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We're streaming LIVE on Twitch.tv from PAX Prime 2012
Watch live video from guardiansofmiddleearth on www.twitch.tv
This weekend, we'll be attending PAX Prime 2012 in Seattle, WA and hosting extensive hands-on time for PAX attendees. But, since you cannot all be at PAX, we'll be streaming live gameplay during the tournaments on Twitch.tv.
The Guardians of Middle-earth channel, which can be found right here, will be home to all of the action, starting live on Friday, Aug, 31 at 1 p.m. you can find the best of the best go head-to-head, live from the show floor!
Tournament participants will be competing to win custom Guardians of Middle-earth Astro Gaming headsets, as well as some custom Guardians of Middle-earth consoles that the winning teams will be walking away with.
For those interested, the tournaments will be streamed during the following hours, on Twitch.tv:
- Friday, August 31: 1-3:30 p.m. PDT
- Saturday, September 1: 12-2:30 p.m. PDT
- Sunday, September 2: 1-3:30 p.m. PDT
Tune into Twitch.tv for some vicious Guardians of Middle-earth action and intense competition. While you're viewing, use #GuardiansME on Twitter to chat live about PAX and the tournament.


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Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS) is a fast, flexible, fully managed push messaging service. Amazon SNS makes it simple and cost-effective to push notifications to Apple, Google, Fire OS, and Windows devices, as well as Android devices in China with Baidu Cloud Push. You can also use SNS to push notifications to internet connected smart devices, as well as other distributed services.
Besides pushing cloud notifications directly to mobile devices, Amazon SNS can also deliver notifications by SMS text message or email, to Amazon Simple Queue Service (SQS) queues, or to any HTTP endpoint.
To prevent messages from being lost, all messages published to Amazon SNS are stored redundantly across multiple availability zones.
Get Started with AWS for FreeCreate a Free Account
Or Sign In to the Console
AWS Free Tier includes 1 million mobile push notifications and more with Amazon SNS.
|Sep 18
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|Aug 19
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|Jul 10
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Amazon SNS lets you push messages to mobile devices or distributed services, via API or an easy-to-use management console. You can seamlessly scale from a handful of messages per day to millions of messages or higher.
With SNS you can publish a message once, and deliver it one or more times. So you can choose to direct unique messages to individual Apple, Google or Amazon devices, or broadcast deliveries to many mobile devices with a single publish request.
SNS allows you to group multiple recipients using topics. A topic is an "access point" for allowing recipients to dynamically subscribe for identical copies of the same notification. One topic can support deliveries to multiple endpoint types -- for example, you can group together iOS, Android and SMS recipients. When you publish once to a topic, SNS delivers appropriately formatted copies of your message to each subscriber.
Amazon SNS has no upfront costs and you can pay as you go. It costs $1.00 to send one million notifications via push messaging. Click here for more information about pricing.

subset: commoncrawl


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A great way to explore Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains is by paddling on one of the many rivers, streams and lakes that meander through the region's valleys and mountain passes.
With cool, clear water below and sunny skies above, you'll love the blueways of Franklin County and the Upper James River in Botetourt County.
Outfitters are ready to help you plan a fun and safe day on the water that your family will remember forever.
For paddling and boating, Smith Mountain Lake has rentals for motor boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, house boats, sail boats, canoes and kayaks.
With over 500 miles of gorgeous shoreline, boating is one of the most popular activities at Smith Mountain Lake.


text: This blog for teens reflects trendy fashion with just a touch of modesty, as reflected in blogger Katelyn Rose's introduction, "To put it in our own Darling words, modest dressing is being aware of what clothes you put on, and making sure they are generally considered appropriate for teen girls to wear. . . . We want to encourage young ladies to simply be aware of how they dress and to consider having boundaries that reflect self-respect and positive self-image."


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December 10th, 2010 By Pedro Fernandez
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Emerald Queen Casino, Tacoma, WA
(Showtime) Yonnhy Perez (20-0-1, 14 KOs) vs. Joseph Agbeko (27-2, 20 KOs) (IBF 118 lb. belt) Odds/Prediction: Perez 11-5. Rematch here as Perez dropped Ghanian fighter in UD 12 title grab. Go with Perez here, but not with anything more than beer and pizza money, $110 to win $50 on the Mexican to retain. Agbeko did beat Vic Darchinyan UD in July 2009.
Vic Darchinyan (35-2-1, 27 KOs) vs. Abner Mares (20-0-1, 14 KOs) Odds/Prediction: Vic 9-5. As mentioned Vic licked in 2009, and of course KTFO on 7-7-07 by Nonito Donaire. Idea is to build Vic back up, unbeaten Mares will make him work. I like Abner's style.
Mandalay Bay Casino, Las Vegas, NV
(HBO) Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KOs) vs. Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KOs) (WBA 140 lb. title) Odds/Prediction:
Lamont Peterson (28-1, 14 KOs) vs. Victor Ortiz (28-2-1, 22 KOs) Odds/Prediction: Ortiz 2-1. HBO poster boy Ortiz looks to be in winning position here. DROPPING $400 TO WIN $200.
Joan Guzman (30-0-1) vs. Jason Davis AKA Willie Standup (loser of six straight, three KOs) SURZPRISED Nevada Commission guy Keith Kizer let this one go. KK, could ya'?
Torreon, Mexico
(FOX Sports) Juan Rosas (32-5, 26 KOs) vs. Cristian Mijares (40-6-2, 18 KOs) (IBF 115 lb. title) Odds/Prediction: Rosas 3-1. Trying to rebuild Mijares after three straight losses, including KO by Vic Darchinyan, it probably ain't happening.
Fernando Montiel (43-2-2, 33 KOs) vs. Eduardo Garcia (21-5-1, 24 KOs) Odds/Prediction: Montiel 12-1. Garcia=lunchmeat!
MM is one of the ebst live underdogs I have seen in some time. I am making no predictions on this one, because "The Roach Factor" is not in play!
the best
I am pulling for Maidana…he is exciting to watch
This weekend is time to throw back some brews, order a pizza and watch some good boxing. I'm excited for these fights.
But speed killss and AK does hvae speed
I think the Banthamweight show is the much better and more compelling card. However I couldn't persuade anyone else to buy into that one live and catch the HBO later, so I'll have to do it the other way around too.
Should be another excellent fight. The way they're matched I don;t see too much room for either guy to create the separation needed for a much different or clear cut fight. That can only happen if age & wear has pushed one guy much farther downhill than the other, but they seem fairly evenly matched in that respect as well. Flip a coin? Call it another close decision for Perez or a draw?
I've see alot more of Darch Vadder than I have mares so it would be easier to go with the more proven commodity. Also considering that prior to his excellent showing against Perez, Mares hasn't really beaten anyone besides 5'2 former Darchunyan victim Gabi.
Mares has great skills and maybe he can be the Banthamweight equivalent to Andre Ward in termns of suddenly invading a strong division notwithstanding a fairly skimpy resume.
Darch's arrogance and the stylistic holes in his game don;t inspire much confidence in me. Then again, I thought Darch was tailor-made for Christian Mijares to look good but he wrecked the elongated technician with one shot and Mijares has not been the same fighter ever since that early knockdown.
I'll play a hunch and pick Mares as well. Darchynian's power has not been a factor in fights against career banthamweights (outpointed but couldn't shake up 13-1 Rodrigo Guerrero…) and without the power factor Darchinyan drops down a couple of levels.
Interesting test for Khan on HBO. I'm wondering about Maidana's commitment with his recent inactivity and pedestrian showing against Corley, maybe he is already too self satisfied with where he;s gotten in his career?
Regardless, he should be able test wether Khan's stabilization is for real or wether it;s just been a product of careful matchmaking. If he doesn;t get KO'd or suffer too many 10-8 rounds against, Khan shjould be able to do enough to win on points.
Khan – Maidana is the more intriguing fight. Maidana is a big puncher with some speed in his money puch, and Khan is faster and more technically sound.
I will make a risky prediction: Khan will win by decision, based on long range boxing and speed, but not without a huge scare from Maindana in the form of a solid knockdown.


