Music Man Blog: Brian Nova

Showing posts with label Brian Nova. Show all posts

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Mikole Kaar's Jazz Show at AJ's on the Green Is Lots of Fun!

Dan Papaila, Mikole Kaar, Gilbert Hansen and Tim Pleasant

Mikole Kaar

Dan Papaila

Gilbert Hansen & Tim Pleasant

John Farrow, Co-Owner

James Lowell, Our Waiter

Sandy, Our Hostess

I imagine that a great deal of my readers don't know about a neat new place to hear live Jazz on Tuesday nights. The place is "AJ's on the Green"located inside the Date Palm Country Club located at 36200 Date Palm Drive in Cathedral City. I was invited to listen to this group by the great guitar player Dan Papuila who was performing with the Mikole Kaar Jazz group. AJ's is a perfect spot to hear live Jazz, small and intimate.

Mikole Kaar the leader of the group has been performing all over the Vally in the last few years and has developed a large following. Mikole is totally dedicated to performing Jazz, and my guess is even if he didn't have a gig, he would be where he could play as a sit-in guest. It's really good to see someone who is so totally dedicated to his trade. Mikole plays his Tenor Sax in his own style and sound which is unlike any other sax player in the Desert.

Mikole asked some sensational players to join his Jazz group. Tonight, the always entertaining Dan Papuila was on Guitar. Dan is not only an outstanding Guitar player, he also is a renowned teacher. Dan has his own site that provides Guitar lessons and also provides a service where Guitar students can send in a tape of their performances and Dan will do a critique for them. I learned that Dan trades off every other week with our friend Brian Nova. Gilbert Hansen was on electric Bass Guitar and played in total unison with Tim Pleasant's excellent Drumming. These two pros make a great rhythm team! This group plays real "cool" Jazz that will please even the most purist of Jazz lovers.

The unexpected surprise tonight was in the quality of food and service at AJ's. Art Herrera, co-owner and chef prepares excellent dinners. We had the risotto with scallops and the short ribs. Both were as good as we have ever had! The service provided by our waiter, James and the Hostess Sandy was also excellent.

Put AJ's on your "Future Visit" list for Tuesday nights!

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Brian Nova Opens a New Jazz Venue at Cunard's Sandbar in LaQuinta

Brian Nova

Brian Nova, Tim Pleasant and Jim DeJulio

Tim Pleasant

Jim DeJulio

Brian Nova & Bill Baker

There is more joy for Jazz fans this season as another Jazz venue has opened on Sunday nights at Cunard's Sandbar in LaQuinta. Everyone's favorite guitar player Brian Nova will be performing at the Cunard's Sandbar every Sunday night from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Everytime I hear Brian, I hear something different. Nothing about Brian is done on auto pilot. In fact, what makes Brian such a good Jazz player is that he is always so thoughtful about his improvisations, no two solos ever the same. Brian's skills with his guitar put him in high demand not only in the Desert but all over the world. We are very fortunate to be able to hear him in small venues where he has the opportunity to push his musical envelope.

Tonight Brian was joined by the legendary Bassist Jim DeJulio and the wonderful Drummer Tim Pleasant. Jim is always a joy to listen to as he can play his Bass as a solo instrument if needed or as a solid supporter of any band. Tim Pleasant is also somewhat new here in the Desert but due to his outstanding playing skills, he is appearing very frequently.

On hand for Brian's opening night was singer and keyboard player Bill Baker. Bill performs at The Sandbar Tuesdays through Saturday from 6:00PM.

This trio will be playing at the The Sandbar every Sunday night from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. Brian also is a regular with his trio at Woody's in Palm Springs every Wednesday. Don't miss the change to hear him play, he is worth the effort!

Monday, April 22, 2013

The Coachella Valley: "Jazz Centre Of The World" By J. Crawford Reid

La Quinta Desert Flowers

J. Crawford Reid is a Canadian who loves Jazz especially Jazz in the Coachella Valley and he is our guess author of this post.

The Jazz Centre of the World--New York City? No. Birdland? No. I think the Jazz Centre of the World is the Coachella Valley in Southern California.

My wife and I started regular vacations in Palm Desert 8 years ago. We went there for all the usual reasons, the weather, good dining, shopping and lots of nice places to see. We really didn't anticipate that Jazz would become a very important reason for returning year after year, in addition to all the other benefits of the area.

Let me talk about some of the places and people that have so impressed us. First, without doubt, is the Backstreet Bistro, where it started for us. Perfect hostess, Lavane, perfect music, and really good dining! A must every Tuesday night. In that context, I have to thank Bill Saitta, who plays there often. A great Bassist, but also a great leader, and a guy who creates a lot of work for Jazz musicians. We have so enjoyed Jay Lewis' Drums and Steve Madaio's Trumpet. This year, a new guitar player, James Moody (not that James Moody), and some nights, Chase Huna, a teenage saxophone player who's getting better each year--may be the most perfect Jazz Club anywhere.

