Jackson Garrett and Friends Put On A Jazzfest at Annenberg

The Jackson Garrett Jazz Band

On Sunday, April 17, I went to see the highly regarded Jackson Garrett Jazz Band. The Jackson Garrett Band has been doing yearly performances for the last several years.  The bank was formed by Christopher Gore in 2003.  It was at this time, Christopher met Marty Steele and from that point on, The Jackson Garrett Band became a product of both of their talents.  Chris writes the great music and lyrics and then Marty gets to apply his arranging magic to these great songs.  The last ingredient in the Jackson Garrett formula is the outstanding group of musicians that join Chris and Marty to complete the final musical product.  The show at Annenberg Theater was very entertaining especially for anyone who likes the Big  Jazz Band Sound. The lovely and talented Laura Hagen hosted and also sang several original songs for us. The list of superb musicians that appeared was like the "Who's Who" of live jazz music in the desert.  In addition, there were some guest performers that added greatly to the overall program.  First, we heard the great sax man who has played with Earth, Wind and Fire for the past 25 years, Gary Bias. Gary was really in his groove when he played "Sweet Love". Gary co-wrote this song that was performed by Anita Baker and won a Grammy Award. 

Gary Bias

The next guest performer was the singer/songwriter, Slim Man.  I was not familiar with Slim's work but he turned out to be quite a treat.  His signing style is very unique, his voice is deep and rich and his songs and lyrics were first class by any measure.    

Slim Man

The last guest was an Oregon-based singer, Kristi King who has performed in the Palm Springs area many times.  She performed, "Let Sleeping Dogs Lie" that was co-written by Marty Steele along with Chris Gore.

Kristi King

The balance of the performers in the Jackson Garrett Band could all be headliners in their own right and in fact most of them are.  I would have to write a book to properly cover their extensive resumes', but I would like to single out a few that performed exceptional this night.

Marty Steele

Marty Steele continues to impress audiences not only with his skillful keyboard performance but also with his song writing and his great arrangement talents. Chris Gore one of the best composers writing today for the wonderful array of songs and lyrics for tonight's program. Steve Madaio who performed some great solos and never fails to impress audiences throughout the country. Because every single player and singer was so talented, I have posted some pictures.  I am sure that everyone will recognize them because they all perform in many venues in the Coachella Valley. 

Christopher Gore

Steve Madaio

Laura Hagen

Jeff Stover

John Pagels

Steve Alaniz, Steve Madaio, John Leys

Steve Madaio Sensational At Backstreet

If it is Tuesday night in the California desert, then there is live Jazz at the Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert California. On Tuesday Jan 18 a four piece trio performed lead by the greatest trumpet player in the West, Steve Madaio. Steve is a rare and special class of musician. Whether he is performing ballads or standard Jazz songs, he is outstanding. One ballad I especially love is the great Bunny Berigan classic, "I Can't Get Started"that Steve played Tuesday.  But in case there was any doubt, Steve is also in a class of his own playing Jazz numbers. Steve was joined by 3 superb musicians on this night of Jazz under the stars.  Marty Steel's keyboard work was outstanding while performing a solo as well as his backup for the rest of the group.  Jay Lewis the well- known desert drummer provided the perfect rhythm line for the evening's selections and Rod Coco completed the group's sound playing both tenor sax and flute. Two very professional singers sang several songs with the band.  First, Frank DiSalvo did an excellent job singing a couple of "Sinatra" classic songs.  Frank is currently performing a Sinatra Tribute Show in Indian Wells. Then the audience was treated to the wonderful voice of Laura Hagen.  I have heard Laura sit in with other groups before and its always a treat to hear her sing.

One reason the California desert is so popular is because of "live music" and great musicians are appearing in almost every restaurant.  Backstreet Restaurant is one of the strongest supportors of live jazz receive much great customer support because of its "live Jazz" events.

Steve Madaio will be appearing at Backstreet Restaurant every third Tuesday of the Month and you can also catch his act at the Blue Ember restaurant in the Marriott Las Palmas in Palm Desert every Sunday starting at 5:00 pm.