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- Details
This summer is the 60th anniversary of the Tibetan "Liberation" and the 3rd anniversary of the 2008 uprisings in Tibet. To forestall more unrest, the Chinese have closed Tibet to tourists from June 25 until at least the beginning of August, perhaps later.
Fortunately, a wonderful alternative exists for travelers. High in the snowcapped Indian Himalayas lies Ladakh, often called "Little Tibet." Ladakh boasts a culture and ecosystems similar to those of the neighboring Tibetan Autonomous Republic, as well as thriving Buddhist traditions and intact monasteries.
Summer is a time of festivals in Ladakh, including the Hemis and Dak Thok festivals celebrating the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche). To experience these colorful celebrations, join us on our 'Festivals, Monasteries, People, and Waters' or 'Taste of Ladakh' trips. Spend time talking with the Ladakhis, get a sense of the vibrancy and exuberance of their monastic life, as well as their flourishing arts and culture, and gain an appreciation for the harsh life on the "top of the world" across the Himalayas.
Ladakh also played a pivotal role in preserving Tibetan Buddhism. When the 9th-century king Langdarma tried to wipe out Buddhism in Tibet, the religion survived in the west in what is now Ladakh. From there it later spread back into Tibet.
Visiting Ladakh now and Tibet after it reopens is a wonderful way to understand the similarities and contrasts of life in these two worlds.
- Details
Traveling with a family or multigenerational group involves a lot of coordination. Here are some tips for making the experience as smooth and easy as possible.
1. Lock in rates by booking a year in advance. Prices for hotel rooms and other services frequently rise from year to year, but by reserving early you can avoid many of the rate increases - sometimes we'll be able to negotiate lower 2011 rates even if you're not traveling until 2012.
2. Remember that larger groups need more rooms, meals, airline seats, and other spaces. The further in advance you can book, the more likely it is you'll get what you want.
3. To keep hotel costs down for your group, consider booking triple and quad hotel rooms instead of singles and doubles.
4. Be flexible with your travel plans. Often shifting your arrival and departure dates by as little as a few days can get you significant discounts.
5. Remember that not everyone will want to do the same thing at all times, so choose itineraries that offer flexibility for different interests, such as lodge stays, adventure cruises, and other programs that include a wide range of activities.
Beth and Stu Finklestein took advantage of a school break to bring their daughter Julia and son Sam on a culture-filled Southeast Asia exploration.
- Details
Curiosity about the world and an openness to other cultures are among the greatest gifts you can give your children or grandchildren. What better way to do so than through travel? Family vacations are no longer just about camping trips, amusement parks, and beach resorts. These days families are seeking out special experiences in a wide range of destinations. Whether it's trekking, a wildlife safari, or cultural exploration, travel is a great way for extended families to spend quality time together while creating memories to last a lifetime.
At Myths and Mountains we welcome the opportunity to work with families and other groups. Some of our itineraries are specifically designed for multigenerational appeal, such as our "Kids and the Equator" program in Ecuador. We're also happy to customize itineraries to meet the needs of family groups - we've recently arranged everything from family reunions to the Galapagos to wildlife safaris in Africa to family gatherings at an Indian tea estate. No matter what your needs, we'll work with you to create the experiences that fits your family's ages and interests.
Advance planning is essential for larger groups. Book early to enable us to secure the hotel rooms and other reservations you need, particularly if you are traveling during busy periods such as school breaks.
Bob Weissman invited 31 of his nearest and dearest to join him on a holiday aboard the LEGEND ship in the Galapagos.
- Details
Every year our Myths and Mountains staff spend time traveling in our destinations, scouting hotels, researching new places to visit, and ensuring that our suppliers continue to maintain the high standards our travelers expect from us. Our operations coordinator, Julie Ganski, recently returned from her first Myths and Mountains site inspection trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos. She came home filled with enthusiasm for these amazing destinations. Here are some excerpts from her field reports:
Arriving at Cafe Cultura, our hotel in Quito, was mystical. It was drizzling rain, green and lush like entering a secret garden laden with a foggy mist. The room was gorgeous and enchanting, with fresh roses everywhere. From Quito we traveled north to the Equator and then on to Otavalo. The best thing about the journey was the surprises our guide showed us along the way. We stopped to sample chirimoya - an incredibly sweet fruit unlike anything I'd ever tasted - from a roadside vendor and hand-rolled pastries at the best bizcocho place in Ecuador. We also visited Huarmi Maki, a women's center in Peguche. It was really interesting to learn about the traditional food preparation, dress, and methods for weaving sheep and alpaca wool without machines. Upon arrival at the beautiful Hacienda Cusín, we enjoyed an afternoon horseback riding adventure in the lush green Andes.
- Details
Money often presents one of the biggest challenges in preparing for an international trip. Will your credit card work overseas? Can you use your ATM card? Should you carry lots of cash? It's always best to be prepared, so that you don't find yourself in a foreign country without the financial resources you need. You can count on Myths and Mountains to make sure you have all the information you need before you go.
In Bhutan and other Asian countries, things operate very differently than in North America. Just because the ATM in your bank at home works, does not mean that the ATM in Bhutan will accept your card. In fact, it won't. Just because you have a platinum American Express Card does not mean that the antique store in Thimphu will allow you to buy that beautiful basket. In fact, it won't. Bhutan will sometimes accept Visa, but no other credit cards, and travelers cannot use local ATMs. Myanmar does not accept any credit cards and has no ATMs at all. In other countries such as Nepal sometimes the ATM works - but invariably, when you need it most, it doesn't!
For countries such as these, the best thing to do is to bring dollars in cash and change them into the local currency. If you are nervous about carrying a lot of money, break it into two packets and put them in separate parts of your travel gear. Then hope you remember where you put everything!


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item(s) in cart
My Account X
Heat Factory Women's Heated Ragg Wool Glove
Item # 762371
Key Features
Retractable thumb and pocket over fingers
Thumb and finger caps held in place with velcro
Thinsulate insulation
Comes with one pair of Heat Factory Warmers
Our Price $19.99
Availability: Sold Out
Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online.
detailsback to top
Product DescriptionA high-quality fleece-lined ragg glove with retractable thumb and pocket over the fingers for Heat Factory air activated warmers. Perfect for everyday use, but in colder temperatures a special pocket in the cap of the gloves takes disposable mini warmer heat packs. Keep your fingers and thumb warm until you need to use them. Thumb and finger caps are held securely in place with velcro when full finger dexterity is required. Thinsulate insulation. Comes with one pair of Heat Factory Warmers.


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Where is the finish? In Westend, naaaaa, only looks like that… Be there tomorrow! Ride safe! Brought to you by Fahrtwind and Bagjack!
Yo Zorro, respect brother! Hang in for another 25 years, eh!? Here's a message from Berlin's Übermessenger... "My race. its on friday the thirteenth of may. its an evil day, for an evil race. Maybe some elementz of voodoo involved? But anyway i´m expecting over 150 racers. It will be a 2 to 3 hour long race with lots of chances to party in between, five minute long sprints with beer and cocktails in between. u can race in a team or solo. there will be many prizes, not only for the winners, but also for the losers. if you are average, then bad luck."
Respect the bicycle courier! Not only on mondays… Pictured is Anselm, shot taken by Stef…
That was great, next year bigger and better, but very good for the first time, we had lots of fun…
Team Keirin Berlin during the CMWC in Tokyo:
Kao – t2y – Katz – Arik – Klaus – P. – Gary – Mortimer and Maria.
With Lily – Felix – Phillip – Tuk – Kasi and Zorro.
We wish you all a very happy Tiger Year 2010
Nice Goldsprints during Hama Bike in Yokohama.
Organized by Thor, Takuya, GoGo and t2y of www.goldsprint.jp
Team Keirin Berlin in full effect, 3rd and 1st place. Yep, still rockin'.
3. Katz – Keirin Berlin/Courier Tokyo
2. Ken – Courio City/Yokohama
1. Mortimer Slomo/Keirin Berlin
Thanks for the bag, Bagjack!
Protecting your nuts.


