Timber Banks Wedding

Hey there, music lovers!  I’ve got a story to share that’s straight out of a dreamy wedding cocktail hour at Timber Banks, near Syracuse, NY. Last Friday, the stars aligned for a musical trio that turned a wedding event into an unforgettable journey through jazz, classic rock, and touching connections.

We played, as per the bride’s request, in a combo of myself on guitar and vocals, a soulful saxophonist, and a grooving bassist. They had requested that we blend jazz vibes with iconic classic rock hits from the 70s and 80s.

We started out playing a few jazz standards and then I started to sing.  While playing “Tupelo Honey,” a gentleman came up to us. My initial thought was that he might ask us to take the volume down or something, but instead, he looked at me and simply said, “I’m Irish.”  He was simply digging the Van Morrison tune we were playing!  It was a reminder of the universal language of music that transcends cultures and generations.

The bride’s family is a family of musicians themselves.  I was grateful that at the end of the night the bride’s mother said that they all appreciated our musicianship.  It helped a lot that I had the head of the jazz department at Ithaca College on saxophone and one of Ithaca’s most ubiquitous bassists on the gig as well!

At one point I saw the bride singing along merrily to our rendition of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love.”  Towards the end, a family member requested the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.” We knew we had to oblige, and the music flowed effortlessly, filling the evening with a sense of camaraderie and shared musical memories.

Here is a video montage of the event.

Driving home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of music to create connections that are as beautiful as they are unexpected. This cocktail hour was a whirlwind of genres and emotions, and it left me with a sense of fulfillment that only music can provide. To be able to touch hearts, spark memories, and bring joy through our music is a gift that I hold dear.

So, there you have it, my friends—a tale of a trio, a cocktail hour, and the magic that music weaves into our lives. Until next time, keep the music alive and the memories flowing.