August 15, 2008
Well, we finished the summer session at Berklee (Berklee College of Music) today! Whew! These kids had tons of energy, and some of it really wore off on me.
I am off to Arizona for a week, but when I return I hope to post some pix under our gallery.
The Hal Leonard book/CD is out, and doing pretty well sales wise, so…thank you!
All the best, more soon…
T
March 10, 2008
Hi Everyone...hope all is well on your end, things here have been a bit nuts, but they always have been so...I guess everything is "normal".
I have been getting great airplay (due to emails, listener feedback, etc.) on XM Radio. As a matter of fact, the new chart has/or will have "School of the Arts" as number 2!!! Even I am impressed with that. It's great to know that there are enough people who care about what they listen to to actually make a difference!
Anyway, the program director is Russ Davis, so I suppose thanks should go out to him for "programming with his ears". I don't know exactly what address they accept emails at from listeners (you can now get XM FREE through AOL I am told) but I am asking for a united front (cool name for a song).
If you have a minute write to XM thanking them for playing T Lavitz or "School of the Arts" or whatever, because the only time that I know of in my life that I was #1 anywhere was (I think) on a station called WNOP in Ohio (again it was a while ago...around 1985). The radio station was on a boat, and when I went to do an interview it was really bizarre; kind of cool now that I think back. The DJ was really nice, etc. but....a boat!
The music business (I know, that is an oxy moron) never ceases to amaze...!
Also, the Hal Leonard book is out, and I know this because I have seen it myself! The "Australian Project" is getting closer too, because I have seen some artwork examples.
That's it for now; enjoy your late winter, early, pre, spring, new moon or whatever it is!
T
click here to request more of T's music at XM Radio
January 30, 2008
Hi out there...it's been a while so I figure I had better check in, before someone asks me to play over some really crazy song with hard chord changes and the truth that I am only a Rock and Roller comes out...wait...I am a Rock and Roller....never mind!
Hope all is well wherever you are reading this. Things up (out?) here are cooold! I try to stay in shape by snow shoveling...
Musically though, guess what? You won't, so I'll tell you...THE HAL LEONARD BOOK IS OUT!!! Try not to choke on your cereal, (unless it's night time where you are...but still don't choke on dinner then).
Yeah, I gotta copy (actually a couple) sent to me, and I'm very happy about the way it came out. Well, my picture isn't very flattering...oh wait, there isn't one, oh good that spares me that embarrassment! I hope you will go to www.halleonard.com or
www.amazon.com or or or I don't know, Google it, and see who carries it, and go get one! There is some good learning material in it.
Also, I made a video (and when I say "I made" I mean "I made" (alone) ) does this require two of these)) parenthesis things or still just the one? Anyway, point is that I did it in the "Last Room on the Right", which is where I did all of my stuff from "School of the Arts"....let's just say it's cozy in here, but I love it! We are on a cul-de-sac (circle), so I can look out of the window when I am thinking about an idea, and see all of the (actually very few) cars who travel our little roundabout to head back out towards civilization. They obviously made a wrong turn, or got lost, and now they need to turn around to hit the main drag....I like it...not that they may be lost, just the slow paced setting; it's good for a place to work, which is what I better get back to doing!
About the video, I took up way too much of our (yours and mine) time writing about the traffic circle and all, so now you will just have to go find it on YouTube, MySpace or wherever...it's from "School of the Arts" and it's a song called
"High Falutin' Blues"...enjoy!
All the best,
T
November 8, 2007
Hello out there,
That is kind of a strange feeling, but then again, when I type these things, whether it is news for this site or a MySpace blog...I wonder. For example, who is the farthest person on Earth from this place? I really would have to look at a globe to give it my best guess, but if you are reading this from a place that you think may be the farthest from Boston; holla back!
So this past week has been a blast...the new Trio is doing a handful of gigs in the NE, and it sounds great. If you don't believe it just ask us! (I know, the first time you heard that one you almost fell off of your dinosaur)...hey, that reminds me; I have a song called Dinosaur Dance on my new CD "School of the Arts", which features some of the best musicians in the world! You should get one, it's available (around here) at places like Newbury Comics, and other purveyors of fine music. Actually, someone told me that you can buy it at that store, and somewhere else too, but I forget which ones...like I always say "you can get it at your favorite shop, and if they don't have it, maybe they aren't your favorite store"!
