art credit: El Rey - based on a photo by David Meiland
You can buy the Kurt
Ribak Trio CD online at CDBaby, at Musicians Union Local 6. We
plan to have the next CD out by spring 2007. We're still working on the
art and packaging. The third CD has been recorded but needs more production
before artwork and packaging happens.
Meatspace Purchases
You can also buy the CD at Groove Yard, 5555
Claremont Avenue Oakland, CA 94618, and at Down Home Music, 10341 San
Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA. Go to my CD page for more info.
Downloads
You can download the Kurt Ribak Trio recording
at iTunes
and emusic.com,
as well as elsewhere. We've been getting some attention at emusic - the
recording is rated four out of five stars. You can do a trial membership
for cheap, and recordings are way cheaper to download at emusic than with
iTunes.
Live downloads
You can go to BayTaper.com
or http://mefeedia.com/feeds/21779/
to download our July 2, 2006 show at the Fillmore Jazz Festival. There are
also some excellent photos there. The show is rated five stars
out of five.
T-Shirts
Kurt Ribak Trio t-shirts are in. These
are a seven-color print on Hanes Beefy-T shirts, so these are a quality
product. These echo the artwork of the first CD. They are black, with the
three-colored hand on the front and the words "Kurt Ribak Trio" on the back.
They come in women's sizes and cut from small to XL and men's from small
to XXL. e-mail me at: kurt@ribak.com
if you would like to buy a shirt, or catch up with me at a gig. Check them out here. Drummer Tim
Solook and his wife Lisa are modeling them at our Fillmore Jazz Festival
gig.
We're like, all up in literature and stuff
Mark Coggins is the author of the August Riordan series of mystery novels. The August Riordan character is a wise-cracking tough guy PI who is also a jazz bassist.
I got to know Coggins a while ago and he asked if he could use some of my music for a KQED podcast of "Candy from Strangers", the third book in the August Riordan series. William P. Arney of the Noir City Film Festival reads the first chapter with my music accompanying the story - specifically, "Prelude to a B Movie" and "Pseudoafrocubanismo," which appeared on the Kurt Ribak Trio debut CD.
The podcast is permanently at the following location: http://www.kqed.org/arts/writersblock/episode.jsp?id=13480
iTunes users can access The Writers' Block via the following URL: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=82023860
The Writers' Block is also distributed through NPR here: http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=5593982
To go directly to the audio, use either of these:
stream: http://www.kqed.org/.stream/real/topics/arts/writers-block/0701-coggins-bloc
k.rm.ram or
download: http://podcastdownload.npr.org/anon.npr-podcasts/podcast/151/510076/7092336/
KQED_7092336.mp3
PRIMA GIG GETS PRESS
We continue to play every Friday at Prima. Thanks
to all of you who let Prima owner Peter Chastain know we have a following.
A review of the Friday night bar scene appeared in the Feb. 8, 2007 edition
of the Contra
Costa Times, in which the Kurt Ribak Trio is described as "delicious."
on to the gigs!
Wednesday, Mar. 28, 6:00 to 9:00 PM - and the
last Wednesday of every month
Kurt Ribak Trio - Original jazz
Cato's Ale House
http://www.mrcato.com/
3891 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA
510-655-3349
all ages, no cover
We play the last Wednesday of every month. Cato's
is a beer and wine place with a lot of good bar grub as well. Their beer
selection is excellent, and you can bring your kids if you wish. Lincoln
Adler will be on woodwinds, with Dave Casini on vibes.
Friday, Mar. 30, 7:00 to 10:00 PM - and every
Friday
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Prima Ristorante
http://www.primaristorante.com/
1522 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA
Every Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All ages
Tip - to best hear the band you should have drinks
in the bar or make a dinner reservation in the bar. Greg Sankovich is on
piano, with Matt Willis on drums. A recent review of the Friday night bar
scene appeared in the Contra
Costa Times. I think the review says more about the writer than about
the place, but so be it. The article gives a good general sense of what
the bar is like.
