Ref, Page for Gordon Polatnick's Tours

JAZZ NIGHT
To whom it may concern: My friends and I were lucky enough to find Gordon on the internet and arrange a personally guided tour of New York's best jazz establishments. With no prior contact with Gordon I must say in total honesty that Gordon proved to be so thoroughly knowledgeable of jazz locales and players that he could attune the tour to our personal tastes and experience with jazz. His caring, professional, and at the same time friendly guidance made the tour the hit of our week-end in New York. His experience has made him the essence of a tour guide. He makes you feel thoroughly at home in New York and in the various clubs and has followed up that evening by answering many follow-up requests for information as a matter of genuine courtesy. No to be too lengthy, Gordon is truly a "find". He can make New York jazz come alive for the newcomer or aficionado. This sounds like a paid commercial. I can assure you it is totally spontaneous and the result of his outstanding work as a tour guide. The others in our group of Philadelphia doctors, lawyers and professors thoroughly subscribe to the above. Jack Dobbyn Philadelphia, PA Dear Gordon, Thank you so much for guiding me to that fantastic Monday Night Harlem Jam. Without your help I could have never been exposed to such a wonderfull true jazz experience like that in my life. I now know what is the real jazz , the music and the atmosphere. Hopefully seeing you again. Sincerely, Osamu, From far away country, Chiba, Japan.	Dear Gordon, My husband and I would like to thank you for the experience we went through with you. That jazz tour we took with you in New York was an amazing adventure. Those places we visited, the whole atmosphere in them, the people performing, the environment... everything was tops. And we thought we had seen jazz before!! We were completely mistaken. Again we have to thank you for your company because that was also part of the whole experience. The way you know the places, how much you know about jazz, and the people who are part of the hidden jazz scene in New York. These places we went to, we would have never been able to find them on our own, there is no way we would have seen these places without you. We want everybody to know that this tour is a must. A must-do, a must-see, a must-experience. Don’t miss it. A really unforgettable treasure. Thank you, Gordon. Thank you very much. Adrian Stoppelman Graciela Rodriguez Buenos Aires, Argentina BACK TO JAZZ TOURS Back to BigAppleJazz.com Gordon, When we describe our visit to New York the evening with you is always a highlight. I did a lot of research but I never would have found the places you took us to. Thank you again for your help. I think you might want to rethink your prices though. It was beyond a bargain. I don't see how anyone could afford NOT to use your services. Thanks, Sharon Verrall Calgary, Alberta, Canada BACK TO JAZZ TOURS Back to BigAppleJazz.com Hi Gordon! Just a short note to thank you for last Monday night and the invaluable tips which you gave us. I was a bit suspicious at the outset of our contact as I thought I could find out most or all things from the internet. But, there is in fact, nothing which surpasses local knowledge. Our contact has proved that to me and significantly enhanced what my wife and I have got out of this trip. There are venues around town that are tourist traps and there are other venues that involve the real thing presented by real people. After our meeting last Monday, I followed up the Robin's Nest tip you gave us [to great advantage] and yesterday we went to the Parlour for an amazing session. I want to tell you about our experiences because I am so excited by them: As to Friday - we caught the subway to 125th St and headed off to Robin's Nest. I don't know if you know this, you probably do, but Robin's Nest is owned and run by the Hammond Organ player - the Preacher! He answered the telephone when I rang, and took the broom and dustpan to the front of the bar to do a bit of cleaning during the breaks, and then played the funkiest down home Hammond B3 Organ and sang to boot! Well when Rosemary and I arrived we were feted like the second coming. They are obviously keen enthusiasts and prepared to welcome complete strangers to an intimate setting. We were the only white guys there - I felt privileged to be there. We were well looked after. The Preacher gave me an article on him and the venue which was published in the Harlem News - a paper not widely distributed in the tourist circles in which Rosemary and I have been moving!!! The music was HOT HOT funky soul jazz that goes straight to the testicles! A ttrumpet player sat in and blew the roof off the place. It was a very authentic jazz experience that left me reeling. When we left there, we headed to the Showman's Club just down the road. On Sunday arvo we went to the Parlour and it was everything you said it would be. In fact, possibly more. The owner of the apartment had received some award for her civic mindedness and so this day was in honour of that and some benefactor was there to receive her thanks. He was given a telegram from Count Basie in the 1930s as a token of her gratitude. She spoke a bit about the building and the musicians who had lived there which was also amazing. I had to pinch myself to believe it was really happening. I will find it hard to describe this experience to my friends back home. We enjoyed the cordial and biscuits as well as the music. To hear the A Train played in Harlem at full throttle at the end of the gig, in a happy and spirited atmosphere, is an experience I know I will/may never enjoy again. We have also caught some other stuff since we met last Monday: Jim Hall at VV; Charlie Hunter at Shine; a sax player called Andrew D'Angelo at Detour whose group featured an outstanding young drummer (21 years old) called Tim Keiper - watch out for him; Joey Baron/Derek Bailey at Tonic (the first of three gigs on Friday night!) and a Blue Note night with Nancy Wilson on Sat. night. Thanks again for your invaluable tips. Regards Best Wishes MARK BLUMBERG President Jazz Action Society SOUTH AUSTRALIA Inc.- "Promoting Australian Jazz and Jazz In Australia"	Dear Gordon Your tailor-made tour of jazz clubs was the indisputable highlight of our visit to New York. I can think of no better way to get acquainted with the New York jazz scene. Regards from your Dutch connection, Kees Broekhof Trombonist and jazz enthusiast, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands BACK TO JAZZ TOURS Back to BigAppleJazz.com Dear Gordon, I just wanted to follow up and thank you so much for the wonderful experience David and I had with you on the Harlem Jazz Tour recently. We had a fabulous time that night. The memories are strong, clear and very happy. I have told a number of people about you and will continue to do so. I think the service you provide is unique and very good. I recall testimonials on your web site from former clients, let us know if we can be of any help in providing you with testimonials or other promotions. Best to you and thank you again for a great time, Sarah Richardson Iowa City, Iowa Gordon, Hey! from North Carolina. Thanks so much for the taste of Big Apple jazz last week. Showman's was authentic Harlem, and we were so close to the stage at Smoke that the trombonist nearly hit me each time he moved his instrument! I recommend that others get in touch with you if they want a relaxed -- even personal -- encounter with the late-night jazz scene. The evening was casual yet professional. It's not so much a tour as it is a chance to hang out with an enthusiastic jazz buddy. That, I suspect, is a unique offering. Much success with introducing others to the joys of New York and NYC jazz. Regards, Phillip Daquila Durham, NC