Also sites like www.amazon.com and of course www.magnacarta.net are good.
OK, gotta run, we're on in like 4 hours!...Later...
T
October 10, 2007
Hi Everyone,
Here's hoping that your autumn is spooktacular (Halloween for the kids, you know...) and that things are all good out there.
The "School of the Arts" CD is now available form Magnatude (Magna Carta) Records. You can still check out the music at myspace.com/tlavitz, and btw thanks to all of you who already have, it's been great to see so many people visiting there!
I know that some of you don't even believe that there really is a new book/CD coming out, there is...honest! The final final draft has now been approved, and word from the Hal Leonard company is that it will be available...soon. They actually have a date for release, but I forget the exact day, oh well, I guess you will have to visit me again soon, right?
OK, that's about it for today; don't leave without checking out Trio dates on the gigs page, and we'd love it if you sign up for our (occasional) mailing list too!
All the best,
T
September 12, 2007
I was really really sad last night when I got word about Joe Zawinul's passing. Many musicians have influenced me over the years, but very few have as much as Joe. His playing and writing had a profound affect on my music, and when somebody would comment that something I played or a melody I wrote was reminiscant of Zawinul I took it as a huge compliment.
I met him a few times, sharing the stage one night, and can attest to the fact that his presence was also "big". Maybe he just made me nervous...
For a short time I will think of him when I play, but he will live in music forever...
T
August 23, 2007
Hi everyone,
I have been invited to perform at this year's "Moogfest" in NYC. Being that it will be a chance to hang out/perform with some other great keyboardists I couldn't resist. The fact that the event will be held at BB King's in NYC is a plus too. I have played there many times, and it is a really good venue, and always a fun gig.
Don't forget to check out some of the new music from the new CD "School of the Arts" at myspace.com/tlavitz. It comes out October 9th and I am proud of the music, and the musicianship...everyone is smokin'!
I am told that the Hal Leonard book/CD will be available on August 29th. I haven't even seen the finished package myself yet, so I am excited to check it out. It is however available for pre-ordering through sites like
Barnes & Noble.com
and...
Amazon.com
OK, that's about it for today, more to come real soon!
Thanks for stopping by, bye...
T
August 12, 2007
Well, as it slowly approaches the release date (10/09/2007) for the new album "School of the Arts", it's time for a little pre publicity or "feedfront" from the fans (I'm thinking that if feedback happens after the fact, then advance feelings about something must be...). Anyway, you get the idea; go to www.myspace.com/tlavitz and check it out, OK? Although I admit that I have a real "inside" view of the whole thing, I think it is some of my best stuff in a looooong time!
The CD also features (stellar playing by) Dave Weckl, John Patitucci, Frank Gambale and fellow "Dregs" Steve Morse and Jerry Goodman. The project is assigned to the Magnatude label, which is the division of Magna Carta Records that features more of this kind of music, as opposed to harder edged (electric?) playing/writing.
Don't let any of this mislead you; this music rocks...!
OK, enough about me, but did I tell you that I have a new record coming out in October...?
Seriously though, the summer has been really cool so far. Well, not really cool, actually really hot, but...I mean fun. I just finished teaching at Berklee's summer five week program, and the students were great this year. Watch out in years to come for some new faces on the scene (Jazz and Rock). One of my "classes" was actually an ensemble that started out as a rock "workshop", but ended up as a meeting of the minds between some young talent from around the world. The group put together everything from a cool new original, to a Dixie Dregs tune (Sleeveless in Seattle) and some styles in between (Incubus, Susan Tedeschi and Bad Company). It's a great experience for these people to have had, and they are fortunate for attending...
I will write again soon, but for now have a great rest of the summer wherever you are!
Thanks for stopping by at my site...
T
July 20, 2007
Hi Everyone,
I know; it's been way too long! I am firmly entrenched in the summer program here at Berklee again, and they keep me super busy... I am eating lunch with my right hand, and typing this with my left (edimame and a crunchy shrimp roll)! Luckily, this "handheld" has intuitive typing...!
