Got to begin putting in more practice time. Am feeling the need, on the rhythm side as well as on the melodic side. Heard about this cd metronome program that I can download. It’s got a live drummer playing different genres, which you can then set at any metronome marking.

Had a rough night on Monday – but I get a chance to “redeem” myself. Thursday the Becca Darling Band goes into the studio to begin work on our 5 song demo. Thursday night I’m back at the Northside Bistro, and Saturday night I’m at the “Full Moon Jazz on the Green” at Yachthaven Grande.

There was a heartwarming memorial for Nicky Russell held at Magen’s Bay on Sunday. He truly was one of those bigger than life figures – and will be missed. Janet made a touching testimonial that brought tears to my eyes, and I’m sure others !!

It’s been an exciting and productive week.

Sunday, the Danny Silber trio played at Frenchman’s Cove for a couple of hundred people at a 4th of July BBQ. The crowd was very appreciative.

On Monday, the Becca Darling Band played before a packed house at Latitude 18, and again the crowd was very appreciative as well as generous – they kept throwing money at the stage. It at first startled Becca, but she then realized that it’s a high compliment

and a Greek tradition ( there was a party of roughly 30 folks from Greece).

On Wednesday, the band met up at ISW Studios to begin work on our first “studio”

recording. It’s going to be all originals and Morgan is going to be the acting producer. Things are definitely looking up for the Becca Darling Band – Jim Tunick will be the Executive Producer.

On Thursday, I played solo Piano at the Northside Bistro and thought I played quite well ! I just love that place, and hope more folks find out about it – It’s got a wonderful ambiance, plus great food and great staff – and with a grand piano – well there’s nothing else like it on St. Thomas !!

Saturday night I’ll be at Hull Bay Hideaway with the Becca Darling Band and that’s usually a fun gig – a lot of our “northside” fans usually show up and It’s a laid back casual hang.

Sunday the Danny Silber Trio will be playing at Emerald Beach Resort for some good cause which I should know – I’ll find out. the trio consists of Denise Hummer, a fine jazz vocalist, and Paul Dirks on Bass.

This gig is one of those “free up yourself”, opportunities. Since there are no other musicians on the gig – I  have the freedom to play medleys, change keys on the fly, and try unusual intros and endings (among other things), without having to cue other musicians.  It is also more challenging, since I don’t have the stimulation and or inspiration that I receive from other musicians!  Of course, playing on a grand piano is inspiration in and of itself !!

I find myself  playing more jazz, bossa, blues, and latin during the first set. As the night goes on, I tend to branch out into more R&B, rock, and country (depending of course, on the crowd) !  And I get to sing a few tunes -  Yay !

The food is excellent, the ambiance is sophisticated, and the staff is great !!  So what’s not to like ?

((Mark thisMark this date because “open mike”  night is back in a big way at Latitude 18. Last night we had several fine vocalists – Joe Colpitt, Denise Hummer, Captain Bob White, Jason Jones, and Kim and Rich,  plus the “house band” which consisted of  Barefoot Davis (who did a great job of hosting and MC ing ), plus Ras Abijah on guitar, and Donald Birmingham on bass, and myself on keys!  I loved the spontaneity of the night – each performer brings something new to the table and to see  how the house band responds to each performer is fascinating!!

I'm singing a blues on open mike night

This is me singing and playing “The Piano Has Been Drinking” by Tom Waits. It’s usually a fun day right there on the beach at Ainsley’s with Barefoot Davis, Donald Birmingham, and sometimes Jason Jones and or Bob Ward. The crowds have been really appreciative and spirited lately, and the pizza is brick-oven baked!

This video was shot by Barefoot Jimmy’s brother Marty, and then generously shared with Morgan and me. Had a lot of fun “sitting in” with the Blues Disciples, and also hanging out with them. The crowd at Jack’s at Tillett Gardens was spirited and that added to the good “spirit” of the day! Danny and Morgan with the Blues Disciples

We enjoy the crowd at Jack’s. Almost all locals-we usually know quite a few of them. Plus Becca does a Trivia night there on Tuesdays, and does have a fan base for that! We’ll be playing our usual eclectic mix of  Blues, Country, Rock, R&B, Jazz, and original songs!  We hit at 7:30pm. Come on down and hang!!

This performance was recorded at the Haiti Relief Concert at Yachthaven Grande. Becca’s rendition somewhat reminds me of the sultry Billie Holliday interpretation –but done in her own style. It felt real good to be playing on a major league sound system thanks to Cinque Donovan!!

This was a fun day of music. Morgan Rael and I “sat in”with the Blues Disciples-a fine blues band from Milwaukee. This took place at Hull Bay Hideaway and we also had Merle Johnson and Paul Dirks sitting in. We got to sit in with them on a couple of other occasions.

It’s the regular “Barefoot Davis Monday Night Band” playing for Kelly’s Beach Barbecue at Robert’s Grill! We have a special “guest” (Tina) who will be joining in on vocals-plus my wonderful sister and niece are here-yea!! The food is always excellent and the staff is great-What’s not to like?? Donald B. Moi, and Barefoot Davis working hard at Ainsley’s