Craig Yancy and the RPM's Star at Backstreet Bistro

Niles Yancey, Mark Ferguson, Craig Yancey, Bill Saitta  

Bill Saitta and Jeff Olson

Hello again to all my Jazz friends in the Coachella Valley!  My winter Jazz season has started and it's appropriate that it started at the Tuesday Jazz session at Backstreet Bistro.  Tuesdays at Backstreet Bistro have been a Desert Jazz lover's staple.  The outdoor setting on the patio is informal and intimate.  For me, I try to get there early so I can sit right next to the musical group.  As a former musician, it brings me back to my playing days!  Each week Bass player, Bill Saitta, schedules different Desert-favorite musicians who have their chance to show us their musical chops.

Tonight, Sax player extraordinaire Craig Yancey had three wonderful musicians, Bill Saitta on Bass, Mark Ferguson on Keys, Jeff Olson on Drums and Craig's son, Niles on Alto Sax to join him.  I heard Niles Yancey perform before but it was clear tonight that he had advanced to the point where he can hold his own next to the most experienced Jazz players.

Craig Yancey has a natural love of music and Jazz in particular and he enjoys playing as much as his audience enjoys hearing him.  Bill Saitta was impressive on Bass and also sang a few songs that have become audience favorites.  Jeff Olson was on Drums and it was a pleasure hearing him again.  I like to say that Jeff Olson has the softest hands in the West.  His drumming is always right on target for the group he is playing for.

I found a short "YouTube" of the group that was recorded and published in July of 2017 that I think you will enjoy.  It contains a major drum solo by Jeff Olson.

Remember, Tuesday is always Jazz night at Backstreet Bistro and reservations are always a good idea,

Jay Lewis, Barney McClure and Henry Franklin Perform Wonderful Live Jazz at Backstreet in Palm Desert, Ca

Jay Lewis, Henry Franklin and Barney McClure

Barney McClure

Is there anything better than live Jazz under the stars?  I don't think so.  Being outside seems to give the Musicians and the Jazz sounds a wonderful lift.  Tonight and on every Tuesday, Backstreet Bistro comes alive with the best Jazz players in town.  Jay Lewis, one of the desert's favorite Drummers, has taken the lead and put together the best of the best every Tuesday at Backstreet Bistro.  Tonight was no exception with Jay on Drums, the marvelously inventive Barney McClure on Keyboard and veteran Henry Franklin providing perfect rhythm support with his Bass.

Barney McClure is amazing, especially knowing that he is a self-taught keyboard player.  I think being self-taught has given him an advantage when playing because he plays with a freedom that few Keyboard players can reach.  Part of the fun of watching these pros is listening to them change arrangements and keys as they are playing.  Not the easiest thing to accomplish but this produces a fresh new approach to many old chestnuts that playing from written charts cannot measure up to, in my opinion.  Jay Lewis is always on top of the beat and in control no matter what group of musicians he is playing with.  He is admired by every musician I know and a quality person.  Henry Franklin always provides solid rhythm with no drama, just doing his job, creating solos that are new and fresh.  All in all, another great night of Jazz at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, CA.

Yve Evans Makes a Spectacular Return to Backstreet Bistro

Yve Evans gave her first Backstreet Bistro performance of the winter season to the delight of her fans and friends who packed into Backstreet's outside patio Tuesday night.  Yve recently had a medical procedure that delayed her performance schedule but you would never know it when you listened to her play and sing.  I have written about Yve many times on this blog and honestly it's difficult to come up with words that describe what a brilliant, talented and unique musician she is.  I will just say that Yve is special, very special.

Yve has a  pure, strong voice that can be as sweet as silky honey,  and, yet, she can sing the Blues as good as anyone.  Her phrasing is dead-on perfect, absolutely as good as Sinatra, Ella and Sarah but she copies no one.  Yve has a beautiful, unique singing style that is all her own and that's what makes Yve so loved by her legions of fans.

As much as I enjoy Yve's singing, I also believe that she is one of the best keyboard players today, playing great standards and Blues from the "Great American Songbook".  And if singing and playing brilliantly is not enough to convince you of her world-class musical talents, Yve also sprinkles some of the funniest comedy around her lyrics and music!

Yve has been performing in the Desert for over 20 years, and she truly is a musical gift to any music lover.  It's so great to have Yve back performing again, and we all wish her a lifetime of good health.