There is a new class/ensemble this year called the Rock Workshop, and we will get to perform AND go into the studio. The group gets to practice 4 days a week, so it should be tight by the end.
On another note, the album I've been talking about for 6 months is done! Our engineer Wade Starnes finished mastering last night..actually, this morning at 3:52 AM!!! Along with the other guys it now features Jerry Goodman and Steve Morse...not too shabby! It is scheduled for an October release. Stay tuned...
Other happenings are the release of my first book for Hal Leonard, which is now set for an August 29th street date, and getting together with the guys from JID...We are performing at the Berklee Performance Center this coming Monday, the 23rd (July). The 4th album is ready for mixing, so check back...
OK, I'm done eating!
T
April 26, 2007
Hi out there...let's see, what's going on? I know that some of you won't believe it, but my first instructional book/CD is finished! I have been mentioning it for quite some time now, so there won't be any excuses for those of you who are familiar with me…it is available from Hal Leonard (www.halleonard.com) and their catalogue is in most every music store, in most every town! On the topic of instruction, we are still putting finishing touches on the CDROM that is being sponsored by Australian company Thames/Thompson Publishing. This is another project that I have been talking/writing about for some time, and therefore hope to have a release date soon!
There are currently two recordings that I am involved with, and both are starting to shape up, hopefully for '07 releases. Although both of these are instrumental music (surprise) CD's, they are way different from each other! The first one is a 10 song CD that I am producing for Magna Carta Records, and is "Acoustic Ethnic Jazz Fusion". Although we have a tentative title, I'll just write about the musicians until the name is certain. This recording is my first for this company, and I am really proud to feature Frank Gambale, John Patitucci and Dave Weckl. If these three names seem familiar when listed together, it is because they came to the forefront as Chick Corea's Elektric Band. Although JP does play some electric bass, this is primarily an acoustic sounding album throughout. Look for it late summer/early autumn!
The other project being prepared is the first studio album from the guys that were in Jazz Is Dead. Again, I suppose we should wait on announcing a title, but I can say that this one is smokin'! The core lineup consists of Rod Morgenstein, Jeff Pevar and Dave Livolsi (besides myself), however this time around we have more guests, including fellow "Dreg" Jerry Goodman and Howard Levy on harmonica. I'll keep you posted!
Thanks for stopping by...
T
January 23, 2007
Hello out there. Well, it has been quite an eventful month. Of course as I mentioned before, my first Hal Leonard book is finished, and will be available sometime in the near future. More info can probably be found at their site, which is www.halleonard.com. This is primarily for educational purposes, and will be a text book with about 90 audio musical examples on an accompanying CD. Keep your eyes/ears out for it.
Also new on the horizon will be the Australian educational project that is being packaged and released by Thames/Thompson Publishing. I will make an official announcement when it's available for purchase. This one will also contain a "text book" (on the CDROM) with musical examples as well. Also featured on this one will be a "private" piano lesson on video, and a 3 song "concert" that features fellow Dixie Dregs Rod Morgenstein along with bassist Dave Livolsi. Recorded in Connecticut and mixed in North Carolina by Wade Starnes, we are all happy with the performances, and I am excited to have it released!
My newest project and current priority is to record my next CD, this time for Magna Carta Records (www.magnacartarecords.com). I am pleased to announce that the lineup I'll be playing with is Dave Weckl, John Patitucci, and Frank Gambale. The idea musically is to record a fusion album of original music with all of the power you have come to expect from these guys, but with mostly all acoustic instruments. We always welcome a challenge! Wade Starnes who worked on the Boston T Party with us, will engineer and mix. I'll keep you posted as things progress.
Lastly, I want to let you know that the last few Dregs shows were cancelled due to the passing of one of the guys' family members. When things like this happen, we can't control the circumstances, but can be supportive and have our thoughts and condolences go out to them. Hopefully it won't be too far off in the future that the band can play in southern California again!
This tour also marked the first time that webmaster Alwin Bastiaansen was in attendance, and it was great having him there!
Thanks for visiting, and until next time....keep on listening!
