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Keeping a band together for 20 years is no small accomplishment but Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook seems to have the perfect formula for just such a feat. I spoke briefly with Hanlon about his band and their new CD, just released last month. In 1980 Hanlon was playing with the Rochester based Duke Jupiter. The band was getting a lot of national exposure but were on the road the majority of the time. Jupiter had veered away from its original format and Hanlon decided that as a drummer he needed something that could give him more creative freedom. That same year he started his own band called Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook. Hanlon had worked previously with sax player John Kane in a local instrumental jazz-fusion band called The Funky Jazz Band. Lead vocalist Ava Andrews came into the fold via an audition. Keyboardist Bill DiCosimo was a local musician with a background in R&B, while bassist Edgar Pagan had his roots in rock. Guitarist Lee Tiffault joined the Cookbook lineup about seven years ago. Hanlon says that their success at staying together is a mixture of professionalism, commitment, love of music, and just plain luck. It also helps that time has allowed the six members to become good friends. The band blends jazz, blues, and R&B together so seamlessly that they have been put into all three categories. Hanlon says that the group is R&B at its core but over the years has been able to adapt their style to whatever show or venue they are performing in. Most members of the group have followed other musical endeavors throughout the years, but all keep The Cookbook at the forefront of their pursuits. If you want to get Hanlon talking ask him about the new CD. His Cookbook’s last release was in 1994 and he is excited about this one. Entitled "Live From The Dinosaur Bar-B-Que" was recorded at the Syracuse Dino. The recording was produced by Hanlon and Charlie Bertini of Applejazz Records. Readers will know Bertini from his work with the AppleJazz Festival held annually here in NY. Dave Hanlon also plays with him in the AppleJazz Band. Hanlon was proud to let me know that "Live From The Dinosaur BBQ" was mastered at Digital Domain in Florida by Bob Katz and recorded at Subcat Studios in Skaneateles. Also important to the production was close friend Juan Junco who Hanlon credits with principle photography for the live show. The record is own Hanlon’s own Tasty Tracks label that he started in 1993. DHCB had two release parties last month at, of course, The Dinosaur BBQs, the one in Rochester and the one in Syracuse. The band wanted to do a live CD to give listeners a feel for the impact of a live show. The parties went well and fans at both shows were very enthusiastic. The CD has some great covers and an original from Edgar Pagan. When Dave Hanlon started this project years ago he wanted a group of people who were rooted in the area, dedicated to the music and had something to support themselves. He believed that this would enable his band to remain creative, performing when and how they wanted. It has turned out to be a perfect idea. Cookbook is so busy now that they are almost happy to get some time off, but they get to play when and what they choose. You can purchase the CD at The Cookbook site or while there you can also check out local outlets selling the CD. If you would like to see Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook in their genuine live state you’ll have lots of chances this month. The band plays December 7 at Trappers in East Syracuse, 7:00-11:00; Morris' Grill in Skaneateles Friday, December 20; Shifty's in Syracuse Friday, December 27; and Tuesday, December 31 at the Brewster Inn, Cazenovia. Take a road trip for the holidays, Dave Hanlon’s Cookbook is a great dance, R&B show. |