I am very excited to attach two "YouTube" videos I was able to capture at Tuesday night's performance for you to hear and see Yve's wonderful singing and playing at a live performance.  The first one is a remarkable performance of "With These Hands" that I think is stunningly good.  The second is a performance of the Blues evergreen "Stormy Monday" that Yve captures and makes it her own.

Tonight Yve was supported beautifully by two of the best and most popular musicians in the Southern California area;  Bill Saitta on Bass and Jay Lewis on Drums.

                                                                             

Linda and Patty Peterson Wow the Capacity Crowd at Backstreet Bistro

Linda Peterson

Bill Saitta

Patty Peterson

Bill Saitta, Patty Peterson, Linda Peterson

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta and Patty Peterson

Tom Keenlyside, Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Linda Peterson was the featured musician of the week at Backstreet Bistro and she gathered a talented group of musicians that included beautiful vocals from her sister Patty Peterson, Bill Saitta on Bass and Jay Lewis on Drums.  Linda is one of the most popular musicians in the Valley because of her wonderful work on the Piano, her marvelous voice and her pleasing personality.  Joining Linda and the group tonight was her talented sister, Patty who recently arrived in town from her family home in Minneapolis.  The Peterson family is famous in the Minneapolis area because of all the wonderful music everyone in their large extended family performs.  

Linda Peterson always allows local talented vocalists to sit in with her when she is performing.  But when she has the opportunity to play some straight ahead Jazz,  she really sparkles!  Tonight was one of those opportunities for Linda, and she took advantage of it providing great Jazz vocals and solos.   As you will see in the attached "Youtube" Linda has a great love for her sister Patty's musical talents and has no problem giving up the spotlight to her.

Patty Peterson has been singing since she was a child.  If you are in the Peterson family performing comes naturally.   She has a strong, clear voice and truly understands the lyrics in the great evergreen songs she sings.  Her phrasing is dead perfect as is her pitch.  Singing with musicians you don't know and who have no charts to follow is always difficult but tonight Patty and her supporting musicians made it seem simple.  It was a great night for Jazz under the stars on the Backstreet Bistro patio, and we all hope Patty returns soon so we can hear more of her vocals.

Linda Peterson is always busy working at different venues in Southern California.   On Wednesdays she performs at The Palm House in Palm Springs.  She is doing a vocal presentation with talented singer, Lenny Kay on Thursday at Backstreet Bistro from 3 to 5.  On Friday she is performing from 5 to 8  at FIX located on El Paseo in Palm Desert.  On Saturdays, she performs at Backstreet Bistro from 12:30 to 3:00.   And finally on Sunday she plays at Chef George's in the lounge from 6 to 9 pm.  

Johnny Morris Playing Great Jazz Piano on Mondays at Backstreet Bistro

Johnny Morris is back playing everyone's favorite standards at Backstreet Bistro on Monday nights from 6:00pm until 9:00pm to the delight of all lovers of the "Great American Songbook".  My appreciation for Johnny's playing and singing skills increase every time I go to hear him.  Don't make the mistake of thinking that Johnny plays "Elevator Music".  Johnny is a superb Jazz pianist who has played with some of the greatest Jazz performers in the country.  He toured with The Buddy Rich Band for years including many sessions with  him at Birdland in NYC.  The great Alto Sax man, Cannonball Adderley, tried repeatedly to get Johnny to tour with him,  but Johnny like the venues he was playing in NYC at the time.

Tonight Johnny was in fine form, playing great standards beautifully, singing the lyrics we all love and to top it off, telling wonderful stories about his experiences with many favorite musical giants of the past who performed with him.

You just can't find venues like Backstreet Bistro where you can have an intimate dinner on the outside terrace and listen to some of the best sounds this side of heaven!  Please do your self a favor and go hear Johnny's wonderful performance every Monday at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert.

Continuing my effort to attach music to my postings, I recorded a video of Johnny playing the great standard "Stella By Starlight" live at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert.  I apologize for the poor visual in the "YouTube" as I am still in the learning stage of movie making. I thought the sound was ok.

Super-Star Drummer Jay Lewis leads a group of exceptional musicians at Backstreet Bistro

Last Tuesday night April 14 was another wonderful night of Jazz at Backstreet Bistro.  Jay Lewis assumed leadership of the band for Bill Saitta who is off working and partying in the "Big Easy".  Jay invited Tom Keenlyside, Blake White and Pat Tuzzolino to join the fun.  Jay Lewis is one of the most respected musicians playing in the Desert, and I know this is true because every musician I talk to tells me he is on their list of top Drummers.  In addition to his wonderful Drumming talents, Jay is a truly wonderful person.  No flash or ego,  he just gets in front of his Drums and makes wonderful things happen.  If you love intelligent, swinging Jazz Drumming, don't ever miss a chance to hear him.