T
October 17, 2006
Hi everyone,
I know you probably won't believe me, but it's really done. My book for Hal Leonard that I started a loooong time ago is ready to go! As of this writing the editing may be finished, and they will be taking it from there...I don't have an exact street date for it, but sometime fairly soon you can look for it in your favorite store (or order it direct...here is a link to the company www.halleonard.com).
On the instructional horizon, there will also be an interactive CD/DVD/ROM package out. This one is to be released by Australian company Thames/Thompson Publishing (they will have a site up soon...). These are the guys who have done some alternate projects by some of the musicians in Deep Purple, as well as the Dregs, and I am excited about finishing. As I wrote before, there will be a whole "book" worth of text, with 85 audio examples included. As well, there is a video section that I taped with Rod Morgenstein and Dave Livolsi, and none of this material has ever been released before. I'll keep you posted, but we are getting closer to seeing it done.
Lastly, and always exciting, it is looking very promising that the Dixie Dregs will in fact get to play in January! Right now it looks like it will be about 10 concerts (starting around January 12th), from San Diego to San Francisco, and maybe Phoenix. Check back from time to time as we will post the gigs on the "tour" page soon!
Have fun,
T
August 16, 2006
Hi everyone...hope all is well wherever you are reading this from. Massachusetts is pretty nice now, (weather wise) and it's finally that part of the summer that is fun to be outside, and go do things. We have gone to the beach etc. a few times, and had a blast!
What? You want to know about music? Well, we finished up the 5 week summer session at Berklee (www.berklee.edu) last Friday. I knew that being back in a real learning environment would be cool, but honestly had more fun than predicted. For the most part, the students were great, and really knowledgeable. I was fairly well studied/ trained by that age, but didn't know nearly what these kids do...now that I think about it, maybe I will scan one of the tests I gave them in the Theory in Performance class that I taught. If/when I do, try to take it and see how your knowledge compares. The other thing that comes to mind is the actual playing level there. In high school, I thought I could improvise and jam fairly decently. However, thinking back and comparing to some of these kids, well......I suggest we all keep practicing!
OK, back to reality, and I know you are probably sick of reading this, but my first Hal Leonard (www.halleonard.com) book/CD should still be released in '06. Same goes for my CDROM that also features fellow Dixie Dregs Rod Morgenstein (www.rodmorgenstein.com). This project will be released by Australian company Thames/Thompson Publishing.
Check back every so often for more....and thanks for visiting!
T
June 16, 2006
Hi everybody...hope all is well out there in wherever you are reading this from. I have started a new recording project, but don't want to say much, because I have a feeling it will be a long process, but I am excited, and Wade Starnes who worked with us on the Boston T Party is helping...more on this later.
I will be teaching during the summer session at the Berklee College of Music this year (www.berklee.edu). The session begins early in July, and continues until August 11th. I'm really looking forward to it, as I have spent a little time on the campus, and the energy is great. During the program, I will also perform at the Performance Center with some other faculty (I will post it on the gigs page).
Here's hoping that you all have a great start to the summer, and I'll check in again soon with more...
T
June 3, 2006
I just got the news about Vince Welnick's passing...what a drag!
When I auditioned for the Dead in August of 1990, I really thought I had the gig. There was a moment when I opened my eyes during a long jam, and Jerry was right there, glasses halfway down his nose, and smiling. When you play with someone for the first time, you know what you think about how it sounds, but aren't necessarily sure what they feel. The look on his face seemed to indicate that it was "all good", and of course I started feeling optimistic. Back at the hotel, a mutual friend called and said that Vince had played with them the night before, and felt the same way about his time with them.
Of course the rest is history, and it wasn't until we shared a bus on a tour, 6 or 7 years later (Jefferson Starship/Missing Man Formation), that I got to know Vince. After that summer, I had a new friend, and got to know him pretty well. In 2002 I received some help from Vince that pulled me out of a small jam I was in. In 2003 he was the glue that put my brother and me on a stage together for one of the first times in our careers. I could go on, and tell a few stories about some of the time we spent on the road together, but all I want to do really is let you all know that I thought he was a great guy...
I will write again soon with updates on career stuff...but for now, thanks for visiting my site.