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A.M. Best Revises ICR Outlook To Positive For American International Group, Inc.'s Domestic Life/Health Subsidiaries
Partially offsetting these strengths is the group's exposure to higher risk investments (e.g., structured securities, direct commercial mortgage loans and various alternative strategies), the substantial dividend expectations of its ultimate parent and the anticipated effect of the low interest rate environment on AIGL&R's spread-based businesses. Nevertheless, A.M. Best believes future investment losses should be manageable in the context of AIGL&R's current capitalization level and earnings capacity. Based on results through September 30, 2012, asset impairments have continued their declining trend, which is notable given the uncertain economic environment and the group's sizable structured asset and alternative investment portfolios. A.M. Best notes that AIGL&R's investments in non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations and commercial mortgage-backed securities totaled approximately $34 billion at September 30, 2012 (statutory, amortized cost basis). This exposure represents roughly 200% of statutory total adjusted capital. In addition, AIGL&R's $8.2 billion exposure to alternative assets (hedge funds, private equity and real estate) represents additional risk within the investment portfolio.
As part of its current capital management strategy, AIGL&R expects dividends to the parent to exceed earnings in 2013, which will likely result in a modest decline in the group's risk-adjusted and absolute capitalization levels. However, A.M. Best notes that AIG's executive management has indicated its commitment to maintain healthy capitalization ratios to support the ratings of AIGL&R's domestic life and retirement services subsidiaries. Furthermore, AIG's various implicit and explicit support initiatives are in line with this commitment.
AIGL&R's ratings could be upgraded if the positive trends in earnings and investment performance continue, net flows improve and strong risk-adjusted capitalization is maintained. However, downward rating pressure may occur should AIGL&R experience unfavorable trends in earnings or net flows, a decline in risk-adjusted capitalization in excess of A.M. Best's expectations or significant deterioration in investment performance.
The FSR of A (Excellent) and ICRs of "a" have been affirmed for the following domestic life/health subsidiaries of American International Group, Inc.:
- AGC Life Insurance Company
- American General Life Insurance Company
- The United States Life Insurance Company in the City of New York
- The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company
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text: I think we can all agree that there is a special place in Bad Advertising Hell for tampon and maxi-pad brands. For the most part, ads for period products are of the aspirational, joyous, and sensual variety, and claim that using these brands of tampons and pads should be oh-so-effing empowering! For every egg I've shed, there's a tampon or maxi-pad ad featuring a perky gal with a braid and a tennis racket. Of course, some brands are aware of these cliches and have aimed to be edgy and irreverent, but are stupid nevertheless. Click through this slideshow to see 12 of the dumbest print ads and commercials for the menstrual products we ladies have had the monthly displeasure of using.


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siteguide | news | touring | emg | history | the
works | contact | home |
B a n d B i o s
While touring in the new century,
Donald Fagen (vocals, keyboards) and
Walter Becker (guitar)
have been supported on stage by the super- fine musicians below. Click names for bios.
Steely Dan JAMALOT EVER AFTER - 2014
| 2014 Tour Schedule | Jim Beard [Keyboards: '08 - '14] Keith Carlock [Drums: '03- '14] La Tanya Hall [B. Vocals: '13 -'14] Jon Herington [Guitar: '00-'14] Carolyn Leonhart [B. Vocals: '00-'14] Michael Leonhart [Trumpet, Keys: '00 - '14] Cindy Mizelle [B. Vocals: '03 - '08: '11,'14] Jim Pugh [Trombone: '00-'14] Roger Rosenberg [Baritone Saxophone: '06-'14] Freddie Washington [Bass: '06-'14] Walt Weiskopf [Saxophone: '03-'14]
Alums since 2000
Tawatha Agee [Backing Vocals: '08, '09]
Ari Ambrose [Saxophone '00]
Ted Baker [Keyboards: '00-'03]
Tom Barney [Bass: '00-'03]
Cornelius Bumpus [Saxophone: '00-'03]
Cynthia Calhoun [Backing Vocals: '00-'03]
Victoria Cave [Backing Vocals: '00]
Ricky Lawson [Drums: '00]
Janice Pendarvis [B. Vocals: '09 Left Bank Holiday]
Chris Potter [Saxophone: 1/00]
Bob Sheppard [Saxophone: '00]
Jeff Young [Keyboards, B. Vocals: '06 - '08]
Catherine Russell [B. Vocals: '08, '09, '11, '13]
Bob Sheppard [Saxophone Sub '08]] Ari Ambrose [Saxophone Sub in '08] Nelson Foltz [Trombone Sub in '08] Marvin Stamm [Trumpet Sub in '09]
T a
w a t h a A g
e e
may recognize Ms. Agee from her vocal contributions
to Everything Must Go, Becker's Circus
Money, and her stand-in performances at
the 2003 Roseland gigs.
Tawatha has always believed the most informative biography is the body of work one has produced during their career. She also believes that the body of work should reflect and exhibit a broad landscape of musical tastes.
is her menu:
You can hear Tawatha on the following jingles: Colgate, Reeses Peanut Butter Cup, Folgers Coffee, Verizon, Playtex, Coffee Mate, Dove Soap, Prevacid, KFC, Compaq Corp, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Pillsbury, GE, Ensure, Ivory Liquid, Pizza Hut, Gillette, Maybelline, MCI, Swiffer, Sandals Resort, Tylenol, Ford, Fibercon, Caress Soap, Rite Aid, Head & Shoulders, Pepto Bismol, Purina Cat Chow, Clairol, General Motors Corp, Revlon, Goodyear Tire, Jello, Herbal Essence Shampoo, Jif Peanut Butter, Coca Cola, Crest Toothpaste, CVS, Burger King (with Shaq), U.S. Airlines, Levi's / Wrangler, Northwest Airlines...and more.
|^ Top - Index
A r
i A m
b r o s e
loved Ari's playing with Steely Dan throughout
the 1996 Art
Crimes World Tour. Ari again lent his awesome
musicality to Steely Dan's early 2000 performances
in Japan and through the first North American
Ari began playing saxophone in junior high school in the Washington D.C. area. While in high school he studied with Dr. George Ross, Andrew White, and Stanley Turrentine, and was the recipient of several outstanding soloist awards at various local and national jazz festivals. During this time Ari performed with area musicians such as Butch Warren, Carter Jefferson, and Tom Williams, and with visiting NY musicians such as Randy Brecker, Billy Hart, Geoff Keezer, and Stanley Turrentine.
In 1991, Ari moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with saxophonist Dick Oatts. During this time, Ari traveled with the Ryan Kisor quintet and played in the NYC area with musicians such as Brad Mehldau, Steve Turre, Peter Erskine, Michael Leonhart, Jon Hendricks and Wynton Marsalis (with David Berger's Jazz Orchestra).
After graduating, Ari began performing regularly with the Monday night Village Vanguard Jazz Orchestra and recorded with Michael Leonhart, Evan Marks, George Colligan, and the MSM Jazz Orchestra. In 1998, Ari made his debut recording on the Steeplechase label featuring Billy Hart and Dennis Irwin. Since then and as of this writing, Ari has made four more recordings on Steeplechase featuring Billy Drummond, Jay Anderson, George Colligan, and Jeff Williams. In 2000, Ari performed and traveled with Jane Monheit.
T e
d B a
k e r
Photo: steelydan.com
Baker's work on "Two
Against Nature" and "Everything
Must Go" has justifiably earned no small
amount of attention and praise. His contributions
to Steely Dan's live band are just as impressive.
Ted has technique and touch to burn which,
when combined with his expansive conception
and soulful rhythmic precision, make for a
tasty earful indeed.
Although getting a bio from Ted has been somewhat akin to performing a dental extraction on a mountain goat, we have been able to glean the following:
Ted was born and raised in the Philadelphia environs. After studying at Oberlin, Ted spent most of the 80's playing with sundry Philly groups such as Grover Washington, Dexter Wansel, and Jean Carne. He was also part of the original bands "Basement Culture" and "The Elevators". Shortly before moving to New York in 1990, Ted started touring with The Philip Glass Ensemble, an association that continues today.
