Wynton Marsalis and Joey Pero featured in the New York Times!

Dear readers,

On May 6th 2010, Wynton and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Corey Kilgannon of the New York Times and talking about what we do.

Read the article on the New York Times article HERE, or on the article below. Please enjoy the article and comment on the NY Times website!

Much love,

Joey

Joey Pero featured in the May issue of DownBeat Magazine!

Check out the article in the May 2010 issue of DownBeat magazine!

This feature, written by Phil Lutz includes quotes by friend and mentor, Wynton Marsalis!

Pick up your copy at any Barnes & Noble or visit DownBeat's website for more information

on receiving a subscription.

Elephant in the room; meet the Tiger in the Woods.

I normally refrain from discussing topics so far away from music and my personal experiences; but I felt inclined to start a discussion and get your thoughts and feelings. I think it's a real shame that the press chooses to interfere with personal lives. The media storm surrounding Tiger Woods (and others) intentionally provokes a vicarious society. The press has inflated a man beyond the sport he has dedicated his life to. I believe the pressure and weight of media influence can cause a disturbance in natural growth, understanding and managing of complex emotions. There is no doubt Tiger feels obligated to follow a specific path based on the integrity (or lack there of) of others. Why?

Tempted by the fruit of another?

“I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to,” Woods said. “I felt that I had worked hard my entire life.” He added that he felt he was “entitled, thanks to money and fame,” to enjoy the fruits of his success.

“I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you,” Woods said. “I have made you question who I am and how I have done the things I did.”

Does this sound like someone who has found his/her true life partner? Or someone confident and grounded in his/her core beliefs/integrity?

The ultimate truth or "self realization" is a difficult thing for all of us to discover. It's a constant "movement." Some people skip through life and never realize their true nature. Imagine yourself dealing with self discovery, growth, trials & tribulations, success etc.. Now, imagine the same with your life under a microscope; constantly criticized, often exaggerated and rarely private.

I will continue to wait for the press to take the "We're all in this together" attitude. Until then, lives will be misdirected, scandals will be brewing and very little substance will be uncovered. Am I crazy? What do you think?

Click here to read the latest NY Times article.

Best Instrumental Songs

There have been many artists over the years who have resonated with the masses solely through their instrumental expression. Take a listen to some of the following instrumental works.

"Sleep Walk" - Santo & Johnny (1959)

"Green Onions" - Booker T. & the MG's (1962)

"Classical Gas" - Mason Williams (1968)

"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" - Hugo Montenero (1968)

"Popcorn" - Hot Butter (1972)

"Dueling Banjos" - Eric Weissberg & Steven Mandell (1973)

"Love's Theme" - Love Unlimited Orchestra (1974)

"Tubular Bells" - Mike Oldfield (1974)

"Nadia's Theme" - Perry Botkin Jr. (1976)

"Feels So Good" - Chuck Mangione (1978)

"Axel F" - Harold Faltermeyer (1984)

What about these tunes resonate with you? Is it the artist, a catchy hook, musical expression, sound or perhaps it's attached to something viscerally?

I'd love to hear your feedback, and please recommend other instrumentals/songs to listen to.

Happy listening,

Joey Pero

Joey Pero LIVE @ 12 Grapes!

Greetings readers!

A big thanks to everyone who came out to our rockin' show @ 12 Grapes in Peeskill, NY. We played the cool Jazz club last Thursday night (2/11/10) to a packed house. A big thanks to owners/visionaries Rich and Jeanne Credidio for their warm and inviting demeanor. 12 Grapes has been dubbed "A little bit of SOHO in historic downtown Peekskill, NY" and we agree!

Check out 12 Grapes by clicking below.

We have MANY more shows in the making and we be sure to keep you all in the loop.

All the best,

Joey

Joey plays "The Napoli" for youtube.

Here is Variations on a Neapolitan theme arranged by Herman Bellstedt. Here is, "Napoli"



Please enjoy and share; and as always please send suggestions!

Joey play "The Carnival of Venice" for youtube.

A big thank you to everyone who's shown support for the videos I've recently post. I'm always looking for ideas for future youtube vids, so please feel free to reach out and let me know.

Much much more to come!

Joey