The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 15
Downbeat Magazine Review of Red Beats!
Drummer Steve Fidyk leads the Live Wire Broad Band on his fourth album as a leader. Red Beats (Blue Canteen; 55:32; 3 1/2 Stars). A surprisingly strong big band album. It has some swing and bounce to it that gives it a bit of that cut above the rest. It bends the boundaries of the genre, though it doesn't necessarily break them. Moments like the pointedly meandering guitar near the end of "Churn" or Brian Charette's organ solo on "Loopholes" in time with guitarist Michael Kramer's arrangements give the idea that maybe there's a little more to this group and their arrangements than meets the eye.
Fidyk's pulling ideas from everywhere to craft a big band album with a forward-thinking sound, and it shows. The new-age synths melding with his drum solo at the end of "Food Court Drifter" aren't the kind of sounds you hear every day. Ordering info: www.bluecanteenmusic.com
-Anthony Dean-Harris, Downbeat Magazine
Downbeat Magazine Review of Red Beats!
Drummer Steve Fidyk leads the Live Wire Broad Band on his fourth album as a leader. Red Beats (Blue Canteen; 55:32; 3 1/2 Stars). A surprisingly strong big band album. It has some swing and bounce to it that gives it a bit of that cut above the rest. It bends the boundaries of the genre, though it doesn't necessarily break them. Moments like the pointedly meandering guitar near the end of "Churn" or Brian Charette's organ solo on "Loopholes" in time with guitarist Michael Kramer's arrangements give the idea that maybe there's a little more to this group and their arrangements than meets the eye.
Fidyk's pulling ideas from everywhere to craft a big band album with a forward-thinking sound, and it shows. The new-age synths melding with his drum solo at the end of "Food Court Drifter" aren't the kind of sounds you hear every day. Ordering info: www.bluecanteenmusic.com
-Anthony Dean-Harris, Downbeat Magazine
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 14
New Music for 2023!
I hope everyone is well and enjoying the new year!
I’m extremely proud and excited to present new music to kick off 2023 with the release of Red Beats! This recording features an all-star band of musicians who hail from the ranks of The Buddy Rich Big Band, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau, The Army Blues, The Navy Commodores, and The Airmen of Note.
Featured soloists include some of New York’s finest — guitar legend Jack Wilkins, tenor saxophone titan Walt Weiskopf and contemporary organist Brian Charette.
I hope that you will agree that Red Beats brings together the finest elements of big band swing, combined with contemporary style.
You can pre-save Red Beats at your preferred streaming site today at:
https://found.ee/RedBeats
Pre-Saves aid streaming services when selecting which artists to boost for editorial and algorithmic playlists, so each Pre-Save is genuinely priceless!
For a physical copy of the CD, please send a message to bluecanteenmusic@gmail.com
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Musically,
Steve
New Music for 2023!
I hope everyone is well and enjoying the new year!
I’m extremely proud and excited to present new music to kick off 2023 with the release of Red Beats! This recording features an all-star band of musicians who hail from the ranks of The Buddy Rich Big Band, The Count Basie Orchestra, The Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, Maynard Ferguson’s Big Bop Nouveau, The Army Blues, The Navy Commodores, and The Airmen of Note.
Featured soloists include some of New York’s finest — guitar legend Jack Wilkins, tenor saxophone titan Walt Weiskopf and contemporary organist Brian Charette.
I hope that you will agree that Red Beats brings together the finest elements of big band swing, combined with contemporary style.
You can pre-save Red Beats at your preferred streaming site today at:
https://found.ee/RedBeats
Pre-Saves aid streaming services when selecting which artists to boost for editorial and algorithmic playlists, so each Pre-Save is genuinely priceless!
For a physical copy of the CD, please send a message to bluecanteenmusic@gmail.com
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Musically,
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 12
I hope everyone is enjoying summer the best they can in this unprecedented period of time.
I’m extremely proud of the positive feedback regarding my latest release Battle Lines. In it’s second week of radio rotation, Battle Lines debuts at #41 on JazzWeek/ #19 on the North American College and Community Jazz Top 30/ Most Added JazzWeek with 26 new stations/Increased Airplay JazzWeek with 65+ spins!
Special thanks to the following jazz radio stations for the adds and spins:
WDNA- Miami, Fl; KBEM- Minneapolis, MN; KCSM- San Mateo/San Francisco, CA; KEWU- Cheyenne/Spokane, WA; WWSP – Stevens Point, WI; WDCB- Chicago/Glen Ellyn, IL; KNTU- Denton, TX; WRTI- Philadelphia, PA; WDCE- Richmond, VA; WHRV- Norfolk, VA; WRIR- Richmond, VA; WTJU- Charlottesville, VA; WWUH- Hartford, CT; WWNO- New Orleans, LA; WOWD- Takoma Park, MD; Radio Phoenix- Phoenix, AZ; Jazz After Hours- L, CA; Hawaii Public Broadcasting- Honolulu, HI; KRWV- Gold Canyon, AZ; KKUP- San Jose, CA; KPOO- San Francisco, CA; KCME- Colorado Springs, CO; KUVO- Denver, CO; WPFW- Washington DC; WFCF- St. Augustine, FL; WUSF- Tampa, FL; KCCK- CedarRapids, IA; KANU- Lawrence, KS; WMCB/WXOJ- Greenfield, MA; KIOS- Omaha, NE; KZUM- Lincoln, NE; WRUW- Cleveland, OH; WZBT- Gettysburg, PA; KAZI- Austin, TX; WGDR- Plainfield, VT; CJUM-Winnipeg, MB; CILU- Thunder Bay, ON; Jazz Boulevard- Montreal, QC; Planet Jazz 89.1- Queensland, Australia; jazz radio.net- Berlin, Germany; Gallery 41- Berkeley, CA; SoulandJazz- Gilroy, CA; TAINT Internet Radio- Raleigh, NC; M3 Radio- Brooklyn, NY; WODU Studios- Norfolk, VA; WFMT Network- Chicago, IL; KJZZ- Tempe, AZ; KCSB – Santa Barbara, CA; KUCI – Irvine, CA; WECS- Willamantic, CT; WGVU – Grand Rapids, MI; KKFI- Kansas City, MO; WPRB- Princeton, NJ; WGMC – Rochester, NY; WOOC- Schenectady, NY; WVIA- Pittston, PA; KUSD- Vermilion, SD; WRUV- Burlington, VT.