Saturday, March 31, 9:30 PM to 12:30 AM
Kurt Ribak Quartet - original jazz
The Albatross
1822 San Pablo Avenue (two blocks north of University,
west side of the street)
Berkeley, CA 94710
510-843-2473 (510-THE-BIRD)
http://www.albatrosspub.com/
21 and over
$5.00 Cover charge
The Albatross (aka The Bird) has been around since 1964. Current owners Wendy Halambeck and Linda Zsilavetz did a wonderful job of revitalizing the place without losing the charm it had. There are lots of board games available, lots of room for darts, a nice fireplace in the back, and food. It's a very friendly comfortable place. They now have a hard liquor license, so it is a great place to have a single malt scotch or the like.
The band will be Rob Hart on drums, Hal Richards
on woodwinds, Dave Casini on vibes, and me on bass.
Sun., April 1, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM - and the first
Sunday of every month
Kurt Ribak Trio - Original jazz
Chaya Brasserie
http://www.thechaya.com/
location & info
132 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-8688
Chaya is known for its "Japanese-inspired French cuisine." The food and service are outstanding, they have some very nice wines, and they have some great views of the Bay Bridge.
They also have a specially priced menu at the bar while we are playing, so you can drink and dine on a smaller budget than Chaya normally requires. The trio will be me on bass, Greg Sankovich on keyboards, and Bryan Bowman on drums.
Come check us out - there's not much other jazz happening
on a Sunday night, and this is an interesting new version of my band. At
Chaya we play a harder-hitting, more driving style than at Prima.
Wednesday, April 4, 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Kurt Ribak Quartet - Original jazz
Jupiter
2181 Shattuck Avenue (at Center Street), Berkeley,
across from the Berkeley main BART station
510-THE-TAPS for directions
510-THE-ROCK for information on music and specials
http://www.jupiterbeer.com
No cover
21 and over
This is always a fun place to play. Jupiter is a very popular place - they've got an excellent beer selection, food, a patio area, and lots of attractive twentysomethings. It's near the UC campus and is easily accessible by BART. Have some beer and food, people watch or hang out with friends, and listen to us play. We will be playing in the patio barring inclement weather.
Greg Sankovich will be on keyboards, with Matt Willis
on drums. I will be busting out the electric bass for at least some
of this gig, so for those who haven't seen me playing the porkchop, this
is your chance!
Thursday, April 5, 8:00 to 11:30 PM
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Pres a Vi
http://www.presavi.com/
1 Letterman Drive, Bldg. D
The Presidio
San Francisco, CA
All ages
We have a new steady gig! This is our debut at Pres a Vi, a huge new restaurant in the Letterman Digital Arts Center, operated by George Lucas. The executive chef is Kelly Degala and the food is from around the world. Gerardo Acevedo-Vanni, the General Manager, just arrived here after working as the GM of Prima.
The band will be Greg Sankovich on keyboards and Jon Arkin on drums. We look forward to playing here every Thursday. This month we have a few prior commitments to work through, but soon we will be here every Thursday. The view is truly spectacular here - you can see the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate, and a bit of the Bay itself.
Two reviews by The San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Bauer -here and here.
Friday, April 6, 7:00 to 10:00 PM - and every
Friday
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Prima Ristorante
http://www.primaristorante.com/
1522 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA
Every Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All ages
Tip - to best hear the band you should have drinks in the bar or make a dinner reservation in the bar. A recent review of the Friday night bar scene appeared in the Contra Costa Times. I think the review says more about the writer than about the place, but so be it. It gives a good general sense of what the bar is like.
Greg Sankovich is on piano, with Tyler Blanton on
vibes. This is something of an experiment - I've never played a gig with
both piano and vibes.
Sat., April 7, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM - SPECIAL SATURDAY
APPEARANCE AT CHAYA
Kurt Ribak Trio - Original jazz
Chaya Brasserie
http://www.thechaya.com/
location & info
132 The Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 777-8688
We have been playing the first Sunday of every month at Chaya for almost three years now. Once in awhile we also appear there on a Saturday night, such as this one. Chaya is known for its "Japanese-inspired French cuisine." The food and service are outstanding, they have some very nice wines, and they have some great views of the Bay Bridge.
They also have a specially priced menu at the bar while we are playing, so you can drink and dine on a smaller budget than Chaya normally requires. The trio will be me on bass, Fred Harris on keyboards, and Matt Willis on drums.