Once in New York, Ted reports that "the voice of Broadway kept calling to me". Productions to which he has donated his keyboard magic include The Who's "Tommy" (original production, Broadway, London, and on tour in North America); Randy Newman's "Faust" (Goodman Theatre, Chicago); and Broadway's "The Lion King", from which he took leave in order to tour with Steely Dan in 2000. Ted was also on leave from the Art Garfunkel tour, where he teams up with SD alumnus Warren Bernhardt.
Finally, Ted reports that his studio work on Two Against Nature was "without question the pinnacle of a session musician's existence"...but we must point out that this assessment was offered before he was awarded the coveted Bunsen Prize on July 13th, 2000.
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T o
m B a
r n e y
Photo: steelydan.com
credits heredity (he is the son of the late
musician Tom H. Barney) and his education (at
the Crane School of Music and with bassist
Bob Cranshaw) for much of his musical ability
and achievement.
But whither Tom's legendary "big bottom groove" springs, it seems that everybody wants a piece. He has recorded and performed with a veritable Who's Who of the entertainment industry, including David Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Dizzy Gillespie, George Duke, Chaka Khan, Jeffrey Osborn, Aretha Franklin, Judy Collins, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Burt Bacharach, Ice T., Al B. Sure, All Saints, Mary J. Blige, Carlos Santana, Lauryn Hill... and many others.
Tom was a member of the Saturday Night Live Band for several years in the '80s and '90s, and you may have also seen him on David Sanborn's "Night Music", "New York At Night", or any number of his turns on "Good Morning America", "The Today Show", or playing for numerous major award shows. The occasional composing and work on numerous movie soundtracks round out his stellar resume, to which the "Schatzi The Safety Bear" '00 Award is but the latest notable addition.
J i
m B e
a r d
Photo: Joni Sarkki
who noted Jim Beard's awesome presence on
Becker's Circus Money will agree
with David Sanborn, who says Jim has "one
of the freshest musical points of view around".
Jim's ever-spirited comping and blowing, and
his utterly unique amalgam of fire and lyricism,
is a substantial addition to the SD stage.
Jim grew up in the greater Philadelphia vicinage and began piano lessons at age 6. He studied classical piano for 14 years (also clarinet, saxophone and string bass for a number of years) and developed a love of jazz by the age of 14 at which time he began lessons with the great George Shearing. Throughout his serious classical and jazz pursuits he enjoyed a quiet yet earnest interest in pop. While attending Indiana University, Jim played piano with many visiting jazz greats including Slide Hampton and Red Rodney. The opportunity to develop skills on Rhodes, clavinet and synths came when Jim joined a bar band, along with fellow Dan mate Jon Herington and Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp and John Fogerty alumni).
Before moving to New York in 1985, Jim also worked with Bobby Rydell, Connie Stevens and Roger Miller. Since moving to New York, Jim has toured extensively with Pat Metheny, Wayne Shorter, Madeleine Peyroux, John Scofield and John McLaughlin. He has produced dozens of recordings for artists such as Mike Stern, Bob Berg, Bill Evans, Eliane Elias and has recorded with or made television appearances with Dizzy Gillespie, John Mayer, Al Jarreau, Bill Frisell, the Brecker Brothers, Marcus Miller, Meshell Ndegeocello and Toninho Horta.
Jim has over 100 published compositions featured on recordings by John McLaughlin, Michael Brecker and many others and in books such as The New Real Book. His writing has been used in television, movies and radio call signals and his piano playing can be heard in major Hollywood film scores.
Jim has released several albums under his name, two of which were voted in top 10 new CDs by Jazziz Magazine critics. His recent CD, Revolutions, features ten of Jim's compositions performed by the Metropole Orchestra conducted by Vince Mendoza. His solo piano CD Show Of Hands dropped in 2013. Jim's productions have been nominated for five Grammy awards and he won a Grammy in 2007 for his work on Some Skunk Funk (Randy and Michael Brecker)
Jim's website is here.
C o
r n e l i u s B u
m p u s
Photo: Pete Fogel
Feb 3 2004, |
favorite of audiences everywhere, Cornelius
Bumpus was the keeper of a rare and wonderful
flame: a master of the classic and soulful
saxophone sound.
Cornelius began his musical career at age ten playing alto saxophone in the school band in Santa Cruz, California. Through the encouragement of his parents, his love of music grew, and by age twelve he had joined his first working band. He then led a rhythm and blues band for seven years. In 1966, Cornelius spent six months performing with Bobby Freeman, writer and recording artist of the classic song, "Do You Want to Dance?" In 1977, he joined Moby Grape and wrote one tune for the "Live Grape" album.
During the 1980's, Cornelius rose to worldwide acclaim performing with The Doobie Brothers. For 10 years, Cornelius and the Doobie Brothers had countless hit songs and were awarded many gold and platinum records. Cornelius even contributed a song on the One Step Closer album. Cornelius recorded two solo albums and toured with his own band. Stints were also put in with Jeff Lorber and Lacy J. Dalton.
Since relocating to New York in 1986, Cornelius performed and recorded with a host of artists, including Etta James, Hugh Masakela, Michael McDonald, the New York Rock and Soul Revue, Boz Scaggs and Phoebe Snow. Cornelius' tremendous talent was featured in Nite Sprite since 1986 and he toured with Steely Dan since 1993.
Cornelius had established his own website at corneliusbumpus.com, where you can find information about his '00 CD, Known Fact - and more.
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C y
n t h i a C a
l h o u n
Calhoun made legions of new fans in the summer
of 2K with her class act from the edge of the
Steely Stage. We all will be seeing much more
in the future from this performer of talent
and grace.
Cynthia was raised in Pensacola FL in a family of eight children. Her vocal credits to date - in addition to her work on Two Against Nature - include stints with soul great Betty Wright, Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Al Jarreau (with whom she shared a duet spotlight on tour), Barry White, Boz Scaggs, and Paul Simon. She has gigged with several L.A. bands and written and recorded for films and TV.
Cynthia is also a talented film and television actress, having appeared in Menace II Society, Ally McBeal, ER, Rhythm & Jam, Where I Live, The Wayan Brothers, and The Parenthood.
You can visit Cynthia at her website at cynthiacalhoun.com
K e
i t h C a
r l o c k
Photo: steelydan.com
tasteful, musical, and muscular; in our opinion
Keith Carlock is destined to be one of the
Born in Greenville, Mississippi, Keith has been playing professionally since his early teens. He attended The University of North Texas where he studied with Ed Soph and George Lawrence.
Keith has drummed SD and Fagen gigs since 2003, and tracked each cut on SD's Everything Must Go, Fagen's Morph The Cat, and Becker's Circus Money. Tours with Sting, James Taylor, and John Mayer bespeak his growing collection of prestigious drum chairs.
Keith has also gigged and recorded with Grover Washington Jr., David Johansen, The Blues Brothers, Heads Up Superband, Rhett Tyler, Harry Belafonte, Diana Ross, Joe Beck, Leni Stern, Tal Wilkenfeld, and Oz Noy, among others. He's a member of the Wayne Krantz trio — the legendary regulars for the last several years at New York City's premiere "jazz dive", The 55 Bar. In 2007, Keith and friends launched the Nu-Jam band Rudder with a CD and US tour.
Starting in 2006, Keith joined legends like Steve Gadd and Vinnie Colaiuta on the medals podium of Modern Drummer's Readers Poll. In 2009, he ascended to #1 in the best pop, fusion, and all-around categories.
Also In 2009, Keith released his long-awaited Instructional DVD, The Big Picture: Phrasing, Improvisation, Style & Technique.
Visit Keith's website and mailing list at keithcarlock.com
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V i
c t o r i a C a
v e
Photo: steelydan.com
was born in New Orleans and raised in Las Vegas
by a Jazz musician father and a Playboy Bunny
mother. Naturally, she found the allure of
show business irresistible, and made her first
professional appearance at age 5 as "Belinda
Of The Day" on the Bozo The Clown Show. Somewhat
later and after a brief visit to UNLV, Vicky
went on to appear ("scantily clad") in various
production shows and finally "screwed up the
courage" to move to New York City as the '90s
Vicky found an congenial home in musical theatre, playing leading roles in "The Who's Tommy" (with friends Ted Baker and Jon Herington), "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" and, most recently, Broadway's "Cabaret", in which she played a fair amount of alto sax. She has appeared in Europe with Barry White, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Davis Jr. and others, but claims that appearing with Donald, Walter, and the stellar SD Orchestra 2000 has been "a dream come true".