I’m also very grateful for the support from the many jazz bloggers and reviewers that have taken the time to write about Battle Lines...
“Combining with four of NYC‘s finest, the end result is some of the best music since the heyday of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.”
– Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here, UK Jazz Blog
“Despite its militaristic title, Battle Lines is more of a party than a skirmish. Steve Fidyk and company sound as if they were deep into the second set of a gig at an underground club. “Make grooves not war” just might be this drummer’s philosophy.”
– Richard B. Kamins, STEP TEMPEST
“Steve Fidyk is quite impressive as a leader and composer, which is displayed superbly on this program of engaging originals and jazz chestnuts.”
— Ron Weinstock, IN A BLUE MOOD
“The music is rooted deeply in the Bebop tradition, and the band masters the various styles with ease and a wink.”
– www.michaelsjazzblog.com
“Battle Lines is Fidyk’s third outing as leader, and like everything he’s touched, it’s exceptional, robust and never short on the sort of rhythm and melody that we will never tire of.”
— Tom Haugen, TAKE EFFECT
Battle Lines is currently available for download and streaming on all platforms. For a physical copy of the CD, please visit www.bluecanteen music.com
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below. I hope everyone is enjoying summer the best they can in this unprecedented period of time.
I hope everyone is enjoying summer the best they can in this unprecedented period of time.
I’m extremely proud of the positive feedback regarding my latest release Battle Lines. In it’s second week of radio rotation, Battle Lines debuts at #41 on JazzWeek/ #19 on the North American College and Community Jazz Top 30/ Most Added JazzWeek with 26 new stations/Increased Airplay JazzWeek with 65+ spins!
Special thanks to the following jazz radio stations for the adds and spins:
WDNA- Miami, Fl; KBEM- Minneapolis, MN; KCSM- San Mateo/San Francisco, CA; KEWU- Cheyenne/Spokane, WA; WWSP – Stevens Point, WI; WDCB- Chicago/Glen Ellyn, IL; KNTU- Denton, TX; WRTI- Philadelphia, PA; WDCE- Richmond, VA; WHRV- Norfolk, VA; WRIR- Richmond, VA; WTJU- Charlottesville, VA; WWUH- Hartford, CT; WWNO- New Orleans, LA; WOWD- Takoma Park, MD; Radio Phoenix- Phoenix, AZ; Jazz After Hours- L, CA; Hawaii Public Broadcasting- Honolulu, HI; KRWV- Gold Canyon, AZ; KKUP- San Jose, CA; KPOO- San Francisco, CA; KCME- Colorado Springs, CO; KUVO- Denver, CO; WPFW- Washington DC; WFCF- St. Augustine, FL; WUSF- Tampa, FL; KCCK- CedarRapids, IA; KANU- Lawrence, KS; WMCB/WXOJ- Greenfield, MA; KIOS- Omaha, NE; KZUM- Lincoln, NE; WRUW- Cleveland, OH; WZBT- Gettysburg, PA; KAZI- Austin, TX; WGDR- Plainfield, VT; CJUM-Winnipeg, MB; CILU- Thunder Bay, ON; Jazz Boulevard- Montreal, QC; Planet Jazz 89.1- Queensland, Australia; jazz radio.net- Berlin, Germany; Gallery 41- Berkeley, CA; SoulandJazz- Gilroy, CA; TAINT Internet Radio- Raleigh, NC; M3 Radio- Brooklyn, NY; WODU Studios- Norfolk, VA; WFMT Network- Chicago, IL; KJZZ- Tempe, AZ; KCSB – Santa Barbara, CA; KUCI – Irvine, CA; WECS- Willamantic, CT; WGVU – Grand Rapids, MI; KKFI- Kansas City, MO; WPRB- Princeton, NJ; WGMC – Rochester, NY; WOOC- Schenectady, NY; WVIA- Pittston, PA; KUSD- Vermilion, SD; WRUV- Burlington, VT.
I’m also very grateful for the support from the many jazz bloggers and reviewers that have taken the time to write about Battle Lines...
“Combining with four of NYC‘s finest, the end result is some of the best music since the heyday of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers.”
– Lance Liddle, Bebop Spoken Here, UK Jazz Blog
“Despite its militaristic title, Battle Lines is more of a party than a skirmish. Steve Fidyk and company sound as if they were deep into the second set of a gig at an underground club. “Make grooves not war” just might be this drummer’s philosophy.”
