Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Elixir presents pianist MATT McCABE - Thursday, April 17th

ELIXIR at the FREIGHT HOUSE in WHITE RIVER JUNCTION

PRESENTS PIANIST MATT McCABE

THURSDAY, APRIL 17th

 

ELIXIR at The Freight House, White River Junction’s premier destination for fine dining and live music, presents the duo of jazz and blues pianist MATT McCABE and bassist DAVID WESTPHALEN on Thursday, April 17, 2008 from 6:30 to 9:30pm.  McCabe, who has appeared on over three dozen albums over the years and played with a “who’s who” of celebrated blues musicians, is probably best known for his work with Roomful of Blues and the Duke Robillard Band.  Over the past 15 years, he has become well-known as a jazz pianist in the New England area.  Call ELIXIR at 802-281-7009 for reservations.  There is no cover charge for the music.

 

Matt McCabe grew up outside of Boston, one of nine children born to Irish parents.  His father was an English professor at Tufts University and also taught courses in music appreciation, so music came to McCabe very early.  Unlike his siblings, he shunned piano lessons and learned to play mostly by ear.  While his father and older brother were into jazz, McCabe listened mostly to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, so as his piano playing progressed, the blues came naturally.  For over two decades, he had a successful career performing with some of the most celebrated names in blues, including Steve Ray Vaughn, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, Pinetop Perkins, Jimmie Rogers, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds as well as such pop artists as Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur, and Huey Lewis and the News.  As a member of Roomful of Blues and the Duke Robillard Band, McCabe got his fill of touring and decided to settle in New Hampshire and open himself to the music he had shunned in his youth – jazz -- and began studies in theory and harmony.  He also began composing, which culminated in his 2007 release Daylight Jumper, recorded with his trio.  McCabe has also written a novel about a musician on the road.

 

David Westphalen is a well-known bassist, trombonist and bandleader in the Upper Valley. For many years his band Swing Machine has performed at dances, Dartmouth College functions, weddings and other private events around northern New England.  After graduating with a major in music from Tufts University, he taught high school music in Vermont for two years.  David currently plays bass with a number of Vermont-based musicians, including Fred Haas, Michael Zsoldos, Bob Merrill and Dave Ellis.  He also works with several small combos, including a duo with guitarist Billy Rosen, and occasionally sings jazz standards.  David plays trombone with the Vermont Jazz Center Big Band, based in Brattleboro, as well as the seven-piece, traditional jazz band The Almost Legendary Thundering Muskrats. 

 

Located at The Freight House, 188 S. Main Street, White River Junction, VT (802-281-7009), ELIXIR Restaurant and Lounge presents eclectic fare and small plates and features special martinis, local beers, an international wine list and live music nightly.  Eat, laugh & drink. 

www.elixirrestaurant.com

 

 

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