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Gordon;
Your service of linking my preference for polyrhythmic jazz with the Ari
Hoenig trio was well worth the money. It was exactly what I was looking for,
and far exceeded my expectations. There is no way I could have found such an
unknown player (or the nearly invisible 55-Club) on my own. It was the best
polyrhythmic jazz performance I've heard since Chick Corea's tribute to Bud
Powell with Brian Blades on drums, and before that the Avashai Cohen group.
The moment they started playing and I saw Ari's lanky body take on that
hunched position as if possessed, I was in jazz heaven. Although your
service includes multiple clubs in a night, we chose to stay for the second
set because it was clear that nobody could play better that night. Nobody
else we talked to afterwards knew who Ari Hoenig was or had any idea that
such a fresh new sound was out there. We just got back to a CD player so
I'll be checking out his CD tonight. Next time I'll bring my axe and
try to join a jam session. I'll probably be back within 6 months. Thanks for
the photos!
- Ray & Sharon
Hill
San Jose, California
Dear Gordon,
I just want to say thank you for your choice of venues for our tour. It
could not have been more perfect. Linda and I both count it as one of our
top musical experiences, ever! You were a wonderful host and we gained so
much from the entire experience that we are recommending you to all our
friends and hope to see you again! Good luck
Dr. Georgia Tangi
Columbus, OH
Dear Gordon
Your tailor-made tour of jazz clubs was the
indisputable highlight of our visit to New York.
I can think of no better way to get acquainted with the New York jazz scene.
Regards from your Dutch connection,
Kees Broekhof
Trombonist and jazz enthusiast,
Oegstgeest,
The Netherlands
Hi Gordon,
How did my 16 year old son Matt and I end up in Tompkins Square Park at
the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival?! What a way to start off our tour! Matt
was so thrilled to listen to one of the best musicians in the land - Joe
Lovano. It was fitting that Charlie Parker's residence was right
across the street from the park.
We didn't think it could get any better than listening to Joe Lovano
wailing on the sax, but it sure did get better. Now we were off to Harlem
and our journey was complimented by your interesting stories - like the
"Great Day in Harlem Picture," and the "Tree of Hope."
Gordon, check out the video I took, as we approach the Apollo Theater and by
former President Clinton's office building. We are getting closer to
the hidden jewel of Harlem - The American Legion Post # 398. I
apologize for the lighting problem inside the legion - but you would have to agree that the people
inside lit up our spirits with their warm, friendly neighborhood style.
Gee,
they really knew how to have a great time! Matt and I commented that the
Legion was so "unspoiled" by tourists, and Matt even suggested that we do
not mention the name of this particular Legion in case you decide to share
this note with the general public.
The front row seat was the place to be
as Seleno Clarke hammered that Hammond B3 Organ accompanied by an excellent
guitarist and an outstanding drummer. In a short time Seleno was talking to
Matt and introducing Matt to the patrons who all seemed to know one another.
It
was a dream come true for Matt as he ably played his sax with the
outstanding musicians assembled. He will never forget his many solos and
especially the extremely warm reception.
Matt and I are basically small town
kind of people, but everyone was so supportive: a gentleman named Doc was
helping me find an electrical outlet to recharge my battery, a lady name El
was predicting a fine musical career for Matt and Nate Lucas, the drummer,
was inviting us to the Lenox Lounge for a birthday celebration for his 91
year old father (his dad at one time played with Charlie Parker, Duke
Ellington, and Nat King Cole).
Later in the evening I was tempted to chow down on some delicious soul
food. MMM -good! Matt passed on the soul food and he later told me he
was busy chatting with the lone female member of the Legion and with the
Commander of the Legion.
Gordon, thank you so much!
Call it serendipity or what - it all started when I invited Matt to
accompany me to the Tennis Teachers' Conference in New York City. Realizing
that Matt's true love is music, I figured that I would check the internet to
find one jazz establishment to visit. Well, I found your web site and you
know the rest of the story...
Gordon, Matt would like to express his feelings:
Hi Gordon,
Just recently I was watching the video from our jazz tour in New York.