– Richard B. Kamins, STEP TEMPEST
“Steve Fidyk is quite impressive as a leader and composer, which is displayed superbly on this program of engaging originals and jazz chestnuts.”
— Ron Weinstock, IN A BLUE MOOD
“The music is rooted deeply in the Bebop tradition, and the band masters the various styles with ease and a wink.”
– www.michaelsjazzblog.com
“Battle Lines is Fidyk’s third outing as leader, and like everything he’s touched, it’s exceptional, robust and never short on the sort of rhythm and melody that we will never tire of.”
— Tom Haugen, TAKE EFFECT
Battle Lines is currently available for download and streaming on all platforms. For a physical copy of the CD, please visit www.bluecanteen music.com
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below. I hope everyone is enjoying summer the best they can in this unprecedented period of time.
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 11
Positive Reviews for Battle Lines!
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and well. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release some new music during this unprecedented time. This project has certainly helped relieve some of the day to day stress and anxiety of not being able to perform and collaborate with musicians, students and supporters of the music.
I’m very grateful for the support from many jazz bloggers and reviewers that have taken the time to write about Battle Lines...
“I suppose one of the biggest accolades you could offer about Steve’s recordings is that you would never know that the band on them is headed-up by a drummer. The drums don’t dominate the music. They are a part of it.
For skilled musicianship that generates power, pulse and propulsion in the finest traditions of Jazz drumming, you can’t do better than “The Fidyk Force.”
– Steven A. Cerra www.jazzprofiles.blogspot.com
“Utilizing an impressive vocabulary, precise stick control at every dynamic level, a capacity to develop recognizable themes while utilizing various components of the drum kit, as well as a proclivity for spontaneity, his brief breaks and extended improvisations add yet another dimension to the record.“
– David A. Orthmann www.allaboutjazz.com.
“As post-bop dates go, Battle Lines is a fine example of the form. This is in no small part because there’s a guy behind the drum kit who knows the style and the tradition behind it well, using that know-how to elevate everyone else.”
– S. Victor Aaron www.somethingelsereviews.com
Battle Lines will be available for download and streaming on all platforms beginning tomorrow-Friday, 6/26/2020.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Steve
Positive Reviews for Battle Lines!
I hope this newsletter finds you and your family safe and well. I’m grateful for the opportunity to release some new music during this unprecedented time. This project has certainly helped relieve some of the day to day stress and anxiety of not being able to perform and collaborate with musicians, students and supporters of the music.
I’m very grateful for the support from many jazz bloggers and reviewers that have taken the time to write about Battle Lines...
“I suppose one of the biggest accolades you could offer about Steve’s recordings is that you would never know that the band on them is headed-up by a drummer. The drums don’t dominate the music. They are a part of it.
For skilled musicianship that generates power, pulse and propulsion in the finest traditions of Jazz drumming, you can’t do better than “The Fidyk Force.”
– Steven A. Cerra www.jazzprofiles.blogspot.com
“Utilizing an impressive vocabulary, precise stick control at every dynamic level, a capacity to develop recognizable themes while utilizing various components of the drum kit, as well as a proclivity for spontaneity, his brief breaks and extended improvisations add yet another dimension to the record.“
– David A. Orthmann www.allaboutjazz.com.
“As post-bop dates go, Battle Lines is a fine example of the form. This is in no small part because there’s a guy behind the drum kit who knows the style and the tradition behind it well, using that know-how to elevate everyone else.”
– S. Victor Aaron www.somethingelsereviews.com
Battle Lines will be available for download and streaming on all platforms beginning tomorrow-Friday, 6/26/2020.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 10
I hope this newsletter finds you and your families healthy and safe during this unprecedented time. Please know that my family and I are thinking of you and sending our best for health and happiness. This past January, I was fortunate to return to the recording studio to track my third solo project with some of my closest friends.
The album, Battle Lines, features Joe Magnarelli (trumpet), Xavier Perez (tenor), Peter Zak (piano) and Michael Karn (bass). Of the 11 compositions that we recorded, seven were originals of mine.
To listen to the title track and for information on the project, please visit:
www.bluecanteenmusic.com
I am very proud to be partnering with the veterans organization Warrior Beat, donating a portion from each CD sold to help enrich the lives of military veterans suffering from PTSD and anxiety from long deployments. For more information on this wonderful organization and the work they do, please visit:
www.warriorbeat.org
Battle Lines will be available for download and streaming on all platforms beginning Friday, 6/26.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Steve
I hope this newsletter finds you and your families healthy and safe during this unprecedented time. Please know that my family and I are thinking of you and sending our best for health and happiness. This past January, I was fortunate to return to the recording studio to track my third solo project with some of my closest friends.
The album, Battle Lines, features Joe Magnarelli (trumpet), Xavier Perez (tenor), Peter Zak (piano) and Michael Karn (bass). Of the 11 compositions that we recorded, seven were originals of mine.
To listen to the title track and for information on the project, please visit:
www.bluecanteenmusic.com
I am very proud to be partnering with the veterans organization Warrior Beat, donating a portion from each CD sold to help enrich the lives of military veterans suffering from PTSD and anxiety from long deployments. For more information on this wonderful organization and the work they do, please visit:
www.warriorbeat.org
Battle Lines will be available for download and streaming on all platforms beginning Friday, 6/26.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below.
