Li Xiaochuan Quartet in HK

Just a few images from earlier Pegasus News / My Denton Music story featuring the Li Xiaochuan Quartet.

back in the Pegasus News

I recently wrote a feature for My Denton Music that's been featured on the Pegasus News front page. My Denton Music is a Texas music site in a town with a disproportionate share of amazing music. Pegasus a few months back jumped at the chance to syndicate content from My Denton Music as a constantly interesting source of stories. Have a read and enjoy the images I also shot for the story.

"I didn't even bring my dancin' shoes"

Snarky Puppy meets a groovy Octogenarian!

Be a part of Rock History.

After reading a well-written and inspiring Denton Record Chronicle article by Lucinda Breeding I put a few bucks to the Oso Closo Second Album Fund Drive. This Denton band makes awesome, creative music that must be spread to the ear drums of many nations. Oso Closo's website is also very cool and extremely functional. Double Kudos for hosting an epic concert on my birthday at Hailey's in conjunction and MyDentonMusic is streaming it live on the internet - that's great news because I'm in Hong Kong and quite geographically challenged.


Denton Record Chronicle article suggested by music enthusiast Sarah Crisman via her twitter feed.

My Snarky Puppy photography and interview in Pegasus News

When I was last in Texas, I did an interview of Snarky Puppy that has now been featured in the Pegasus News in alliance with My Denton Music. Check it out HERE. Pegasus included the audio interview.

Snarky Puppy in Canada

Check out the Zimp's great review of Snarky Puppy in Montreal, with special guest online-media specialist Sarah Crisman. Illustration courtesy of the Zimp :-)

NX35

*All images from North by 35 (NX35) festival site, though I wish I had taken (most of) them.


Denton, Texas. When I say those words in Hong Kong, I get a blank stare but when anyone hears the music from the wonderfully quirky town they say "who are these guys? They're great!" Denton is hosting a festival and conferette (don't fret Denton Arts & Jazz Fest!) and it's going to be the best thing since Bruce Lee. In synergy with (but no direct connection to) the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival, North by 35 (NX35) is hosting their "first-year music conference programming over 130 acts, multiple panels, Q&As, and a trade show in the heart of Denton, Texas — the other, smaller, music town in Texas." Take a look at the cheeky band portraits to get a feel for the fun in store.








It may be smaller, but it's juicier. Don't let anybody tell you that "juicy" is not a way to describe good music.

Mike League interview

MyDentonMusic.com featured this interview of Mike League a few weeks back - I'm continuing music journalist and arts promoter endeavors with the last few interviews I've done: Mike League of Snarky Puppy, Eric Pulido of Midlake, and Filipino Reggae celebrity Budoy Marabiles of Junior Kilat (recorded one week ago).

I'm constantly impressed by the musicality and high-caliber collaborations of Mike League and his band, and even more impressed by the humility with which they approach their audience and music. That is why, when at the beginning of this year I was invited to join the creative team that would bring Snarky Puppy to uncharted territory, I was immediately in. That uncharted territory is the US West Coast, Europe, and Asia. First things first - the Pup is currently on tour in the Southeast United States, and making their way up through New York and on to Canada.

You may download the interview by right clicking (or apple + click) and saving the file here. Note: Tony Spiro on percussion on the last track "When the Saints go Marching in"

Hildegunn Gjedrem's first NY gig!

Hildegunn Gjedrem's first gig in New York is tonight at the cozy wine bar Abigail Café, 807 Classon St. in Brooklyn, 8-10pm. It's not really her first time to perform in the city, but it's her first time as a resident. You can expect much more good music where this came from! Have a listen to "Someone to Watch Over Me" on the music secton of her site for a great sample of Hill's vocals.

I'd be there, but I'll be packing my things to move to Hong Kong on the 22nd (it won't be long kong!)

Kind of Blue

The color was blue a few weeks ago, for those who had the blues and those who love to play the blues. I hosted a shindig in honor of being, because sometimes it's just great to be, and to be blue. You will certainly enjoy simply being more when you celebrate it more often.






Photos by Taiwo Badejo, Paulo Bel Monte and Michal Garcia

Where next?

Here's a challenge for my next employer - hire this player of character to help your organization grow into a much greater entity. Empowerment and high fives for all. I'm your man. Put me in coach, I'm ready to play!

With that in mind, here are some of the top places I'm looking at now and for future projects:

1. Hong Kong
2. Bangkok
3. Los Angeles
4. Austin
5. New York
6. Sydney
7. Toronto
8. Chicago
9. London
10. Brussels
11. Reykyavik - this place gets an "11"

Important to note are that India and Nigeria boast the world's 1st and 3rd largest film industries, respectively, Reykyavik is a very desirable place but not now (LA too), and Asia has a booming economy. I can also see myself working some time in Saigon, but Hanoi does not have extensive work in photography and film. Hitting Toronto means being near the New York scene, and staying in Dallas/Fort Worth means growing with the amazing Denton scene. I'd love to work in Mexican cinema, but am a little more occupied with Asia at the moment. This list doesn't necessarily include the cities I'm most likely to work in, just the ones I'm most intrigued with - though I've just sent a few resumes to Hong Kong...