Tom Keenlyside, the talented Canadian Sax and Flute player has only been in the Desert for a few years but, he has already become a Jazz household name here.  Tom plays the greatest Flute I have been privileged to hear and his Sax playing is top rate.  Tonight, Tom also proved he is also quite the singer, performing several tunes with the band. What's also great about Tom is that his whole life is focused on music and not just playing it.  Tom composes, records in his own music studio, arranges and tours with the best groups in the business when he has any free time.  He is a true professional and brings no agenda with him.  He always has time to help other musicians with suggestions and direction expecting nothing more than a thank you!  I understand that Tom will be back at Backstreet next Tuesday, so make your plans to be there.  The opportunity for Jazz lovers to get up-close to a talented performer like Tom are rare, so don't miss any chance you get to hear him.

On Bass tonight was the young and talented Blake White.  I have heard Blake a few times over the past few years and in my opinion he is now playing as good as I have ever heard him.  His solos are new and crisp and original.  Blake has obviously has been working hard to lift the level of his Bass playing and the results are terrific.

The last member of the group tonight was Pat Tuzzolino.  I found Pat a few years ago and became an instant fan.  Pat played wonderful guitar tonight, and also sang several songs.  Multi-talented Pat also plays keyboard and Bass.  But in my opinion, Pat's real brilliance is in his singing.  Pat sings Jazz standards in his own unique way,  and he provides his own arrangements that are outstanding and can turn an old classic "Chestnut" into something new and beautiful.  It always surprises me that so many Jazz fans in the Valley are not familiar with Pat because he is without a doubt one of the most talented musicians you will ever hear.  I know this is a bold statement but I believe it is true.  Pat plays in the bar area at Castelli's Restaurant in Palm Desert on Wednesday through Saturday.  Never miss a chance to hear him.

I found a "YouTube" of Pat singing "Yellow Days" at Vitello's on 7/29/13.  He is joined by Larry Koonse on Guitar and Dan Williams on Drums.  This video will give you a good idea of the remarkable musical talents of Pat Tuzzolino.

   

Johnny Morris is Back At Backstreet Bistro on Mondays

There is good news for all lovers of great piano music and the best songs from the "Great American Songbook". Johnny Morris has started his 3rd season at Backstreet Bistro and plays from 6:00 to 9:00 every Monday night.  Johnny Morris is highly respected by all of the best musicians in California and for good reason.  He can play everything from accompanying vocalists or leading a swinging band or Dixieland band.  But I think Johnny is at his best playing and singing the great songs from the "Great American Songbook".  Tonight was Johnny's season opening Monday night at Backstreet Bistro and the outside terrace was crowded with fans who love the music Johnny plays and sings.  Johnny has one of the best musical memories of any performer I have seen. During his performance, he repeatedly asks the audience for requests and without hesitation plays the tune without reference to any sheet music.  But what is even more impressive is that Johnny can sing the lyrics of these songs without hesitation!  Johnny Morris is a polished professional performer but his mastery of the piano did not come over night.   Johnny has spent his entire adult life honing his musical skills.  During his career, he was musical director and played with Kai Winding regularly at the New York Playboy Club.  He also toured with the Buddy Rich quintet traveling around the world including Brazil, the Far East and India.

The setting at Backstreet Bistro could not be better.  Having dinner outside on the Terrace with Johnny at the Keyboard ten feet away playing some of your favorite songs is priceless.  And the food and service at Backstreet is also tops!  

For your listening enjoyment, I have found a "YouTube" video of the Buddy Rich Quintet playing "B.R. Blues" with Johnny Morris on Piano.

Bill Saitta Opens the 2015 Tuesday Jazz Series At Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside, Bill Saitta and Joe Azarello

Tuesday night, January 6, 2015 was opening night for Jazz at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, California.  Bill Saitta, the great bassist, singer, arranger creates a different group of outstanding musicians every Tuesday night throughout the winter season.  Tonight Bill selected his go-to-Drummer and everyone's favorite, Jay Lewis along with Joe Azarello on Keyboard. The star of tonight's program was Tom Keenlyside who thrilled the group with his solos on Flute and Tenor Sax. Tom only moved to Palm Desert from Canada a few years ago and has already established his reputation as a sterling Jazz player.  Tom is amazing in his ability to improvise, yet, always retains the essence of the melody.  Tom can do it all, and he does it all whenever he performs.  Tom always plays with excitement, and he transmits his joy of music to his audience.  He also lifts his fellow players to higher levels because of his outstanding musical skills.  Tom never plays safe, he always pushes himself to higher levels of performance.  He is loved by his audience!