T
April 5, 2006
Hi Everyone...it's Spring and the weather is nice and.....oh wait....it's snowing here today! Wow, hard to believe. I'm sure that I'll be complaining about the heat soon though...
The Jazz Is Dead tour was pretty cool. Once again we had both Rod Morgenstein and Jeff Sipe on drums, and that has made it real special each time we've done it. We are also nearing the end of recording/mixing our 4th CD. Hopefully it will be finished and available fairly soon...it sounds great, maybe our best yet!
The instructional projects are both coming along, and I am hoping that they are both done and released in the second half of 2006. There is some new music that we played live in the studio, which will be on the interactive DVD. The audio mixing is done, and it sounds really good.
The latest CD out is the Boston T Party, and I have read some great reviews, and gotten some real nice feedback in general. Keyboard Magazine will feature a transcription of one of my solos from the recording in the June issue. I am also doing some writing for the same issue, which will contain lessons and gear talk.
Perhaps the thing I am most excited about these days, is the release of my catalog for digital downloading (iTunes, etc.) The music on those recordings has remained special to me, and hopefully after downloading some, you'll see why...!
All the best,
T
February 21, 2006
Hi out there...after a really long break, Jazz is Dead is going on tour again, this time in the Northeast US. Of course as usual, we will skim the Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. area. This trip will also include a quick side step over to Detroit as well...for dates check out the "tour" page on this site. Once again, we couldn't resist, so both drummers will be with us...Rod Morgenstein (Dregs, Winger) and Jeff Sipe (Phil Lesh, Aquarium Rescue Unit).
The Boston T Party CD is now available, and if you don't see it in a store near you, check out the label's site at www.shrapnelrecords.com and find it under the Tone Center releases. This was a blast to make, and with the help of Wade Starnes and Glenn Tabor (www.gat3productions.com), I was able to implement the use of some technological advances, while still keeping the sound fairly "live" and definitely not sterile!
Work on my two upcoming instructional projects is still underway, and my excitement builds as we near completion on both!
All the best,
T
January 25, 2006
Hi everyone...well, it's finally upon us. The Boston T Party CD comes out January 31st! Whether you find it online, or in a store, I think you will agree that it isn't just another typical jazz fusion album. For those of you unfamiliar with this project, it features Jeff Berlin, Dave Fiuczynski, and Dennis Chambers. Check it out...!
The next Jazz is Dead tour begins March 3rd. This time we will again be fortunate enough to have both Rod Morgenstein and Jeff Sipe playing drums!
Last time I posted this inquiry, I wound up with a great sounding instrument to rent for the tour. Unfortunately, that organ is not currently available, so...once again:
If you or someone you know has a Hammond B3 (or similar instrument) with a screamin' Leslie speaker that you are willing to rent, PLEASE email me at tlavitz@aol.com so we can discuss the possibility, OK? (please put B3 rental in the subject heading)
Also, the band is looking for a rehearsal hall for the last day of February, March 1st and 2nd (3 days total). So, if you know of a situation in the Northshore of Boston, or anywhere around the area that might be right for us...please get in touch with me at tlavitz@aol.com, OK?
That's about it for today, see you out there real soon...!
T
January 6, 2006
Happy New Year!
Here's hoping everyone has a great 2006, and a year filled with good health and prosperity for all...
Look for the Boston T Party CD later this month. This one will be available in stores, online, and will be released by the Tone Center label (part of the Shrapnel Records Group). The actual "band" name is Chambers, Berlin, Fiuczynski and Lavitz, and I have mentioned in earlier "news" entries...it's really good! It is all instrumental, with a combination of Jazz, Rock and Funk grooves, and styles in between. Check it out...!
Also, on the horizon are some tour dates. Fans of the group Jazz is Dead will be happy to hear that after a three year hiatus (for full band), we will be doing some live playing again. For now it's going to be a few weeks in the Northeast, and exact dates, venues etc. will be posted on my "tour" page shortly.