At the other end of town, Vicki's! In addition to Jazz almost every night, they have great Sunday afternoons! A delightful Band with many different guest vocalists. In past years, we've heard some brilliant guest musicians who travel out from LA, like Dave Pell. The regular front line is Stan Watkins on Trumpet and Don Shelton on reeds. Don is a superb Saxophonist, but also a brilliant singer. He paid his dues in Singers Unlimited. On Bass in that band is Larry Holloway, one of the best Bass Players I've ever heard. This Band sometimes features the very good Tom Keenlyside, a transplanted Canadian. Tom is outstanding on Flute and Reeds. Are you starting to get the picture of the musical strength in this area?

Across the street from Vicki's is the Indian Wells Hotel, which has good music several nights a week. Frank Di Salvo does a great Sinatra-type show, and on Tuesday nights, there is Ron Kalina on Piano and Harmonica, with again, the great Larry Holloway on Bass and Gino Antonacia on Vibes.

Can't leave out Palm Springs. Palm Springs has Woody's! A hamburger place which presents Jazz very, very well. Yve Evans entertains there on vocals and Piano just about every month. Yve would be welcome in any Jazz community in the world. Brian Nova is a regular every Wednesday playing his wonderful Guitar. Brian has been in the area for years, and Woody's is his current home base. Brian's trio consists with him on guitar, Andy Fraga, Jr., on Drums and (again) Larry Holloway on Bass is among the best anywhere! Woody's features Jazz almost every night

One of the secrets of this Valley Area is that musicians and singers are welcome to sit in. It happens at all of the venues, and can make for a very exciting evening.

I haven't covered all of the places where good music is offered, but I've tried to give you a sense of why I think the Coachella Valley is the Jazz Capital of the world. This has happened for years. I hope it never ends!

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Pre-Release CD Review: Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside Release "Slices"

Question: What do you get when you put a world class trumpet master with a world class flute master and then mix them together with eight great songs from the sixties and seventies? The answer is "Slices" one of the best CD's I have heard in many years!

It is with great pride and pleasure that I had the opportunity to review a new CD from two of my favorite musicians and friends from the Coachella Valley in the California Desert. This CD has been cooking in the minds and hearts of Trumpeter Extraordinaire Steve Madaio and the Great Flutist and wind player Tom Keenlyside for a long time. Both of these highly talented musicians earned their musical stripes playing and listening to the music of the sixties and seventies. Although their talents expanded since that time, there is still something about the songs of that period that never left them.
Indeed, if you enjoyed the sixties and seventies, I won't have to say anything more about the 8 wonderful classic songs that Steve and Tom have selected for their first album. Every song on this CD is a dream catchers for this generation. These songs revive fond memories about our life experiences during these times. There were hundreds of songs that could have been chosen for this CD but Steve and Tom spent over two years culling the potential list of songs down to just the absolute eight best songs.

The CD begins with a perfect mix of Trumpet and Flute playing the Procol Harum classic, "A Whiter Shade of Pale". This song recorded in 1968 was and still is a classic sound of the sixties. I admit that I have no idea what the lyrics mean but hearing the song now as an instrumental, leaves no doubt that the melody is still a gem!

The second cut on the CD is the Rolling Stones Classic, "Sympathy For The Devil" written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. My guess is that this unusual song was picked by Steve since his relationship with "The Stones" goes way back to early 1960s when he joined "The Stones" on their European tour. I would love to hear the reaction from Jagger and Richards after they hear this rendition of their song!

Next up was the popular hit for Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, "The Lonely Bull" written in 1962 and still wonderful to hear today especially the warm tones from Steve's Trumpet.

The forth cut is the "Steppenwolf's" 1968 hit "Born To Be Wild". This song represents much of the culture of the sixties for teens who yearned for more personal freedom in their lives.

The fifth cut is "Theme From A Summer Place" recorded in 1960 by Percy Faith and his orchestra for the film of the same name. "A Summer Place" starred Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue and everyone experiencing this period knows and loves this song. The recording won a Grammy for the Record of the Year.

The sixth song on the CD is "Lowrider" recorded by the band "War" in 1975. This remarkable song has been featured in 14 movies which speaks to its attractions for this generation of kids.

The seventh song is "Memphis Underground" that was recorded by jazz flutist Herbie Man in 1969. You can bet this song had special meaning for Tom in his musical development. To me this song is the combination of Rhythm and Blues with a big dose of "Cool"!

The last song "Ode To Billy Joe" was written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1967. Her recording received 8 Grammy nominations resulting in 3 wins and one win for the arranger, Jammie Haskell.

And there you have it, 8 wonderful songs full of vivid memories for all of us to rediscover again and again.

