11/05 - Friday :: Aaron Goldberg

Aaron Goldberg (Piano)

Reuben Rogers (Bass)

Eric Harland (Drums)

Aaron Goldberg is a pianist and composer performing at the vanguard of jazz music. His new album Home (April 2010, Sunnyside) builds upon his last, Worlds, both exhibiting the sensitivity and dynamism of his longstanding trio featuring Reuben Rogers and Eric Harland. In addition to heading his trio, Aaron has spent the last 12 years touring with many of the most brilliant voices in jazz--Joshua Redman, Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, Nicholas Payton, Al Foster, Stefon Harris, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Madeleine Peyroux and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchesta among others.

Aaron was born in Boston and got hooked on jazz in high school by Bob Sinicrope and Jerry Bergonzi, two master educators. He spent a year at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music before graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1996 with a degree in History and Science and a concentration in Mind, Brain and Behavior. On weekends he held a long-time residence at Wally's Cafe in Boston, and the fall after graduation he moved to Brooklyn.

He began performing with a cross-generational array of legends and peers--including Tom Harrell, Freddie Hubbard, Mark Turner, Greg Tardy--in addition to working with his own trio. In 1998 he joined the quartet of Joshua Redman, with whom he toured for 4 years and recorded two albums. Along with Aaron’s 4 albums as a leader and 4 more as a coleader of the OAM Trio, Aaron has recorded over 60 cds with a diverse spectrum of artists.

In 2004 and 2008, Aaron produced and performed in Jazz for America's Future and Jazz for Obama, historic fundraising concerts for Sen. John Kerry and President Barack Obama respectively. He is the co-arranger/composer (with John Ellis) of the Baby Loves Jazz series of books and cds, as well as the musical director of All Souls at Sundown, a jazz and poetry series in NYC. He is also a member of the instrumental faculty at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and a clinician at conservatories and universities around the world.

Downside Joyride's Website

Downside Joyride is a rock band with a country twist, formed in upstate New York in 2008. Their sound has been compared to the likes of Bon Jovi and Kid Rock. In July of 2010 Downside Joyride released it's debut album "Long Way Home". The record features 11 tracks written and recorded by Todd Mihan at his studio in Hyde Park, New York. The four piece band has been enjoying positive crowd reactions with songs that appeal to the listener in both quiet acoustic and full band electric settings."Long Way Home" is currently for sale online and at performances around the tri-state area.

Downside Joyride was born when musician Todd Mihan found himself between projects. His passion for writing led to the creation of 30 plus songs between 2007 and 2009. When he decided to assemble a band to perform the new music, Todd invited musicians Chris Trainor-drums , Mike Morrison-guitar , and Steve Orlik-bass to climb onboard. Together they deliver songs that hook you from the gate and leave you wanting more. The album's dramatic title track "Long Way Home" received honorable mention in Billboard's 16th annual World Song Contest. "Hang in there honey , help is on the way ...don't leave me here alone , try to stay awake...hold on to my hand , I won't let you go ...wish we'd taken the long way home" Todd sings about a fatal motorcycle crash he witnessed one Sunday afternoon.

Todd's guitar playing is featured on Tommy Lee's new record " A Public Disservice Announcement" released on September 21st 2010. He won an Ernie Ball Music Man guitar in October of 2009 when he was the first ever submission to interactive recording website ThePublicRecord.com. He has shared the stage with Motley Crue , Ratt , Kings X , Gin Blossoms , Ronnie Montrose , and many more. Todd is not only responsible for writing, recording the music , he also created the album artwork and designs/maintains the band's website downsidejoyride.com.

Downside Joyride's debut record "Long Way Home" is now available on iTunes , Amazon , and CD Baby.ab