As many of you know, the rhythm section lineup has been rotating, allowing the sound to keep evolving. Last year, Jeff Pevar, Rod Morgenstein and I went into the studio to record some new material. Joining us on bass was Dave Livolsi, a long time friend of Jeff. He was so strong as a player that I invited him to join Rod and me last August when we recorded parts of my new instructional CDROM. Anyway, we are thrilled to welcome Dave aboard for these March gigs! Along with Jeff and myself, JID mainstay Jeff Sipe will be playing drums again. Jeff will be on the Phil and Friends (Phil Lesh) tour in February, so we know he will be in prime shape for us!
Rumor has it that long time Grateful Dead collaborator Tom Constantine will open the shows...
See you soon.
T
November 18, 2005
Hello everybody...well, it's done.
The Dennis Chambers, Jeff Berlin, David Fiuczynski, T Lavitz recording is complete, and sounds great. The CD is called the Boston T Party, and everyone involved did a wonderful job. This project was recorded (for the most part) in Massachusetts, and mixed in North Carolina. The music is predominantly Fusion, but features other sounds, like the jazz blues by Jeff, or the Coltrane inspired ballad by Fuze. There is also plenty of upbeat funky stuff as well, with lots of improv... The release date will be in January, 2006, on the Tone Center label, and I hope everyone who wants to hear it will be able to find their way to a copy...
Next on the agenda is to finish up the Hal Leonard book, my long overdue JazzRock instructional project. As well, Wade Starnes, Ken Young and I are going to be working on some performance/instructional footage that was shot this past August, in Connecticut. The session featured Rod Morgenstein and Dave Livolsi on drums and bass. When completed, it will be available from the Australian company Thames/Thompson, that has been working with members of Deep Purple, as well as the Dixie Dregs.
OK, stay warm...
T
October 12, 2005
Hello everyone. I just looked, and realized that it has been months since the last "news" posting, so here goes...
We did in fact record the tracks for the Boston T Party CD in September. Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers and Dave Fiuczynski flew in for the week, and layed down some awesome material! (OK, so Dave drove here...it sounded good)
The tracking was done around the Boston area in Acton, MA. Next, we plan on mixing down in Charlotte, NC, and hope to target a mid January release date...this one promises to be worth listening to!
As far as the new instructional department goes, I am back on track with my first book for Hal Leonard. Yes, this is the same project I have been mentioning for quite some time now! Anyway, the topic will be JazzRock keyboards, with (most likely) a similar title. Look for this in the first quarter or half of 2006.
The other instructional package is going to be a CDROM, and we have already recorded the video portion. This features Rod Morgenstein and Dave Livolsi, and yes, they played great! There will be some fresh ideas from a production (and hopefully musical) standpoint, thanks to music and PC wiz Wade Starnes. (I bet he's no slouch on a Mac either...)
Along with the video, this one will include a section with text and accompanying audio examples. Also, there will hopefully be previously released video, this time as DVD material. Again, look for this to be out in the first part of 2006.
Stay warm,
T
July 28, 2005
Hello out there...
Summer has been fun, lot's to do, and way different than New England's winter! Speaking of New England, it is looking good (finally) for the Boston T Party to record in September. This lineup includes Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers, Dave Fiuczynski, and me. While we have all played together in different configurations, this is the first time we will all meet together...should be awesome!
In other news, I am very excited about getting together with JID alum Dave Livolsi and Rod Morgenstein (JID and the Dregs). We are planning a day in the studio down in Hartford, Connecticut, where we will tape audio and video material for my upcoming multi-media instructional package. More to come on this soon, but it is something that should prove to be a comprehensive and valuable tool for students of music...
Also the band Instant Groove is planning more area performances, and I hope to be part of them. Dates to be posted shortly, so...check back soon!
All the best,
T
June 26, 2005
Hi everyone... it's been a while, so here is an update...
Summer is here and it's hot in the Northeast. Trees have leaves, everything is in full bloom, and basically, New England looks totally different now.
I have been working a lot with the Steinberg Cubase SX version 2.2 program, and having a blast! I now have the Native Instruments B4, great Rhodes and Wurlitzer, (they sound killer with the Scarbee effects). Also, I have a ton of softsynths like Korg, Arp 2600, FM 7 and CS-80. Some of these sounds haven't been in circulation in years!
