My Cousin Tone'

My Cousin Tone' to Perform with Special Guest Dick Griffo! This Saturday, February 25th at 8pm - at Iris.

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We've got a special treat in store this Saturday, February 25th starting at 8pm.  The legendary sax player Dick Griffo will be performing as special guest artist with My Cousin Tone'.  Dick Griffo is well known for his talents extraordinaire on alto saxophone as well as flute.  Dick Griffo, in his musical career, has toured with the  Woody Herman Orchestra and Broadway productions.  He is also a local favorite at jazz venues such as Iris, summer concerts, and the Lewiston Jazz Festival.  He has performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra throughout the years in many performances that include internationally acclaimed musical artists.

Dick has been a constant mentor to My Cousin Tone' during the past two years and we've been honored to play some of his original compositions.  You will find on stage this Saturday Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on baby grand piano, Bill Basil on drums, Kathleen Irish on trumpet, and Tony Zambito on percussions with Dick Griffo on alto sax as our featured guest.  We will be playing the tunes that evoke the era of the Blue Note, Prestige, and Riverside record labels when bebop, hard bop, jazz soul, and jazz blues reigned.  We are excited so we hope you will not miss this event!

Make plans for this Saturday, February 25th at 8pm to come out to see My Cousin Tone', the legendary sax performer Dick Griffo, and enjoy the fine food and drinks available at Iris.  An enjoyable setting for family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians.   As always, we appreciate your support for the band and for the love of jazz!

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, FEB. 25 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

 

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My Cousin Tone' Returns to Iris January 28th!

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Refreshed from a short break after our spectacular Day After Christmas show, the band returns to Iris on January 28th for more great jazz.  Many thanks to family, friends, and fans who came out on December 26 at Iris for an evening of jazz music, good food and drinks, and the chance to see old friends. 

We will once again tackle the songs that made the Blue Note, Prestige, Riverside, and Verve eras a long lasting legacy in Jazz.  Returning to add jazz standard interludes will be Jillian Ritchie on vocals.   The band will once again feature Kathleen Irish on trumpet, Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax, Jim Matelliano on piano, Karen Ragusa on bass, Bill Basil on drums, and Tony Zambito on percussions. 

We will be playing familiar tunes as well as adding some new tunes from our recent rehearsals.  All sure to make for enjoyable listening and highlight featured soloists. 

Your support is appreciated and we hope to see as many family, friends, and fans as possible.  As always, jazz music brings us together for a fun filled night and a chance to embrace the warmth of friendships and family.

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

SATURDAY, JAN. 28 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

 

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• Special Holiday Night for My Cousin Tone' at Iris (mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' to Perform in Concert Thanksgiving Weekend! (mycousintone.com)
• MCT Nominated for Best Jazz Group for 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards! Please Vote! In Concert 11/26/11 at 8pm! (mycousintone.com)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From MCT! Monday: Day After Christmas Concert At Iris!

Image by paparutzi via Flickr

To all of our family, friends, fans, and supporters - the band wishes each of you a glorious Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  We wish to thank you for your support and encouragement throughout this past year as we've grown, matured, evolved, and continue to strive being a first rate jazz band.  Thank you!

We hope to see as many people as possible this Monday for the My Cousin Tone' Day After Christmas Concert at Iris in the Maple Entertainment Complex beginning at 7pm.  We have 3 stimulating and enjoyable sets plan that once again has originals from local artist and trumpeter Nelson Starr and songs from the classic Blue Note era.  Sitting in again will be Matt Harris on tenor sax - a fabulous emerging tenor player on the scene.  He will accompany Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax - also emerging as a premier sax player, and Kathleen Irish on trumpet who is one of the top trumpet players in the area. 

Some neat tunes are planned with the rhythm section of Karen Ragusa on bass, Bill Basil on drums, Tony Zambito on percussion, and Jim Matteliano on keyboards providing the swing, groove, and hard bop sound to accompany the superb horn section. 

This is a great time to enjoy great jazz music, great food, and the great occasion to be with family and friends. 

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

MONDAY, DEC. 26 at 7:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

 

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• 12 Days Before My Cousin Tone' Day After Christmas Concert! (mycousintone.com)

12 Days Before My Cousin Tone' Day After Christmas Concert!

As we head into the final days before Christmas, it will be a time of hectic preparation, stress, and then the joy of Christmas Day.   Afterwards - what is there to do?  There is the Day After Christmas Concert by My Cousin Tone' on December 26 at 7pm! 

