News

3/28/08

Just letting everyone know that I'm no longer playing with my band or any other bands any more.  I'm teaching full time and performing card magic for private parties and conventions.  That doesn't mean Li'l Jay & the Cardsharks will never play again!!  If you want to hear us, book us for a private party and we'll come play where ever you wish.  As far as club dates and playing with other area bands, yes, I'm pulling the plug.

If you are interested in taking piano or guitar lessons, please email me from the contact page and I'll get back to you ASAP.

10/05/07

Hey!!  I'm putting together a new band.  Steve Candlen (drums/vocals) Matt Mirabile (guitar) and myself (keys) and it is off the hook!  Funk Improv and Jazz at it's finest.  Check out my calendar for dates.  We will be playing Savannah's in downtown Albany every second Tuesday of the month.  I'll keep you posted on my calendar.

As for guitars, The latest addition to my family is a second Les Paul. The one I bought last month was a Orville Flametop, this time it's a Orville Goldtop.  It's a Japan made copy of a Gibson called an Orville.  The quality of this guitar surpasses anything Gibson made from this period.  The tone on this guitar is amazing.  I left the original Orville pick ups in it and I'm thinking about adding some pricey Seymour Duncans. This guitar is really a gem.  Look for it at my next dates!!

On the card magic side of things...  I've got a few weddings and private parties coming up.  You guys know who you are;.)  I just booked a show at Albany's Nanotech complex with Fuji Films and I'm looking forward to it!

2/09/07

Lil Jay and the Cardsharks back in town!!  Feb. 17th at Daisy Bakers, 10pm don't miss it!  I'm beginning work on my next CD.  Just preproduction, I wouldn't expect another album for at least a year.

I've got my eye on a few new guitars.  A Les Paul might be in my collection within a few weeks!  I'll post the new pics.  I just bought an old Silvertone that needs some work, but I'll get it going.  And as always, I'm still working on a few tele's and strats...  (it never ends)

Last month I bought a Bruno amp.  It's the "real deal".  Check out his site: www.brunoamps.com.  I got the underground 30.  I can't even begin to explain how unbelievably good this amp sounds!

I'm also planning on doing some more magic conventions this year.  I'll be done with my first set of lecture notes soon, they will be available through the site. 

-Jason

11/17/06

Li'l Jay and the Cardsharks voted top 100 blues CD's released since 2005!  My CD is #41 on the list!  Check it out: 

http://realbluesmagazine.com/top100.htm

Anyway, looking forward to tomorrows gig at Daisy Bakers in Troy...  10pm hit.  Also, don't miss 11/22 at Savannah's.  Me and Matt Mirabile are gonna get funky, and we gonna get down.... we gonna play our music from town to town.

Just finished a card magic gig at Maple Hill High School.  What a blast.  You guys were great and a lot of fun to work with... looking forward to the next time!

-Jason

08/22/06

Lil Jay and the Cardsharks are playing in Albany again!!!  October 6th at Savannah's.  I'm looking forward to seeing familiar faces.  Again, all my dates have been up north in Saratoga and Warrensburg, and all over Vermont.  Looking forward to this date.

I'm also working on putting together a few different bands.  A few side projects that will pop up at the Lark Tavern with some of the area's best.  More on this later...

Look for me and Steve Candlen hitting the area's open mic nights...  like Savannah's, The Muddy Cup, and Red Square on Tuesdays, and the Lark Tavern on Wednesdays.

I'll also be adding the rest of my guitars to the guitars page shortly.  I've been busy building a few Strat's and Tele's that I'm sure any guitar enthusiasts will enjoy!

-peace

05/03/06

Just a quick note for my Li'l Jay & the Cardsharks fans, all my recent Cardshark gigs have been out-of-towners.  I'm playing in Gloversville, Colliersville, and Rotterdam.  I'm booking through the summer now so there will be some local gigs I'm sure.  I'm playing keyboards with Matt Mirabile and Alison Jacobs quite a bit.  (Check the Dates page for details)  I'm playing a few dates with my good friend Steve Wargo.  Steve plays with Phil Petfroff and Dave Olsen (Robert Cray's drummer for 11 years and winner of a few Grammys!!)  Also, look for me on guitar with Ernie Williams up in Lake George, Saratoga and Stoney Creek to name a few.