Goodbye 2008. Hello Awesome!

This New Year's Eve will be celebrated in Denton!

The Outpost: Pinoy awesomeness!

Photography by Nathalie Heugas

The Philippines is an intriguing place when it comes to music. The club scene is playing a lot of house music these days and the live music scene is about 85% cover bands or what I have termed "Karaoke Favorites" bands. That's what makes Cebu's venue The Outpost such a joy to listen and play at. It is the little chunk of Denton or Austin, Texas in its own way. The Outpost plays predominantly Reggae music, but the beauty is in how they pull it off. Nathalie took these shots of Coolie Dread and the Microphone Commanders (CDMC) and they play a mix of Reggae, Rock & Hip Hop plus yours truly adding jazz licks over the top. Rock on CDMC!
I love love love to hear new creative music (especially improvisitory) and I wish that not more groups in the Philippines followed suit with Coolie Dread. Historically, the Philippines filled with mostly love songs but there's so much talent lying dormant, but like a Phoenix it will rise. Oh yes, you wait and see! But, I guess for now it's just gonna be "Apple-bottom jeans and the reeboks with the pumps..." which I'm, admittedly a fan of. As for George Michael and his "Careless Whisper" - well, that's my cue it's time to leave.





Thanks for shooting Nathalie!
PS - I'm playing at outpost tonight!

One Year and going strong!

Today, I've been blogging for one year. Hooray! Here a shots from Carbon Market to celebrate!

...And you helped me get here. In this year, there has been an exciting shift between countries and people I have met and become close to. I made a number of goals and reached them: published in magazines, shot for Fashion TV and am working at a film production studio. I also returned to Asia and found I really like it but do miss my Texas roots. I want to thank all my family and other friends that supported me during this very transitional year for me and a strange different thank you goes to those that have made my life a positive (or negative) challenge to overcome. If I didn't have character before, I certainly found it!
Now the next challenge has arisen - finding another job in the next two months. Offers, ideas, and encouragement are very welcome.

Hair & Makeup: Sally Paganoni
Wardrobe by Cherry
Models: Tara Elizabeth and Tabatha Nielsen
Shot Tuesday November 18th by Michal García





This year I was in Texas, New York, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. It would be nice to settle for just a little bit...

Zach Brock

When Zach Brock was in Dallas recording on the new Snarky Puppy album Bring Us The Bright, and I snapped a few shots at an impromptu jam uptown. He's the new face of jazz violin with his own group the Coffee Achievers and numerous collaborations including bassist Stanley Clarke, trumpeter Dave Douglas (Jazz's John Malkovich), Kurt Elling, Chris Potter and friends. I'll stop name dropping before it gets obscene. The man can play, and he's a nice dude too. I picked up his latest Coffee Achievers album at the jam and listened to it for the next three days before packing it away safely and journeying to New York and the Philippines.
A few years ago Zach was still a Chicago cat and I was playing his records as a DJ on KNTU. Now, he's moved into the New York scene where he's fitting in beautifully. Hey now!

The night's lineup was:
Zach Brock - violin
Bernard Wright - keyboards
Mike League - bass
Jose Aponte - percussion

Jose Aponte plays first-rate latin percussion, but this was my first time to hear him play jazz drums (stylistically) on a cajón - very cool!

Snarky Puppy is for caring guppies

Is this thing on?

At the release of their 3rd studio album, I realize the just how correct it was to name Snarky Puppy's 1st album "The Only Constant." That constant is change. From their unofficial (but radio-played) recording "Live at Uncommon Ground" they have evolved significantly, not only in personnel but in their musical style. Their sonic mastery kicks you right in the face and runs away with your dancing shoes. And you want them to do it again!

In case I haven't mentioned it, they're on tour - East Coast & Canada.

Brian Donohoe, Fubu'ed out.

Percussionist Nate Werth in unconventional apparel.

Robert "Sput" Searight - drums, keys, award winner - you name it.

Chris Bullock - saxophone

Brian Donohoe on an outside excursion. Note that this industrial part of Dallas is booming with creative professionals, as well as an excellent set of Taquerías and BBQ restaurants...yummy creative!

L-R: Brian Donohoe, Chris Bullock, Mike League, Nate Werth, Justin Stanton & Sput
Though the music is serious, it's hard to take a serious band shot with these guys. And that's a good thing. Keep posted for shots of Snarky member with prominent jazz violinist Zach Brock.

Snarky Puppy Plays Music That I Sometimes or Most of the Time Enjoy.