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.

   

Ron Kalina Stars In "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Ron Kalina

Ron Kalina & Gino Antonacci

The Ron Kalina Trio

                                                                         

Gino Antonacci

                                                                 

Blake White

                                                                                 

Frank Di Salvo

Ken Steele

                                                                       

Rich Bono

On Tuesday April 16, I attended the opening of Ron Kalina's "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Ron Kalina put together a highly talented trio consisting of Blake White on Bass and Gino Antonacci on Vibes and Ron Playing both Keyboard and Harmonica. I want to start this review by stating that Ron Kalina is simply an amazing musician. Tonight Ron sang, played the Keyboard, played the Harmonica and then played the Harmonica and the Keyboard at the same time. Ron further surprised me and a lot of people in the audience with his singing ability.  His voice sounds like a combination of Fred Astaire, Chet Baker and Johnny Mercer.  Not a bad group of singers to hang with, don't you think! There were two songs that Ron played on the Harmonica tonight that were just brilliant, "Body and Soul" and "Skylark". These are two of the greatest love songs ever written and when played with the soulful sounds of Ron's harmonica, it just does get any better.

Gino Antonacci is one of only a few great jazz players you can still hear playing the Vibes.  I have not heard a Vibes player in many years and after hearing Gino play it quickly reminded me of how much I love the sound.  Gino fit perfectly with the sound of Ron's Harmonica and Keyboard.  And can he swing! What a treasure to have him playing right here in the Desert.

The third member of this group was Blake White who played the Bass.  I had recently seen Blake with the wonderful singer, Rose Mallett and thought he was a fine Bass player.  But tonight, playing jazz in this trio, he was allowed to push the Jazz envelope, and his solos were intelligent and clear.  He provided the rhythm glue to pull the trio together.

Tonight marked the first time this talented group of musicians has played together, but you would never guess it because they sounded wonderful.  This group will be back again at the Indian Wells Resort on Tuesday, April 24.  You won't find the sounds that this trio produces any where in the area, and I encourage all my readers to get over to the Indian Wells Resort next Tuesday to catch the show. I understand that the Resort is thinking about adding this group as a regular on Tuesday nights next season. This idea would certainly get my vote!

Joining in at tonight's opening were several familiar musicians that we all love.  First, the resident musical director at the Indian Wells Resort, Frank Di Salvo who sang a couple of great classic songs.  In particular, Frank did a beautiful singing job on the standard "My One And Only Love". I have never heard Frank sing better.

The next singer was Ken Steele whose golden-deep voice had the feel of the great voice of Johnny Hartman. Ken sang "But Beautiful" and then sang a great version of "Emily".

Rich Bono, one of the best pianist in the West, then joined the Trio and played several great songs from the "Great American Songbook". Rich is a great pianist, and I never miss a chance to hear him play.

The Rose Mallett Trio Featuring Guitarist Dan Papaila Making Great Sounds at Escena Lounge In Palm Springs

Rose Mallett

Dan Papaila, Blake White & Rose Mallett

Don Papaila

Blake White & Rose Mallett

Dan Papaila & Blake White

I recently received an email announcing that the superb guitarist, Dan Papaila was appearing with Rose Mallett on Wednesday March 21 at the Escene Golf Club in Palm Springs, Ca. I heard Dan play only once last year but that was enough to make me want to hear more.  Dan's performance this night was as good or better than I remembered from last year. Dan is widely known in the San Diego area and his talent extends far beyond his wonderful guitar playing. Dan is an author of several instructional guitar books, teaches on line guitar instruction and has produced several award winning CD's.  His guitar-playing style and sounds remind the listener of the legendary Wes Montgomery. Dan's latest CD, "Guitar Spoken Here" is a great jazz guitar CD that includes wonderful sounds from Mike Wofford on Piano and Johnny "Hammond" Smith on Hammond Organ and Dan playing a nylon string guitar. You can purchase it from CD Baby and I recommend it highly.

I came to the Escene Golf Club tonight to hear Dan but the surprise of the evening was getting to hear Jazz singer,  Rose Mallett. I did not know anything about Rose before this visit but after she sang the first song I had to put her on my entertainer "A" list.  Rose's voice has what I would describe as a silky and mellow feel. In addition,  Rose Mallet is a real jazz singer singing standards with her own unique interpretations.  I was especially impressed by her great low register that few women singers could match.  And yet, Rose's voice can also rise several octaves when she wants to. The sound of Rose's voice reminds me of "Sassy" Sarah Vaughan and her phrasing reminds me of Ella Fitzgerald. The third member of the Trio was Blake White who played Double Bass.  Blake was a perfect complement to Dan's rich guitar work and Rose's mellow voice.

Rose has a CD out called "Building Dreams" that you can purchase on CD Baby.  The Rose Mallett Trio plays at Escene every Wednesday evening from 5:00pm until 9:00pm and should be on your "To Do" entertainment list.