Cathi Walkup: News

Wow! Here's a great article Dan Jewett did for Oakland Magazine on Bird's Nest Jazz - really captured the flavor of the series. (I will try to put the photo by Lewis Smith in our photo section).

IN THE SCENE
A Lofty Experience: Great Music Lands at Bird's Nest Jazz

Hidden away in Oakland’s Jingletown is a little-known spot for live music that is playing host to local and national jazz artists and an eager audience of music lovers. No, it’s not the latest brand of that expanding Oakland jazz institution Yoshi’s; it’s Bird’s Nest Jazz, the brainchild of jazz singer Cathi Walkup—a passionate lover of the arts with three self-produced albums and a new musical—who seems to know everybody.
Already Walkup has brought singer Bob Dorough, trombonist Wayne Wallace, pianist Bill Bell, guitarist Mimi Fox, Trio Paradiso and recently, Grammy-nominated pianist Mark Levine with bassist John Wiitala to the Waterpark Lofts living space/venue she shares with her husband, Jim Eckford. “The space is so great for this,” Walkup says about the spacious, high-ceilinged living room that is dominated by a brand new Baldwin Ellington grand piano but can seat 54 guests. “There aren’t enough rooms where music is the focus, but this is what everyone craves—a listening space.”
Brigitte Schoppmann of San Francisco agrees. She brings new friends to the Bird’s Nest as often as she can. “Where else can you sit on the stage and talk to the musicians and share a drink with them after?” she exclaims.
Indeed, the atmosphere is intimate and informal: Guests sit only a few feet away from the musicians; Walkup and Eckford’s CD racks and bookshelves form a backdrop; wine classes clink along with the music; chef and singer Larry Smith serves up tasty gumbo between sets. Even the neighbors are on board—many of them stop by to see the shows taking place around, or in some cases, underneath, them.
Part-time Oakland resident Levine (he also keeps a home in Boise, Idaho) sees these types of house concerts as a growing trend and loves to play them. “Clubs are closing and not having jazz anymore,” he says. “These shows are relaxed and fun, and you know the people coming out are real fans.”
Even with 10 shows a year, Walkup doesn’t see many repeat performances. “There is so much talent in the Bay Area,” she says. “We are so lucky here; there is such a wealth of singers and players.”
Visit Walkup’s Web site and see what’s on tap at Bird’s Nest Jazz (this month it’s vocalist Ed Reed with Brian Cooke, Rob Fisher and Ron Marabuto, May 18), and be sure to try the gumbo.
Bird’s Nest Jazz, 5 p.m.–7 p.m. the last Sunday of the month (no shows July and August), $25 includes food and drink, 2875 Glascock St.,
No. 109, (510) 534-6163, www.cwalkup.com.
—By Daniel Jewett
—Photography by Lewis Smith

THREE great new things to talk about

1. CHECK OUT THE WONDERFUL NEW ARTICLE IN THE MAY ISSUE OF OAKLAND MAGAZINE (UNDER THE "IN THE MIX" SECTION - ALL ABOUT BIRD'S NEST!

2. A NEW BAND!

WALKUP, BYRNES, McGEE - consisting of myself on vocals, Brian Byrnes on vocals, harmonica and guitar and David McGee on vocals and guitar.

(clips coming soon)

We're doing a very eclectic mix of JAZZ, BLUES, LATIN AND DOO WOP
- PURE FUN
lately we've been adding Attila Medveczky on bass and Phil Hodges on drums - upping the fun quotient exponentially. See pics under Photo section

AS IF THAT WEREN'T ENOUGH

3. A NEW SHOW! (check calendar for dates)

SHANNA CARLSON AND I HAVE PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER AGAIN AND CREATED A NEW REVUE

"SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY"

A vocal tribute to the Big Band Era, the singers who sang the songs and stories behind some of the songs.

We'll be doing this at "MUSIC IN THE SUMMER AIR" a lovely FREE series by the San Leandro Library (6/14)

come and join us for an unabashedly sentimental afternoon about a truly magical time

AND OF COURSE BOTH OF THESE GROUPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES, CORPORATE EVENTS, CLUBS AND HOUSE CONCERTS
cathi@cwalkup.com or (510) 534-6163

WELCOME TO BIRD'S NEST JAZZ
Bird's Nest is an intimate warm
All events are the last Sunday of the month (except MAY, because of Memorial day)

All shows are 5-7 pm doors open at 4:30, seating first come, first served

$25.00 includes wine/beverage and gourmet small plates by Larry Smith.