As much as I was annoyed by my dad's video documentation on the tour, I now
appreciate it! I have great memories captured on tape that will last
forever. As you know, I love jazz. Charlie Parker is one of my all-time
favorite jazz musicians. You can imagine how excited I was listening to jazz
giant, Joe Lovano, play "Bird's" music at the Charlie Parker Jazz
Festival.
The highlight of the tour for me, however, was sitting in on
sax at the jam session in Harlem. Now, I've seen some big name jazz groups
such as the Count Basie Orchestra and Maynard Ferguson's Big Bop Noveau
Band. I never would have thought that hearing jazz at a small club in Harlem
would rank as one of the best musical experiences in my life!
The music was
incredible and the people were friendly and supportive. The American legion
Post had an authentic jazz atmosphere. It was jazz at its purest form.
Thank you so much, Gordon, for an amazing time in New York.
Sincerely,
Matt Kane
Auburn, MA
Jim Kane
Auburn, MA
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To whom it may concern:
My friends and I were lucky enough to find Gordon on
the internet and arrange a personally guided tour of New York's best jazz
establishments. With no prior contact with Gordon I must say in total
honesty that Gordon proved to be so thoroughly knowledgeable of jazz locales
and players that he could attune the tour to our personal tastes and
experience with jazz.
His caring, professional, and at the same time friendly guidance made the
tour the hit of our week-end in New York. His experience has made him the
essence of a tour guide. He makes you feel thoroughly at home in New York
and in the various clubs and has followed up that evening by answering many
follow-up requests for information as a matter of genuine courtesy.
Not to be too lengthy, Gordon is truly a "find". He can make New York jazz
come alive for the newcomer or aficionado. This sounds like a paid
commercial. I can assure you it is totally spontaneous and the result of his
outstanding work as a tour guide. The others in our group of Philadelphia
doctors, lawyers and professors thoroughly subscribe to the above.
Dr. Jack Dobbyn
Philadelphia, PA
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Hello again Gordon,
First of all, I want to thank you for the very nice photo you sent me yesterday
from the Jazz Tour we did in Harlem. No lie, that was a great time -- definitely
the most interesting time I have spent in New York City, and just an amazing
musical experience for me. I have since gotten some of James Carter's music and
sent it to Mihyang in Japan so she can enjoy it also. We talked a long time
about how nice a time that was.
Also, you seem like a really classy guy, and because of that also the tour was
so nice. I mean, when I tell people about the tour, I find that I am talking
about you and your style as much as the music. I really appreciated just getting
to meet someone like you, doing such an interesting thing like those tours. The
peeks at some of the back streets on our drive back to the hostel were really
nice! I really can't emphasize enough what a nice time it was.
I will be definitely passing your name on to those I meet interested in jazz!!
Meanwhile, I wish you great success in your business and life. I hope you have a
nice holiday and continue enjoying the great music that is there. Be healthy and
well.
Sincerely,
Nat Carney
York, PA
Hi Gordon,
New York is a special place to be at
Christmas especially if you are a first time visitor. To visit New York at
Christmas and have the opportunity to hear some jazz in the jazz capital of the
world is the ultimate. I could have booked a set at the Village Vanguard or
Birdland etc. but I wanted the opportunity to make my stay in New York really
special. As a fan of nearly 40 years it was yet another highlight to visit the
Harlem jazz nightspots to not only hear some great music with real atmosphere
but also to see some of the sites of jazz history. In addition to meeting and
listening to some great characters the evening had a real bonus in that I
enjoyed your company so much. Thanks again for a great night.
Brain Mate
Stoke on Trent - England
Gordon,
Hey! from North Carolina. Thanks so much for the taste of Big Apple jazz last week.
Showman's was authentic Harlem, and we were so close to the stage at Smoke that the
trombonist nearly hit me each time he moved his instrument!
I recommend that others get in touch with you if they want a relaxed -- even personal --
encounter with the late-night jazz scene. The evening was casual yet professional. It's
not so much a tour as it is a chance to hang out with an enthusiastic jazz buddy. That, I
suspect, is a unique offering.
Much success with introducing others to the joys of New York and NYC jazz.
