August 7 is Dennis Gonzalez Day in NYC

[Pete C]

I figured this momentous occasion was worth a thread of its own. On Saturday August 7 Dennis will be appearing at Tonic, and the quartet also features Oliver Lake. I think some folks will be coming from out of town for this one, so we should start talking hang. I certainly wouldn't miss it, as Dennis is one of the few people who almost makes me forget my cynicism.

Right now it's unclear whether Dennis's set is at 8 or 10 (Roy Campbell's Tazz is the other group and frankly, having seen them at the Vision Festival, I'm not interested in seeing them again).

Sould we do an afternoon drink thing at d.b.a. again?

On Dennis's thread I suggested dinner at Le Pere Pinard. Dennis & Cantiello seemed interested. Here is what I posted on the other thread:

There's a good, reasonably priced French bistrot not far from Tonic, Le Pere Pinard (Ludlow between Houston & Rivington):

From Digital City:


Le Pere Pinard is rustically funky and unmistakably French, with a Tudor-style color palette, dark wood, and a languid, unshaven staff. It has a supremely romantic but festive atmosphere, with a full roster of downtown culture and fashion icons paying visits. The most talked about dish on the menu is steak tartare, which is prepared tableside and served on a long wooden carving board. The menu is divided into 'Plats de Resistance' and 'Les Classics,' with the former including skate fish du marche, with diced tomato and cilantro; and seafood cassolette, mixed seafood stewed in a tomato-Provencale sauce with lavender rice. The latter category lists flank steak in burgundy shallot sauce and other dishes hailing mainly from Provence. The music and constant flow of people-with-a-purpose creates the feeling that there's more going on than dinner, and with the variety of characters that convene on this very busy stretch of Ludlow Street, there usually is. -- Dan Glass

Frommer's:
Le Pere Pinard


This authentic French wine bar and bistro is a charming slice of Le Marais on the gentrifying Lower East Side, with high ceilings, burnished brick walls, well-spaced tables with mix-and-match chairs, and an authentic come-as-you-are air. The kitchen specializes in the Gallic version of comfort food: steak frites, shell steak with Roquefort sauce, a delectable shepherd's pie with a delightfully cheesy crust, and a generous charcuterie and cheese plate -- the perfect match for the sublime crusty-on-the-outside, soft-in-the-middle bread that accompanies every meal. Greens are fresh and well prepared; even a simple mesclun salad wears a just-right vinaigrette. There's a wonderful wine selection by the bottle, carafe, and glass; I like the restaurant's protocol, which allows you to taste first even if you're just ordering by the glass. Service is attentive in a casual, easygoing way. I've eaten here plenty, and both food and service are consistently good.

Newsday:

Le Pere Pinard
This is a neighborhood bistro that perfectly suits its neighborhood: relaxed, authentic, cosmopolitan, and hip. The menu has all the standards--steak frites, buttery mussels, and so on--but it's the vibe that draws the locals back over and over again. The staff is friendly if a little distracted, but if you're out in the garden on a summer night, how much do you mind waiting a few minutes for a check? (Moderate; 175 Ludlow Street; 212-777-4917)

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by Pete C

I figured this momentous occasion was worth a thread of its own. On Saturday August 7 Dennis will be appearing at Tonic, and the quartet also features Oliver Lake. I think some folks will be coming from out of town for this one, so we should start talking hang. I certainly wouldn't miss it, as Dennis is one of the few people who almost makes me forget my cynicism.

Thanks, Pete...glad to hear that, and thanks for the kind words and for starting this thread.

Right now it's unclear whether Dennis's set is at 8 or 10 (Roy Campbell's Tazz is the other group and frankly, having seen them at the Vision Festival, I'm not interested in seeing them again).

The group Dennis Gonzalez Spirit Meridian with Oliver Lake will perform the 8 pm show...fo' sho'!

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by Dennis Gonzalez

The group Dennis Gonzalez Spirit Meridian with Oliver Lake will perform the 8 pm show...fo' sho'!

OK, so it looks like an early dinner and maybe some post-show drinks. For those who stay at Tonic, just hope that Roy doesn't go on a rambling political rant.

[Uli]

If I were in Nueva York on the 7th I'd try to make the dinner and the show, even if it'd mean meeting Ollie. Sheesh.

[Pete C]

Dennis is one of the few people who could get Uli & Ollie to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya."

[Ron Thorne]

Damn, wonder why I feel hungry now?

[Fred K]

I will be there on the 7th unless something unexpected comes up. Le Pere Pinard is fine with me.

FYI, Bob Brookmeyer is at the Jazz Standard that week (8/4 - 7) with his Quartet East -- Brad Shepik, Drew Gress & John Hollenbeck. My plan is Bob on the 6th, Dennis on the 7th.

[Pete C]

I thought about going to the Brookmeyer gig, but if I do I have no intention of introducing myself.

[Captain Hate]

Every day is Dennis Gonzalez day!

[Frisco]

Did you guys notice the Tonic gig on the 6th? Roy, Bakida Carroll, and dave douglas on trumpets, with Mark Dresser, Susie Ibarra, and Bryan Carrott. And on Wed. the 4th, and All Trumpet Conduction led by Butch Morris. Looks like a fine week to be there. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like a good one for me to get there. But Maybe......