(510) 534-6163 for tickets and information. A LIMITED number of discount tickets will be available for each show through brownpapertickets.com

DIRECTIONS TO BIRD'S NEST ARE BELOW THE JUNE GIG LISTING

A LIKELY SELLOUT SHOW - GET TICKETS EARLY!!

SUNDAY, MAY 18TH
**Please note NOT the last Sunday of the month

ED REED - VOCALS
BRIAN COOKE - PIANO
CARLA KAY - BASS
RON MARABUTO - DRUMS

ED REED's bittersweet journey through jazz is remarkable. From deep roots in childhood in childhood, learning to sing chord changes from Charles Mingus (whose sister lived in his neighborhood) detours in prison, to a chance meeting with Peck Allmond at a jazz camp, whicih has led him to his current wild ride to such venues as Yoshi's on the West Coast and clubs such as the Jazz Standard in New York. Through it all his love for the music has been the one constant in his life, and it shows. "Reed ... has a smooth, expressive and caramel-toned voice, precise diction and exact intonation." - Jazziz Magazine


SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH

BIRD'S NEST DOUBLE TRIO & BAR-B-QUE BLOWOUT

3-7 pm ** note time
Bar-b-que 3 to 4:30 (on the deck by the estuary - all welcome)
Music 5-7 inside (you must reserve a seat for the music)

CATHI WALKUP, SHANNA CARLSON &
LARRY SMITH - VOCALS

Trio - tba

Three great singers, a great trio and bar-b-que - you can't beat that.
We're firing up the grills out on the deck by the water and having a potluck (all welcome). Then moving inside for the music at 5 pm (SEATS MUST BE RESERVED),

Please bring something to share or throw on the grill. Admission to the music will be by donation only but you must reserve your seat as space is limited.

This party is always lively and there are usually surprises, so come prepared to have fun!


DIRECTIONS TO BIRD'S NEST:

From North:

Cross the Bay Bridge and take 880 So. to the Fruitvale/29th Ave. Exit. Make an immediate right as you come off the exit, onto Derby Street, which dead ends at Glascock.
Make a right onto Glascock. 2875 is at the end of the block in Waterpark Lofts on the left. Enter through the pedestrian gate, through parking lot and breezeway, make a right to #109. If the gate is shut, ring Eckford on the call box beside it.

From South

Take 880 No. to 29th Ave/Fruitvale exit,
making a right at the stop sign at the bottom of the exit ramp. At the next stop sign make a right under the overpass, and another right at the stop sign as you come out from under the overpass. At the next stop sign make a LEFT onto Derby Street (be very careful here as cars will be exiting the freeway). Derby Street dead ends at Glascock
Street. Make a right onto Glascock. 2875 is
at the end of the block in Waterpark Lofts on the left.
Enter through the pedestrian gate, through parking lot and breezeway, make a right to #109. If the gate is shut, ring Eckford on the call box beside it.

From Alameda:

Cross over
the Park Street Bridge and make the first right. This is Glascock Street. 2875, Waterpark Lofts will be on your right, just next to the large parking lot. Enter through the
pedestrian gate, if the gate is shut, ring Eckford on the call box beside it. Then, through parking lot and breezeway, make a right to #109.
_________________________________

CLOUDS (NUAGES)

CLOUDS ARE DRIFTING ABOVE
IN SKIES OF BLUE
THERE’S AN ACHE IN MY HEART
I THINK IT’S YOU

YOU WERE ONCE A PART OF ME
BUT HAVE MOVED ACROSS THE SEA
AND OUR LOVE HAS CHANGED ITS SHAPE AGAIN
AS CLOUDS OFTEN DO

I STILL HOLD YOU IN MY HEART,
BUT NOT THE SAME
LOVE KEEPS CHANGING EVERY DAY
YET YOU REMAIN

I HAVE LOVED YOU AT THE FIRST
I WILL LOVE YOU AT THE LAST
AND OUR LOVE WILL HAVE TO BE
WHAT IT
CAN
BE
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM “QUINT-ESSENTIAL”