For fun, Victoria plays piano, her alto, and occasionally ice-skates for money.
L a
T a n y a H a
l l
Vocalist La Tanya Hall is poised to take her place as one of the foremost jazz vocalists in the world today. Her ability to reinvent the Great American Songbook is amassing glorious reviews from around the globe. It's About Time [Bridge Records - 2009], J. Hall's debut recording, has been heralded as "an impressive debut from one of jazz's brightest stars," [Popjournalism.com/February 2009]. Jazz.com describes her as "a woman ripe with talent [whose] interpretative skills are a marvel."
Her versatility in a variety of musical genres has allowed her to collaborate with some of music's most celebrated artists, including Diana Ross, Bobby McFerrin, Harry Belafonte, Burt Bacharach, Quincy Jones, Aretha Franklin, Rob Thomas, and Patti Labelle. You can visit Ms. Hall at her website: latanyahall.com.
J o
n H e
r i n g t o n
Jon Gorr /fStopPhotographers.com
New Guitar Guy" — arguably one of the
most coveted slots in the annals of popular
music. And also, potentially, one of the most
intimidating; few musical roles receive the
same amount of examination, discussion, and
debate as does this one. But Jon is handling
it all with "perfection and grace", turning
out work which, to our minds, often evokes
the melodic and rhythmic heart of cherished
recorded versions while simultaneously displaying
his own original and powerful musicality. Guitar
Player Magazine called Jon a player with "one
formidable voice" and "chops of doom".
Jon is a guitarist, composer, and producer who has been active on the New York music scene since 1985. His debut album on Pioneer's Glass House records, The Complete Rhyming Dictionary was released in 1992. A second CD, Like So, was released in 2000, and his collaboration with SD bandmate Michael Leonhart — Slow — was released in 2002. In 2011 he released Shine (Shine Shine) and Time On My Hands in 2013.
He has toured with Boz Scaggs, Madeleine Peyroux, the Jim Beard group, Bette Midler, The Blue Nile, Phoebe Snow, saxophonist Bill Evans, the contemporary jazz superband Chroma, Lucy Kaplansky, and jazz/blues organ great Jack McDuff, among others. Some of Jon's recording highlights as of this date — aside from every Steely Dan and Becker/Fagen solo disc of the 21st century — are: Jim Beard's four recordings (three of which were co-produced by Jon); Bill Evans; Michael Patches Stewart; Bob Berg; Lucy Kaplansky; Michael Brecker; Randy Brecker; Victor Bailey; Chroma (with Mike Stern and others); and Robert Secret.
You can visit Jon's official website at jonherington.com.
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R i
c k y L a
w s o n
R.I.P Ricky Lawson, |
been called "The Rock" and for good reason;
Ricky Lawson lays down the mighty groove with
an authority few can match. On 2000, Ricky
was named Modern Drummer's "Drummer Of The
Year" in the R&B category.
Within a few years of starting to play drums at 16, Ricky's natural talent skyrocketed him into a major career. Since then he has played with names like Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Al Jarreau, George Benson, Bette Midler, Eric Clapton, Lionel Richie, George Duke, The Brothers Johnson, Quincy Jones and many more.
Early on, Ricky developed expertise in jazz, country and western, pop, R&B, funk and Latin rhythms - a versatility that allows him to play with virtually anyone. His reputation is for always being well prepared for his gigs. Some of the biggest Number 1 and multi-platinum singles and albums have featured Ricky's impressive talents, including Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You", Anita Baker's "Sweet Love", James Ingrams' "I Don't Have The Heart" and Lionel Richie's "Dancing On The Ceiling". A co-founder of the group Yellowjackets, Ricky received a Grammy in 1986 for co-writing the hit song "And You Know That" on the album "Shades", which he co-produced. He also co-authored the Pointer Sisters' hit "Uh-Uh" and co-produced the album "Seriously Slammin'" and the Fattburger hit "Good News". His solo debut CD, "First Things 1st", was released in 1999.
You can visit Ricky's website at rickylawson.com.
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C a
r o l y n L e
o n h a r t
Photo: steelydan.com
into a musical family, Carolyn started singing
as soon as she could talk. Her vocal talents
were quickly put to use when as a young child,
she sang on television commercials. At Music
and Art high School in New York City, she sang
in the award-winning Gospel Choir for four
years, performed on "It's Showtime At The Apollo",
and graduated high school with a solo recording
contract with a Japanese record label.
Having grown up around the music industry, Carolyn decided that she'd better have "some kind of career to fall back on", so she went to the University of Rochester and graduated cum laud with a degree in Comparative religion, specializing in Hinduism and Buddhism. Her senior thesis, 'The Essence of Why', "won acclaim from stoners all over the Greater Rochester/Buffalo area". After graduation, Carolyn returned to NYC. In 1994, she won third place in the Thelonious Monk International Vocal Jazz Competition and sang in jazz clubs around the city. A budding congera, Carolyn also boasts that she can now hold a tumbao rhythm for almost 7 and a half bars.
Carolyn recorded backup vocals for Fagen's 2006 solo Morph The Cat, Becker's 2008 Circus Money, Steely Dan's "Two Against Nature" and "Everything Must Go" (the latter in a featured role), toured with with Al Jarreau, and is a member of the Zurich-based Lyn Leon. Releases under her own name include Steal The Moon (2000), New 8th Day (2005), and the collaborations with Wayne Escoffery, If Dreams Come True (2007), Tides of Yesterday(2010).
Visit her on Facebook
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M i
c h a e l L e
o n h a r t
Photo: steelydan.com
ever-enigmatic Michael Leonhart" is how 2K
concert-goers may have heard him introduced.
Indeed, there is something almost unfathomable
about the prodigiousness of Michael's talent,
and he's become a veritable denizen of recent
Steely Dan projects: In addition to performing
in and writing charts for the 2K
Tour horn section, Michael was also a member
of the 1996 "Art
Crimes" party, and served as an an arranger,
performer, and conductor on "Two
Against Nature".
Michael is the youngest Grammy recipient in history, winning in 1992 (at age 17) for the most outstanding musician in a U.S. high school. That same year he was named "Person of the Week" by ABC World News by dint of his musical accomplishments. Since then, he has composed and performed music for movies, television, fashion shows and theater, and appeared on over 50 albums. Michael has performed and/or recorded with such artists as A Tribe Called Quest, Brian Eno, Bill Frisell, John Lurie, Wynton Marsalis, Natalie Merchant, Mos Def, Q-Tip, Joshua Redman, Busta Rhymes, and D.J. Spooky.
Michael is sought after throughout the music and entertainment world as a trumpet player, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and singer-songwriter. He has issued the solo releases Aardvark Poses (1995), Glub Glub Vol. 11 (1997), Slow (2002; featuring 2K Bandmate Jon Herington), The Suzy Lattimore EP (2005), and The Ballad of Minton Quigley (2006) .
Michael's website is at michaelleonhart.com.
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C i
n d y M i
z e l l e
Photo: steelydan.com
can be heard on "Everything
Must Go", and although 2003 was her first
stint on the Steely Dan stage, you have almost
certainly heard this highly-respected veteran
Since beginning her career as a young popular singer in Englewood, New Jersey, and being tapped as a featured soloist on the platinum soundtrack album "Beat Street", Cindy Mizelle has evolved into one of the most in-demand session singers of contemporary popular music. Her highly versatile style can be heard on many radio and television commercials, and you can catch her singing on TV specials such as VH-1 Divas Live, and the "Sweet Tree & Morgan" skits on Late Night With Conan O'Brian. Cindy has also recorded for children's television; That's her lead vocal on "Between The Lions".
Cindy's critically acclaimed solo album "Cindy Mizelle" was released in 1994, and she has contributed her vocal talents to over 120 albums by artists such as Freddie Jackson, Carly Simon, Chaka Kahn, Johnathan Butler, George Benson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Patti Labelle, Celine Dion, Anastacia, and Alicia Keys -- as well as on Fagen's 2006 Morph the Cat, and Becker's 2008 Circus Money.