That's right; we will be performing at Iris - Maple Entertainment Center on Monday night the day after Christmas.  No better time to take advantage of the time you have off work and get together with friends, family, and out of town guests to enjoy uplifting jazz music.  This offers a special occasion to get out and enjoy this most festive time of the year.  The band is rehearsing 2 to 3 sets of the varietal jazz we love to play that is reminiscence of the Blue Note and Prestige eras of jazz. 

We'll be featuring the mix of vocals by Jillian Ritchie, the fiery alto sax of Russ Carere, Jr., the clear notes of Kathleen Irish backed by the rhythm section of Jim Matteliano on keyboards, bassist Karen Ragusa, percussionist Tony Zambito, and drummer Bill Basil.  It will sure to be a night of joy and music that only jazz can bring to an event.

So make plans now to come out to Iris the day after Christmas and enjoy the festivities of Christmas one more day. We will be doing our own counting of the 12 days before the My Cousin Tone' Day After Christmas Concert!

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

http://www.mapleentertainment.com/

MONDAY, DEC. 26 at 7:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

 

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• Special Holiday Night for My Cousin Tone' at Iris (mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' to Perform in Concert Thanksgiving Weekend! (mycousintone.com)
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• MCT Nominated for Best Jazz Group for 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards! Please Vote! In Concert 11/26/11 at 8pm! (mycousintone.com)
• Loving Jazz on a Fall Night at Iris with My Cousin Tone' (mycousintone.com)
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Special Holiday Night for My Cousin Tone' at Iris

Image via Wikipedia

Many thanks to our family, friends, and fans who came out to Iris-Maple Entertainment Center to hear My Cousin Tone' last night in concert.  It was a special night for us all on a Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. 

What made it a spectacular night was an engaging audience and the tandem of two of the finest emerging saxophone players in the area - Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax and Matt Harris on tenor sax.  The harmonic blending on All The Things You Are and Out of Nowhere showcased their incredible talent.  Jillian Ritchie entertained us with classic renditions of Perdido, Bewitched, and Moondance.  Bill Basil on drums provided us with drum solos and trading fours that gave us the perfect interludes in songs. 

We also played one of our signature songs, Bronx Bop, that gave the audience a chance to hear a song given to us generously by Grammy and Downbeat award winning composer and percussionist Daniel Sadownick.  A great tune for the band that highlights the hard bop style of jazz accentuated by the percussion of Tony Zambito.  Jim Matteliano and Karen Ragusa gave some fine moments of solos as well as kept our tunes in time.

Please vote for My Cousin Tone' for the 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards in the Best Jazz Group category.  Visit Buffalo Barfly web site at: http://www.buffalobarfly.com/locs/1763/ and click on banner for voting.  We appreciate your vote and your support! 

Look for further information on our upcoming Day After Christmas Show on December 26 beginning at 7pm.  A wonderful opportunity to bring family, friends, and out of town guests for an entertaining evening of jazz at its best.  We look forward to another special and spectacular evening!

Keep Jazz Alive

 

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• MCT Nominated for Best Jazz Group for 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards! Please Vote! In Concert 11/26/11 at 8pm!(mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' to Perform in Concert Thanksgiving Weekend!(mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' Returns to Iris October 22nd(mycousintone.com)
• Loving Jazz on a Fall Night at Iris with My Cousin Tone'(mycousintone.com)
• Two Sets Planned for Iris By My Cousin Tone' Friday Sept. 30th(mycousintone.com)
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MCT Nominated for Best Jazz Group for 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards! Please Vote! In Concert 11/26/11 at 8pm!

Image via Wikipedia

My Cousin Tone' has been nominated in the Best Jazz Group category for the 2011 Buffalo Night Life Music and Club Awards!  We know this nomination is a result of the fantastic love and support we receive from our family, friends, and fans who come out to support our passion to bring you the best in jazz music.  The band is dedicated to being a rehearsing band that honors the jazz classics from such artists as Miles Davis, reliving eras such as the Blue Note era, and supporting inspiring original compositions from local artists such as Nelson Starr and Dick Griffo. 

We will appreciate your vote!  Please visit the Buffalo Barfly Web Site - http://www.buffalobarfly.com/locs/1763/ - and click on the banner labeled Click Here to Vote.  Scroll down to the Best Jazz Group category and vote for My Cousin Tone'.  The awards will be announced on December 8th at 7:30pm at Page's Paradise Island in Depew, N.Y.  Please vote before December 8th - we will be sure to let you know how we made out.

