I just completed my New York run which I'm so excited about.  We had a great reception. We played at The Bayou, Jerky's in Providence, RI, in New York City, and I think one of the things that made me feel so great, is in New York, people really come out and support you, and I just had a great time.  As everybody knows, I'm on a hiatus with the dTb, and I'm actually working harder now, during this hiatus period, than when I was with Derek.  I'm recording my new record, I'm touring, and I'm keeping it real on a local level.  I just played with a great young guitar player from Atlanta, Lefty Williams at the Moonshadow, a funky joint.  Then the next day, I went and played with Theresa Hightower at the Ritz Carlton.  And it was funny when I walked into the Ritz. I saw the Jimi Hendrix Experience bus outside and I went into the bar and I saw the bass player that played with Eric Johnson.  And I said, 'Man, i know you.'  And, he said, 'Yeah, i know you.'  And then he said, "and Susan's (Tedeschi) on tour with us!' and I went around the hotel thinking I'd see Susan, but I missed her.  The next couple  days I went to Greenville, SC, and Charles Hedgepath is someone I'm working wtih a lot from Greenville.  We recently released our gospel CD featuring myself, and Ike Stubblefield, legendary B3 player from Toledo, Ohio...  (I play with him a lot!)  Usually, the trio I play with Ike is Grant Green.  But Charles Hedgepath is having us (Ike and myself) work on several projects with him -- we just did a Christmas CD, and now the Gospel CD, and I think next we're going to do a Latin CD, and then a Rock CD -- just doing different stuff. So, Go Greenville!  Next, I did a great performance with a new singer, Kemba Cofield.  We played at Churchhill Grounds, a truly legendary Jazz club in Atlanta.   I played there with Dr. Jose -- he's a wonderful piano player.  And, the next day, I played at Zuffy's...then I was back in the studio on April 5th -- my 'A' Band with Kofi Burbridge, Todd Smallie, and fresh, new guitar player, Nick Johnson.  Then, there was Shedfest, and after that, I did my first gig with Laura Reed in Macon, GA.  It was a wonderful experience.  And I think we'll have a lot of good music come from that collaboration.  We've got a few gigs at the Hard Rock in Atlanta, and we've got a whole run in the month of May with gigs in Asheville, NC, Charleston, SC, Smile Fest, and more.  It's kind of a mixture of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Funk, and R&B... so look out for that!

I'm just lucky.  You see, my plate is full and I'm getting a chance to challenge my wits and my talents and I just appreciate the opportunity.  And as I'm writing this today, I just played with Earl Klugh on Atlanta's 11Alive (NBC affiliate).  We played a duet -- the first time we did that -- we did a tune called 'Vonetta.'  I played percussion and Earl played guitar.  It was great fun and it was for a great benefit we just had Monday night, April 26th at the Variety Playhouse, in Atlanta, featuring Boney James, Mindi Abair, myself, and Earl Klugh.  We're going to have a great house band...with William Green and David Lee on keys, Eric Essex on guitar, Joseph Patrick Moore on bass, Joey Summerfield on trumpet, myself on drums (and Music Coordnator for the event), and Gaurav Malhotra on percussion.  I could go on and on as you can see. Just a lot of great stuff to look for...

And what I'm really excited about are some more dates I have with Earl Klugh.  Coming up in L.A., I'll have 3 dates with Earl at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA.  And, unfortunately, this is the reason I'm missing Hoopee Jam. Of course, Terry Reeves and everyone associated with Hoopee Jam have been very supportive and understand I'm sad to miss the festival.  Just know, these dates with Earl are important as they lead up to our performance at Eric Clapton's CrossRoads Guitar Festival.  I'm going to play with Earl Klugh in L.A. and then in Seattle.  For this series of dates, I'm bringing along from Atlanta, one of my bass brothers, Mr. Joseph Patrick Moore.  After L.A., we have some dates in Seattle, WA, with Bob James. 

On the dTb front, I've got some very exciting news... the Derek Trucks Band is releasing Road Songs, our latest live collection titled by Todd Smallie.  It's scheduled for relase June 12th.  Also, I just did a photo shoot for Hittin' the Note and that may be coming out very soon.  Of course, a lot of what's happening for me is from my association with the Derek Trucks Band.  And, I am thankful everyday for that association and I wish the very best for everyone associated with the Derek Trucks Band. Please stay in touch!  YonricoScott.com.