I had not heard Bill Saitta play Bass for over 8 months but tonight he continued to prove he is a student of the Bass and his music.  Every year he seems to improve the level of his playing and this night proved that he has taken his musical game to an even higher level.  Bill's approach to music including Jazz is far from casualty.  He continues to be a student of music and takes nothing for granted.  His solos tonight were thoughtful and perfectively constructed.  It's no wonder that Bill is one of the most sought after Bassists in California!

Jay Lewis as usual was sparkling on Drums tonight. Jay is at the top of the list of skilled Drummers playing in Southern California and for good reasons.  Jay never tries to over-shadow any members of the groups he plays with.  He is supportive, and yet can hold his own with any Drummer when it is his time to solo.  Besides his musical talents,  Jay is a really good person and loved by all.

Joe Azarello was on Keyboard tonight and it was my first experience with him.  He supported the

Jay Lewis and Tom Keenlyside

group perfectly and has a very unique playing style especially on his solos.  Seems Joe believes that the structure of his playing is much more important than just playing a lot of background notes.  He was well received by the enthusiastic Backstreet audience.  Tonight was a wonderful start to the season, and I recommend that you put Tuesday night Jazz at Backstreet Bistro on your "To Do" list.

Joe Azarello

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside and Bill Saitta

Gilbert Hanson Plays and Sings Jazz at Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Shelley Yoelin, Gilbert Hanson & Dan Papalla

Gilbert Hanson

     

Shelley Yoelin

Jay Lewis & Shelley Yoelin

Jazz lovers always make the best and most appreciative audiences.  On Tuesday, April 1,  the great electric Bass Man, Gilbert Hanson sat in for Bill Saitta to lead a group of very talented musicians perform a night of Jazz at The Backstreet Bistro. The weather was windy and cold. Only serious Jazz fans would brave this weather and have dinner on the patio so they could hear the great sounds. This night proved if you play great Jazz, they will come and the patio was full regardless of the weather.

As soon as the band started to play, it seemed to warm the air and everyone immediately enjoyed the music and the musicians.  Gilbert Hanson is one of the few electric Bass players who plays Jazz in the Valley.  He has a unique, cool style, puts down a great groove and walks his electric Bass as well as any Stand Up Bass player. In addition, he sings the Blues as good as anyone I have heard.  Tonight he warmed up the audience singing his version of "Going To Chicago".  

Taking the lead on most of tonight's songs was the talented Tenor Sax player, Shelley Yoelin. When Shelley plays he takes no prisoners, just full speed ahead. He delighted the audience with enthusiastic solos that were well-constructed. On Guitar tonight, was our old friend, Dan Papalla.  Dan is highly respected throughout California and for good reason.  He plays great fresh solos where the listener can clearly hear every note he plays. Any group would be glad to have him.  Jay Lewis one of the absolute best drummers in the Desert played Drums tonight and proved once again why he is so sought after by all the top professionals. He plays with great taste, never overpowers the group and performs original and tight solos.

It was a windy and cold night, but this talented group performed as if we were in the middle of a heat wave.  A great evening of Jazz for all. 

Exceptional Musicians Name Their Top Ten Songs, Chapter One: Johnny Morris

                                                                             

Johnny Morris Shares His Top 10 Favorite Songs

I always had an interest in knowing the top 10 songs of my favorite musicians. I knew it how difficult it was going to be for them to put together a list of their favorite songs. You should try and then you will appreciate how difficult this task can be.  The problem everyone has is picking only 10 songs from their personal list of hundreds. I thought it would be interesting to ask some of the best musicians I know to choose their top 10 songs. 

I asked several world-class musicians to imagine what if they were limited to hearing and playing only 10 songs for the rest of their lives, what songs would they pick. This blog is the first of a series of posts that will let us see the top 10 favorite songs of some outstanding musicians. I hope you will share your comments with me.  Also, if there is any musicians who I have not contacted, as yet, who would like to publish their top 10 favorites, please let me know.

