Shelley Yoelin Hold Musical Court At Woodys in Palm Springs Every Wednesday

David Ring, Shelley Yoelin and Andy Fraga Jr.

Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs is a great spot to hear live music any day of the week because they have live music 7 days a week.  And the quality of the performers is always some of the best the Desert music scene has to offer.  The owner of Woody's Palm House, Wayne Woodliff, is a former musician himself and he personally selects every act that performs there.  Tonight, I enjoyed the Shelly Yoelin Trio that performs regularly every Wednesday night.  Shelly usually invites one of our great Desert singers to be a special guest and tonight the fabulous Michael Dees joined the group.  Michael has had a long career of doing studio, movie and TV work in LA until he moved to Palm Springs a couple of years ago.  His singing and his original compositions are top draw.  He is simply one of the finest singers on the scene today even though we only get a few chances to hear him sing locally.  I try never to miss one of his gigs.

Tonight Michael vocally joined the Shelly Yoelin Group consisting of Shelly Yoelin on Tenor and Flute, David Ring on Keys and Andy Fraga Jr. on Drums.  These are three of the most talented musicians anywhere and when joined by Michael Dees, it's magic!  Michael sang many songs tonight including the evergreen "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life" the song Michael sang for the movie "The Happy Ending".  Michael also sang several beautiful and sensitive songs he wrote the music and the lyrics for, one in particular is the sensational, "In A Moment".  It was a great night for quality music!
 

I recorded Michael singing a swinging version of the classic "All or Nothing At All" at the event.  I was recording from my table and caught some of the crowd sounds but I think you will still enjoy Michael Dees and the Shelly Yoelin group.   Enjoy!

Mike Costley Is Back and Singing Better than Ever!

Mike Costley

Sal Frisaura, Mike Costley, Chuck Buffamonte, Larry Holloway and David Ring

David Ring

Check Buffamonte

Larry Holloway

Sal Frisaura

To the delight of everyone in the Valley, Mike Costley is back performing.  Mike retired two years ago and  has been very much out of sight.  However, Mike is back with a vengeance, singing and performing better than ever.  He has put together a terrific show that just explodes with excitement.  Even before Mike entered the stage, I could feel electricity in the capacity audience, and I knew I was going to experience something really special.  From the first note Mike sang until the end of the first set, one hour and fifty minutes later, the Purple Room was on fire.  Mike Costley has vocal talents that few singers could ever dream of reaching.  His octave range is unbelievable, and he has one of the strongest voices I have ever heard.  And what makes him really special is Mike is sensationally good singing songs from every genre of music from the sweetest ballads, swing, R & B, Jazz and even hip hop.  Few singers I have heard have this ability to ease from one school of music to another.  Mike has a wonderful ability to scat Jazz songs that would certainly impress  Ella.

There are lots of entertainers that I think are good but good does not come close to describe the show that Mike put on; he is in a class of his own.  It's not only his marvelous singing that sets Mike apart from others, he does vocal impersonations, jokes with the audience and has the stage presence only major stars have.  The Mike Costley show must be experienced by anyone who loves being entertained by great singing. 

Mike has selected four of the best Valley musicians to support him on stage.  His long-time friend, Chuck Buffamonte is on Guitar, David Ring is on Keyboard and he also controls the arrangements, Larry Holloway is on Electric Bass and Sal Frisaura is on Drums.  This group could star on their own but this show is all about Mike Costley.  My only regret is I can't put into words how terrific Mike's performance was tonight!

The Mike Costley show plays every Thursday at the Purple Room starting at 7:00pm.  I also need to tell you that the food at the Purple Room is outstanding and the prices are reasonable.  And no cover charge...how good is that! 