Ms. Mizelle has also toured and recorded with Whitney Houston, Dave Matthews Band, Bruce Springsteen, and on The Rolling Stones' 1990 "Steel Wheels" Tour. She may be best known as having been an outstanding background vocalist for Luther Vandross in the studio and on stage.
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J a
n i c e P e
n d a r v i s
From Ms. Pendarvis' myspace page:
Janice Pendarvis is an eclectic, elegant, world-class performer known for her ability to sing R&B, pop, jazz, reggae, rock and avant-garde music. She has worked with a diverse roster of artists including Sting, Roberta Flack, Laurie Anderson, Peter Tosh, Philip Glass, The Rolling Stones, Nona Hendryx, The O'Jays, Jimmy Cliff. You may have seen Janice on tour with Sting, on Late Night with Letterman, and Saturday Night Live over the years as a featured soloist or background singer.
She has sung on live shows all over the world; on records and CD's; commercials and films. Janice is featured in the documentary Bring on the Night, about the beginning of Sting's solo career and his first band, and in the film Home of the Brave, Laurie Anderson's filmed version of her 'Mr. Heartbreak' tour. Janice appears on Sting's All This Time DVD which chronicles how the events of 9/11/01 intersected with the plans for a major concert at Sting's home in Tuscany on the same day.
Equally at home in her roles as a lead singer, support vocalist, announcer, voice actor and on-camera personality, Janice also has a distinguished career in voiceovers. She has been one of the voices of NY's Channel Thirteen (WNET) for years and was featured in a new book featuring the top voiceover performers in the country, entitled, Secrets of Voiceover Success.
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C h
r i s P o
t t e r
Chris Potter pinned back more than a few new
pairs of ears with his mighty presence on "Two
Against Nature".
Some of you remember Chris from the Steely Dan touring parties of 1993-4 and the PBS and VH-1 Specials. You may not know that Chris is also much in demand as a player and a leader in the contemporary jazz scene. And in 2000, Chris was the winner of the prestigious Jazzpar Prize, their youngest Laureate to date.
Potter was born in Chicago and grew up
in Columbia, South Carolina. He began playing
saxophone at the age of 10, inspired by
his parents' record collection. In 1989
he moved to New York City and joined Red
Rodney's quintet while attending The New
School and Manhattan School of Music. In
the '90s he was involved with a wide range
of projects including the Mingus Big Band
and Paul Motian's Electric Be-Bop Band.
He has played in "Trio 2000" with Paul Motian and Steve Swallow, and in groups led by musicians such as Jim Hall, Billy Hart, Dave Douglas, Al Foster, John Patitucci, Mike Manieri and others. Today he tours extensively with Dave Holland's ensembles, and performs and records as a leader.
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J i
m P u
g h
Photo: steelydan.com
may remember Becker and Fagen's boast of "no
trombones" on their earlier touring bandstand.
Jim Pugh is the guy who made them change their
Jim began playing piano at the age of five and trombone at the age of ten. After graduating from the Eastman School of Music, Jim toured extensively with the Woody Herman Band and Chick Corea before deciding to settle down and make New York City his home.
Jim promptly became New York's top-call freelance trombonist for film scores, records, and music for television and radio advertising. He's performed on over 4500 recording sessions, including dates with Paul Simon, Barbara Streisand, Tony Bennett, Madonna, Joe Williams, Billy Joel, David Sanborn, Pink Floyd, John Scofield, Wayne Shorter, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Yo Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, and, of course, Steely Dan. One of Jim's current projects includes a two-trombone jazz quintet, E'nJ. They have just released their third album, Just Us, available on the TNC Music Label.
Jim is the only recipient of The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Virtuoso Award for trombone, given after he was voted Trombone MVP by the New York recording community for five years.
Jim is also an accomplished composer. His Concerto for Trombone & Orchestra can be found on his latest album, X Over Trombone (Albany Records). His concerto has been performed worldwide -- including a performance by the New York Philharmonic. Jim has also composed and arranged music for National Public Radio, films, and recordings.
Since relocating to Mahomet, IL in 2007, Jim serves as Professor of Jazz Trombone at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. He makes frequent appearances at schools throughout the country as a guest artist/clinician, many of which are made possible through the help of the Edwards Instrument Company. Jim plays Edwards trombones and Monette mouthpieces exclusively.
Read more on Jim's Myspace page and his UIUC Faculty Page
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R o
g e r R o
s e n b e r g
Photo: steelydan.com
An A-list baritone man for over three decades, Roger Rosenberg studied at Indiana University, The New England Conservatory of Music, and under the tutelage of players like Phil Woods and composers like Harold Seletsky. He has worked with a stunning list of greats; do the names Tito Puente, Buddy Rich, Chet Baker, Lee Konitz, Janet Lawson, Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, John Scofield, Sarah Vaughn, Gerry Mulligan, Michael Brecker, The New York Philharmonic, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Bob Mintzer, Eddie Palmieri, David Lahm, Tom Scott, and T.S. Monk ring a bell? Add another 40 or so heavyweight names in jazz, latin, and pop, and you've got a start on Roger's resume.
That Roger has been steadily in demand by the best of the best for so long is no mystery; his strong and searing solo voice combines with his powerful and swinging ensemble playing to make him a great addition to small and large sections alike. He excels at many styles of music and is a crack first-call N.Y. session player to boot. An accomplished woodwind doubler, he also plays clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and flutes. His work has been acknowledged by the Downbeat critics and by an NARAS MVP award.
Roger's also a composer and leader. Mongo Santamaria's album Amanacer, which featured Roger as composer and soloist, won a Grammy for Best Latin Album. And in 2000, Jazz Key released Roger's first leader CD, Hang Time.
Watch for Roger's CD Baritonality — produced by Walter Becker — in 2009 (Sunnyside).
Although 2006 marked Roger's first tour with Steely Dan, he appeared on Two Against Nature, Everything Must Go, Fagen's Kamakiriad and Morph The Cat, and Becker's Circus Money.
Roger is based in New York City, where he teaches, plays on Broadway and in the Radio City Music Hall Orchestra, and gigs with his Quartet. His new Myspace page is here.
t h e r i n e R u
s s e l l
Photo: Stephan Falke
|Catherine Russell
is a native New Yorker, born with an enviable
musical pedigree. Her father, the late Luis Russell,
was born in Panama and moved to New Orleans
and then New York City, becoming a pioneering
pianist/bandleader, and Louis Armstrong's
long-time musical director. Her mother, Carline
Ray, is an outstanding bassist and vocalist,
who has performed with Mary Lou Williams
and International Sweethearts of Rhythm.
Not surprisingly considering her roots, Catherine
Russell is a one of a kind vocalist. She
has toured the world, performing and recording
with David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, Paul Simon, Jackson
Browne, Michael Feinstein, Carrie Smith, and
Rosanne Cash, among others.
Since the 2006 release of her debut album, Cat, on Harmonia Mundi's World Village label, Catherine has been making new fans and friends. "She is a fresh and original voice. The most exciting debut album I've heard in a long time." writes critic and Sinatra biographer, Will Friedwald, who picked Cat among his top 10 CDs of the year. "It's a delight to hear the real thing in Catherine Russell.", writes Nat Hentoff in The Wall Street Journal. National Public Radio's top 5 jazz CD's of 2006 included Cat, as chosen by WBGO dj's.
Catherine Russell's 2nd album on World Village, Sentimental Streak, was released in 2008 to universal acclaim. Catherine was a guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and Fresh Air with Terry Gross. Ms. Russell won the prestigious German Record Critics' Award in the Jazz category and Living Blues magazine's 2008 critics' poll as "Artist Deserving More Attention." L'Acadamie du Jazz in France chose Sentimental Streak as finaliste for Prix du Jazz Vocal 2008, while Grammy Award winning writer and jazz critic Francis Davis picked Sentimental Streak as Vocal Album of the Year in the 2008 Village Voice Jazz Critics Poll. All Music Guide says, "Russell emerged as a retro old school vocalist for the ages." Her Inside This Heart of Mine (2010) and Strictly Romancin' (2012) have continued her award-winning streak.