Most of my readers know Johnny Morris as one of the most accomplished pianists performing today. Johnny is a Steinway artist and one of the most caring people you will ever meet.  Anyone who has heard Johnny perform knows that he has a deep love for the songs from the "Great American Songbook". Johnny has the ability to play hundreds of great songs from memory including singing the lyrics. I expected Johnny's list to include some of the greatest songs ever written, and I was not disappointed.

Johnny is currently performing Mondays on the terrace at Backstreet Bistro from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.  Having dinner with Johnny playing many of the great songs from his personal list is about as good as it gets.  Johnny is also scheduled to perform with his trio at the Steinway Society Jazz event on April 12, 2014 at So Cal Piano located at 74111 Hwy. 111 in Palm Desert. This is the second Jazz concert Johnny has performed for the Steinway Society, and it's sure to be sold out. Call 760-341-4130 for reservations.

                                   Johnny Morris' Top 10 Favorite Songs

1. How Do You Keep The Music Playing

2. Stella By Starlight

3. My One and Only Love

4. All The Things You Are

5. Here's That Rainy Day

6. Spring Is Here

7. Invitation

8. Emily

9. Skylark

10. The Way You Look Tonight

Bill Siatta and Tom Keenlyside Perform Great Jazz At Backstreet Bistro

                                               

Roger King, Bill Siatta, Tom Keenlyside and Doug McDonald

Bill Siatta

Tom Keenlyside

Doug McDonald

Dennis Burke

We went to Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday to see Bill Siatta who had gathered a group of super talented musicians to join his quartet for the night. Bill does a great job bringing the best musicians in the Valley together for the Tuesday night Jazz series at Backstreet Bistro.  Tonight Bill brought in the great flutist and Tenor Sax player from Canada, Tom Keenlyside along with  Roger King on drums. A great combination of musicians that made for an outstanding night of Jazz. Bill Siatta and Roger King put together a wonderful rhythm section to support the Tom always sensational Tenor and flute playing and Doug McDonald solos. Its hard to describe how good Tom Keenlyside is, I think you just have to listen to him play and everything else needs no description. Plus, it is clear to everyone who hears Tom perform that he just loves playing and performing in general. He is a gift from Canada that just keeps on giving great music to the Jazz fans in the Valley. Tonight we even got to hear Tom sing and of course he is good at that also!

I have also noticed that every time Bill Siatta bring in a new musicians into the mix, he plays to different and always higher levels. No doubt that Bill get motivated playings with so many different talent performers. His performance on the bass continues to evolve into better and better performance and his singing that Bill has worked on over the past couple of years, is really good.  Doug McDonald in a short period of time has demonstrated to all that he is one of the most talented guitar players in California. He seems to really hit his stride when playing with Bill. Roger King seems to be playing in many venues this year and he polished and experienced drummer. His has soft hands that few drummer exhibit and fit into this particular group of musicians perfectly.  A great night for Jazz and Jazz lovers. Drummer Dennis Burke came by during the evening and Bill asked him to sit in for a few numbers. I had not heard Dennis play before but I was impressed by his style and ability and I am sure I will run into him again in another venue.

Bill Saitta and all that Jazz at Backstreet Bistro

Bill Saitta Playing and Singing Up A Storm at Backstreet

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta, Craig Yancey and James Moody

Craig Yancey

Jeanie Monroe, Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Chase Huna, Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Bass player Bill Saitta's current group includes  Drummer Jay Lewis,  Sax Player Craig Yancey and Guitar player James Moody. These four finely tuned veteran musicians are producing some of the best Jazz sounds in the valley these days on Tuesdays at Backstreet Bistro.  I have been listening to Bill Saitta play bass and sing for the last couple of years and each time I heard Bill I hear something new and better than the last time I heard him.  Bill Saitta is not just a great stand up Bass player, he is a student of his trade. Bill is always pushing the envelope when he plays and sings, never satisfied with the status quo of music.  He is always looking for better ways to approach his trade.  He is playing better than ever and he has worked very hard over the last year or two to improve his singing skills.  The results are impressive in both areas. Even though Bill is a master musician, he continues to reach out to other talented musicians to help them get work and book gigs. Finally, Bill is one of the few musicians I have know that has applied sound business principles and planning to his trade. I believe this business planning has played a key role in Bill's successful career. 

Tonight was the first time I got to hear Craig Yancey play sax and I was very impressed.  His solos were imaginative and tight. But the quality I liked the most about Craig was the way he projected his love for performing and playing Jazz. Can't wait to hear more of Craig Yancey.