The Jackson Garrett Band Warms Up "The River" Shopping Mall

Mike Costley And The Jackson Garrett Band

On Sunday, January 4, 2015, a group of some of the most talented musicians in the West came together at "The River" Mall in Rancho Mirage to perform in support of "Desert Friends of the Developmentally Disabled". This non-profit group provides low-cost dental care to everyone with developmental disabilities, as well as senior citizens and veterans in the Coachella Valley and throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. I find it interesting that these world-class musicians, who, are never paid the full value of their talents are always the first ones to offer their musical talents to help worthy charities all across the USA.  We all owe these musicians our admiration and support for the music they give us and their efforts to make our world a better place to live!

The performers today included a long list of A-list musicians put together by the tireless efforts of Chris Gore, singer, arranger, writer and all-around good guy who spent weeks putting this concert together.  Chris is the leader of the talented "Jackson Garrett Band" that performs at various functions in the Coachella Valley. He not only plays keyboard but sings, arranges and writes new material for the band. The reason why Chris is able to get all these great musicians to perform is because they know he a dedicated, committed individual and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

Today's performers included the lovely and golden voiced Beverly Jensen, John Pagels on Guitar, velvet throated singer Ken Steele, Shelley Yoelin on Tenor Sax, Singer and Valley weatherman, Patrick Evans, singer Michael D'Angelo, Chris Gore singing and playing Keyboard, desert-favorite singer Darci Daniels-Murphy and Mark Guerrero singing and playing Guitar. This group performed brilliantly but the closing performer, Mike Costley brought the house down with a world-class performance that electrified the audience. Mike has not been performing over the past year or so and his performance today reminded everyone of his singing and performance greatness. Today Mike Costley owned the stage!  Mike sang, danced and talked to the audience gathered at "The River" with a perfection few performers ever get to experience. It was simply a delight to hear Mike performing again. We all hope that Mike decides to perform again on a regular basis!

The Jackson Garrett Band today consisted of John Leys on Trombone, John Pagels on Guitar, Don Clark on Trumpet, Steve Alaniz on Tenor Sax, David Ring on Keyboard, Jay Lewis on Drums and the great bassist, Jeff Stover on Bass Guitar.

Darci Daniels-Murphy and the Jackson Garrett Band

Beverly Jensen and The Jackson Garrett Band

Ken Steele

Michael D'Angelo

Mike Costley & John Pagels

Shelley Yoelin

Chris Gore

Mark Guerrero

Michael Dees, David Ring and Danny Flahive Perform Wonderful Music at the Purple Room

Michael Dees, Danny Flahive and David Ring

Michael Dees

Michael Dees

Danny Flahive

Michael Dees and David Ring

David Ring

The Purple Room is a new supper club re-born in a room that has deep historical musical roots in Palm Springs.  The old Purple Room established in 1960 was famously the home to Sinatra's Rat Pack.  During the 1960s, the Purple Room was the rallying spot for Sinatra and his famous friends. They sang, they played and just had fun there.  Now the Purple Room under new management has transformed the Purple Room into it's former self.  The owners of "Trio Restaurant" have applied their capital and restaurant skills to create a great new supper club with live music 6 days a week.  On Tuesday nights starting at 6:30 pm Michael Dees sings and plays the drums with David Ring and Danny Flahive who was sitting in tonight for Larry Holloway. Michael Dees is a relatively new singer in the Desert, but he has already added to the music scene with his beautiful voice, impeccable timing and Sinatra-like phrasing. Michael is one of the most impressive singers I have heard in many years.  In addition to singing some of the greatest songs from the Great American Songbook, like "My One and Only Love", "I'm Old Fashioned" and the "The Way You Look Tonight",  Michael also sings some of the songs and lyrics he has written.  His songs are stunningly beautiful and stand up perfectly against the classic songs listed above.  He is a brilliant musical talent and I highly recommend that music lovers in the Desert get to the Purple Room to hear him sing.

David Ring was playing Keys tonight and every time I hear David I gain more and more respect for his musical talents.  David plays Jazz that is new and inventive unlike any other of the currently playing in the Desert.  He supports Michael's voice and phrasing perfectly!  Danny Flahive was a joy to listen to on Bass.  Danny has a huge following of supporters in the Desert and for good reason.  Danny always plays with emotion that supports the message of the lyrics.