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 9
I hope everyone enjoyed a restful Thanksgiving with loved ones, and your holiday season is off to a peaceful start.
As we close out 2019, I’m excited to announce a trio of gigs I’m looking forward to.
This Friday, 12/6, I’ll be performing with legendary bassist Gene Perla and his “Go Trio” in Easton, PA at Two Rivers Brewing. We hit at 8:30 pm, and with Gene on bass, you know it will be swingin’!
On Friday 12/13 and Saturday 12/14, I’ll be at Smalls, Greenwich Village, NYC with tenor titan Walt Weiskopf. Sets both nights begin at 10:30 pm, and If you’re unable to join us in person, please check out the livestream at smalls.com.
On Monday 12/30, I’ll be working at the Zinc Bar, Greenwich Village, NYC with legendary guitarist Jack Wilkins. We’ll be performing two sets at 7:30 and 9:30 pm and we hope to see you!
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below. My best to you in 2020!
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 8
Hello Friends!
I hope everyone is having an incredibly restful summer! I’ve been working and rehearsing new music with legendary guitarist Jack Wilkins for upcoming performances in August and September- more to follow on this exciting news!
Spring was very busy with gigs at Smalls in NYC with tenor titan Walt Weiskopf, shows with my quartet and in school workshops for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below. My best to you!
Steve
Hello Friends!
I hope everyone is having an incredibly restful summer! I’ve been working and rehearsing new music with legendary guitarist Jack Wilkins for upcoming performances in August and September- more to follow on this exciting news!
Spring was very busy with gigs at Smalls in NYC with tenor titan Walt Weiskopf, shows with my quartet and in school workshops for Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Please drop me a line or feel free to follow my updates on social media at the links below. My best to you!
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 7
Dear Friends,
I'd like to extend my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and safe new year. Take time to relax and recharge, and enjoy the holiday break with family and friends.
Thank you for all you do to support improvisational music, and I look forward to spending time together in 2017.
With love and appreciation,
Steve
Dear Friends,
I'd like to extend my warmest wishes for a happy, healthy and safe new year. Take time to relax and recharge, and enjoy the holiday break with family and friends.
Thank you for all you do to support improvisational music, and I look forward to spending time together in 2017.
With love and appreciation,
Steve
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 6
Upcoming Gigs for November and December~
Hello Friends!
I hope everyone is having an incredible autumn!
I have had a busy fall thus far with teaching at Temple University as well as the "last run" of CD Release shows for my latest recording "Allied Forces." I'm grateful that DJ's across the country continue to spin my music, and I'm extremely proud that the record peaked at # 32 on the Jazz Week Chart!!
If you are in the DC area on Tuesday November 15, I will be joining the great jazz vocalist Darden Purcell in support of her latest recording "Where the Blue Begins" at Blues Alley in Washington DC (shows at 8 and 10 pm).
On Saturday December 3, please join the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia under the direction of Terell Stafford as we pay homage to John Coltrane with special guest George Garzone at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA (8 pm).
On December 6, I will be conducting the Temple University Lab Big Band with special guest tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna at the Temple Performing Arts Center on the campus of Temple U (7:30 pm)
On December 7, I'll be co-leading a group with the great jazz trombonist Luis Bonilla at Chris's in Center City Philadelphia (8 pm).
I look forward to seeing you and celebrating with these amazing musicians!
Upcoming Gigs for November and December~
Hello Friends!
I hope everyone is having an incredible autumn!
I have had a busy fall thus far with teaching at Temple University as well as the "last run" of CD Release shows for my latest recording "Allied Forces." I'm grateful that DJ's across the country continue to spin my music, and I'm extremely proud that the record peaked at # 32 on the Jazz Week Chart!!
If you are in the DC area on Tuesday November 15, I will be joining the great jazz vocalist Darden Purcell in support of her latest recording "Where the Blue Begins" at Blues Alley in Washington DC (shows at 8 and 10 pm).
On Saturday December 3, please join the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia under the direction of Terell Stafford as we pay homage to John Coltrane with special guest George Garzone at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA (8 pm).
On December 6, I will be conducting the Temple University Lab Big Band with special guest tenor saxophonist Larry McKenna at the Temple Performing Arts Center on the campus of Temple U (7:30 pm)
On December 7, I'll be co-leading a group with the great jazz trombonist Luis Bonilla at Chris's in Center City Philadelphia (8 pm).
I look forward to seeing you and celebrating with these amazing musicians!
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 5
"Allied Forces" continues to receive outstanding reviews!
I'm psyched to announce that in the 3 weeks since "Allied Forces" was released, it has been receiving critical acclaim and some very humbling reviews. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following jazz writers and their respective blogs for recognizing my latest effort.
http://www.wbgo.org/radar/steve-fidyk-allied-forces
http://jazzdagama.com/cds/posi-tone-keeping-summer-hot/
http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2016/08/beat-drummereducator-steve-fidyk-making-allied-forces/
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2016/07/27/steve-fidyk-allied-forces-2016/
http://www.classicalite.com/articles/40828/20160803/drummer-composer-steve-fidyk-buoyed-allied-forces-new-posi-tone.htm
http://midwestrecord.com/MWR1114.html
https://www.dustygroove.com/item/805023
**Here's a link to check out some samples-- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/allied-forces/id1126962861
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Special thanks to Marc Free and Nick O'Toole at Posi-Tone Records. I had a great time earlier this month in San Jose performing at the annual summer jazz fest w/ mates Joe Magnarelli, Brian Charette, Michael Dease, Will Bernard and Doug Webb.
https://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/artists/posi-tone-showcase-michael-dease-posi-tone-stars-bernard-brian-charette-joe-magnarelli-doug-webb
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 4
"Allied Forces" receives its first review!