My Cousin Tone' is in concert tomorrow night, Saturday November 26, at the Iris Restaurant and Club in the Maple Entertainment Complex beginning at 8pm.  We will love to see you there and invite you to come out to hear great jazz tunes as well as enjoy the festive mood of Thanksgiving Weekend. We have 3 wonderful sets planned with new songs to introduce as well as the special duo of Russ Carere, Jr. and Matt Harris displaying their incredible musical talents and chemistry on alto and tenor saxophones.  (See previous post - here.)

 Please vote for My Cousin Tone' and please do make plans to come out to see us tomorrow night - Saturday November 26.

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

www.mapleentertainment.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 26 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

  

Related articles

• Special Thanksgiving Weekend Concert Saturday November 26 at 8pm(mycousintone.com)
• MCT to Perform Songs Tonight Composed by Nelson Starr and Downbeat Award Winning Artist Daniel Sadownick(mycousintone.com)
• 3 Sets Planned For Iris Performance Saturday, October 22nd(mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' to Perform in Concert Thanksgiving Weekend!(mycousintone.com)

Special Thanksgiving Weekend Concert Saturday November 26 at 8pm

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It is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here.  The band has much to be thankful for and extends a big thank you to all those who came out to see us this year!  We appreciate the support and give it all we have to play the music you love.

On Saturday, November 26 at 8pm we will be in concert at Iris in the Maple Entertainment Complex.  We will be featuring a dynamic duo of emerging jazz saxophone stars on the local scene.  You do not want to miss Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax and Matt Harris on tenor sax.  The harmonic blend they create, evident by the chemistry they've built in playing together previously on several occasions, is mesmerizing and bound to keep you wanting more.  With such tunes as All The Things You Are, you will be in for a special treat.  (Matt Harris is filling in for Kathleen Irish on this night.)

Also joining us this Saturday on a few jazz vocals is Jillian Ritchie.  We will be playing a few songs like Perdido that will showcase her entertaining voice and performance.  The band will be rounded out with the fabulous rhythm section of Karen Ragusa on bass, Jim Matteliano on the baby grand piano, Tony Zambito on percussion, and Bill Basil on drums.  We will also be featuring the rhythm section in a few selections as well.

Come on out this Saturday for an evening performance of jazz, good food, drinks, and a chance to connect with familiar and new faces.  Bring your out of town guests and treat them to best that our town has to offer.  We have 3 sets planned and every set has the great classic jazz tunes from the likes of Horace Silver, Cannonball Adderley, and  Lou Donaldson mixed with original compositions from local jazz artists such as Nelson Starr and Dick Griffo. 

There is no better weekend of the year to come out and enjoy fine jazz music in a great relax setting.  We look forward to seeing as many people as possible and saying hello  this Saturday. 

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

www.mapleentertainment.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 26 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

 

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• Return Engagement with New Songs at Iris - Saturday, October 22nd at 8pm (mycousintone.com)
• Two Sets Planned for Iris By My Cousin Tone' Friday Sept. 30th (mycousintone.com)

 

 

My Cousin Tone' to Perform in Concert Thanksgiving Weekend!

Image by exquisitur via Flickr

My Cousin Tone' is in rehearsals for a special concert we will be performing on Saturday, November 26 at the Iris which is housed in the Maple Entertainment Complex.  We are excited to be on stage at Iris during the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend.  Giving us the opportunity to say thanks to our fabulous family, friends, and fans. 

The show will get underway at 8pm and we are planning a list of songs that will feature different members of the band and 3 sets of jazz that epitomized the Blue Note era.  The sets will include some of the jazz classics we've been working on and introduce original compositions by local musician and composer Nelson Starr.  We will have a few jazz vocal tunes for Jillian Ritchie to showcase her magical voice and a few Horace Silver tunes to showcase the talent of Jim Matteliano on keyboards. 

Saturday, November 26 is a wonderful opportunity to bring family, friends, and out of town guests visiting home for the holidays for a great time of music, food, drinks, and seeing familiar faces as well as new faces.  We hope to see you there!

Stay tuned for more news as we get closer to the date.  Mark your calendars for what is sure to be a festive night.