I'm performing a few card magic sets this year at Niska-Day.  This year it is being held on Saturday, May 20th.  I'll be performing from 1:30 to about 3:30 or 4:00 (It's hard to stop once you get going...)

That's all for right now....

01/02/06

Happy New Year Everyone!!!  What a trip.  My New Years Eve was a blast.  I performed three 45 minute card magic sets at the Masonic Temple in downtown Albany.  All the shows were great and were packed with way more people than I expected.  After the last performance I bolted up to Saratoga's First Night and played three more 45 minute sets with Ernie Williams on guitar. 

This year is going to be fun.  I have lots of new gigs with Lil Jay and the Cardsharks, including one in a few weeks at Franklins Tower down by State and Broadway.  Also, plenty more work with Ernie Williams, Tom Healey, and Family Tree.

One gig to catch coming up is B.B. Kings 80th birthday bash at the Palace on Jan 28th.  I'll be playing guitar with Ernie that night and I'm really looking forward to it.

10/15/05

I’ve been told I never update my news page.... so here goes. Things are good. I’m keeping busy with the Ernie Williams Band as well as my own Li'l Jay and the Cardsharks gigs. I played the Boston Blues Festival a few weeks ago and the show went over great. Later this month I’m looking forward to my Family Tree gig at the Lark Tavern (Tuesday, October 18th 10pm)

I’ve got some new press. I just finished doing a television commercial for the Saratoga Racino. I’ll let everyone know when it airs. I also am featured in this months Business Review. The article is about being able to have a career as a musician only. (I thank all the bands I play with and all my private students for this...) I’ll have the article posted on the site for all to read soon.

And finally, I just booked new years eve here in Albany. I’m performing card magic for Albany’s First Night. There is also another Crooked Gambling Demo/Texas Hold ‘em class lecture November 3rd at the Knowledge Network.

-Jason

07/21/05

The Lil Jay and the Cardsharks CD is doing great!  It's getting a lot of air play in Europe and the reviews have all been so kind.  Feel free to leave a review in my guest book.  I can post it on www.cdbaby.com.  I'm playing with my own band quite a bit and Albany's Ernie Williams quite a bit as well.  I'm still at the Lark Tavern on Tuesdays here and there.  Either way, it's been a great summer so far and I'm looking forward to all my upcoming gigs.

I'm also teaching some Texas Hold 'em and blackjack classes at SUNY Ulster.  If you're interested just write into my site for more information.  I have an upcoming Intro to Hold 'em class at the Knowledge Network here in Albany.

That's all for now...

04/22/05

Just a quick note to let everyone know what’s happening. First, the CD is finally done. It was mastered about a week ago. I’m now working on duplication and copyrighting the album itself and the tunes. I should have copies for sale within a month or so. My apologies for releasing the album so late, but it’s hard to rush perfection! I’ll be sure to let everyone know when the official CD release will be.

If you didn’t get a chance to read my article in the Metroland, here’s another chance... My thanks to Erik Hage who did a great job of writing it.   Featured in Metroland Magazine

Wednesday, May 4th I’m teaching again at the Knowledge Network. I’m giving a blackjack strategy/crooked gambling class that has been lots of fun to teach. For more info, go to www.knowledgenetwork.org

And finally, I had a great time opening up for B.B. King a few weeks ago with Ernie Williams. I saw a lot of friends and family there and I just wanted to thank you guys for your support.

01/01/05

Happy New Year!

I accomplished a lot in 2004, and I’m looking forward to doing even more this year. My CD sounds great. I’ve been pulling 8-10 hour days in the studio doing the final mixes. It’s slated for a February release.

Every Tuesday at the Lark tavern in Albany, I’m playing with Family Tree, an improv funk band that has some of the area’s best players: Steve Candlen on drums, Ryan Lukas on bass, and Dave Gleason on keys. Each week we start a groove... and just let it go. It’s a great gig with a great vibe. So, if you’re free, we’re at the Lark Tavern every Tuesday.

