюсь що це спрацює… З любов’ю з Кракова Раян Сокаш
Photos from the Ukraine tour 2010
Our recent tour in Ukraine was one of the most meaningful and heart warming experiences in my life. The type of experience which makes me reanalyze everything in my artistic exsistance. I just feel so refreshed. I would like to deeply thank our fans, promoters, waiters, drivers, and hotel staff for the stunning reception and hospitality. I've been to Ukraine five times in the past 6 months and amazingly each visit has been even better then the previous, makes me excited to get back there for an acoustic show and photo exhibition in the fall. (MORE PHOTOS INSIDE THIS BLOG!)
Guest drummer from Chicago
9 years ago when I was working as a stage manager for William Russo's Chicago Jazz Ensemble I never envisioned that I might share the stage with one of his musicians. However, sometimes the best suprises in life are those one can't envision. That all being said, I'm proud to announce that Chicago drummer Frank Parker will join us for the entirety of the Ukrainian tour. Below is Frank's biography. Recognized for his work with drums and percussion, Frank Parker has quickly emerged as a rising talent in the music industry. He has performed with Patricia Barber, Jerry Butler, The Impressions, Gene Chandler, Billy Paul, Orbert Davis, Tanya Reed, Peven Everett & Seance Divine, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project, Kurt Elling Quartet, Ross Bon & The Mighty Blue Kings, Nine Point Nine, Ryan Cohan, Zzaje', Dee Alexander, Bobbi Wilsyn, The Cerqua Rivera Art Experience, Maggie Brown, Tammie McCann, Julia Huff, Nannette Frank, Sachal Vasandani, The New Black Repertory Jazz Ensemble, Project Stop-Time, Mr. Ali, Bill McFarland, and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble. He has also worked with ensembles which featured Benny Carter, Freddie Hubbard, Jon Faddis, Randy Brecker, Roy Hargrove, Nicholas Payton, Andy Bey, Mark Murphy, Joe Lovano, Bobby Watson, John Patitucci, Marcus Belgrave, Bobby Broom, Bunky Green, Willie Pickens, Kevin Mohogany, Karl Denson, Jon Hendricks, Bob Sheppard, Martin Short, Arturo Sandoval, John Fedchock, Jim Snidero, Herbie Mann, Von Freeman, Chris Potter, and John Murphy. Frank attended Western Illinois University where he performed with the Jazz Studio Orchestra. He performed on two recordings with the band, the Grammy nominated Jazz At The Crossroads (1992) and The Third Degree (1994). He has performed concerts in the U.S., South America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia and has been featured at the Chicago Jazz Festival, Sante Fe Jazz Festival, Montreal Jazz Festival, JVC Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Pescara Jazz Festival, and the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention (IAJE). Frank has also served as an instructor teaching drums, percussion, and music business courses at Benedictine University and Columbia College. Currently, Frank spends much of his time composing, arranging, and producing his original music and music for other artists. His compositions incorporate jazz, funk, dance, pop, Afro, Latin, dance, and electronic music styles. Frank Parker can be heard on the following releases: Frank Parker (The Lounge Sessions Vol. 1), Kurt Elling (Man In The Air), Laurence Hobgood Trio (Crazy World), Chicago Jazz Ensemble (Kenton a la Russo), Western Illinois University (Jazz At The Crossroads), Western Illinois University (The Third Degree), Charles Matthews (Mr. Keys), Joan Callaso/Larry Hanks Trio (Live), Ryan Cohan (Real World), Bobbi Wilsyn (It’s About Time), Erin McDougald (The Auburn Collection), Natalia Nazarova (Listen With Your Heart), Brad Wheeler (The Future Was Yesterday), Orbert Davis (Live with Strings Attached-video), Andre Harris (Africa), Peven Everett (Gabriel), La Tira (Son de La Tira), Larry Wilson (Freely), Tanya Reed (The Debut), Shannon Harris (Desperado El Montuno, Black Asiatic Women).
Concert announcement
In addition to headlining the Fort Missia festival in Ukraine next month I am extremely happy to announce that we will be performing on the Lviv market square Saturday, 3 July.
Some photos from Warsaw
I was going to make a big deal out of the fact that the commercial Warsaw public is not my cup of tea (as I did a few years ago resulting in a loud response). However, after reading some mail from our listeners there and being alerted to some pretty cool photos from our show I've decided to keep most of my dangerous opinions to myself this time around. The solution is obvious enough, no more concerts in Warsaw. Thanks to the few cultural people who support us in Warsaw, and please forgive my distaste for your city. Check out the photos here.
Some news about Ukraine
Last weeks trip to Ukraine was extremely productive. We managed to confirm three performances, a ten piece photography exhibition, and touched on the idea of a weekly internet radio show dubbed into Ukrainian language. Additionally, I spent an hour filming an interview with Vasyl Mytsko which will air next Friday and Saturday in Western Ukraine at 17:55. (I don't recall what channel but I know the internet stream of the show can be viewed here http://pp.wi.com.ua/lviv )
Show announcement this week
Hey everyone, check back in a few days because we will be giving details on our Warsaw & Krakow shows this April!
Last man standing!