Anyway, point is, I am now accepting sessions from my home to your studio (sans airfare and hotel expenses) and have the capability to do it in a cross-platform, multi-format situation. So, if your session is currently on Protools, Digital Performer, etc. we can make it happen. I can provide OMF's, Stem mixes, Broadcast Wave Files, AAF's, Open TL's, etc... OK, enough sales pitch, email me at tlavitz@aol.com if you are interested, and we can figure it out...
The other thing I am involved in is a multi media instructional project. It is in the incubation stage, but will hopefully be finished by the end of the summer. The package will most likely include new instructional text, with a bunch of accompanying audio examples and new instructional video with a few full length compositions being performed live. Also, we want to have (pre)existing instructional video material, a CD's worth of my previously released solo material, and archived video clips spanning the past 25 years.
This is where I may need your help. I am asking anyone who has stuff like this in their possession to contact me regarding the inclusion of these in the package. (Don't worry about the prior legality of the footage, your participation will be quite redeeming) Seriously though, anything you have that you think I think may be of interest.... contact me at tlavitz@aol.com! As it stands now, I believe that the Dregs on American Bandstand and Don Kirschner's "Rock Concert" are going to hit the streets real soon.
There are a couple of other things brewing, but for now...
All the best,
T
February 22, 2005
Hello everyone...
On the recording front... I got a call from Craig Erickson, and the mixes are almost done on the new Tone Center CD that we did with Jeff Sipe and Rob Wasserman.
Right now, plans for another CD are being made for the end of May... The lineup is looking like it will be guitar player Dave Fiuczynski, Dennis Chambers, Jeff Berlin, and you guessed it.........me again!
The latest from Jeff Pevar, Dave Livolsi, Rod Morgenstein and me, sounds as though it may have a few guests. For starters, schedule permitting it, we are trying to get Jerry Goodman on a cut or two! If the timeline goes as we hope, this is one that could be mixed by May! Stay tuned, as this promises to be some of the best yet from this group. Don't get me wrong, the first three CD's were all great (if you ask me), but really now, how many bands do their first studio recording, on their fourth release?! Everything we've put out so far, has been recorded in front of an audience!
New on the gig horizon... check out the tour page, for the next Dixie Dregs performance dates. These will be between March 21st or 22nd and April 9th. If you can make it, we'll see you there...
All the best,
T
February 2, 2005
Hello out there! I finished my parts on the recording with guitarist Craig Erickson, Rob Wasserman, and Jeff Sipe (bass and drums). Working at Prairie Sun recording studio (Cotati, Ca) was great, and the project sounds real good!
Right now, plans for a recording are being made for another CD...The lineup is looking like it will be guitar player Dave Fiuczinski, Dennis Chambers, Jeff Berlin, and you guessed it.........me again!
About the long overdue Hal Leonard instructional book...I am on the last chapter! Hooray!!!!
New on the gig horizon...it looks like the Dixie Dregs will do an east coast swing after all! These will probably be between the middle of March through the middle of April. Check out the gigs page in a week or two, and if you can make it, we'll see you there...
All the best,
T
January 5, 2005
Happy New Year!!!
In reflection, 2004 was quite a year for me. Right now it is snowing outside, and that is one of the bigger changes from living in Santa Monica! The year has been good; new friends, new students, different gigs, etc. I hope 2005 starts out (and remains) a good year for all...
Tonight (01/05/05) I join a group of Berklee professors onstage at a club called the Acton Jazz Cafe. The band, Instant Groove, is led by saxophonist Daryl Lowry. The rest of the lineup includes Rick Peckham on guitar, Bruno Raberg on acoustic bass, Yoron Israel on drums, and.....oh yeah, me. If you can make it out there, it should be a fun night of smokin' instrumentals!
Next week I leave for San Francisco, where I am recording a CD with guitarist Craig Erickson, Rob Wasserman, and Jeff Sipe (bass and drums). I have heard many good things about Prairie Sun recording studio, (it's actually in Cotati, Ca) and the demo I have sounds like this should be a fun one to do!
As promised, the Dregs will take to the streets (stage?) starting on January 16th, and play eight cities in eight nights...whew!
Right now, plans for another recording are being made for February or early March, here in New England. The lineup is looking like it will be guitar player Dave Fiucjzinski, Dennis Chambers, Jeff Berlin, and you guessed it.........me again!
