Tuesday's gig went well, and I was happy to see some familiar faces and return visitors. The group has really developed over the past year or so, and it feels good to know it hasn't been in a vacuum.

Alex Budman (who heads up the Contemporary Jazz Orchestra) also sat in for a few tunes, including the Evan Francis-suggested Have You Met Miss Green Dolphin Jones?, which actually worked out better than you would've thought.

The photo is by James "in2jazz", an avid jazz photographer and writer, who stopped by and took some pictures. You can see them all here. An added benefit of this is that I can clearly see that my posture is atrocious. (Especially when you compare it to James's photos of Nicholas Payton, who looks like you could hit him with a wrecking ball while he's playing and it would bounce off.)

In keeping with our policy of offering something for those who couldn't make it this week, here's a long excerpt (the entire song lasted 18 (!) minutes, but I whittled it down to 13 and change) from a familiar tune by Herbie Hancock.

• D*lphin D*nce (Hancock) Soloists: Evan, tenor saxophone; Adam, piano; and Ian, trumpet; with Fred, bass, and Jon, drums.

Enjoy! (Bonus points for finding the spot where a bar patron shouts, "You picked the wrong scene, man!" Never a dull moment at the House of Shields.)

The "original" quintet is back for another hit at the House of Shields. Stop by and soak up some culture, without even having to make a generous pledge or end up on a government watch list!And as a bonus for those who might've missed it the first time around, here's a sample from last Tuesday, followed by a fascinating interaction with a "fan" who really wants to hear When the Saints Go Marching In, and seems to think that insulting the band is the best way to make it happen.You just don't get this level of service from ordinary bands!

• Cherokee (Noble) The old warhorse burner was the last tune of the evening, so it's fast and loose.
• Can you play 'When the Saints'?, featuring the vocal talents of Ian Carey, Evan Francis, a fan who proves that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and the background chorus of the patrons of the House of Shields.

---WHAT: The Ian Carey QuintetWHO: Ian Carey, trumpet; Evan Francis, saxophone; Jon Arkin, drums; Adam Shulman, piano; Fred Randolph, bass.WHEN: Tuesday, March 14, 5:30-8:30 pmWHERE: The House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery, S.F.HOW MUCH: Zip.P.S. Jazz appreciators: Doug Ramsey linked to some great Charlie Parker clips over at Rifftides today. Check 'em out.

The original Quintet returns to the House of Shields! Come on down and show your support for actual live music played by human beings. It's fun, it's free, and IT'S THE LAW.

WHAT: The Ian Carey Quintet

WHO: Ian Carey, trumpet; Evan Francis, saxophone; Jon Arkin, drums; Adam Shulman, piano; Fred Randolph, bass.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 5:30-8:30 pm

WHERE: The House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery, S.F.

HOW MUCH: Zip.

Last Tuesday's gig was really satisfying, so I thought I'd share some of it for those who weren't able to make it. Although we were short two of our regular members (pianist Adam Shulman and bassist Fred Randolph), Seth Ford-Young filled in ably on the bass, and Evan and I have been playing together long enough that the lack of a chordal instrument, rather than leaving an empty sound, actually opened up possibilities for loose, exciting interplay. Also, the fare was mostly standards, which was refreshing in itself--we usually play originals and arrangements, which are interesting and challenging, but it's great to be able to really open up on some old stand-bys.

Here are a couple of examples:

• ...What Love Is (DePaul/Raye) Featuring: Ian, trumpet; Evan Francis, alto saxophone; Seth Ford-Young, bass; Jon Arkin, drums.
• All the Things... (Jerome Kern) Same personnel.

There's a little distortion in the sound, which I apologize for--this was the first time using my new MP3 recorder, and I neglected to check the levels until after we'd already finished. (Although this isn't exactly CD quality, I'm mainly proud of the musical work, which I think comes through. For CD quality sound, click the album cover to your left.) Enjoy!

Grab your Valentine by the antlers and come on down to the House of Shields for some inspired musical mayhem and heartbreak-masking libations. Guaranteed to be 110% "My Funny Valentine"-free!

WHAT: The Ian Carey Quintet Minus One

WHO: Ian Carey, trumpet; Evan Francis, saxophone; Jon Arkin, drums; and special guest Seth Ford-Young, bass.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 14, 5:30-8:30 pm

WHERE: The House of Shields, 39 New
Montgomery, S.F.

HOW MUCH: Absotively free.

Also, I'll be appearing with S.F. jazz institution BJ Papa's Band and jam session this Sunday (2/12) from 8:30 to midnight, at Jazz at Pearl's. Musicians, bring your instruments and sit in.

Well, a short four and a half months after my compadres and I crowded into a two-room studio for eight hours on the hottest day of the summer, the Ian Carey Quintet's first CD is finally here. It's now available to be purchased online at our CDBaby page (reasonably priced at $12.97), and will be available for even less--ten bucks! that's hardly the price of a couple of cosmopolitans!--at our official CD Release Party next week.

If you've been meaning to come out and hear us lately, this is the gig you should make it to. And bring friends! Or enemies!

WHAT: The Ian Carey Quintet, performing in commemoration of the release of their new album, Sink/Swim, on Kabocha Records

WHO: Ian Carey, trumpet; Adam Shulman, piano; Fred Randolph, bass; Evan Francis, saxophone; and special guest Tim Bulkley, drums

WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: The House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery St., San Francisco

HOW MUCH: Free.