Jazz Piersonified and the St. Augustine Jazz All Stars - Labor Day 2011

Jim Pierson - 9/5/11

It's unusual these days that I get treated to live music at a gig I'm playing myself - so I decided to show up early to the Plaza de la Constitucion to listen to my buddy John Pellegrino playing bass for Jazz Piersonified. I had such a thoroughly great time.

Jazz Piersonified - Jim Pierson, Robert Banks, Cindy Pierson

Jack Pierson was swingin' and inventive on the keys, fresh from a trip and recording session in NYC, Cindy Pierson's vocal sound was warm and round, finely tuned & captivating, especially on the ballads. John was marvelous as always, digging in with all the right choices; and I got to hear and enjoy Palm Coast drummer Robert Banks for the first time - he was the icing on the cake - you couldn't help but move to his uptempo swing numbers, and his trades were crisp and thrilling.

John Pellegrino - 2011

And then the delightful experience of playing with the legendary Sid Blair for our set - the St. Augustine Jazz Society All-Stars. Well I'm hardly an all-star, but felt like one behind Sid. I got to play with and be blown away by him in Jim Miller's Big Band America - jamming in this more intimate setting was a dream come true. Honestly, the minute this guy picks up his flute I'm transported to some musical nirvana. Scott Mariash and Larry Nader were a solid, swinging section for the crowd - who hung in there til our last number, when the rain began. 

St.Augustine Plaza de la Constitucion - Labor Day Concert 2011

Jim Stafford from Eclipse Recording was very kind to let me run a line from his board and capture some of the concert - you can hear a few songs below in the pink player. Great crowd, great music, and for me - great memories! - Kenny MacKenzie

Sid Blair 2011 - photo by Heather Nader

Our first podcast is live! - - - Send us your music

Our first episode of Palm Coast Jazz is up and streaming at Podomatic! Just click here to listen to awesome jazz written and performed by musicians from Palm Coast and neighboring cities. We had so much fun making it and can't wait for the next one.

If you'd like your original jazz music to be on a future episode - please send it to us at Palm Coast Jazz - 101 Bressler Lane - Palm Coast, FL 32137 - or email us at palmcoastjazz@gmail.com.

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