The Purple Room has an early bird dinner from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM that includes a 3-course dinner for $19.95.  This is the best deal in the Valley,  the great sounds of Michael Dees, David Ring and Larry Holloway and a 3-course dinner for about the cost of a tip at many other restaurants! 

Sharon Sills Stars At Woody's Burgers and Beer Jazz Club in Palm Springs

Sharon Sills

James Nation, Sharon Sills, Shelley Yoelin and David Ring

James Nation, Shelley Yoelin and David Ring

On Friday, April 18,  Sharon Sills made her second appearance at Woody's Burgers and Beer in Palm Springs.  Sharon has her own unique style that fits the Palm Springs scene perfectly.  She has a remarkable voice that is strong and clear and when combined with her wonderful stage presence makes her one of the best entertainers in the Desert.  Sharon sits in from time to time at several entertainment venues in the Valley, but I believe this is the first time she was the featured singer.

Tonight Sharon sang many great songs from the 80's including an outstanding performance on two Melissa Manchester gems, "Come In From the Rain" and "Don't Cry Out Loud".  Sharon loves Rock & Roll and  Rhythm and Blues but also sings ballads beautifully!

Backing up Sharon tonight were three highly talented musicians.  David Ring is the leader of the group and is one of the best pianist in the Desert.  Several singers I spoke to rated David as their favorite piano player.  David also is a great Jazz pianist and loves to experiment with some of the great Jazz charts he covers.  Joining David were Shelley Yoelin on Sax, Flute and Clarinet.  I love Shelley's "take no prisoners" approach to playing Sax but tonight he impressed everyone with playing his Clarinet playing which was a perfect background for several ballads Sharon sang. On Drums was Jame Nation who provided a perfect beat and tempo for the group.

All in all, tonight's show at Woody's had a cabaret feel to it.  I look forward to hearing Sharon again in the near future. 

Carolyn Martinez Singing Better Than Ever at Vicky's

                                 

Carolyn Martinez

Listening to Carolyn Martinez sing is always a treat for the ears and the spirit.  Carolyn has become a Desert favorite within a short period of time due to her ability to relate to a lyric and sing it like it was her life story.  Carolyn is meticulous in picking her material, only the best of the best of songs for her.  The result is a wonderful listening and emotional experience for her audiences.  This is her second year singing at Vicky's, and she has more fans than ever going to Vicky's to hear her. Her rhythm section consists of Larry Holloway and Roger King. Larry is already on the top of everyone's list as a super bass player in jus the few years he has been performing in the Valley.  The Drummer, Roger King has been getting a lot of work this season. Roger plays with soft hands that give perfect support to Carolyn's singing. Usually, David Ring plays Piano for Carolyn but tonight Bob Corwin was sitting in for David.  Bob was more than up to filling the large shoes of David Ring and did a marvelous job of performing the arrangements with little time for rehearsal.

Tonight Carolyn asked two popular Valley singers to come up to sing, Leonard Kaye and Ken Steele. Leonard Kaye has a wonderful voice and a great relaxed singing style that is always a treat for any audience.  Ken Steele has a deep golden voice that would sound great even if he was reciting the alphabet.  He is truly a seasoned professional, and I never get tired of hearing him sing.  Ken and Carolyn surprised the audience tonight with a charming duet.

Carolyn and her group perform at Vicky's on Monday nights.  If you haven't heard her sing this year, do you self a favor and call for a reservation to hear her.  She creates a wonderful night of music and I highly recommend you catch her act.    

Carolyn Martinez, Roger King, Larry Holloway and Bob Corwin 

Larry Holloway

Roger King

Ken Steele

Ken Steele and Carolyn Martinez

Leonard Kaye

Trish Hatley & Barney McClure Keep the Friday Night Music At Woody's Jumping!