Not only am I playing guitar with Family Tree, you can also catch me in my own band Lil Jay and the Cardsharks, Tom Healey Band, and of course Albany’s own Ernie Williams. Check local listings and please support local bands.

On the magic side of things... I’ve just finished my first DVD. I’ll have a video clips area on this site where you can see some of my latest card effects. The Professional Card Magic of Jason Ladanye will also be for sale in the near future. My thanks to Charlie Vatalaro, Herb, Wayne, Terry, and all the others that helped with the taping and production of my DVD.

And finally... I’m lecturing at the Knowledge Network in February. The lecture includes a crooked gambling expose and basic and advanced blackjack strategies. If you play cards for money you should take this class. I expose false shuffles and cuts, false deals, and palming and switching cards. The second half of the class involves blackjack strategies including money management and card counting. The class is Wednesday, February 9th at 7 p.m. For more information please email me or visit www.knowledgenetwork.org 

-Jason

11/29/04

Hello,

Well I’m back from London. What a great experience. My act was smooth and went over well. I must say, I fooled a lot of magicians. (That wasn’t my goal, but it was certainly nice to stump other card guys) I met David Williamson and had a chance to perform a few effects for him. David complimented my work. Dave and I also shared some stories about Darwin Ortiz. I met Lennart Green as well. Lennart congratulated me after my act and said I did a great job. Thank you to Martin MacMillan, for having me. And finally, I was able to meet and speak with Alex Elmsley, one of the biggest names in card magic. I had a great time meeting other magicians and sharing effects and thoughts about cards. I look forward to performing again next year.

I performed in the late afternoon. Later that evening, I attended the gala show. All of the acts were spectacular. David Williamson was absolutely hilarious and a real treat to watch. Also, the beautiful and talented Ailona from Russia gave a mesmerizing performance. I also enjoyed watching a fellow New Yorker, Vito Lupo perform his very elegant routine.

Now that I’m back home, I’m concentrating on finishing up my debut CD Lil Jay and the Cardsharks. Later next week I’ll finish mastering the album and it will be ready for duplication. I anticipate having the finished product in early 2005. Please remember, if you would like to know when the CD is finished, e-mail me from the CD page and I’ll send you a notice when it’s done.

Finally, just a reminder: Tuesday nights at the Lark Tavern in Albany. I’m playing guitar with Family Tree. It’s an excellent funk band with some of the areas best players: Ryan Lukas, Pete Rocco and Steve Candlen. Come check us out. We start at around 10:00pm.

-Jason

11/04/04

Well this is the beginning. This site just got put up a few days ago. My thanks to web designer Rich Pagano, for putting up with all my thoughts and ideas for the last couple months. Also, this site looks great thanks Dino Petrocelli for taking all the pictures. And finally, thanks to George Deveny for helping me with all the copy.

Anyway, here’s what's coming up. I’m rehearsing for my appearance in London at the International Magic convention. I can’t wait to meet all the other magicians there. I especially would like to meet Lennart Green. (Lennart’s magic is so strong and unique, he’s simply one of the best) I also want to meet Dave Williamson. I’ve studied Dave's effects and still do a few of his effects.

I plan on doing some of my strongest magic. Rather than doing other magicians effects, I have 5 of my own card tricks that I’m very proud of. My thanks to Darwin Ortiz also. Darwin has helped me learn so many new sleights and concepts. I wouldn’t be going to London this year if it weren't for him.

On the music side of things, I picked up Tuesday nights at the Lark Tavern in Albany. I’m playing guitar in yet another band, Family Tree. My good friends Steve Candlen and Ryan Lukas lay down some serious funk grooves. It’s a great vibe. Lark Tavern, Tuesdays at 10:00pm. Come check us out.

Usually I’d be on the road with my main gig, Shemekia Copeland. If you’ve never heard of her, definitely check her out. She’s the real deal. I’ve been Shemekia’s keyboard player for over 4 years now. Shemekia is touring with Dr. John right now so the band has some time off to pursue other projects.

Anyway, That’s all for now.

-Jason