Catherine's voice can be heard on Donald Fagen's Kamakiriad, Walter Becker's 11 Tracks Of Whack, and Steely Dan's Everything Must Go. Her website is here.
M a
r v i n S
a m m
Photo: Judy Kirtley
|A native Memphian, Marvin Stamm began his
career as trumpet soloist with the Stan
Kenton Orchestra, and touring
later with the Woody Herman Orchestra.
Upon moving to NYC in 1966, he gained
considerable recognition for his playing
with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra
and the Duke Pearson Big Band, as well as performing with Frank
Sinatra and the Benny Goodman
Sextet. Marvin also advanced a career in
the New York City recording studios, recording with Quincy Jones, Bill Evans,
Stanley Turrentine, Grover Washington,
George Benson, Barbara Streisand, Paul
McCartney, James Brown, Donny Hathaway,
Burt Bacharach, Dionne Warwick, the Average
White Band, and the Rolling Stones, among others. In
the late 80's, he eschewed studio
work to return and concentrate his efforts
on jazz performance.
Currently, Marvin's activities include performing as a soloist, in duo with pianist Bill Mays, with his jazz quartet, and as a soloist with symphony orchestras. In 2006, Marvin and Bill Mays formed a trio with cellist Alisa Horn — The Inventions Trio — that plays a wide and eclectic repertoire of music in jazz clubs, universities, and concert venues throughout the U.S. Marvin continues to tour world wide with the George Gruntz Concert Jazz Band, a select all-star ensemble. He also invests a good deal of time touring colleges and universities, offering his talents as a jazz educator.
Marvin has a number of current CDs among which are: By Ourselves, a duo CD documenting his long-time collaboration with pianist Bill Mays; The Stamm/Soph Project - Live at Birdland — a quartet release created with drummer Ed Soph recorded in the famous New York Jazz club, featuring Bill Mays and bassist Rufus Reid; and Marvin's most recent release, Alone Together, a DVD/CD project again featuring his quartet with Bill Mays, Rufus Reid, and Ed Soph.
Marvin's website is here.
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B o
b S h
e p p a r d
Photo: steelydan.com
may already know Bob Sheppard from the 93-94
SD touring season (and as represented on Alive
in America), and from his session work
on Becker's 11
Tracks of Whack. For his spontaneity, technique,
tone, and sheer musicianship, Bob is a true
After receiving his Master's from The Eastman School of Music, Bob was quickly established as one of the most highly respected and well-known improvising artists on the music scene, both as an international jazz artist and as a session man for hundreds of recordings. In addition to being an accomplished saxophonist, he is also impressive on flute, clarinet, and bass clarinet.
Bob's solo recording debut Tell Tale Signs (Windham Hill Jazz - Produced by Walter Becker) includes original compositions that reflect his unique style as influenced by John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, and Stan Getz, as well as by other jazz notables with whom he has performed.
Before joining up with the Steely Dan 2K Touring band in June of '00, Bob was on the road as a featured soloist with Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now Tour" this past spring. Currently a member of The Peter Erskine Trio, he has also toured with Chick Corea's "Origin" and is featured on Corea's Grammy nominated Change. Over the past 20 years he has forged and maintained associations and collaborations with artists such as Freddie Hubbard, Mike Stern, Randy Brecker, Horace Silver, Lyle Mays, Toshiko Akiyoshi/Lew Tabackin Big Band, Billy Childs, and Nat Adderley. His versatile musicianship has translated equally well to pop (e.g., Rickie Lee Jones, The Manhattan Transfer, Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, and Randy Newman); jazz (e.g., Scott Henderson, Michael Franks) and vocalist accompaniment (e.g., Marilyn Scott, Diane Reeves, and Natalie Cole).
You can visit Bob's website at www.bobsheppard.net
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F r
e d d i e W a
s h i n g t o n
Photo: steelydan.com
to watch and sublime to hear, "Ready Freddie" Washington
started locking down the groove for the Fab-Originees
in '06. Freddie grew up in Oakland California,
studying bass by age 14 and dabbling in
drums and piano. At 19, he bolted out of
the gate by touring with Herbie Hancock
for several years — and then went
on to become the first-call man for the
funk, pop, jazz, and rock stage and in
the studio. A quick glance at his resume
reveals names like Michael Jackson, Al
Jarreau, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Aaron
Neville, Elton John, George Benson, Lionel
Richie, KebMo (and about 60 others). It
was Freddie on bass for Fagen's 2006 Morph
The Cat album and tour.
Freddie also writes and produces. His collaboration with Patrice Rushen, Forget Me Nots, struck sales Gold and was later sampled by Will Smith's multi-Platinum Men In Black, while their Haven't You Heard was sampled for Kirk Franklin's smash, Lookin' For You.
We know DanFans will enjoy "Ready Freddie" on stage this summer. While he of course possesses an expansive palate of expressive devices and techniques, the focus of his playing is always on generating a deep and propulsive groove. "I haven't worked in 20 years", he says.
It shows.
Freddie's website can be found at readyfreddiewashington.com.
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W a
l t W e
i s k o p f
|Saxophonist, composer and author Walt Weiskopf began his New York career performing with the Buddy Rich Big Band in 1981 at the age of 21. Since then, he has made an impressive mark as both a leader and sideman with 12 critically-acclaimed CDs and countless sideman credits, including performing and recording with Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, Donald Fagen and Steve Smith's Jazz Legacy. A dynamic player with enormous technical prowess, Walt is equally well-regarded as a composer and his CDs contain predominantly original work. His five books on advanced topics in improvisation are among the most respected in the field. He lives in New Jersey and is an Adjunct Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia.
Whether for quartet, nonet, or any configuration in between, Walt's compositions and arrangements have attracted fans and critical notice. Simplicity, (Criss Cross Jazz-1993), Walt's first CD as a leader, met with immediate success. It was number one on Eurojazz radio for four straight weeks and caused Mel Martin of Saxophone Journal to write: "Walt Weiskopf's prime influence as a player appears to be John Coltrane, but he is no slavish imitator. He ... gets to musical matters in a powerful and positive way, asserting a definite viewpoint.... He displays much technical accomplishment, yet makes it sound basic and accessible.".
Walt's subsequent recordings, from A World Away in 1994 (Criss Cross Jazz) to the most recent "Live" (Capri - 2011), have also caused a critical stir. In the September 1997 issue of JazzTimes Bill Milkowski counted Walt among his "five most underrated players"; by 2000, Milkowski found that Walt had fulfilled his early promise, and is "...a major talent...a monster tenor saxophonist as well as a prolific composer and accomplished arranger."ÊWalt's Song for My Mother (Criss Cross Jazz-1994) was awarded four stars in Downbeat. Bret Primack of Jazz Central Station listed Song for My Mother as one of the ten best jazz albums of 1997 and Crusader Magazine chose this recording as its number one Jazz Pick of the Year. Tony Hall of JazzWise summed up Walt's current "Live" CD saying simply "...More "live" Weiskopf please...an excellent record."
Walt's website is at waltweiskopf.com
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J e
f f Y o
u n g
singer, and songwriter Jeff Young brings his
melodic, soulful chops — and his awesome
background vocals — to the Steelyard
Sugartooth McDan stage this summer.
Jeff started out in the basement of his parent's house in New York, where his eventual choice of instrument was stimulated by his brother's request that he stop playing the drums. Jeff attended Ithaca College, gigging there and in New York City, eventually landing in Broadway's Gospel at Colonus. Rhythm-section mates from this show became the group "Jeff Young and the Youngsters", whom Fagen tapped for his New York Rock and Soul Revue in the early 90's.
A potent triple-threat talent — keyboardist, writer, and vocalist — Jeff has recorded and performed with Randy Crawford, Curtis Stigers, Shawn Colvin, Jackson Browne, Sting, Bonnie Raitt, Vonda Shephard, Tracy Chapman, Fagen's solo Morph the Cat tour...and a few dozen other names and projects you'd no doubt recognize.
His busy sideman schedule notwithstanding, Jeff's always found time to write and record his own songs: Acting on Impulse (1977), Noise for Neighbors (2000), and Songs From a Red Wurlitzer (2006) — a funky and melodic tribute to the Wurli he "rescued" from a friend's cemetery of forgotten instruments.