This wonderful album was perfectly produced, arranged and mixed by Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside with Tom Keenlyside on the Flute, all Keyboards, and programing. Steve Madaio on Trumpet.

Also, Doug Stephenson on guitar on "The Lonely Bull", Born To Be Wild" and Lowrider. The great Brian Nova on guitar on "A Whiter Shade of Pale". Michale O'Neill on guitar on "Sympathy For The Devil", "Ode To Billy Joe" and "Memphis Underground".

If you were around during the sixties and seventies, you absolutely need to get this CD which will be available right after the first of the year. Steve and Tom are just wonderful playing together on this CD. At times, Steve's Trumpet and Tom's Flute join together almost as one, leaving the listener to immerse himself in the magical sounds of Trumpet and Flute.

I hope this is only the first of a series of CDs from Steve and Tom. In my opinion, this CD deserves Grammy recognition and I bet it will get a nomination or two. It's that good!

You can decide how good this CD is for yourself because on Tuesday, April 16, Steve and Tom will be playing songs from their CD with the Coachella Valley Symphony. You need to call to get tickets quickly because this concert is nearly sold out. Call 760-360-2222 for tickets and details.

Friday, March 8, 2013

My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion By Beverly Jensen Leys

A group of Jazz lovers from Palm Springs including my friend, Beverly Jensen Leys recently traveled to Corona Del Mar, CA to attend the 13th Annual "Newport Beach Jazz Party". I asked Beverly if she would do a "guest" blog and tell us what she saw and heard on the day she attended.

My Day At The Newport Jazz Party Explosion
By Beverly Jensen Leys
On Saturday, February 16, my friends and I witnessed and enjoyed some of the world's finest musicians. Our first stop was the beautiful and elegant Ritz Restaurant. My friends and I had the perfect table right in front of the band which consisted of Graham Dechter on Guitar (my nephew) Llew Mathews on Piano and Scott Hamilton on Alto Sax. They were a wonderful and exciting trio. We enjoyed every minute.

The following group was also trio consisting of Brian Nova, Doug Macdonald and Bruce Foreman, all of who played guitars with Danny Flahive on Bass. They provided additional wonderful and exciting sounds.

We then strolled across the street to the Marriott for the big evening performances by the great musicians at the Newport Jazz Party. Our table was not as close to the stage as we would have liked, but there was no problem hearing every musician. First up was James Morrison from Australia who was fantastic on Trumpet, Bass and Trombone. The always great, Jeff Hamilton Trio plus Brian Nova accompanied him.

The Jeff Hamilton Trio performed again with Jeff on Drums, Tamir Handelman on Piano and Christoph Luty on Bass. WOW... what a band and after three tunes Jeff brought out a special guest, my nephew, Graham Dechter to play Guitar. His playing was phenomenal and brought down the house.

Next was Ernie Andrews who is a great performer and singer. He was backed by my dear friend Richard Simon on Bass, Jeff on Drums and Eric Reed on Piano. They were fabulous!

The Last group was Houston Person on Tenor Sax, Ken Peplosky, Gary Foster, Chuck Berghofer and friends.

The entire Newport Explosion begins on Friday and goes until Sunday night. We were only there for one day.......but what a day!! We returned to Palm Springs around 3:00 a.m., and it was worth every minute. We are already making plans to go again next year, and you should do the same.

Bob Scofield, Jane Bush Betty Johnson, Beverly Jensen Leys and Cliff Johnson
A/K/A The Dynamic Five

Thursday, May 24, 2012

The Music Man's 2012 "Coachella Valley Live Music Hall of Fame"

Dreaming Of LaQuinta
Oil by Robert Nicosia

Well the winter music season is just about over and it's time to publish the 2012 "Coachella Valley Live Music Hall Of Fame." This year has been a wonderful season for live music, and I had the great pleasure to meet and hear the marvelous musicians listed below. I would like to personally thank all of these musicians for the hours of great music they provided me and all the music lovers in the Valley. I know there are other great musicians that I have probably missed and I apologize for any oversights. Please keep the music playing, and I look forward to another great season next winter!

I would like to give special recognition to two new music venues that excelled in their efforts to support live music in the Desert this past season.

The first is "The Indian Wells Resort" that brought Frank Di Salvo to us last year. This year they expanded their music program to 6 nights a week to the delight of all of us. I can't wait for next winter to return to this great hotel for more great food and music! For those readers that live in the Desert year-round, please continue to support The Indian Wells Resort so we can keep the live music playing.

The second is "Woody's Burgers & Beer" in Palm Springs. Woody's opened this past year and has booked live music 6 nights a week to sell out crowds. It used the formula of reasonably-priced good food and great music with no cover charge to become one of the hottest music spots in the Desert. Woody's will continue to have live music through the rest of the year, so anyone staying in the Desert, please continue to support this great live music gem!