Iris in the Maple Entertainment Center

4224 Maple Road and Sweet Home Road

Amherst, NY

 

www.mapleentertainmentcenter.com
SATURDAY, NOV. 26 at 8:00pm
$5 at the door
Phone: (716) 831-3271

 

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!!

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Loving Jazz on a Fall Night at Iris with My Cousin Tone'

Cover of Dianne Reeves

Many warm thanks to our loving family, friends, fans, and supporters of My Cousin Tone' for helping us to put on a performance that had several great moments.  The Iris staff of  chefs, service, bar tending, and all were absolutely fabulous last night with patrons all commenting on the excellent service and food. Special thanks to Barbara Powrie for her continued support and to Bruce Eaton, the jazz concert producer for Albright-Knox Art Gallery Jazz series, for coming out to hear us last night. 

We kicked off the first set last night with one of our opening theme songs, Blues Walk by Lou Donaldson, and kept on going until we finished with the rousing hard bop tune, Bronx Bop, by Daniel Sadownick backed by the accentuating be bop percussion of Tony Zambito.  Jillian Ritchie gave us all a memorable moment in that first set with the improvised exchanges with Kathleen Irish on trumpet and Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax on the classic tune Perdido. Her rendition of Bewitched was beautifully mesmerizing.  The Jim Kurzdorfer inspired and arranged Summertime gave us all a chance to remember Buffalo's gentle giant of jazz.

There were many other moments such as Jillian's performance on the Diane Reeves inspired version of Too Close for Comfort, Russ Carere, Jr. being featured on Stella by Starlight, Kathleen Irish being featured On Green Dolphin Street, and Jim Matteliano's performance on Sister Sadie.  Bill Basil gave us a vibrating solo on Nelson Starr's tune Fundamental Blues and Karen Ragusa powered us through Thelonious Monk's great tune, Rhythm A Ning. 

What a spectacular night and we are looking forward to future performances at Iris.  Look for special announcements on planned shows around Thanksgiving and Christmas at Iris.  As always, we look forward to seeing many of your smiling faces and thank you for your support!   

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!

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3 Sets Planned For Iris Performance Saturday, October 22nd

Image via Wikipedia

The band had a fantastic rehearsal last night!  We are planning three 45 minutes sets tomorrow with nearly 30 songs.  It is surely to be a night with jazz music filling the air.  Once again, we will be introducing an original composition by the legendary trumpeter Nelson Starr called What Chu Say?  A fabulous song that will accompany another Nelson Starr original called Blues for Ainslie - a blues and jazz feeling tune.

Jillian Ritchie will get her jazz vocals started tomorrow with an improvisational arrangement of Perdido - a song first recorded by Duke Ellington in 1941 and made memorable by the famous Sarah Vaughan as well as Ella Fitzgerald.  The band will also introduce a uniquely arranged version of Too Close For Comfort featuring Jillian on vocals that will have the added brush work of Bill Basil and the subtle percussion of Tony Zambito to give it a cool jazz feel.

Classic instrumentals are also in the lineup for tomorrow and will feature Russ Carere, Jr. on alto sax and Kathleen Irish on trumpet trading rhythmic chops.  Bill Basil will be driving the beat on drums and Jim Matteliano on keyboards giving us chords that holds us together and shining on must-listen solos.  Tony Zambito will be accentuating the music with improvised percussion's while Karen Ragusa gives us the bass lines we love to follow.  Some great songs are in the sets such as the Jim Kurzdorfer arranged version of Summertime and Bronx Bop by Downbeat and Grammy award winner Daniel Sadownick out of New York City. 

Come on out for a fun night of music, friendship, entertainment, food, and drinks.  Iris will be prepared with three cooks in the kitchen with service ready on the floor and at the bar.  Come on out and support the emerging Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex and support jazz bands as well as venues.  Look for the ad in Gusto on page 23 and the listing in Jazz on page 28.  (There will be a $5 entertainment fee tomorrow to support the music and the ability to enable a 7 piece jazz band to perform.)

Visit our Facebook event page and let us know you will be there!:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=265727323466068

Keep Jazz Alive in WNY!

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• Return Engagement with New Songs at Iris - Saturday, October 22nd at 8pm(mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' Returns to Iris October 22nd(mycousintone.com)
• My Cousin Tone' Plays to Full House at Iris - Maple Entertainment Complex!(mycousintone.com)
• MCT to Perform Songs Tonight Composed by Nelson Starr and Downbeat Award Winning Artist Daniel Sadownick(mycousintone.com)