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. 

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.  

Bill Saitta Trio Jams at BackStreet Restaurant

We are back at BackStreet Restaurant again to hear some real Jazz with the marvelously bass player, Bill Saitta.  Bill loves Jazz and it shows in the way he plays.  It hard to find anyone today who still plays acoustical bass these days so getting to hear Bill play is a real treat. Bill's playing reminds me of every body's all time favorite bass player, the great Ray Brown.  Bill reminds me of Ray especially when he plays his bass with a bow.  Bill put together a very great trio with the talented Jay Lewis on drums and Dan Papaila on guitar.  I had not heard Dan play before.  Dan's skill and talent with the electric guitar was a real treat for the everyone.  It was a great evening of Jazz and great food at The BackStreet Restaurant.  There Jazz series continues every Tuesday for the next couple of months.  If you are ever in the Palm Desert area make sure you get over to BackStreet.