[Pete C]

From the lineup so far it looks like the trumpet festival should be called Roy Campbell presents Roy Campbell.

[Jimmy Cantiello]

Needless to say, I'm there...........

[Captain Hate]

Originally Posted by Pete C

Dennis is one of the few people who could get Uli & Ollie to hold hands and sing "Kumbaya."

Or selections from Escalator Over the Hill.

[Dennis Gonzalez]

"The Uli and Ollie Show"...who woulda guessed?

Sounds like we're gonna have some fun on my day!
You guys are the greatest.

[Brian Olewnick]

Kumbaya, baby. You know, it's also a chance to wish an early happy birthday to Mr. Gonzalez who will, along with another ancient poster, be moving into a new decade on the 15th.

I should be able to make the dinner and gig.

[jazzy mary]

I'm up for it!! Le Pere Pinard sounds wonderful. Sounds like it'll be a lot of fun! In the smalll world dept, the Mark Dresser gig sounds good too. His daughter went to school with my older daughter at MS 51 in Park Slope.

[Pete C]

Originally Posted by jazzy mary

the Mark Dresser gig sounds good too. His daughter went to school with my older daughter at MS 51 in Park Slope.

I heard recently that Mark will be moving to San Diego for a teaching gig, I think the position vacated due to the retirement of his mentor Bertram Turetzky.

[jazzy mary]

That's right. They are moving to S.D.

[Other Steve]

And as was the case with Dennis's performance at last year's inaugural Festival of New Trumpet, once again I will be out of town for the Drum Corps International World Championship competition, this year in Denver. Drat!

Before anyone gets too disappointed in the schedule on the Tonic site, note that Tonic is not the sole host of the festival this year. Other shows will be held at Issue Project Room (in the East Village), Makor (in the vicinity of Lincoln Center), and a couple of other places besides.

Still no Axel Dörner, but the complete schedule is here, including a local hit by nmperign.

[Jon Abbey]

Originally Posted by Other Steve

Other shows will be held at Issue Project Room (in the East Village)

interesting, Tim Barnes told me last week that Issue Project Room wasn't going to be a venue anymore, after a break with the magazine that owned the room.

[Pete C]

Thanks, Steve. This is a show not to miss:

August 18 at 8:00 & 10:00 PM at Tonic, $12
8:00 PM Herb Robertson and the "Is Quintet" , with Tim Berne, Sylvie Courvoisie, Mark Dresser and Tom Rainey. After his triumphant success at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival last month, Herb brings his brand new quintet and new compositions to New York for it's American debut with this stellar group of improvisers. Get ready for a great evening of new music.

10:00 PM Hugh Ragin Trio

Also, I see that Brian McWhorter is on one of the shows. I believe Dick Trickle had asked about him a while back.

[Jon Abbey]

Steve, according to the link you provided, Issue Project Room is indeed no longer involved with this.

[al j]

Originally Posted by Pete C

After his triumphant success at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival last month...

That's salt in the wound. I missed that show, sadly.

[Other Steve]

Originally Posted by Jon Abbey

Steve, according to the link you provided, Issue Project Room is indeed no longer involved with this.

Hmmm, I didn't actually notice that development. I'll need to dig further into this story... I assume that this could also impact other shows supposedly upcoming at Issue, including one of Tim's own.

[Jon Abbey]

Originally Posted by Other Steve

I assume that this could also impact other shows supposedly upcoming at Issue, including one of Tim's own.

yeah, he was looking for a new location for the Jeph Jerman thing, last I heard. Quakebasket is a fall-back option...

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by Jon Abbey

Steve, according to the link you provided, Issue Project Room is indeed no longer involved with this.

When Dave Douglas approached me about playing the festival, he mentioned the I. P. Room, and I asked not to be booked there, since it didn't seem like a known entity...maybe enough people asked not to be booked there. You NuYorkaz know it? What Projects do they Issue?

[hornplayer]

That sounds great! count me in...

[Dennis Gonzalez]

Originally Posted by hornplayer

That sounds great! count me in...

Yessss!!

[Pete C]

Did someone say, "Count me in"?

Hit it, boys!

If you need someone to count on, count me in
Someone you can rely on through thick and thin
When you start to count the ones that you might ever doubt
If you think of counting me, count me out

When you count the ones that want you, count me, too
And if I'm not first on your list, count me blue
Just be sure you count on me and when the countin's through
Count me madly in love with you

If you need someone to count on when you're down
And all your other friends you've lost, count me found
Just be sure you count on me when you're down and out
Count me in through thick and thin or it don't count

When you count the ones that want you, count me, too
And if I'm not first on your list, count me blue
Just be sure you count on me and when the countin's through
Count me madly in love with you

(ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

(ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

FADE
(ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh)

[Frisco]

And this diamond ring doesn't shine for me anymore
And this diamond ring doesn't mean what it did before
So of you've got someone who's love is true oo oo oo
Let it shine for you oo oo

Dennis! First time you've conjured up the music of Gary Lewis?