This Saturday, June 10, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cavalryman in Laramie, Wyoming

I’m so excited about the opportunity to play a vocal-piano duo show with a brilliant up-and-coming jazz pianist, Spencer Zweifel.

About Spencer

Spencer is an astonishing young pianist from Fort Collins. He is finishing a degree in jazz studies at the University of Northern Colorado under Dana Landry and making waves. Spencer just completed an EP with his own trio featuring Ryan Black on bass and Ryan Leppich on drums. It’s prodigious and you can catch it on his website.  Spencer also has a regular gig every Wednesday night at Ace Gillette’s in Fort Collins.

About the Show

We’ll be playing a mix of standards, pop and Latin tunes that, I think, really showcase the voice/piano setting. Doing a duo is challenging and means that two musicians have to communicate in a very close way. I would liken it to doing a musical tango–each partner has to listen and move together in a very intimate way. Spencer has a great ear and sense of balance and space. We’ll be performing some of my favorites from several genres. In the Latin vein, I’ve chosen “Mas Que Nada”–classic Brazilian samba made famous by Sergio Mendez (that really showcases Spencer’s virtuosity as a pianist), “Corcovado”, a bossa by Antonio Carlos Jobim, “Perfidia” by Mexican composer Alberto Dominguez, and “Besame Mucho” a famous ballad by Consuelo Velazquez. We’ll also be doing some jazz classics you don’t hear every day like “Lush Life” by Billy Strahorn, “Comes Love”, “Born to be Blue” and “Afro Blue.” I’ll also throw in couple pop tunes–“Frim Fram Sauce”,”Scotch and Soda”, “Cow Cow Boogie”–that I like to do just to keep it lively.

Where to Get a Great Piece of Wyoming Culinary Art While Listening to Jazz

Some of you may know that I used to live in Laramie, Wyoming and loved the Cavalryman Steakhouse. It’s a little piece of Wyoming that melts in your mouth. What a great thing it is to be able to enjoy a great meal in a great location with fabulous folks in Laramie.

Spencer and I go on at 4 p.m. this Saturday, June 10, and will play until 6 p.m. Hope you can join us and stay for dinner. Jane

I have just discovered Peter Queal’s latest album of music, HUMILITY , featuring thirteen songs, mostly original compositions, in the jazz and world music traditions.

Regarding this project, Peter writes:

This music is about events in my life that I’ve experienced through travel, relationships and situations that have led me to a realization that the best of life is experienced through an ever stronger awareness of the meaning of humility. I believe humility can lead us to the keenest realization of the truths that make up reality. Herein are the results of skills learned over the span of 50+ years of musical awareness and creativity. There is a lot of vocal and instrumental improvisation on this record, some of it transcribed from recordings by greats such as Wes Montgomery and Bruce Forman and much by myself. I invite you to share in the fruits of my quest for musical and artistic knowledge in the sonic and poetic mediums. I have a strong desire to epitomize humility by learning and sharing. Enjoy!    

Why I love Peter’s album

I love this album for lots of reasons, but mostly, because it has a very worldly feel with lush vocals, tight harmonies and beautiful guitar work.   Peter has spent his life getting to know his instrument and plays masterfully with a  mixture of power and finesse.  He has added percussion tracks including bells, shakers and congas.  His vocals are honest and immediate completely in-keeping with the lyrics.  Peter sings like he means it.  The harmonies of “Somony” are rich and luscious while his jazz improvisation on “Blues With a Feeling” is spot-on.

Some cuts tend to the world music tradition, and “Ominous Weather” features Paul Taylor on didjeridoo while others are more straight-ahead blues and jazz.  I especially love his version of the Rogers and Hart classic, “Falling in Love with Love,” and “Blues with a Feeling” which he wrote with his friend and fellow musician, Curt Landes.  It’s so totally hip, a jazzy/bluesy tune that really grooves.

Regional Recognition

Humility was a finalist among listener picks for best Wyoming/Regional album of 2015.

Where you can hear Peter play live

I am truly honored to have the opportunity to play with Peter in my group, JRQ.  In addition, Peter plays solo along the front range and Wyoming.  He is a frequent guest at Jay’s Bistro in Fort Collins, Colorado the home Mark Sloniker’s fabulous jazz group.  Peter also plays with the John Mills orchestra based out of Greeley.

Where you can find Humility

You can hear samples and order the album on CD Baby.  It is also available on Spotify and through The Microsoft Store.

Here’s a link to Peter’s website.

Jane