HANG UP AND DRIVE

PEOPLE THAT YA KNOW, RUSHIN’ TO AND FRO
ALWAYS STRATEGIZIN’, NEVER REALIZIN’
WHEN TO TAKE IT SLOW

REACHIN’ FOR THE TOP, YOU CAN NEVER STOP
ALWAYS MULTITASKIN’ , SOMEHOW NEVER ASKIN’
WHAT IT IS YOU’VE GOT

I CAN SEE YOU, FLYIN’ DOWN THE HIGHWAY
YOU’RE THE ONE WHO’S TALKIN’ ON THE PHONE
AS YOU’RE SWERVIN’ , DO YOU SEE THAT CAR BESIDE YOU?
THAT MIGHT BE ME
BEGGIN’ PLEASE HANG UP THE PHONE

HANG UP AND DRIVE, HANG UP AND DRIVE
IT’S ALL RIGHT TO RISK YOUR LIFE
BUT I’D PREFER
THAT YOU DON’T RISK MINE
STAYIN’ ALIVE, STAYIN’ ALIVE
HAS ALAWYS BEEN A GOAL OF MINE
I’M BEGGIN’ YA NOW
HANG UP AND DRIVE

YOUNGEST CEO, ALWAYS ON THE GO
HIGHLY PRESSURIZIN’ NEVER REALIZIN’
YOU MUST PAY THE TOLL
WITH YOUR LAPTOP FAX, NEVER CAN RELAX
ALL THE COMPETITION REALLY GOT YOU MISSIN’
WHERE IT’S REALLY AT
I CAN SEE YOU, ON THE CITY STREETS
ANOTHER ONE WHO’S, TALKIN’ ON THE PHONE
WON’T YOU TRY TO , TRY TO SEE IT MY WAY
JUST HANG UP NOW, AND LEAVE THAT PHONE ALONE
HANG UP AND DRIVE, HANG UP AND DRIVE
IT’S ALL RIGHT TO RISK YOUR LIFE
BUT I’D PREFER
THAT YOU DON’T RISK MINE

STAYIN’ ALIVE, STAYIN’ ALIVE
HAS ALAWYS BEEN A GOAL OF MINE
I’M BEGGIN’ YA NOW
HANG UP AND DRIVE
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED 2002

LITTLE SUZIE’S HUMMING

DAYS IN PARKS, AND BEING PUSHED IN CARTS
AND SUSIE HUMS, HUMS, HUMS,
CONTENTEDLY
HUMS, HUMS, HUMS,
SHE’S PLAYIN’ ON SWINGS AND THINGS
AND RIDING ON THE MERRY-GO-ROUND
AND LIFE IS SO MUCH FUN THAT
LITTLE SUZIE HUMS, NOW

PLAYGROUND SLIDES AND OTHER KIDS HER SIZE
AND SUZIE HUMS A SONG
SHE’S MAKING UP
JUST TO HEAR
IT GO UP AND DOWN
SHE DOESN’T KNOW THE WORDS
BUT DEEP IN HER HEART
SHE KNOWS THE FEELING’S THERE AND
HUMS IT IT IN THE AIR, NOW

PIGTAILS AND TIGHTS
AND SLEEP OVER NIGHTS
AND WHISPERING SECRETS TO MAKE SOMEBODY GRIN
AND THEY LET YOU WIN THE GAME SOMETIMES

ONE TRUE FRIEND, WHO WILL KEEP YOUR SECRETS IN
AND NEVER TELL, NO, NO
BUT SHE’LL TELL YOU HERS, AND YOU WON’T TELL THEM
A FRIENDSHIP FAST THAT GOING TO LAST YOU ALL OF YOUR LIFE
A PATH HAS JUST BEGUN
AND LITTLE SUSIE HUMS, NOW
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM “LIVING IN A DAYDREAM”


