Whether to hire a band or DJ for a wedding reception

I was having this conversation recently with a client that has booked the band for various events showcasing luxury brands. She said something that stuck with me and that was this: Most people these days go to an after party after the wedding reception. The old folks go home and the kids go out to party somewhere. What kind of music do you think is happening at the after party? There is most likely a DJ. So isn't it kind of lame to dance to a DJ at your reception and then dance to a DJ at the after party? Why not have a great jazz band for your wedding reception or any kind of band really (I consider my band to be a party band). That way not only do you get variety but you get something unique and special. The Master Keys often make special big band arrangements of couples' first dance requests. How often do you experience that at other peoples' weddings? Then there was the time that we made a big band arrangement of an Elvis song that the groom knocked out of the park! When you hire a great band for your wedding reception like the Master Keys, not only will you have a great time but you'll have a one-of-a-kind hand-crafted experience. AND your grandparents, aunts and uncles who hate hip hop will have a blast!

Then you can go to the club!

First wedding of the year at the Yale Club in New York City!

This weekend was another high-water mark for Peter & the Master Keys.  We kicked off the new year with a magical wedding at the prestigious Yale Club in New York City! 

First, the band played some beautiful arrangements of Bach and Chopin for the ceremony in the library. Then we quickly made our way up to the glassed-in roof deck where we played jazz standards for the cocktail hour.

Of course, the most exciting part was the reception.  The newlyweds had their first dance to my arrangement of "I've Just Seen a Face" by the Beatles. Instead of the usual tempo, we slowed it down so that it was closer to the feel of "You Send Me" by Sam Cooke. Soon after the guests flooded the dance floor and we all had a fantastic night of music and dancing. It makes such a huge difference when folks come with the intention of celebrating. These guys certainly did and I'm glad I thought of grabbing my phone to capture this hilarious moment. Enjoy!

New Residency at Arlo SoHo

I'm pleased to announce that I have a new residency performing at the Arlo Hotel SoHo.  Drop by Wednesdays this month and you can hear me and my ace trio performing in this beautiful modern lounge from 6-9.  I have on board my indefatigable sax player, Nick Myers and my new friend Adrian DiMatteo, who is a fantastic guitarist as well as singer.  I love turning the mic over to him since he has an amazing voice and does some material that I love but don't sing yet like Bill Withers.  Hope to see you there!

Chuck Berry tribute at the Wayland

Roll over, Beethoven! I'm excited to announce that I'll be hosting a Chuck Berry tribute this coming April 10th at the Wayland in Manhattan's East Village from 9-12. 

I already have a dozen guests lined up to sing and play guitar on Chuck Berry's hits and also some 'deep cuts' that don't get played all that often. Some of these folks are old friends and musicians I've already worked with a lot and some I'll be meeting for the first time. I'm sure that many more great musician friends will swing by with their instruments to sit-in as well.

Please stop by and enjoy the night with us!

Rocking in Nyack, NY, at Sixty 5 on Main!

We're psyched to be returning to Sixty 5 on Main, Nyack's most exciting new entertainment venue, restaurant, and lounge on Saturday, March 18th, from 9:00pm-12:00am. It's a beautiful space with a dedicated stage and nice lighting - the whole works!  I'll be playing a lot of great tunes from the 50's with my friend and frequent collaborator, Nick Palumbo, who knows more songs from that era than anyone. Also joining us will be another Nick - Nicholas Myers, who plays a mean saxophone and knows how to get that old-school rock n' roll sound. Watch out for a rousing rendition of Tequila! 

Sold-out Show at the Historic Coe Hall Mansion

Yesterday we played at a veritable Gatsby-era mansion in Long Island. The Coe Hall mansion is essentially a castle built by a gilded-age industrialist, which now is home to arts and concert series. We were thrilled to learn that all 150 seats had sold out! And what a great audience we had; all enthusiastic listeners and with a great sense of humor to boot (they laughed at all my  jokes). 

The band played an inspired set for the crowd and we were rewarded by a very gratifying standing ovation! Afterwards, we were pleased to meet many of the folks who came up to speak with us.  Hopefully, we'll be playing here and other places like it again soon. 

Singing for the Pakistani Ambassador to the U.N.

Working in New York City as a professional bassist and bandleader is a study in contrasts; one night I'm playing blues at a restaurant, another I'm playing New Orleans jazz at a seedy bar, and then I find myself playing in the Upper East Side of Manhattan playing for a select group of UN ambassadors and dignitaries!

It was an honor to play for the Pakistani ambassador to the U.N., Dr. Lodhi, last night. She was extremely gracious and engaging the whole night as she hosted us in Pakistan's beautiful townhouse.  I wasn't sure what to expect; would we just be playing background music? But Dr. Lodhi and her guests were surprisingly attentive listeners and, as the night wore on, they turned out to be terrific dancers as well.  It's not a night I'll forget soon!

Valentine's Day with Etsy

Happy Jazz-y, Blues-y Valentine's Day, everybody!

This morning, Peter and the Master Keys is playing direct from the home of artisanal, hand-stitched, crocheted accessories and assorted artsy doodads!

Live Music at Sotheby's Luxury Night

A week ago, Peter & the Master Keys had the pleasure of playing for Sotheby's Luxury Night, sponsored by Maserati. We played for royalty that night . . . that is, for beautiful sixteenth-century oil paintings of royalty, situated right next to us.

Also next to us was the free-flowing champagne bar, which the band enjoyed - in moderation, of course.

All in all, it was a classy night for a classy band in one of the art world's foremost institutions. We've just been re-hired for Sotheby's holiday party next week, and we can't wait!

Teaming Up with Solomon Hicks

This Thursday, December 1st, I'm very excited to be performing with a good friend of mine - Harlem's very own blues prodigy, King Solomon Hicks! We'll be playing from 9:00-11:00pm at Luca's Jazz Corner, Cavatappo Bar & Grill on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

Solomon is a young master of the blues in the style of B.B. King and other greats. So come by - you'll be in for a treat!

Jazz, Blues & Dancing at a Wedding on Long Island

Sometimes you know that a wedding reception is going to be a lot of fun from the moment you walk in the door with your upright bass and band in tow. Last night was one of those nights. As soon as we got there, we were welcomed warmly by the father of the bride, who was setting up the PA for us, and immediately we were invited to sample the locally catered barbecue, which was delicious.

We began by playing a jazz standard as people entered the reception hall, thinking that we would save the dance music for later - but the guests had a different idea. They started the dance party right then and there. Maybe the extended cocktail hour had something to do with it. Nonetheless, we got off to a great start, and the night took off from there.