The all-star rock and jazz group known as Watson will be bringing their first concert to Downtown Westfield, NJ’s Sweet Sounds of Downtown Jazz Festival.

The dog, the myth, the legend.

The Inauguration of Watson
The set to include the much anticipated jazz version of Ecstasy of Gold coupled with an unbelievable jazz waltz based on the theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.

Look for our take on rock/pop classics like the Eagle’s Desperado, Michael Buble’s Everything, and then get your Office fix with the T.V. show’s theme done jazz style.

Stretch out with some classic jazz with Killer Joe, Invitation, When You’re Smilin’, and Day In, Day Out.

Get your Latin on with our unique version of Malaguena and Yesterdays.

Don’t forget the funk and soul show with tunes like I Feel Good, The Chicken, and Low Rider.

Last and certainly not least is an honor to one of my heroes, Maynard Ferguson with The Way We Were, Maria, Birdland, Rocky, and Country Road.

We have an amazing lineup –

Phil Rinaldi – trumpet, flugel, and leader
John Urspruch and Kevin Gunther (of Catch 22 fame) – trumpet and flugel
Michael Mullan (of Ringling Brothers fame) – alto
Larry De Lucca – tenor
Phil Jones (of Elvis, Danny Davis, and the Country Music Hall of Fame fame) – trombone
Rudy Moni – guitar
Robert Edwards – piano
Patrick Feniello (of WBGO fame) – drums
Jeff Little – bass

For those of you that know, it has been a trying few weeks for my Family.
Grandma Rinaldi (Patricia J. Rinaldi) passed away Friday, March 18, 2011 around 1:00PM.
We all loved Grandma very much and she will be missed more than words can say.
I dedicate this post to her because she always loved coming to see me play and was always interseted in what cool, odd, weird, crazy, fun, terrible gig I had.

Well…this was a fun one!!!
Mark called me to play for this a few weeks back and I was thrilled.
A special thanks goes to Matt McCombs who organized the whole thing!!!
I also judged the big bands at the festival and I was truly impressed by ALL of the bands!!!

More pictures and video to come.

Click here if you’re interested in joining!!!

Trumpet – Phil Rinaldi
Sax – Michael Mullan
Piano – John Urspruch
Bass – Andy Eulau
Drums – Patrick Feniello

From the DWC’s website:

The debut of Girls Night Out in Westfield NJ will take place Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 5pm – 9pm. This will be a very special evening of shopping, refreshments, entertainment, gifts and discounts! Begin your evening at Randal’s Shoes, 82 Elm St., to pick up a list of participating stores and a complimentary goodie bag (while supplies last). Ladies, shop, dine and unwind at this new and exciting event. DWC 908.789.9444.

Due to both my wife and I getting sick in Indiana, we had to return to NJ yesterday.
The MVCJO Tribute to Tito Puente is still ON!!!, I just will not be there.
Good luck Matt and Josh and the rest of the MVCJO gang!
I miss you guys.

Special thanks to Sabor en Tarima and Montana Studios.