June 11th, 2018

Hi everyone, 

2018 is flying by! Here’s some of the stuff I’m working on these days: 

Material for a new record 

I am hoping to do another record this year, featuring all new music. I’ve been listening to a lot of modern jazz and it is showing through in my composing. The main influences are Ben Wendel, Omer Avital and Rudy Royston Trio. 

Gigs 

I’m at Lot Six Bar & Restaurant every Thursday accompanied by Martin on sax and a new third every week. Some of the past players include Geordie Haley, Dave Staples, Breagh MacKinnon, Mike Carroll. 

Every second Wednesday I perform with a different group at Obladee Wine Bar. This gig has really become something special and I feel has made a significant impact of the music scene in Halifax. We have had several of the “who’s who” of Canadian jazz musicians play this gig – Mike Murley, Steve Amirault, Kenji Omae, André Leroux and dozens more. I’m very proud of this gig. It has really shaped me as a musician and allowed me to avidly pursue bebop. 

August / September / October is my wedding season this year with a lot of really special events. Can’t wait. 

Life 

Erinn and I got a puppy! Her name is Matilda (we call her Tilly) and she is perfect. She loves fetch, walks, being clos, other dogs and playing. She loves to dig and gets really excited anytime we dig in the garden. When you come home she gets so excited her ears wiggle and her tails wags so hard it knocks things over. I love my Tilly! 

Unfortunately I did not win the Jazz Recording of the Year ECMA (East Coast Music Award), which is a shame because I felt I would have really done a good job representing that award. Fortunately my friend and former music professor Paul Tynan won! If you haven’t checked out Wise Guy, please go have a listen! It’s streamable for free on Bandcamp: https://willempaynter.bandcamp.com/ 

Whew that’s a lot. If you made it this far thanks for reading. Hope to see you at a gig! 

-Willem