The Snow Goose Gig

Last night (7/24/08) the banquet room at the Snow Goose was filled with the musicians featured on Matt Hammer's new CD "Surreal Sessions", and a cadre of loyal Hammer fans for the CD release party. First, each number on the CD was performed live on the stage by the musicians who recorded those tracks. Unfortunately, saxophonists Mike Merrill and Kyle Stersic weren't able to attend, but it gave me a chance to play their solos on their pieces as well as my own on "San Diego Serenade". Kurt Rieman was there (owner of Surreal Recording Studio, and organist of the CD), but he only records and never plays live gigs. That was too bad, I'd love to see him play. Also, Paul Schlomer (harmonica) was absent and we hope he's feeling better soon. We all had a great time. The food was good, the cake was great, and the free-form last hour of music was a kick. Oh, if you weren't there, you missed a terrific drum solo by John Nyman. I noticed someone was shooting pictures of us and I imagine they'll eventually be posted on Matt's website (www.heymatt.com)