Trish Hatley

                                                                           

Barney McClure

Tim Pleasant, Trish Hatley, Kelly Corbin and Barney McClure

Trish Hatley & Kelly Corbin

Trish Dancing With a Member of the Audience

I traveled to Palm Springs on Friday evening to see Rose Mallett who sings at Woody's  on Fridays.  When I got there the bad news was that Rose and her keyboard partner, David Ring were out with a cold.  The good news was that Trish Hatley and Barney McClure were sitting in for Rose and David. Trish and Barney are two of my favorite musicians, and I always love the opportunity to enjoy their music.  

Trish Harley made her first appearance in the Desert last season and received rave reviews from everyone.  She is from the Seattle area and is now bringing her wonderful singing voice to the Desert on a regular basis.  Aside from having a great voice, Trish has a great stage presence and connects with her audience as soon as she walks on the stage. She is a real pro and as you can see from the photos above, she loves to perform and this love transfers directly to her audience.  I also have to report that Trish is one of the best whistlers, that's right I said whistlers.  Trish whistled through a couple of songs to the delight of the audience.

Barney McClure is simply a wonderful keyboard player, an amazing arranger and just an all around really nice person. This is the second time I have heard Barney play this week, and my opinion of him could not get any higher! Anytime you can get to hear him, run, don't walk.

The two other members of Rose's quartet that were on hand tonight, Tim Pleasant on Drums and Kelly Corbin on Sax performed wonderfully.  This was my first opportunity to hear Tim, and his drumming was flawless.  I have heard Kelly play many times but I was taken back tonight by his high level of performance. Kelly has quickly become one of the best Tenor player in the Valley.

So what started out as a disappointment, ended up as a great night of Jazz!  Trish and Barney perform at Woody's on Mondays and I highly recommend you see them.  I will be making a return visit on a future Friday to see wonderful Rose Mallett. Rose and David get well soon.

For those of you that have not had a chance to hear Trish Hatley sing, I have attached a YouTube video entitled "Trish Hatley's Kiss of Jazz Sampler".  She really is a great singer!

Carolyn Martinez Very Impressive at Vicky's of Santa Fe in Indian Wells, Ca

Carolyn Martinez

Roger King, Carolyn Martinez,Larry Holloway and David Ring
(Photo by Herb Koenig)

Roger King, Larry Holloway, David Ring

Carolyn Martinez has been singing to large crowds at Vicky's of Santa Fe in Indian Wells on Thursday nights. I had the opportunity to hear Carolyn sing over the past couple years and have always been impressed with her voice and the way she approaches lyrics. Carolyn is one of the few singers today that can sing lyrics with believable emotion convincing the listener that the lyric is really part of their personal life story. Carolyn is a joy to listen to and she sings only the best of songs from the "Great American Songbook". On Thursday evening, Carolyn impressed her audience singing many American classics and also sang several songs in Portuguese and Spanish. In my opinion, she is the best singer of Jobim in Desert.

Carolyn's voice reminds me of the great voice of singing star Eydie Gorme, but Carolyn's voice is younger, softer and her range is very impressive.

Carolyn was joined tonight by three top musicians, David Ring on Piano, Larry Holloway on Bass and Roger King on Drums.  David Ring has been performing in the Desert area for quite a while but I never really heard him play for an entire evening until tonight. He is a great Piano player, and his Jazz solos were fresh, new and remarkably constructed. A real treat for any Jazz fan.  Larry Holloway just keeps impressing his audiences with his outstanding Bass playing. Tonight was the first time that I got to heard Roger King play drums, and he did an impressive job playing soft when required and never missing a beat when the music got hot.

Carolyn and her group appear at Vicky's every Thursday from 6:30 to 10:00.  I understand that on February 17 the group will move to Sunday nights from 6:30 to 10:00.  Don't miss the chance to hear Carolyn sing, you will not be disappointed.