Come check us out - there's not much other jazz happening on a Sunday night, and this is an interesting new version of my band. At Chaya we play a harder-hitting, more driving style than at Prima.
photo: Chris Howard
Thursday, April 12, 8:00 to 11:30 PM
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Pres a Vi
http://www.presavi.com/
1 Letterman Drive, Bldg. D
The Presidio
San Francisco, CA
All ages
We have a new steady gig! This is our debut at Pres a Vi, a huge new restaurant in the Letterman Digital Arts Center, operated by George Lucas. The executive chef is Kelly Degala and the food is from around the world. Gerardo Acevedo-Vanni, the General Manager, just arrived here after working as the GM of Prima.
The band will be Greg Sankovich on keyboards and Bryan Bowman on drums. We look forward to playing here every Thursday. This month we have a few prior commitments to work through, but soon we will be here every Thursday. The view is truly spectacular here - you can see the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate, and a bit of the Bay itself.
Two reviews by The San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Bauer -here and here.
Friday, April 13, 7:00 to 10:00 PM - and every
Friday
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Prima Ristorante
http://www.primaristorante.com/
1522 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA
Every Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All ages
Tip - to best hear the band you should have drinks in the bar or make a dinner reservation in the bar. Greg Sankovich is on piano, with Isaac Narrell on soprano and tenor saxophone. A recent review of the Friday night bar scene appeared in the Contra Costa Times. I think the review says more about the writer than about the place, but so be it. It gives a good general sense of what the bar is like.
Thursday, April 19, 8:00 to 11:30 PM
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Pres a Vi
http://www.presavi.com/
1 Letterman Drive, Bldg. D
The Presidio
San Francisco, CA
All ages
We have a new steady gig! This is our debut at Pres a Vi, a huge new restaurant in the Letterman Digital Arts Center, operated by George Lucas. The executive chef is Kelly Degala and the food is from around the world. Gerardo Acevedo-Vanni, the General Manager, just arrived here after working as the GM of Prima.
The band will be Greg Sankovich on keyboards and Rob Hart on drums. We look forward to playing here every Thursday. This month we have a few prior commitments to work through, but soon we will be here every Thursday. The view is truly spectacular here - you can see the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate, and a bit of the Bay itself.
Two reviews by The San Francisco Chronicle's Michael Bauer -here and here.
Friday, April 20, 7:00 to 10:00 PM - and every
Friday
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Prima Ristorante
http://www.primaristorante.com/
1522 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA
Every Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All ages
Tip - to best hear the band you should have drinks
in the bar or make a dinner reservation in the bar. Greg Sankovich is on
piano, with Randy Odell on drums. A recent review of the Friday night bar
scene appeared in the Contra
Costa Times. I think the review says more about the writer than about
the place, but so be it. It gives a good general sense of what the bar
is like.
Sunday, April 22, 7 PM to 10:30 PM
Kurt Ribak Trio - Original Jazz
The Riptide
http://www.riptidesf.com
3639 Taraval @ 47th Ave. San Francisco
This is a way cool bar in the outer Sunset - in
fact, it's almost at the Pacific Ocean. It's a great dive bar co-owned
by Les James, the drummer for one of my favorite country bands, Red Meat and for Plain
High Drifters. There is a strong hipster element, despite
the location. The band will be Greg Sankovich on piano and Randy Odell
on drums, who will be playing there the previous Sunday, April 15, with
The Cottontails. We're
looking forward to the gig. They have good cheap drinks, folks are friendly,
it's an easy place to hang out - how can you lose?
Wednesday, April 25, 6:00
to 9:00 PM - and the last Wednesday of every month
Kurt Ribak Trio - Original jazz
Cato's Ale House
http://www.mrcato.com/
3891 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA
510-655-3349
all ages, no cover
We play the last Wednesday
of every month. Cato's is a beer and wine place with a lot of good bar
grub as well. Their beer selection is excellent, and you can bring your
kids if you wish. Hal Richards will be on woodwinds, with Dave Casini on
vibes.
Thursday, April 26, 7:00
to 10:00 PM
Kurt Ribak Trio - original jazz -
Servino
http://www.servino.com/ - directions,
menu, etc.
9 Main Street Tiburon, CA 94920
Lincoln Adler will be on saxophones,
with Matt Willis on drums. This should be interesting, as there
will be no chordal instrument in the group - no piano, no guitar, no vibes.