STUDENT GROUPS
I am honoured to be able to give you a reference: As someone who has planned previous educational tours for my students, I found that our tour director, Gordon, was an exceptional find. His knowledge of New York far surpassed my students and my expectations. One phrase would probably describe his approach to his job: He is passionate about his work. The students picked up on this vibe, internalized it, and then used it to help them make the most of their trip. We appreciated his energy and professionalism throughout the tour. His willingness to do more than what was expected was an added bonus. If ever I get back to the area, I will definitely seek out Gordon to run another tour! Lorraine Mar Teacher Maple Ridge, BC Canada	I haven't polled all the students yet but here are some comments: "He was great, he made the trip fun." "He knew the city so well he was able to give us good information and take us off the beaten track." "He made the trip excellent." Tina D'Amelio, Dramatic Arts Teacher, British Columbia, Canada Hello Gordon: We had an incredible time. I appreciate your time, energy, and personal touch with the group. You have left a positive impression of NYC and New Yorkers for the kids to grow up with. Thanks so much. I will contact you if we plan another NYC adventure. Dany Ray, Washington Middle School, Cairo, Ga TOP	Gordon's great organizational skill; an ability to communicate with teenagers and adults; and his thorough knowledge of the city ensured that the teachers in charge had very little work to do once the tour began. He made it enjoyable for the supervisors as well, and was able to solve any complications quickly and efficiently. If you want to have a positive, informative and exciting trip in New York City, Gordon Polatnick should be requested for your tours. Tina D'Amelio, Dramatic Arts Teacher, British Columbia, Canada Gordon: Just a quick note to thank you for a great day in NY. The students had a wonderful day, as did I. I will be in touch with you next spring for next year's trip and will give your name to other Global Friendships' coordinators. The other group that was there sans guide had a dreadful day. Oh well, live and learn. Thanks again, Karen Global Friendships, NH

Private New York City Tour
Gordon, Thank you so much for such a delightful couple of days! I am glad that I found you...not only for your fantastic service and expertise but for the experience of knowing you and Sasha...you are both lovely people and I very much enjoyed your company. Today I had a successful trip to Brooklyn...people were asking me how to find their way in the subway and on the streets of Brooklyn! So, you were successful too! There is much to see and do...I will return and will ask for your help...I bought 2 books at the library. So, I bet if I tell you what I'd like to see, you would be able to get there and walk around with me....it isn't off the D line train and I would most likely get lost without you or a chauffer...and to me there is no choice, now that I have found you! Thank you, Gordon...you really enabled me! I think you are a great guy, have good motives and a good idea or two! Judi Jones Loma Linda, CA	To Future Tour Seekers, I recently found myself near New York City on business and, having never seen this incredible city, wanted to see what it's all about. However, I was by myself and had no idea where to start - that's where Gordon came in. I found his page by searching for tours and contacted Gordon about the possibility of him meeting me at the train station and showing me his town - and that's exactly how it worked. I gave him a list of things I wanted to see and he orchestrated the time we had to spend. One of my goals was to "see, hear, and smell New York City," and that's exactly what we did. While I listed the places in NYC which we've all heard about it, along the way Gordon spiced up the trip by showing me the off the beaten path places....... a charming herb shop in China Town, a little cemetery with Alexander Hamilton, a shop with really unusual natural wonders! I got to ride the subway and look up at the buildings without having to worry about anything. Gordon knows his way around NYC and can share "facts and folklore." He also has a love for the city which he cannot hide! He really made the whole experience fun, interesting, and safe! I would wholeheartedly recommend Gordon as THE NYC Tour Guide - he gave me such a positive adventure, I can hardly wait for the next opportunity I have to get another piece of the New York Experience! Nancy Brown Holland, MI USA	Dear Gordon, We loved the tour you gave our group immensely, but the thing we loved most was your flexibilty and creativity. You took our scattered plans and created a unified tour which we could never have accomplished without you. Your knowledge of the major sites and more hidden treasures allowed us to experience New York as if we were locals enjoying a day out. Many thanks and lots of luck with this personalized tour business. I hope I can find a similar guide when we go to London next summer. Any suggestions? Cheerio, Craig Williams et. al. Texas