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Friday, February 7, 2014

Great jazz in Payson Friday, Sunday

Where have all the faithful jazz birds flown? I've heard from some of you, and I trust that I'll see more of you on Sunday. By the way, if you will be in town this weekend, why not come by the Community Presbyterian Church on Friday as Dr Jass & The Heartbeats will be having an open rehearsal starting at 5 pm, and Dr Claudio Zamorano is visiting from Chile' and will be with us.

The Payson Friends of Jazz Present:

John Darst Trio + 1
2 p.m. Sunday, February 9th
Community Presbyterian Church
800 West Main Street, Payson

John Darst - guitar & vocals
Bob Veltre - guitar & vocals
Chris Long - guitar & vocals
+
Gerry Reynolds - drums

Born in northern California, John Darst began playing guitar when he was only 13.
His musical style was influenced by musicians Johnny Smith, Howard Roberts, Joe Pass, Herb Ellis, and Wes Montgomery. Having enlisted in the Air Force, he was stationed in Utah and then completed a tour in Southeast Asia where he was able to continue playing his Gibson 335 in the off hours.

Upon his discharge, he entered the University of Utah to study jazz, and supporting himself in part by playing the Utah club scene. Later he moved to Los Angeles where played every form of music imaginable, but having to supplement a living by being a contractor. Ultimately, he came to Arizona to chair the Construction Tech Department of Northland Pioneer College in Show Low, where he now lives with his family on a 36 acre ranch (in Snow Flake.) John was very fortunate to have teamed-up with two other extremely talented musicians, Bob Veltre and Chris Long to form the John Darst Trio several years ago, and they are in high demand in the White Mountain area.

Born in New York City, Bob Veltre began playing guitar at age 11. As a teenager he began playing with bands. His older brother would take him to The Fillmore East in Manhattan to hear such greats as B.B. King, Albert King, Freddie King, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, and Miles Davis all who influenced him greatly. Later on, players like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Flora and Airto were studied when visitingThe Village Vanguard -- later on Wes Montgomery and Thelonius Monk, John Mcglaughlin, Larry Coryell and Bill Conners. Eventually he landed in San Francisco, studying the works of Weather Report, James Taylor, Bonnie Rait and being seriously influenced by Pay Metheny. There were other great influences .... he now writes and records, and he is the music director for the Unity Church in Lakeside.

Chris Long plays stand up string bass (a really superior 300 year-old edition), and he is one of the finest players to ever perform in Payson. He  teaches music at Blue Ridge High School in Pinetop/Lakeside,and received his formal education and training at ASU.

A $5 donation includes refreshments.

Please reply to Gerry-Reynolds@hotmail.com if you plan to attend this performance.

 Just a reminder, I've received a few confirmations but it's time for the remaining fansof good live music to let me know that they plan to attend this performance.  It's easy, just hit "reply" on this message and say "yes." We always have enough seats, so if you decide this week to bring a few extra friends and neighbors along, that would be very much appreciated  -- Gerry

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