SPECIAL THANKS to Chris Spector at Midwest Record Review for the kind words on my second solo CD- ALLIED FORCES!
"STEVE FIDYK/ALLIED FORCES: Straight ahead swinging jazz powered by a crew of leaders in their own rights, drummer Fidyk makes no statements here other than he can keep things on track from the back of the stage and that good are meant to be shared by all. Not the kind of feel good jazz you'd associate with water front bars on summer nights but you have to call it that for lack of a better name, this is smoking stuff that works throughout and is the kind of friendly hard core jazz that brings new listeners into the tent despite themselves. On the money throughout and totally hot- Midwest Record Review (www.midwestrecord.com)."
SPECIAL THANKS to Erika Funke, host of the radio program "Art Scene" on WVIA-FM- the PBS and NPR affiliate for Northeastern Pennsylvania. We had fun talking about my new CD project "Allied Forces- (available now atwww.stevefidyk.com).
In case you missed the live interview, here's the link to check out the archived feature:
https://soundcloud.com/wvia-publi…/steve-fidyk-july-14-2016…
One of my favorite tunes from the record was the final song I wrote for the project called "High Five." The concept and inspiration came while watching a video of the classic Dave Brubeck Quartet play their smash hit "Take Five" with my youngest son Joey. Joey is named after one of my teachers, the late great Joe Morello. I first met Joe when I was a student at Wilkes College when I was 18. The college jazz ensemble was performing at the Mansfield State Jazz Festival in Mansfield, PA the fall of my freshman year. My jazz band director Tom Heinze knew Joe Morello very well and suggested that I contact him for lessons. Morello did a clinic at the festival and afterwards, I sheepishly asked if he would have time in his schedule to teach me. He gave me his number and said to call his wife Jean to schedule the lesson. It took six months for me to have the courage to call and schedule that lesson, and I’m so thankful that I did. This was back in 1987, long before the distractions of cell phones, computers and I-phones... I would take a two-hour lesson every two weeks with him throughout my college years. After joining the military and being stationed in DC, I would drive up to see him for periodic “check up’s to make sure my form, technique and coordination were on track. Joe is responsible for developing my sound and reflex for music. My teaching at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA is based in part on his teaching and his style of presenting information. As I listened with my son to that classic recording and drum solo, my son Joey turned to me and said, “Hey dad, why don’t you write a tune in 5/4 and call it "High Five.” I set out to come up with a new 5/4 rhythm that was different from the classic accompaniment to Morello's solo (played by Brubeck and Eugene Wright). The rhythm I conceived is the backbone of the tune and can be heard throughout the melody and drum solo section as an homage to Joe and his work with Brubeck.
Here's a Soundcloud link of the tune "High Five from the new CD "Allied Forces."
https://soundcloud.com/user-731075021
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 3
Allied Forces CD Release!
I'm very excited to announce the debut of my second recording as a leader entitled- ALLIED FORCES!
"Allied Forces" is my second tour of duty for Posi-Tone. I had the pleasure of leading a great group of people and musicians featuring tenor saxophonist Doug Webb, alto saxophonist Joseph Henson, guitarist Shawn Purcell, and organist Brian Charette.
We recorded this on a very, very cold day in NY on January 18th 2016, and the record was tracked in one session. There are (11) compositions in all and (6) of them are my originals.
One of my favorite tunes from the record was the second song I wrote for the project called "Gaffe." I came up with the title as an extension (in part) from a tune I wrote for my last recording called "The Flip Flopper."
A “gaffe” is an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator- essentially a blunder. It's obvious that Washington DC is a political town, and I’ve certainly witnessed my share of Gaffes throughout my years living and working here...
The tune is a medium-up swing with an AABA form.
Here's a Soundcloud link of the tune "Gaffe" from my new recording "Allied Forces." I hope you dig it!
https://soundcloud.com/posi-tone-records/steve-fidyk-gaffe?in=posi-tone-records/sets/steve-fidyk-allied-forces/s-dzrz4
Philadelphia Freedom!
Please join me as we celebrate the release of my new record "Allied Forces" on Thursday 7/14 at Chris's Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. We'll be performing music from the new record, and the first set of music begins at 8 PM. We hope to see you!!
****The official release date for "Allied Forces" is July 29th.
If you are interested in ordering an advance copy, you can do so from my website via an email directly to me at www.stevefidyk.com.
Thanks for reading and supporting this music!
The Driver's Seat Newsletter
Vol. 2
Driving in the Car~
This month was a lot of fun, and I've spent a lot of hours driving in my car to and from NYC. It was a great experience working with Brian Charette in support of his latest trio release "Once and Future." We had gigs at the 55 Bar, Small's, and a special "all star" group at Club Bonafide last weekend with Doug Webb, Joe Magnarelli, and Peter Bernstein. My old friend Shawn Pelton from the Saturday Night Live Band stopped by to check out the music at the 55 Bar. It was great seeing him again!
I was honored to be a part of Brian Charette's latest project- "Once and Future." Brian's arrangements, originals, and concept for this recording was stellar. We laid tracks in one day, and it was a ton of fun!
