On This Day Through the Years at Van Gelder Studios

the day being June 10th

On June 10th, 2019 Newvelle Records hosted an event at world famous Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs New Jersey where "reluctant/later bloomer" pianist Billy Lester performed for a small audience of friends, family and press. A film about Lester was also screened. The thumbnail photo is of Newville's co-founder and a pianist himself, Elan Mehler.

The jazz label had just issued Lester's album From Scratch on vinyl, with Lester performing in a trio with Rufus Reid on bass and Matt Wilson on drums. The record is still available: For this performance Lester played solo. I wasn't able to record that, but before Lester played, musician/arranger Don Sickler, who along with his engineer/wife Maureen currently runs the studio, entertained and wowed the audience with a history of who recorded at Van Gelder Studio through the decades on that day, June 10th.

While I do not need Mr. Sickler's permission to run this video, out of courtesy, I asked his permission via email (after ascertaining that it was the correct email address) to run this video. I've not gotten a response so I'm decided to run it. I see no reason not to. It's a fascinating document every jazz and RVG fan is sure to enjoy.