Mark Barden Music: News

I'm enjoying Fall all the more now that I get to be here. I had the honor of being asked to go to China with emerging Jazz artist Alexis Cole, which I accepted even though I would have been gone for half of Nov. and most of Dec. Subsequently, her mgmt decided to reschedule her for an as of yet undetermined date.

My nephew John is studying bass at college. I thought it would be fun to do a gig with him. We booked one date at Taormina Restaurant in Peekskill NY. We were asked back for a second gig and now the owner wants to feature us regularly as part of a "Sunday Dinner" series. Check the calendar for these shows, they're big fun.

Thankfully, I continue to be blessed with an abundance of work with The BCS Trio, Artie Tobia Band, Third Stone, Kathleen Pemble, The Hemberger Orchestra, Dave Pettigrew, The Paul Connors Band, Tracy DeLucia, Al DiMarco....etc Thank you!

In the past week, we lost three shining lights in the music community. If you have a minute, look up any or all of these individuals and appreciate their talent and the huge impact and influence they have had on all of us.

Joe Beck, an acclaimed jazz guitarist whose career began in the 1960s, died of complications from lung cancer on July 22nd in Woodbury, Conn. Beck would have turned 63 on July 29th.
Born in Philadelphia, Beck recorded numerous albums as a leader and in tandem with other artists. A list on a Yahoo Web site credits Beck with having contributed to recordings by Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Paul Desmond, Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Stan Getz, Larry Coryell, Gene Ammons, Sergio Mendes, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Laura Nyro, Houston Person, Roger Kellaway, Richie Havens, Paul Simon, Joe Farrell, James Brown and Gato Barbieri.

Hiram Bullock, onetime barefoot guitarist for Paul Shaffer's World's Most Dangerous Band, dead at the age of 52. Bullock had been fighting a tumor in his throat since January.

Artie Traum, an award-winning guitarist and songwriter whose career grew from the folk music scene of the 1960s to acoustic jazz, died at his Woodstock home Sunday after a battle with a rare ocular melanoma that had spread to his liver. He was 65.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families.

So, it seems the nice folks at Greenwich Country Day school reported a silver Honda sitting in their lot for several months now. I met the G P D there last night to find all of the contents exactly as I left them!! Belated Christmas miracle? Luck - O - the Irish? Thank you everyone for the continued support and concern.

When I showed up for a Third Stone gig this past Friday, it turns out they had organized a fundraiser on my behalf to help replace equipment. I can't find words to express my gratitude. Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated and supported this event.

As we approach mid- January, my equipment remains at large. However, the outpouring of support,concern,offers of equipment, cars, etc has been overwhelming. I am surrounded by a rich fabric of really good people, and that totally eclipses any inconvenience that this event has caused. Thank you.

On Wednesday, Dec 5th my car was stolen with alot of my equipment in it. Red Strat, black G&L ASAT Tele, Mesa Boogie F-30 head and 2 12 cab, Mackie P.A. various effect pedals, mics,cables etc. Keep a look out please. Thank you.

...And boop dee do...and...

I really should write in this section more.

Congratulations to Nashville guitar wizard Dennis Brown and his wife on the birth of Sophia Anne Brown!

I've recently had the good fortune to begin work with several new songwriters, in the studio and out live. The Fall is a GREAT time to go out and support live music.

...I promise. Time for new leaves. I am currently enjoying the wonderful opportunity of studying with Jazz guitar legend Joe Beck http://www.joebeckmusic.com/
I'm also re-visiting an old love, country music. I'm continuing work with an expanding list of songwriters as well as staying busy with the R&B, Blues and rock acts, and recording sessions. Check the calendar for new artists, new venues and the established acts and venues. Thank you for all your continuing support!

This past weekend, Jackie and I had the opportunity to work on the Toys for Tots Santa Train from Saratoga Springs NY up to Plattsburgh NY. We helped the U.S.M.C. distribute toys to large and enthusiastic crowds at several stops enroute. On the return, my good friend Billy Flash and I provided live entertainment for the weary volunteers and Marines. It was an incredible experience to say the least. Thank you Billy Flash, Billy Neary, Philanthrofun and The United States Marine Corps. Visit www.philanthrofun.org for more info and photos.

AHH....Autumn, I do love it. I've been doing some fun recording projects and am blessed with an abundance of live shows. I'm excited about the BCS Trio Fall College tour which kicks off on Thursday November 9th. The tour winds its way through New England and culminates with a special final performance on Friday, November 10th. We're bringing in Joe Meo to play tenor with us for this special last night of the tour. There are lots of other fun shows in some great venues happening over the next few months, so check the calendar and get out for some live music!

MMM Summertime. come out and enjoy some good music. There will be outdoor shows aplenty!

Let's hope happy spring weather is soon to follow. In addition to all the usual gig business, here's some new upcoming stuff. Watch for the B.C.S trio in NYC and surrounding areas. Kathleen Pemble's new jazz standards group will be aloft very soon. I'm playing in the pit on the Broadway hit "Hairspray" on Saturday, April 15th, and, I'll be backing at least 4 acts (including the legendary Phoebe Snow) at the Mamapalooza festival on Sat. May 20th. So keep an eye on the calendar for all this and much more!

There are some cool shows coming up with various artists around the area. Check the calendar and come on out!

The New Year finds us living in Ridgefield CT. Musician friends beware, my wife Jackie is looking forward to hosting a music party in the Spring.

There are lots of fun gigs happening over the next few months...so be sure and check the calendar.

First, may I say, it's amazing how news travels. I've been touched by all the concern and well wishes coming in from all over and everywhere regarding the impending arrival of our third baby. Thank you for your thoughts. Daniel Gerard Barden arrived today, Tuesday September 27th at 12:50 P.M. He and Mommy are in excellent care and doing fine. Thanks again for all the support!!

The really nice weather is here and fall is fast approaching. The big news is we are expecting our third baby due Sept. 27th! Peter Calo has asked me to learn the guitar book for the Broadway musical "Hairspray", to sub the show for him....very exciting for me. Lots of cool gigs coming up too, so check the schedule, and sign the guest book so I know you were here!