Here's a review from the June 2016 issue of Downbeat Magazine~
Album Review: Brian Charette’s Once & Future
Posted 6/6/2016
Brian Charette
Once & Future
Posi-Tone
★ ★ ★ ½
In every jazz lover’s mind there exists the perfect Hammond B-3 organ player. Whether that ultimate B-3 technician is Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Larry Young or Shirley Scott, certain defining parameters exist, regardless of the individual player. But when it comes to Hammond B-3 mastery, Brian Charette wrote the book. Literally. His 101 Hammond B3 Tips (Hal Leonard) covers, among other topics, “funky scales and modes,” “creative chord voicings” and “cool drawbar settings.” Even more proof of his proficiency is heard on Once & Future, where Charette gives a master class in the many styles of B-3 playing, joined by guitarist Will Bernard and drummer Steve Fidyk.
Performing covers and original material, Charette’s B-3 touch is decidedly light, buoyant and playful. He brings his style to bear on hardcore grits ‘n’ gravy groovers by the acknowledged masters of the genre, as well as fare that puts me in mind of a cocktail party circa 1963. In that way, Once & Future acts as a calling card of sorts, a sampler of the many styles Charette and trio can bring to your next social function. Thankfully, there’s plenty of steam and smoke to balance the lighter punch bowl offerings.
The album kicks off with Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz,” delivered in groove-a-licious waltz-time goodness. Bubbly, swinging and steaming are apt descriptions here. The pace continues with Larry Young’s “Tyrone” (from 1965’s Into Somethin’), Bernard and Fidyk ramping up the temperature with able solos and fatback groove. Charette’s sparkling “Latin From Manhattan” brings to mind Walter Wanderley as easily as it does Donald Fagen’s “Walk Between The Raindrops.” The trio knocks back Freddie Roach’s “Da Bug,” paints a dutiful rendition of “At Last” and stomps hard on Jack McDuff’s “Hot Barbeque.”
Other highlights include a beautiful, if jocular, version of Bud Powell’s “Dance Of The Infidels,” a note-perfect “Zoltan” as it appeared on Young’s 1966 masterpiece, Unity, and a cover of Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song.”
Both B-3 stylist and student, serious jazz scholar and glitzy entertainer, Charette is a burning soloist who understands the tradition of the Hammond B-3 as well its future—just as cerainly as he understands his place in that lineage.
—Ken Micallef
Once & Future: Jitterbug Waltz; Tyrone; Latin From Manhattan; Da Bug; At Last; Hot Barbeque; Dance Of The Infidels; Zoltan; The Scorpion; Falling Fourth; Ain’t It Funky Now; Mellow Mood; Road Song; Blues For 96. (58:11)
Personnel: Brian Charette, organ; Will Bernard, guitar; Steve Fidyk, drums.
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 1
Another Semester in the Books!
The Spring 2016 Semester was indeed a busy one! My teaching schedule at Temple University in Philadelphia was solid, and I had a number of clinics and masterclasses throughout the Mid-Atlantic as well.
This spring marks the 5th anniversary of leading and conducting the Chesapeake Youth Big Band in Annapolis, MD. We had a number of concerts this winter and spring to include a "side by side" performance with the Army Blues Big Band.
It was an honor once again be a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington National Jazz Ensemble Competition. This was my fifth year working with this amazing organization, and I learn so much from listening to each band perform music from the Ellington library- simply amazing! Congratulations to the 15 bands that made it to NYC for the finals last weekend!!!!
The Driver's Seat Newsletter
Welcome!
Welcome to my first newsletter! I have lots of fun and creative projects in progress, and this service will help keep friends updated on my musical musings~
I'm proud to announce the release of the new Walt Weiskopf record The Way You Say It. This was the second recording I had the pleasure of playing on for Walt. He's a consummate professional, a prolific writer, and an incredible tenor saxophonist! For this project, we met in Manhattan on Sunday 9/27/15 for a 2-hour rehearsal to work out solos and details for each arrangement. As you can imagine, Walt's music is very challenging to play, with lots of "sharp turns" rhythmically. We recorded at Acoustic Recording in Brooklyn, NY on 9/29/15, and laid down the record over the course of one 6-hour session. As we were about to record the last take of the night- "Candy" (made famous by Johnny Mercer), we received the news that legendary alto saxophonist Phil Woods had passed. Growing up in N.E. Pennsylvania, not far from the Delaware Water Gap, Phil was a larger than life jazz icon. He was also a childhood friend of my teacher, the great Joe Morello. As we recorded the final take, I had many memories of Phil and Joe circling my psyche... I know you'll dig this record! Please check out an audio preview on iTunes and read a recent review at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=53304. Also, we'll be performing live next month at An Die Musik in Baltimore, MD on Friday 6/3/16. We hope to see you there!!!
"Allied Forces" continues to receive outstanding reviews!
I'm psyched to announce that in the 3 weeks since "Allied Forces" was released, it has been receiving critical acclaim and some very humbling reviews. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following jazz writers and their respective blogs for recognizing my latest effort.
http://www.wbgo.org/radar/steve-fidyk-allied-forces
http://jazzdagama.com/cds/posi-tone-keeping-summer-hot/
http://www.moderndrummer.com/site/2016/08/beat-drummereducator-steve-fidyk-making-allied-forces/
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2016/07/27/steve-fidyk-allied-forces-2016/
http://www.classicalite.com/articles/40828/20160803/drummer-composer-steve-fidyk-buoyed-allied-forces-new-posi-tone.htm
http://midwestrecord.com/MWR1114.html
https://www.dustygroove.com/item/805023
**Here's a link to check out some samples-- https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/allied-forces/id1126962861
Do You Know the Way to San Jose?
