Kickstarter “Live at the Jazz Standard” update, and March happenings

So far so good…$350 raised for the Bjorkestra’s “Live at the Jazz Standard” CD Project on Kickstarter.com! Thanks to all of those who have donated thus far. 

There’s a long way to go, but there’s plenty of time before the deadline to meet the fundraising goad of $4000.  If you have a moment, check out the site: http://kck.st/csMNi0 and please donate if you can spare a few buckaroos.  Every little bit helps!!! At the very least, try to check out the pitch video.  It’s my first foray into the video editing realm (using the incredibly limited Windows Live Movie Maker) but I’m very happy how it turned out!

Enough about me.  Let’s talk about me now.  🙂 This month I’ve got a few good things happening on the heels of the Blue Note show.  Going to Toronto with Rana Farhan for Nowrooz, and then bringing ye olde Casual Sextet (with a brand new lineup) for a show at Fat Cat in NYC! Also, I’ll be back at The Blue Note (twice in the same month, I must be doing something right) in NYC to perform with Gemma Genazanno, which I’m sure will be totally packed because of the Today Show appearance we did back in January. 

In between all of this activity, I will be catching up on episodes of Dexter (almost halfway through season 3!) and True Blood (about four episodes into season one), and reading Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian.” Ah, life is so full of riches (or diversions, depending on your perspective!).      

What happened to February, anyway? It’s almost like it never happened.  Oh well…onward and upward.  Can’t wait ’til spring!

The Bjorkestra “Live at the Jazz Standard” Kickstarter Project!

I have an exciting announcement – a new Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra CD is in the works! In order to fund the completion  project, I’m asking friends, family, and fans (the 3 F’s, if you will) to donate whatever they can through this new and awesome website – Kickstarter.com.  Please read on!

In March of 2009, The Bjorkestra performed a two night engagement at the acclaimed New York City jazz club the Jazz Standard. Recording engineer Robert Olmsted came in to record both nights, resulting in over four hours worth fo recorded material. Rob and I have been working together closely over the past year to compile, edit, and mix this music for a full length live album. I’m excited to say that this part of the process is nearly complete, and I’m elated with the results. This recording captures the energy, intensity, and soul of twelve extraordinary jazz artists performing at their absolute best.

“Live at the Jazz Standard” will consist of nine tracks that include several brand new arrangements, as well as a few live versions of the arrangements from “Enjoy” – an excellent follow-up to the studio album where you can hear the band “throw it down” live. I’m self-releasing the CD with my own marketing and publicity campaign, and plan to obtain distribution in North America, Europe, and Japan.

Although this music has been recorded and mixed, there is still a long way to go before this project can be fully realized. The musicians need to paid their recording fees, the Jazz Standard needs to be paid so I can commercially release the CD, the CD itself needs to be mastered, packaged with artwork/liner notes, and duplicated, and a publicist needs to be hired (phew!).

Kickstarter.com is a great company that allows you to raise money for a project of your choice and it keeps everything very organized. For your generous donation you can get some really excellent rewards such as advance download and/or autograph copy of the CD, exclusive never-before-released content, autographed scores (by me), and even a live private performance with myself and Bjorkestra vocalist, Becca Stevens! Also with your contribution, you will receive my undying gratitude and the knowledge that you’re keeping new music alive!

You won’t be charged a cent (or receive the awesome rewards) unless the project goal of $4000 is raised by the deadline, so any contribution you can make will be greatly appreciated!

Please visit the Travis Sullivan’s Bjorkestra “Live at the Jazz Standard” CD Kickstarter site for more information and to donate today!

Thanks so much for your help and support!!!