Servino has a strong neighborhood bar/restaurant quality to it -
there are lots of regulars there.
Friday, April 27, 7:00
to 10:00 PM - KURT RIBAK TRIO WILL NOT BE APPEARING
Prima Ristorante
http://www.primaristorante.com/
1522 N. Main Street, Walnut Creek, CA
Every Friday, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
All ages
I have a conflicting engagement
and will not be able to appear at Prima on the 27th. Guitarist Dave Bell
will instead appear, leading his own group. Dave often plays in my
group and also plays with legendary guitarist Dan Hicks in "Dan
Hicks and his Hot Licks."
Sunday, April 29, 5:30 to 8:00 PM
Sheilani Alix - vocals
Baltic Restaurant
http://www.balticsquarepub.com/
135 Park Place, Point Richmond, CA 94801
510-237-4pub
The Baltic Restaurant is back. It was closed for a couple of years. It's an old restaurant (founded circa 1906) with lots of character. Sheilani is a talented singer and a heckuva fun person. I'll be backing her.
"One of the perks of being
an unemployed musician is that you get to play much less bad music."
Jack Daney
You can check out mp3s of
my music at http://www.ribak.com/mp3s.html.
You can go to http://www.BayTaper.com to download our July
2, 2006 show at the Fillmore Jazz Festival.
Alex Walsh's CD "Light Another Candle" is pop - a lot of it sounds like Mott the Hoople meets the Replacements to me. This was recorded in 2003. I play electric bass and upright on it.
Brian Schindele's CD The Moral is original straightahead jazz. I like it - the title tune kicks off the CD with some great drumming. This CD features Brian, drummer Tim Vaughan, Sheldon Brown on tenor sax, Tom Griesser playing sax on one track, Dave Scott on trumpet, cornet, and flugelhorn, Larry Leight on trombone, and Connie Champagne as featured guest vocalist on a ballad track.
I regularly play with Stephen Bigger at Moraga Valley
Presbyterian Church, where he is music director. "Lights on the Horizon"
is a CD of his contemporary Christian songwriting. Stephen sings lead on
a number of the tunes, but he also features Amy Beth Nickelson and Katie
O'Gorman, two very talented young members of the congregation at Moraga
Valley.
Gig Mailing List
To join my mailing list, you are welcome to click on SubscribeGiglist and include the address where you want to receive the mail in the body of the message. You are encouraged to mention how you heard of me.
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of the message.
2006 gigs
december '06 gigs november '06 gigs October '06 gigs September '06 gigs August '06 gigs June-early August '06 gigs June '06 gigs May
'06 gigs April '06 gigs March '06 gigs February '06 gigs January '06 gigs
2005 gigs
December '05 gigsNovember '05 gigsOctober '05 gigsSeptember '05 gigs August '05 gigs July '05 gigs May / June '05 gigs May '05 gigs March
'05 gigs February '05 gigs January '05 gigs
2004 gigs
February November February September August July
June May
May March
February February
Music Videos - Old and Not So...
Stevie Wonder plays "Superstition" on Sesame Street - this is a smoking version.
Reg Kehoe and his Marimba Queens
(better
file) or YouTube
version. The whole thing is something else! The first site has a much
bigger file but it is a longer clip.
see... banjo does get the ladies all hot and bothered - check out this Eddie Peabody video
And for something just plain weird, we have....
The one and only... The Cramps! These guys
have some brilliant videos.
Ultra Twist
- it's warped and dumb but I love it!
Like a Bad Girl
Should
Garbageman
Put Down the Duckie - Sesame Street
http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/finalists/film/flv/22012-1.htm
http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/finalists/film/flv/22012-2.htm
http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/finalists/film/flv/22012-3.htm
http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/finalists/film/flv/22012-4.htm
Hello Cthulhu is what happens when you cross Hello Kitty with H.P. Lovecraft, with a special holiday greeting from Hello Cthulhu.
Jack Sheldon's "Jazz Christmas" is a seasonal gem.
And here is comic Rob Paravonian's rant about Pachelbel's Canon in D - great stuff if like me you are deeply sick of Pachelbel's Canon.
Bush
Pilot - thanks to my pal David Javelosa for forwarding this to me.
Iggy Pop's performance contract
photo: Susan Bigger
photo: Mark Thomas
