The Cooking Warriors.

Click on this link to aalmusic.com and read about an album you need to buy.

http://www.allmusic.com/album/warriors-r1838028/review

Monday

Happy Monday Folks!!

I thought I'd start this holiday week off with a post, hope everyone had a music filled weekend.

Last Friday, I trekked up to club Smoke with my girlfriend to catch the Jeremy Pelt Quintet. I had not seen the band since last Febuary so it was quite a treat to see one of my heroes/teachers bring down the house.

The band played new material from an upcoming January release that sounded fresh and exciting along with classics from their past 2 albums. Stacy Dillard was in the saxophone chair, subbing for JD Allen. I had seen Dillard's name aroun

d but this was the first time I actually heard him and was completely blown away by his musicianship. If I had not known any better, I would have thought he was the regular member it was so tight.

After the set, I was able to catch up with my hero and shoot the breeze. I was nervous to tell him I had recorded an album but was very surprised when he insisted I send him a copy when its out....'gulp.'

JP sounded just like Freddie Hubbard on a beautifully played rendition of Polka Dots and Moonbeams played on flugelhorn. It blew me away at the utter command he has gained on the instrument. I have to admit, I am not much of a flugelhorn player, but I spent a lot time the rest of the weekend with mine.

A surprising highlight of the evening was the man himself, George Coleman, who was sitting in the audience just eating dinner and enjoying the show. JP acknowledged the living leg

end and you can tell it really made his night, which was a lot of fun to see.

Switching gears, I will be posting my Xmas CD list within the week. Also my top picks of 2010.

I am still working on an album cover for my upcoming release "Between You & Me." I haven't yet decided on what I am using, so I decided to reach out and work with a Graphic Designer.

However I think I did decide on Zero Dollar Trio's Live release. Check it out:

arg.

Looking forward to seeing the Jeremy Pelt Quintet at Smoke on Friday. I haven't seen this band since last winter when they were randomly playing in New London at the Jazz Underground.

I would hate to use my blog as a means to vent but the last few weeks my playing has been insanely inconsistent. I trace it back to my last "good" day of playing. It was about a month ago and I had finally seemed to unlock my struggle with high range. I remember reaching for double A's by night's end. Since then, sometimes I can't even hit a high C or move through the horn.

I know that people always say bad chops means your improving, but shit... throw me a bone here.

Releases!!

I am proud to announce that I have a few releases available for purchase.

Nick Di Maria Quartet: "Live Series, Volume 1: Live at Tisane" $5

A performance recorded in 2009 at Hartford's Tisane Lounge right before the management changed and cancelled all jazz at the venue. The band plays in high gear on originals and works by Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson and Miles Davis. My Favorite track is the opener "Toys" by Herbie that has been a NDQ staple tune. The band really stretches out as a we play in the style of Hancock's Mwandishi band from the 70s.

Nick Di Maria Quartet "Various Sounds" $5

A collection of studio and live tracks from 2008 to the present which showcase my originals and my quartet's book.

The Zero Dollar Trio "Live at the Uncertainty Music Series 10/9/2010" $10

This release I am very proud of. Its a live recording from my avant garde trio live in New Haven. It was our second gig, backed by a very enthused audience and more rehearsal time than I expected. We play everything from Albert Ayler to originals by myself to complete free improvisation. A MUST for adventurous ears!!