Jeff and his family live in Los Angeles, where he's currently Musical Director, Producer, and Composer for Malibu Sound Music Productions.
You can visit Jeff's website at s.com.
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SVOS provide a range of armoured vehicles for the military and private security sectors.
Back to Company Details
VEGA – A New Generation of Protection at DSEi 2013
02 September 2013 by SVOS
Currently developed and produced, the second generation version of APC...
www.army-technology.com is a product of Kable.
Copyright 2014 Kable, a trading division of Kable Intelligence Limited.


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- Antique Jewelry
- The Ages
- Engagement Rings
- Antique Rings
- Diamond Jewelry
- So Much More
Luxurious Diamond Snake Crossover Ring
Snake motif rings have been part of jewelry history for several hundreds of years. The majority of this type of ring is typically in yellow gold and usually decorated with colored gems. This particular example is of more recent vintage and is crafted in 18k white gold. Moreover, the form is that of a crossover ring with the head and tail of the snake crossing over the other.
The head is set with a marquise cut diamond of an estimated .60 carats (H-I color; VS2 clarity). This enticing diamond appears as if the weight were closer to a carat as that particular cut is a shallower stone which looks larger than it literal weight. In addition, the tail is set with ten (10) rose cut diamonds. Please note that the surface areas close to both the head and tail are incised with a pattern resembling that of snake skin. Engraved to the interior is the European style date of "31-12-1958" for December 31, 1958.
Date: Circa 1958.
Measurements: 5/16 of an inch (0.9 cm) in length north to south on the hand and rises 3/16 of an inch (0.6 cm) in height off the finger. Weight of 3.3 grams (2.1 dwt).
Ring Size: US 7-1/4 (UK O; Euro or Int. Circum. 55.0 mm; Int. Dia. 17.5 mm; Japan over 14) and easily can be sized to fit most. Ring sizing information.
Hallmarks: Engraved to interior "31-12-1958".
Condition: Excellent.
Note: Diamond was not removed to preserve the integrity of the setting. Weight is approximated by measurement and formula and may vary from actual weights. Grading may vary if stone is removed.
Forms of Payment
- VISA and MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit & debit cards.
- Personal checks drawn on U.S. banks only - Please allow 7 business days for clearance.
- Money orders, cashier's and traveler's checks - Please allow 7 business days for clearance.
- PayPal.
Other Forms of Payment
Bank Wire - For international orders and orders of $5,000 and over. Please contact us for more details.
Layaway information and for full details see Payment Methods.
Same Day Shipping - Order by 1 pm CST M-F!
FREE for All U.S. Orders - Standard 2 Day Shipping.
FREE for All International Orders - Standard 2-7 Day Shipping.
Full details at Shipping & Insurance.
Standard Money Back No Risk Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, notify us within (3) days of receipt for a full refund. Return shipping is free!
Just write "extended return" in the comments box of your order to qualify! Notify us by December 29th, ship back by January 2nd, 2015.
Standard Return Procedure
- Notify us of your intention to return the item within three (3) days of receipt. You may contact us by email or by telephone.
- Please ship back to us within another two (2) days after we receive notification from you.
- As soon as the item is received, a full refund is issued to you that same day.
More details at Full Guarantee including gift giving and holiday options.


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NAFTC provides monthly email updates about upcoming trainings, classes, and news about advances in alternative fuel vehicles and safety training with NAFTC eNews. If you're interested in keeping up to date, subscribe today!
The First Responder Safety Training for Alternative Fuel and Electric Drive Vehicles project will allow the NAFTC to enhance State Fire Academies' curricula by offering First Responder Safety Train-the-Trainer courses to Academy instructors, as well as through pre-conference workshops at industry conferences. The project will also help enhance firefighter knowledge about alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles by providing first responders with free online Advanced Electric Drive First Responder Safety Training. The project includes updates to and the development of an in-cab version of the Quick Reference Guide, which was developed to help the first responder identify and respond to an alternative fuel vehicle or advanced technology vehicle at the scene of an accident. The project is funded by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Prevention & Safety Grant #EMW-2011-FP-00637.
Alternative fuel vehicles are different than conventional vehicles and it is critical that first responders be properly trained to deal with accidents involving these vehicles.
The scene of a vehicle accident is often a chaotic and hazardous situation. First responders must work within critical time constraints and know how to safely and quickly secure the scene. As the price of oil continues to climb, drivers begin looking for alternative ways to fuel their vehicles. These alternative fuels have special safety considerations and, in many cases, a first responder cannot assume that the same safety standards are applicable as conventional vehicles.
At the scene, would you know:
Are you prepared? For answers to these questions and more, register for a First Responder Safety training course today!
Did you know:
The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium's First Responder Safety Training features a suite of modern technology products and training for biofuel, gaseous fuel, hydrogen, and electric drive vehicles. Participants learn important information needed to safely respond to accidents involving these vehicles. These topics include key vehicle and fuel properties and characteristics, vehicle components, vehicle identification and recommended first responder procedures.
The suite of products includes:


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For information, contact: Carolbelle Branch, PIO
City of Spokane Valley
11707 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 106
Spokane Valley, WA 99206
Fax 509-921-1008
Email: email@example.com
For immediate release
December 28, 2012
Sullivan Rd. Bridge Replacement Project Community Meeting on Jan. 9
SPOKANE VALLEY, WA --- An update on the progress toward replacing the west side Sullivan Road Bridge southbound across the Spokane River is just one of the topics to be addressed at a community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 9, 2013 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at CenterPlace Regional Event Center.
Also to be discussed at the meeting are upcoming projects to modify storm drains on both the northbound and southbound bridges, and resurface Sullivan Road from Flora Pit Road to Trent Avenue. In addition, those attending will be asked for their support in requesting assistance from the state legislature for Bridge Replacement Project funding.
Brief, formal presentations will be made at 4:00pm and 6:00pm. City of Spokane Valley Public Works staff members and project consultants will dedicate the remainder of the time for talking with community members individually, sharing information, answering questions, and getting feedback.
The bridge, which is the westernmost of the two that cross the river at that location, is a critical part of Spokane Valley's economy. It carries about 25,900 vehicles each day, including heavily loaded commercial vehicles. Not only does the bridge provide I-90 access for the industrial areas north of the river, it also connects those areas with commercial areas to the south.
Plans to replace the aging bridge, which was built in 1951, have been in the works since 2010 after an annual inspection rated the bridge as "Structurally Deficient." Although the bridge was not in danger of immediate collapse, the deterioration prompted weight restrictions that were posted in early 2011. Short term repairs to help prolong the life of the bridge were completed in early 2012, allowing the restrictions to be lifted at least temporarily.
A total of $15.8 million toward the estimated $19.7 million needed for bridge replacement has been secured to date. In addition to the $3.5 million from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board and $2.3 million in matching funds from the City, the project was awarded an $8 million grant from the Federal Bridge Program and a $2 million grant from the Washington State Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board. The final $4 million needed is being sought in funding from the state legislature.
More information about the project, including background information and copies of presentations from earlier community meetings can be found on the City's website at www.spokanevalley.org by selecting the "Construction Projects" link from the Public Works page.
CenterPlace Regional Event Center is located at 2426 N. Discovery Place in Spokane Valley. For more information or to share input on the project, contact bridge replacement project manager Craig Aldworth at firstname.lastname@example.com, or 509-720-5001.
To sign up for emailed Sullivan Road Bridge updates, go to www.spokanevalley.org and select the envelope icon in the "Follow Us" menu at the lower left side of the home page. Updates are also sent via regular mail to addresses in the vicinity of the bridge. If you are not already receiving the mailed updates and would like to do so, please email firstname.lastname@example.com or call 509-270-5411.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals planning to attend meeting who require special assistance to accommodate physical, hearing, or other impairments may contact firstname.lastname@example.com or 720-5001 so arrangements may be made.


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great service, great people. I have been going there fro 10 years
Not only did they make a few mistakes that would have cost me a nice amount in my return. I had to return to there office TWICE! They were rude and unprofessional. Very poor customer service.
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