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It was a pleasure to play drums and percussion for Jeff Bazz on the demo recording, “Wearing Hats.” Jeff Bazz on Guitar and Vocals, Stacey Benben on Cello and Vocals, and Stephen Morabito on Drums and Percussion. My favorite tune from the demo is “The Sauce.” I hope everyone goes to Soundcloud to listen or download these very cool Indie tunes.

This link will take you to: http://soundcloud.com/jeff-bazz:
Wearing Hats by Jeff Bazz on Sound Cloud

Or listen to a quick sample here:
The Sauce
Box
Robots In Space
Good Morning Brooklyn!

Berlin, Vermont – Here are a few recent recordings.
Musicians are: Joe Cannizzaro (Bass, Vocals); Danielle O’Hallisey (Guitar); Stephen Morabito (Drums, Percussion); Papa Cannizzaro (Horn).

Ornithology
Blue Bossa
Basin Street

Montpelier. Vermont – Storm Cat Jazz is on the loose!

Based in Montpelier Vermont, Storm Cat Jazz is an eclectic trio performing a unique mix of classic and obscure jazz tunes. The trio expounds a seriously geeky mind-meld of the elements of jazz with artistry, humor, and humility. Intricate melodies are finely crafted by eight string guitar-playing wizard Danielle O’Hallisey. Joe Cannizzaro mesmerizes the audience with his thoughtful rhythmic pulse on the upright base, occasionally supplemented with old-school gritty vocals. Drum brush artist Stephen Morabito completes the dynamic picture bringing a refined texture, color, and whimsy into the mix. The trio frequently calls upon other local jazz artists for live performances to create a fresh unique experience every time. The Storm Cat Jazz experience teleports the listener through the vast historical jazz timeline: from the swing era of the 1930′s and 40′s to the golden age era of Miles Davis and Bill Evans, to the avant-garde and edgy fusion styles of modern times. This trio does it all! Guitarist O’Hallisey explains that, “by standing on the shoulders of the jazz giants of yesteryear, we are provided with a great opportunity to play leapfrog.”

Montpelier, Vermont
Stephen Morabito and Friends performed at the Bagitos brunch on November 13th, 2011. Here they are playing the classic “What Child is this.” The musicians are: Cannizzaro (Bass); Manning (Vocals); Morabito (Drums); O’Hallisey (Guitar).

Berlin, VT
Storm Cat Bixby plays “Minor Swing” a classic gypsy jazz most notably performed by Django Reinhardt. Players are Cannizzaro (bass), O’Hallisey (guitar) Hutchins (sax), and Morabito (drums).
Minor Swing by Storm Cat Bixby 2011

Here’s an audio clip of a drum brush solo I played recently. Stephen Callahan on Piano.
Stephen Morabito Drum Brush Solo 10-2011

I always enjoy my time playing with Vermont composer and pianist, Stephen Callahan. Here is a video of him and me performing one of his tunes, “Ringing True” at the Radio Bean in Burlington, Vermont in October 2011.

Cambridge, VT
Bill, Rick, Deb, Matt, and I worked the Green Mountain Drums booth at the 2011 Cambridge Music Festival at Boyden Farm. As the festival’s Platinum sponsor, Green Mountain Drums crafted and donated a beautiful 14 X 4.25 maple snare in silver sparkle for the raffle. Congratulations to the very lucky winner! We gave some t-shirts out to the kids, made lots of new friends, and got to hear many talented local musicians do their thing. Special thanks to the Hot Tamale Company in Johnson for taking good care of us with their great authentic Mexican food (Yum!).

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I had some fabulous fun with this vintage score out of a friend’s basement in Burlington, Vermont. This is a Remo SE kit circa late 1980′s with the Acousticon Shells. I refurbished this kit for use at a great local coffee shop for their ongoing musical endeavors. The shells were in good condition. There was rust and pitting on the rims, lugs, clips, etc. I replaced the broken and too-nasty-to-repair parts. I replaced the old heads with Remo Coated Ambassadors and tuned them up all nice and sweet. The full four piece kit is now in its permanent home at Breaking Grounds (a great coffee and sandwich shop) in Bethel, Vermont. Breaking Grounds has ongoing musical entertainment including open mic sessions as well as local musicians du jour. Go check ‘em out! This was a fun project and I’m happy to see them all fixed up and ready to play. Finished kit photos to be posted soon!!

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With the month of June comes some exciting events including the very hopeful release of the new EP “Wearing Hats” by Jeff Bazz and the Barony of Whim and some great shows:

June 14th: Stephen Callahan Jazz Quartet at Radio Bean in Burlington, VT (6:00 p.m.)

June 18th: An Evening of Kirtan and Devotional Music: A Fundraising Event for The Vermont Community Yoga Project; with Carrie Grossman and Justin Hillman at Evolution Yoga featuring Seth Whittier and Stephen Morabito on drums and percussion.

July 2nd: CD Release Party! in Burlington (Tentative, TBA). Wear a hat!