There were two excellent musicians that Bill call up to perform this night,  First, Jeanie Munro delighted the audience with some great singing. I understand that Jeanie is getting married soon and wish her much happiness. I hope I can hear more from her in the future.  Next, 13 year old Chase Huna came up to join Bill's quartet playing his soprano sax. Chase regularly sits in with many groups in the Desert and it is just remarkable how much he improves each time I get to hear him.  Tonight he played a couple of song with the band including a version of Ellington's "Take The A Train" that just cooked!

This particular Bill Saitta group plays at Backstreet a couple of Tuesdays every month. If you love Jazz, call Backstreet Bistro to find out when the group will be appearing again and be sure to make a reservation as Bill usually sells out the space.

  

Tribute to count Basie at the Indian Wells Theater

The Indian Wells Pops Orchestra Jeff Stover Conducting

Yve Evans

Is there anything better than hearing a live 16 piece orchestra playing the best of the Count Basie playbook? Well, as it turns out there is, when you add the fabulous singing by Yve Evans. Tonight's performance at the Indian Wells Theater was inspiring for everyone in the packed house.  On stage were some of the best musicians in the county being conducted by great bass player, Jeff Stover, playing the best of the Count Basie charts that never sounded better.  They call themselves the Indian Wells Pops Orchestra, but this group of musicians is so much more than a local orchestra. They excel at producing the big band sound, and it is obvious to all that every talented member of this orchestra loves playing the big band charts.

From the first moment Yve Evans walks the stage, she immediately captures her audience and once she has them, she never lets them go. Yve is not only a wonderful, caring person, she is also one of the greatest performing jazz singers of all times. We, here in the Coachella Valley, are so privileged to be able to see and hear Yve sing in many intimate settings. And as great as it is to listen to Yve sing in an intimate room,  hearing her sing "Basie Songs" with a live 16 piece orchestra, is as good as it can get!

If you missed this performance of the Indian Wells Pop Orchestra, you have another chance on Sunday Feb 10, when they return to play "Swing Time" a tribute to big band swing with guest singer, Sherry Williams.

You can also get to enjoy the talents of Yve Evans who will be performing at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Don't miss the opportunity!  

Brian Nova Trio Plays Great Jazz at Backstreet Bistro

Brian Nova

The Brian Nova Trio: Jay Lewis, Larry Holloway, Brian Nova

Larry Holloway and Brian Nova

Larry Holloway

Jay Lewis

Chase Huna and Brian Nova

Missoni Lanza and Brian Nova

The Brian Nova Trio and Carole Hampton

The legendary Harp Player, Ron Kalina

The night I went to Backstreet Bistro to hear Brian Nova, the outdoor event was cancelled due to high winds.  So when I heard that Brian would be performing on April 3 at Backstreet, I returned.  It was well worth it and proved to be a very entertaining evening.  Playing with a trio composed of Jay Lewis on drums, Larry Holloway on bass and Brian as lead with his guitar really cooking. Working with these two talented musicians provided the perfect background for Brian to showcase his amazing dexterity and imaginative improvising on the guitar.  In addition, Brian sang several great jazz tunes to the delight of the standing-room-only crowd at the Backstreet Bistro. Brian is an understated musical performer for all the lucky residents in the Coachella Valley.  If you love great jazz, you have to put hearing Brian on your "To Do" list. 

Of special note tonight was some killer-bass-playing from Larry Holloway and the always great drum playing from Jay Lewis. This trio sounded like they have been playing together for years and provided Brian with perfect backing.

As one would expect, there were several performers in the audience Brian called up to perform. First was a young sax player, Chase Huna.  Chase is 12 years old and is in the 7th grade at the Palm Desert Charter Middle School and has only been playing for 3 years.  But don't let that fool you, he can play and improvise on sax exceptionally well.  Keep up the studying Chase, you have what it takes to become a great player in the very near future.  Next up was the lovely and talented singer and friend to all musicians in the Desert, Carole Hampton.  Carole has a wonderful voice and sings effortlessly to the delight of her admiring audiences.  Thanks for the great sounds, Carole!

Next up was one of my personal Desert favorites, Ron Kalina.  I just never get to hear enough of Ron's harp playing.  However, I just found out that Ron has put a trio together and will be performing at The Indians Wells Resort on Tuesday April 17.  This is a performance that should not be missed.  Mark your calendars and call the Indian Wells Resort at 760-345-6466 to reserve your table