LIVING IN A DAYDREAM

LIVING IN A DAYDREAM,
NOTHING’S EVER QUITE WHAT IT SEEMS
WHEN YOU’RE LIVING IN A DAYDREAM,
BUILDING CASTLES IN THE AIR

SAFE WITHIN YOUR DAYDREAM,
IN A CLIMATE MADE FOR LOVE
EVERYTHING GOES YOUR WAY
AND IT FITS YOU LIKE A GLOVE

LIVING IN A DAYDREAM,
SO YOU HAVEN’T GOT AN INKLING
WHEN REALITY COMES LURKING,
YOU PRETEND IT ISN’T THERE

BUT WHEN YOUR EYES ARE OPEN,
HERE YOU ARE STILL HEARTBROKEN
DAY DREAMS JUST SEEM TO MELT AWAY

DAY DREAMS MAY BE SO LOVELY,
BUT IN THE END YOU WILL SEE
LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT DAY TO DAY
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM “LIVING IN A DAYDREAM”


MORE THAN POOR CLAY

I TRY TO BE
ALL I CAN BE
I TRY TO RISE UP ABOVE
ALL LIFE’S PETTY PROBLEMS
BUT SOMETIMES I JUST FEEL
AS THOUGH i’M REALLY ONLY MADE OF POOR CLAY

SO THEN,
I START TO FLOAT,
BEGIN TO SOAR
I’M COPPIN’ AN ATTITUDE
THAT’S STRICTLY ON THE PLUS SIDE

IT HELPS ME UNDERSTAND
THAT I CAN BE MORE THAN POOR CLAY

SOMETIMES JUST SAYING
THAT YOU ARE BETTER
MAKES YOU FEEL BETTER
THEN YOU GET BETTER

ONWARD AND UPWARD
THAT IS A MOTTO
THAT CAN BE
SO
TRUE
AND MIRACULOUS

WHEN I CAN LOOK
WAY UP ABOVE
& SEE THAT THE CLOUDS ARE NOT
SO VERY HIGH TO WISH FOR
I RISE ABOVE MYSELF
AND KNOW THAT I’M MORE THAN POOR CLAY
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM “LIVING IN A DAYDREAM”


I WANNA GO TO TAHITI

I WANNA GO TO TAHITI
AND PLAY ALL DAY IN THE TROPIC SUN
I WANNA GO WITH MY SWEETIE
JUST AS SOON AS I GET ME ONE
I WANNA GO AND DRINK MAI TAIS
SERVED TO ME ON A SILVER TRAY
I WANNA GO TO TAHITI
BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO GET AWAY

‘CAUSE YA GOTTA GO TO WORK
AND SPEND ALL’A YOUR TIME
MAKING OTHER PEOPLE DOLLARS
WHILE THEY PAY YOU A DIME
AND YA GOTTA COOK AND CLEAN
AND DO THE LAUNDRY TOO
THERE’S ABOUT A MILLION THINGS
THAT YA
GOTTA DO

I WANNA GO TO TAHITI
AND PLAY ALL DAY IN THE TROPIC SUN
I WANNA GO WITH MY SWEETIE
‘SPECIALLY NOW THAT I GOT ME ONE
I WANNA GO AND DRINK MAI TAIS
SERVED TO ME ON A SILVER TRAY
I WANNA GO TO TAHITI
BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO GET AWAY
CATHI WALKUP FROM THE ALBUM “NIGHT OWL”


I CAN’T LOOK AT YOU

I CAN’T LOOK AT YOU
FOR MY EYES WOULD SURELY GIVE MY HEART
AWAY

IF I LOOKED AT YOU
I WOULD SAY THE WORDS I KNOW I CANNOT SAY

IT SCARES ME SO
FOR YOU TO KNOW
ALL THE SECRETS I’VE GUARDED SO LONG

YET I KNOW
IF I LET GO
YOU WOULD KNOW ALL THE WORDS TO MY SONG

I CAN’T LOOK AT YOU
BUT I THINK THAT IF I DID YOU’D UNDERSTAND

IF I LOOKED AT YOU
WOULD YOU KNOW ENOUGH TO SIMPLY TAKE MY HAND?

IT WOULD BE GRAND
IF YOU
COULD SEE
ME TOO
_CATHI WALKUP - FROM THE ALBUM “NIGHT OWL” _