Regards,
Phillip Daquila
Durham, NC
Gordon,
When we describe our visit to New York
the evening with you is always a highlight. I did a lot of research but I
never would have found the places you took us to. Thank you again for your
help. I think you might want to rethink your prices though. It was beyond a
bargain. I don't see how anyone could afford NOT to use your services.
Thanks,
Sharon Verrall
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Hi Gordon,
Just wanted to say thanks again. Everything was great!!
Sunday night we made it to Smoke for the 12:30 set. We got hung up by my
sister in law but my wife and I ended up taking the Ferry over from Staten
Island and taking the subway uptown to the club. A very cool night. Eddie
Henderson was in the audience and got up to play on "Manteca" with the band.
The club was very nice and packed with people. The music was excellent.
Tuesday night we took the Ferry again and caught the train over to Brooklyn
to catch Charlie H at the South Paw. The music ended up starting on the late
side and his sax guy, John Ellis, played a short set with his band first. It
was all good. I liked the club a lot and Charlie did not disappoint at all.
So that show ended up going pretty late but I was diggin it so much that we
did not make it to the other spots in Brooklyn. We got back on the subway
and went straight to Smalls. Smalls was incredible and we were very lucky as
they were closing their doors the following Saturday. What a killer
experience that was. That really felt like what I had imagined. I loved
Jimmy Lovelace! We were there till about 3:15 and my wife was being a
trooper but was fading fast so we made our way back to the Ferry.
All in all, we had some beautiful adventures and some good memories to look
back on. There are still lots more clubs to see on our next trip.
God Bless and take care of yourself. Thanks again for the help.
All the best,
Dave
Bay Area
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Gordon;
Raymonde and I would like thank for the wonderful tour. We too were a little
skeptical of what we were "buying" online, but you are all you claim to be
and more.
We felt the service was very personal and personable. You took us out of the
tourist traps and into the real haunts of jazz. The visit to Harlem and our
time at the Parlor was for jazz lovers, the whole experience was very
earthy, soulful and so sensual.
But let's not forget our jazz brunch in The Village which was super,
we would never have found that restaurant on our own. Finally, what a great
architectural tour you provided on the way from The Village to the Parlor.
Jazz, architecture and food, does it get any better!
Our thanks,
Michael Zinck and Raymonde Vautour
Cornwall, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Hi Gordon!
Aloha from Hawaii! I'm slowly recovering from jetlag on my whiplash trip to
and from Switzerland via NY. I came back to Hawaii knowing I made the best
of it on that short jaunt in NY with a choice pastrami sandwich
at Carnegie Deli, then the hot and cool jazz in Harlem. Thanks, Gordon, for
a tremendous 5 hours so well spent listening to some great musicians. I must
say though, more than getting to visit these great historical jazz venues,
was just experiencing the jazz culture of n.y. We don't have these intimate
clubs here in hawaii; they're mostly in touristy venues and clubs. It was so
refreshing for me to practically rub shoulders with the musicians. The
energy at Smoke w/John Tropea and company was incredible. I thought that
drummer was something else...he could really crank it up and drive the band.
What can I say about St. Nick's but that I could see myself going back there
again. If I lived in n.y. that would be one of my favorite places to hang
out at. Loved the intimate, warm atmosphere of the place...mainly because of
the people. So neat that everybody seemed to know each other...and even with
that home-made soul food being cooked back in that corner. Enjoyed
experiencing the hustling going on with that old drummer trying to get me to
buy his cd...and the apparently well-traveled gentleman with his dvd's that
kept coming and coming....of course you know I succumbed to a Miles and
Horace Silver dvd. By the way, way back beyond the men's restroom, it looked
like a patio of some sorts...Totally amazed that the guy waitering was the
house poet! So cool! I can see how it can be "home" for a lot of the
regulars...such a great atmosphere. Anyway, Gordon, I am certainly glad that
I was able to hook up with you. You have so much knowledge and understanding
of the jazz scene. I especially enjoyed cruising through Harlem and your
pointing out those historical tidbits. The "Tree of Hope" story really stuck
with me! By the way...what is the name of that club that is going to be
resurrected by the guy who previously ran St. Nick's but is now on this new
venture...Dizzy made a name for himself? Anyway...seem to be rambling as you
can see late at night, but the experience and energy of it all is still so
fresh in me. Just had to get this note out now! Thanks, Gordon, for a
tremendous time on my layover in n.y. Hope we can keep in touch.
