Birthday Weekend!

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I had an amazing birthday weekend playing music with PitchBlak and seeing friends and family. We did a masterclass at Loyalsock Township High School with its middle and high school jazz bands and vocal chamber choir. In the evening, we performed music alongside each group. Here I am with the two drummers from the middle school band, DeSean (looking thrilled!) and Corrine: 

After spending the night at my amazing sister's house in Urbana, MD,  we headed to Berkeley Spring, WV to play at Sleep Creek's Spring Dig festival. Just an hour from my hometown, my mom, dad, sister, and nephew were able to come to the show. It was my nephew William's first time hearing us play; I was nervous! We busted out his favorite song, Uptown Funk, and he loved it! Here I am ready to camp for the night:

Woke up the next day and I was suddenly 30! Drove up to Pittsburgh to play at Pittonkatonk to an EXTREMELY hype crowd. This was one of my favorite shows I've played in awhile! 

Last night was bananas @pitchblakbrass

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We got back to our host's house (shout out to Tim Wolfson who is one of the best people on the entire planet) and was surprised with a birthday cake! Thanks to everyone who made my birthday weekend one to remember!

Happy birthday @ay_bear :)

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Musical #tbt: Page France - Air Pollution (with marimba and vibes)

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I stumbled upon this track last night while looking for an audio file on my Mac. I totally forgot about this recording, which I started in 2011. The band, Page France (whose founding members now make music under the moniker Cotton Jones), was from my hometown and released a few great albums and found great success with touring and licensing. I vaguely remember tracking this at my rehearsal studio in DUMBO and for whatever reason never completed it. Enough years have passed for me to be ok with putting it on the internet even though there are mistakes at the end of many of the phrases. Oh well! It's a simple melody that lends itself perfectly to mallet percussion. Enjoy!

I stumbled upon this track last night while looking for an audio file on my Mac. I totally forgot about this recording, which I started in 2011. The band, Page France (whose founding members now make music under the moniker Cotton Jones), was from my hometown. They released some great albums and toured the country many times. They had a song placed on Weeds, which I think is pretty awesome! 

I vaguely remember tracking this at my rehearsal studio in DUMBO and for whatever reason never completed it. Enough years have passed for me to be ok with putting it on the internet even though there are mistakes at the end of many of the phrases. Oh well! It's a simple melody that lends itself perfectly to mallet percussion.  Enjoy! 

 

Awesome show: Bowlive

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I was treated to VIP tickets to Bowlive last night from Jambase. Of all the Bowlives this year, this was the one I really wanted to hit, as it featured Soule Monde as the opener. The band is Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski, the drummer and keyboardist from the Trey Anastasio Band. Holy smokes those guys groove! I got to speak to Russ after the show and he was the most humble drummer I've ever met! 

Soulive killed it as usual. They were joined by Chris Robinson of Black Crowes fame. He is truly a rock star! I really loved the three Dead tunes they played together. 


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On the Road: Winchester, VA

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Thanks for the pic, sis! 

PitchBlak played in historic Winchester, VA this weekend. It's just over an hour from where I grew up. My mom, sister, aunt, uncle and their son (who is also a drummer!) came to the show. The Bright Box Theater is a beautiful place to play! The hospitality was amazing, as was the sound engineer, David.

The first music camp I ever went to was at Shenandoah University in Winchester when I was in 8th grade. I still remember many of the pieces we played, including La Fiesta Mexicana, in which I learned how to play 2:3! 

The PitchBlak Playlist: EIFFELLIFE

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The second PitchBlak Playlist (our Harlem residency at the Shrine) occurred last night. I did all the arrangements for the featured artist, EIFFELLIFE. Check out some clips: 

Last night's PitchBlak Playlist was off the hook! AshleyBaier.com/music for the full video.

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Run It. #EIFFELLIFE

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Full vid:

Live from the Shrine in Harlem, 2/17/15. Eiffellife's Freddy Krugga arranged for PitchBlak by me.