Some thoughts..
I last updated here a year ago and what a year it's been. They tell you perseverance isn't a long race but many short races one after another. In spite of many obstacles placed before us it looks like we are finally seeing what looks like the end of the 'year we should never forget'.
I started 2020 with a dedication to myself and my planet and vowed to really really try harder to compost, recycle, and buy less garbage. I started 2021 with a better understanding of what friends are for. We have done really well with the hand we've been dealt friends and it won't be long before we can all dance and sing together again! Keep washing those hands!
I've been keeping my brain functioning by trying my hand at home recording and doing online live 'jams'. I have also had opportunity to revisit my bass playing this past year.
All the gigs we've missed though! All the dances, the street festivals, and the parades! The weddings! The birthdays! The parties! We have got a big job ahead of us, a lot of catching up to do.
There have been a few live music opportunities for myself, all safely executed of course, when the weather and city ordinances permitted. The Don Valley Stompers and The Cheshire Cat Jazz Band have been physically active this past year and Frankie Foo and Patrick Tevlin's Happy Pals have been active online.
I'm going to post some photos from the past year here and try to find you some audio of what I've been up to. Thank you for checking in. Go wash your hands, that'll be the greatest take away from all of this.
BICKFORD PARK AUGUST 2020
The Don Valley Stompers at Bickford Park August 2020
Ralph Pastore, DJ White Rice, Chuck Clarke, Gabe Kerekes, Gram Whitty, Paul Brady, Jacqueline Chia
(Tom Rose Photo)
GROSSMAN'S TAVERN NOVEMBER 2020
The Don Valley Stompers at Grossman's Tavern, November 2020
Chris Daniels, Jacquline Chia, Chuck Clarke, myself, Ralph Pastore
(Sara Taylor Photo)
GROSSMAN'S TAVERN DECEMBER 2020
The Don Valley Stompers at Grossmans Tavern, December 2020
Yours truly, Ralph Pastore, Jacqueline Chia, Chuck Clarke, Chris Daniels
Happy Birthday Greg! We live-streamed Corrine Corrina in below zero temps!
(Alex Wong/Gwen Bang Photo)
SMOKESHOW BARBECUE MARCH 2021
The Cheshire Cat Jazz Band at Smokeshow Barbecue, March 2021
Joe Van Rossen, Jamie McPherson, myself, Chris Daniels
(Ralph Pastore Photo)
RECORDINGS MARCH 2021
I started playing alto with some friends that were into Capetown Jazz. We have started recording our repertoire since performance is out of the question. Here is 'The Wedding' by Dollar Brand. It is all recorded remotely, with headphones and computers! This is a new experience for me.
Anyways check it out and let me know what you think of my tender side(!).
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