Much aloha!
Cal
Honolulu, HI
Dear
Gordon,
My husband and I would like to thank
you for the experience we went through with you. That jazz tour we took with
you in New York was an amazing adventure. Those places we visited, the
whole atmosphere in them, the people performing, the environment...
everything was tops. And we thought we had seen jazz before!! We were
completely mistaken.
Again we have to thank you for your company because that was also part of
the whole experience. The way you know the places, how much you know about
jazz, and the people who are part of the hidden jazz scene in New York.
These places we went to, we would have never been able to find them on our
own, there is no way we would have seen these places without you.
We want everybody to know that this tour is a must. A must-do, a must-see,
a must-experience. Don’t miss it. A really unforgettable treasure. Thank
you, Gordon. Thank you very much.
Adrian Stoppelman
Graciela Rodriguez
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dear Gordon,
I just wanted to follow up and thank you so much for the wonderful
experience David and I had with you on the Harlem Jazz Tour recently. We
had a fabulous time that night. The memories are strong, clear and very happy.
I have told a number of people about you and will continue to do so. I think the
service you provide is unique and very good. I recall testimonials on your web site
from former clients, let us know if we can be of any help in providing you with
testimonials or other promotions.
Best to you and thank you again for a great time,
Sarah Richardson
Iowa City, Iowa
Dear Gordon,
Thank you so much for guiding me to that fantastic Monday Night Harlem Jam.
Without your help I could have never been exposed to such a wonderful true
jazz experience like that in my life. I now know what is the real jazz , the
music and the atmosphere.
Hopefully seeing you again.
Sincerely,
Osamu,
From far away country,
Chiba, Japan.
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Hello Gordon!
We enjoyed our Hidden Haunts tour with you in January so VERY much! We have
relived it many, many times since ! To have been able to listen and
experience the jazz at The Robin's Nest and at St. Nick's Pub was the
highlight of our winter! We continue to have vivid memories of the great
talent and ability of James
Carter and the other fine jazz musicians at St. Nick's Pub. To have been
able to witness such talent and originality was a moment we will treasure!
I might add that we thoroughly enjoyed the "sightseeing" components of your
tour. We were so very pleased to see many of the places in NYC we didn't
even know existed. Even after living there and after making many
visits to the city! One of the conversations we had after our tour was with
a lifelong New Yorker who had no idea about the places and sights you showed
us! However, the jazz was definitely the highlight!!!
We will look forward to hearing from you and hope we can do another jazz
tour with you! Martha and John Roediger
South Portland, ME
Gordon,
You just can't say you've really done NY unless you've experienced its jazz.
Only local knowledge can help you find the really cool places - and that's
Big Apple Jazz. I heard fabulous, soulful music, at a venue with real
character. Perfect.
regards
Julie B.
Australia
Hi Gordon,
Thank you for the wonderful time that Kristen
and I had on our tour in July. Kris had the time of her life and continues
to rave about "rubbing elbows" with the truly literate jazz folks. We had
the best time and you were the best tour guide ever. Love your new site,
great job, and hope that we can make it back there before she graduates from
high school. She is well on her way to being a saxophone aficionado!
Regards and be well,
Cynthia Hoff
Austin, TX
Hi Gordon
We had a superb evening with you discovering hidden Jazz haunts on 4 Sept.
This was a definite high spot during our visit to NYC. The New Leaf Cafe
and St Nick's Pub were placed we would have never found. You set the right
mood, pace and are a fountain of knowledge and know lots of interesting
people. We will definitely recommend you to our friends in Wales. I am
attaching a photo as a memento but unfortunately not one on the tour - I
have great photo of us all with vocalist, Thos Shipley. If you would like me
to post you a copy let me know. All the best and if we are in town again we
will be in touch.
Ingrid, Phil, Roger and Elizabeth
Wales |