Special thanks to Marc Free and Nick O'Toole at Posi-Tone Records. I had a great time earlier this month in San Jose performing at the annual summer jazz fest w/ mates Joe Magnarelli, Brian Charette, Michael Dease, Will Bernard and Doug Webb.
https://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/artists/posi-tone-showcase-michael-dease-posi-tone-stars-bernard-brian-charette-joe-magnarelli-doug-webb
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 4
"Allied Forces" receives its first review!
SPECIAL THANKS to Chris Spector at Midwest Record Review for the kind words on my second solo CD- ALLIED FORCES!
"STEVE FIDYK/ALLIED FORCES: Straight ahead swinging jazz powered by a crew of leaders in their own rights, drummer Fidyk makes no statements here other than he can keep things on track from the back of the stage and that good are meant to be shared by all. Not the kind of feel good jazz you'd associate with water front bars on summer nights but you have to call it that for lack of a better name, this is smoking stuff that works throughout and is the kind of friendly hard core jazz that brings new listeners into the tent despite themselves. On the money throughout and totally hot- Midwest Record Review (www.midwestrecord.com)."
SPECIAL THANKS to Erika Funke, host of the radio program "Art Scene" on WVIA-FM- the PBS and NPR affiliate for Northeastern Pennsylvania. We had fun talking about my new CD project "Allied Forces- (available now atwww.stevefidyk.com).
In case you missed the live interview, here's the link to check out the archived feature:
https://soundcloud.com/wvia-publi…/steve-fidyk-july-14-2016…
One of my favorite tunes from the record was the final song I wrote for the project called "High Five." The concept and inspiration came while watching a video of the classic Dave Brubeck Quartet play their smash hit "Take Five" with my youngest son Joey. Joey is named after one of my teachers, the late great Joe Morello. I first met Joe when I was a student at Wilkes College when I was 18. The college jazz ensemble was performing at the Mansfield State Jazz Festival in Mansfield, PA the fall of my freshman year. My jazz band director Tom Heinze knew Joe Morello very well and suggested that I contact him for lessons. Morello did a clinic at the festival and afterwards, I sheepishly asked if he would have time in his schedule to teach me. He gave me his number and said to call his wife Jean to schedule the lesson. It took six months for me to have the courage to call and schedule that lesson, and I’m so thankful that I did. This was back in 1987, long before the distractions of cell phones, computers and I-phones... I would take a two-hour lesson every two weeks with him throughout my college years. After joining the military and being stationed in DC, I would drive up to see him for periodic “check up’s to make sure my form, technique and coordination were on track. Joe is responsible for developing my sound and reflex for music. My teaching at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA is based in part on his teaching and his style of presenting information. As I listened with my son to that classic recording and drum solo, my son Joey turned to me and said, “Hey dad, why don’t you write a tune in 5/4 and call it "High Five.” I set out to come up with a new 5/4 rhythm that was different from the classic accompaniment to Morello's solo (played by Brubeck and Eugene Wright). The rhythm I conceived is the backbone of the tune and can be heard throughout the melody and drum solo section as an homage to Joe and his work with Brubeck.
Here's a Soundcloud link of the tune "High Five from the new CD "Allied Forces."
https://soundcloud.com/user-731075021
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 3
Allied Forces CD Release!
I'm very excited to announce the debut of my second recording as a leader entitled- ALLIED FORCES!
"Allied Forces" is my second tour of duty for Posi-Tone. I had the pleasure of leading a great group of people and musicians featuring tenor saxophonist Doug Webb, alto saxophonist Joseph Henson, guitarist Shawn Purcell, and organist Brian Charette.
We recorded this on a very, very cold day in NY on January 18th 2016, and the record was tracked in one session. There are (11) compositions in all and (6) of them are my originals.
One of my favorite tunes from the record was the second song I wrote for the project called "Gaffe." I came up with the title as an extension (in part) from a tune I wrote for my last recording called "The Flip Flopper."
A “gaffe” is an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator- essentially a blunder. It's obvious that Washington DC is a political town, and I’ve certainly witnessed my share of Gaffes throughout my years living and working here...
The tune is a medium-up swing with an AABA form.
Here's a Soundcloud link of the tune "Gaffe" from my new recording "Allied Forces." I hope you dig it!
https://soundcloud.com/posi-tone-records/steve-fidyk-gaffe?in=posi-tone-records/sets/steve-fidyk-allied-forces/s-dzrz4
Philadelphia Freedom!
Please join me as we celebrate the release of my new record "Allied Forces" on Thursday 7/14 at Chris's Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA 19102. We'll be performing music from the new record, and the first set of music begins at 8 PM. We hope to see you!!
****The official release date for "Allied Forces" is July 29th.
If you are interested in ordering an advance copy, you can do so from my website via an email directly to me at www.stevefidyk.com.
Thanks for reading and supporting this music!