About the long overdue Hal Leonard instructional book...I am on the last chapter! Hooray!!!!
Check out the gigs page, and if you can make it, we'll see you at one real soon...
All the best,
T
Summer, 2004
Hi everyone. Well, it's been quite a summer so far, with everything from teaching to live dates, and back. A while ago I got together with Jeff Pevar, Rod (must be nice when you get to the "one name" stage in your career) and Dave Livolsi (bass) in Hartford, Connecticut. We picked up where we left off with some of the Dead material, this time in a studio. So far, we must have about half of a CD worth of stuff, and it sounds great! There may be a few overdubs, then mixing, and it'll be ready to go...I will keep you posted on the progress of this one. The Boston T Party consists of some young Berklee talent right now, and they smoke! We did our first gig as a quartet at Ryle's in Cambridge, and there were some real highlights. I'm hoping to have more to report soon, like a few more live dates. BTW, if you have any ideas for where we should play, I'm "all ears." I have still been giving private lessons at two area studios, as well as at home.
If you live in eastern Massachusetts, and might be interested in piano/keyboard or "music" instruction, let me know. I actually have taken on a few guitar players, and it seems to be working pretty well. OK, that's about it for now. Yes, I am still plugging away at my Hal Leonard book, but I suppose that if you have been following along, then you know it's taking time! I will finish it, even if it takes forever...(oh wait)!
-- T
May, 2004
Hello. I hope that your month of May is going well, and that wherever you live, the weather is great! As some of you know, I am in the Boston Massachusetts area these days. It's been some transition, as it is obviously a lot different than southern California, my home of 19 years.
Anyway, I have some new ideas that I am extremely excited about for this site. I won't mention them right now, because I'd rather you just see them when they appear...how's that for a tease?
For everyone that has been asking about the Dregs, I wish I had concrete news right now, but... I feel that we will certainly do something when we can, but for the next x amount of months, scheduling prohibits...I, on the other hand(s), am looking forward to doing some live playing anyway. Right now, I have another few local dates here in Boston. July 10th is at a place in Natick, Ma., and I have heard wonderful things about this intimate concert hall. On July 31st, I'll be back at Ryle's, which is one of the premier listening clubs in town. Before these gigs though, I may be playing in NYC, opening for my friends, the Machine. Check out the listing for BB King's in Times Square, for the last week in June. Also, I might be doing a day at Berklee, however, I don't think that is one that is open to the public, oh well.
For now, I'm still plugging away at my book for Hal Leonard. This is something that, although is taking forever to complete, I'm really excited about. OK, until next time, take care, and thanks for visiting.
-- T
March, 2004
Hi everyone! For those of you living in the Northeast, I hope you are making it through the winter OK. It's March now, so I think we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Beatlejam was a blast, and it was fun playing with my old buddy Slick Aguilar, from Jefferson Starship. We have been playing together off and on now for 8 years (next month). Wow! Like I always say; time flies, whether you're having fun or not!
It was also nice playing with the members of the Machine. These guys are based out of the New York area, and do a lot of gigs under their own name. The dates also included Steve Bard, of the travelling Beatlemania.
In addition to my teaching schedule, March will allow me to do some more live playing, this time with Jim Capaldi. Jim was a founding member of the now legendary group Traffic, and is coming over to the U.S. to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While here, he has agreed to play a few gigs, and I get to play keyboards this time! Check out the "Live" page of my site, and maybe we will see you at a show!
-- T
February, 2004
Hi everyone! Well, it's been a while, and I hope you found my new site without too much hassle. Tlavitz.com got "scarfed up" by somebody who sells music over the internet; capitalism at it's finest! This is the official T Lavitz site, so I hope you will bookmark it and come back often!
Anyway, I have relocated to the Boston area, after 19 years in Los Angeles. It's definitely a culture shock, but a cool one! I will be doing some private instruction at a few different locations here. You can contact me to inquire at tlavitz@aol.com. Just put "Study with T" in the subject heading to alert me. I will then fill you in with the details.
That's about it for now. Check out my "live" page for upcoming dates, and feel free to check back, as I will try to update this on a regular basis.
-- T
