April 2003 Update Spring is here! Although here in NYC it doesn't quite feel like it yet. Still a bit chilly. I apologize for not updating last month. There have been many changes around here, and I'm very excited. First of all, expect two new gorgeous websites. Stevehass.net will be completely re-done by July, and I will also have a new website for my debut release "Traveler" which will be online in the next couple of weeks for advanced CD orders. The CD release date is June 1st. "Traveler" is pretty much finished. I still can't believe this is something that began on February 20th, 2003. The project from inception, to completion took about 2 1/2 months. Most CD's take between 6 to 12. Ben Butler, Effie Samios, Ken Wallace and myself make a great team. I'm psyched to be finished. By April 10th the album will be mastered, and sent off to be manufactured. Not only did I have a great time working on it, but I also learned so much about what recording artists go through. I'm used to going into the studio, recording one day of basic tracks, and then receiving a finished product in the mail about a year later. Producing my own CD was quite a learning experience. And for those who have been asking who's singing/playing on it? Here's the list (brace yourself): Janis Siegel Noah Solomon Ravi Coltrane Yaron Gershovsky Ben Butler James Genus Mike Visceglia Richard Hammond Ann Marie Milazzo Sylvia Tosun Donny Mcaslin Jon Dryden Ron Affif John Benitez Christos Rafalides Gilad Dobrecky This month has already had many developments in the recording area. For starters Ravi Coltrane's Mad Six is officially out on Columbia records. Also, SWING featuring Erich Kunzel, The Manhattan Transfer, and John Pizzarelli is also out on TELARC. I recently played on recordings for artists Jess Hudak, Tina Shafer, and Peter Eldridge and Lauren Kinhan from The New York Voices. I have also been exploring another avenue of recording. Producer Ken Wallace and I recently wrote and recorded the music for a Global Health Council Public Service Announcement which will be airing on MTV, NBC, and other networks. I had a great time doing this type of work and found the creative bounderies to be quite a challenge. On the live tip, I'll be out with the Transfer in Spokane, and then Vegas later in the month. Other than that, I'll be in town playing my regular NYC gigs. I have also been asked to curate the live music for Terry G's in Farmingdale Long Island. Beginning on April 25th, Terry G's will have a weekly jazz night where I pick the artists. On the 25th I booked the Ron Affif Trio featuring myself, and bassist Conrad Korsch. If you're in the area come out and say hi! In June I will be touring the states with amazing vocalist Janis Siegel. Her new release on Telarc is entitled Friday Night Special. Check it out! Until next time, keep swingin'! HASSY << BACK