The Driver's Seat Newsletter
Vol. 2
Driving in the Car~
This month was a lot of fun, and I've spent a lot of hours driving in my car to and from NYC. It was a great experience working with Brian Charette in support of his latest trio release "Once and Future." We had gigs at the 55 Bar, Small's, and a special "all star" group at Club Bonafide last weekend with Doug Webb, Joe Magnarelli, and Peter Bernstein. My old friend Shawn Pelton from the Saturday Night Live Band stopped by to check out the music at the 55 Bar. It was great seeing him again!
I was honored to be a part of Brian Charette's latest project- "Once and Future." Brian's arrangements, originals, and concept for this recording was stellar. We laid tracks in one day, and it was a ton of fun!
Here's a review from the June 2016 issue of Downbeat Magazine~
Album Review: Brian Charette’s Once & Future
Posted 6/6/2016
Brian Charette
Once & Future
Posi-Tone
★ ★ ★ ½
In every jazz lover’s mind there exists the perfect Hammond B-3 organ player. Whether that ultimate B-3 technician is Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland, Larry Young or Shirley Scott, certain defining parameters exist, regardless of the individual player. But when it comes to Hammond B-3 mastery, Brian Charette wrote the book. Literally. His 101 Hammond B3 Tips (Hal Leonard) covers, among other topics, “funky scales and modes,” “creative chord voicings” and “cool drawbar settings.” Even more proof of his proficiency is heard on Once & Future, where Charette gives a master class in the many styles of B-3 playing, joined by guitarist Will Bernard and drummer Steve Fidyk.
Performing covers and original material, Charette’s B-3 touch is decidedly light, buoyant and playful. He brings his style to bear on hardcore grits ‘n’ gravy groovers by the acknowledged masters of the genre, as well as fare that puts me in mind of a cocktail party circa 1963. In that way, Once & Future acts as a calling card of sorts, a sampler of the many styles Charette and trio can bring to your next social function. Thankfully, there’s plenty of steam and smoke to balance the lighter punch bowl offerings.
The album kicks off with Fats Waller’s “Jitterbug Waltz,” delivered in groove-a-licious waltz-time goodness. Bubbly, swinging and steaming are apt descriptions here. The pace continues with Larry Young’s “Tyrone” (from 1965’s Into Somethin’), Bernard and Fidyk ramping up the temperature with able solos and fatback groove. Charette’s sparkling “Latin From Manhattan” brings to mind Walter Wanderley as easily as it does Donald Fagen’s “Walk Between The Raindrops.” The trio knocks back Freddie Roach’s “Da Bug,” paints a dutiful rendition of “At Last” and stomps hard on Jack McDuff’s “Hot Barbeque.”
Other highlights include a beautiful, if jocular, version of Bud Powell’s “Dance Of The Infidels,” a note-perfect “Zoltan” as it appeared on Young’s 1966 masterpiece, Unity, and a cover of Wes Montgomery’s “Road Song.”
Both B-3 stylist and student, serious jazz scholar and glitzy entertainer, Charette is a burning soloist who understands the tradition of the Hammond B-3 as well its future—just as cerainly as he understands his place in that lineage.
—Ken Micallef
Once & Future: Jitterbug Waltz; Tyrone; Latin From Manhattan; Da Bug; At Last; Hot Barbeque; Dance Of The Infidels; Zoltan; The Scorpion; Falling Fourth; Ain’t It Funky Now; Mellow Mood; Road Song; Blues For 96. (58:11)
Personnel: Brian Charette, organ; Will Bernard, guitar; Steve Fidyk, drums.
The Driver's Seat Newsletter Vol. 1
Another Semester in the Books!
The Spring 2016 Semester was indeed a busy one! My teaching schedule at Temple University in Philadelphia was solid, and I had a number of clinics and masterclasses throughout the Mid-Atlantic as well.
This spring marks the 5th anniversary of leading and conducting the Chesapeake Youth Big Band in Annapolis, MD. We had a number of concerts this winter and spring to include a "side by side" performance with the Army Blues Big Band.
It was an honor once again be a part of Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington National Jazz Ensemble Competition. This was my fifth year working with this amazing organization, and I learn so much from listening to each band perform music from the Ellington library- simply amazing! Congratulations to the 15 bands that made it to NYC for the finals last weekend!!!!
The Driver's Seat Newsletter
Welcome!
Welcome to my first newsletter! I have lots of fun and creative projects in progress, and this service will help keep friends updated on my musical musings~
I'm proud to announce the release of the new Walt Weiskopf record The Way You Say It. This was the second recording I had the pleasure of playing on for Walt. He's a consummate professional, a prolific writer, and an incredible tenor saxophonist! For this project, we met in Manhattan on Sunday 9/27/15 for a 2-hour rehearsal to work out solos and details for each arrangement. As you can imagine, Walt's music is very challenging to play, with lots of "sharp turns" rhythmically. We recorded at Acoustic Recording in Brooklyn, NY on 9/29/15, and laid down the record over the course of one 6-hour session. As we were about to record the last take of the night- "Candy" (made famous by Johnny Mercer), we received the news that legendary alto saxophonist Phil Woods had passed. Growing up in N.E. Pennsylvania, not far from the Delaware Water Gap, Phil was a larger than life jazz icon. He was also a childhood friend of my teacher, the great Joe Morello. As we recorded the final take, I had many memories of Phil and Joe circling my psyche... I know you'll dig this record! Please check out an audio preview on iTunes and read a recent review at: http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=53304. Also, we'll be performing live next month at An Die Musik in Baltimore, MD on Friday 6/3/16. We hope to see you there!!!