Ron Kalina and Larry Holloway, The Best Get Better!

Larry Holloway and Ron Kalina

The new "In Place" for Jazz on Monday night is at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel where you will find two of the most talented musicians in the country.  Ron Kalina is without question one of the best Harmonica players still performing today, and he might very well be in the top ten best players of all-times.  Ron's sweet spot is standards, and he plays them with so much emotion it almost makes the wonderful lyrics unnecessary.  Recently Ron had a few health issues in but as a result of some recent medical upgrades is playing with renewed vigor and emotion.  I heard him several times last year and the energy lift in his singing and playing this year is producing wonderful music.  These days Jazz fans seldom get to hear top-grade Harmonica playing but for those lucky people here in the Desert, we get to hear Ron every Monday night!  In addition to Ron's wonderful work on the Harmonica, he also plays the Keyboard and handles the Vocals.  Ron's voice and phrasing are very much like that of Fred Astaire.  His singing of standards not only give the lyric life but present them as if Ron has lived every word of them.

Joining forces with Ron is the highly respected Jazz Bass sensation formerly from Seattle, Larry Holloway.  Mention Larry's name to any musical pro and you will only get praise and adoration in return.  Tonight because Larry was only playing with Ron on Keyboard and it allowed him the opportunity to expand his motivating and articulate solos to the delight of everyone in the audience.   The synergy between these two marvelous seasoned pros tonight was delightful.  The duo plays from 6:00 until 9:00 on Mondays but it's still not enough time.  I could listen to their great sounds all night.

An added surprise tonight was the large number of professional musicians who stopped by to sit in with Ron and Larry.  The first one to come up and sing was Carolyn Martinez who delighted the crowd with her strong and pure voice.  Carolyn's voice and style was perfectly suited to fit between these two pros.  Carolyn is singing as good as I have ever heard her.  She has her own gig across the street at Vickys every Tuesday with Larry on Bass, and I strongly recommend that you make plans to  see her.  Next up was everyone's favorite male singer, Ken Steele.  Ken has a great voice and his phrasing is just about perfect whenever he sings.  Ken is multitalented and also is an excellent songwriter, arranger and producer. Hearing Ken sing is always a treat!  I had not seen or heard from Lola Rossi in quite a while and was delighted when she was called up to sing.  Lola has a beautiful strong voice and she is a really confident performer.   She chose to sing a strong version of "Over the Rainbow" and hit every note of the song in perfect pitch.  No small accomplishment. Next up was Denise Motto who sings and plays marvelous Keyboard and was joined by outstanding Trumpet player Gordon Camp and a Drummer from Canada, Don Fraizer , who was in town for just a night.  Denise has always been wonderful every time I have seen her and tonight was no exception.  I would love to see her performing her gig in the near future.   Gordon is always a delight to hear and he is always ready to play anything that is put in front of him.  He is a real pro! Don Fraser was impressive with his brush work which provided the perfect foundation for tonight's singers.  

Ken Steele

Larry Holloway and Carolyn Martinez

Gordon Camp

Larry Holloway and Lola Rossi

Denise Moto and Gordon Camp

      

Lots of Food, Wine and Great Jazz at the Coachella Wine Festival at Miramonte Resort & Spa

Sisters Cupcakes

La Brasserie

Vicky's

One of the tasting booths

Tasting Booths

Lola Rossi, Mikole Kaar & Johnny Meza

Mikole Karr & Johnny Meza

On Saturday, April 16, I went over to The Miramonte Resort & Spa to attend the Coachella Wine Festival.  The Wine Festival is a four day wine and food adventure that includes a golf tournament at the Classic Club.  I was looking forward to tasting some great new California wines but was surprised to find that in addition to great wines there was also a large array of tasty food provided by some of the best restaurants in the Valley.  To top it all off, there was a live program of jazz music put together by my good friend, Johnny Meza.  The music started with a trio consisting of Johnny singing and on keyboard, Mikole Kaar on alto and the clear smooth voice of Lola Rossi.  I had just heard Lola sing the night before at the Escena Lounge & Grill and was delighted for the chance to hear more.  This was also the first time I got to hear Mikole Kaar play alto and he was a good addition to the group. I understand that Mikole plays in a jazz group every Tuesday at The Tavern, 3700 Vista Chino@ Gene Autry in Palm Springs. I hope I can get to review his show before I leave the desert.

Julio Cesare

The next musician to arrive was Julio Cesare who brought with him a new and very neat electronic drum.  According to Julio, this new electronic instrument can make hundreds of sounds. As he played with the group, he produced some great rhythms.  I found out later that Julio plays with the "Great" Inka Kings who perform at the La Quinta Resort on Saturdays.

Our next arrival was Denise Motto who played the keyboard and sang.  Denise was a powerhouse of rhythm combined with a soft and smooth voice.  An outstanding musician that I would like to hear more from.  She plays at Dink's Restaurant on Saturdays.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon with great weather, superb wines, delicious food, great sounds from some of my old musical friends combined with some very talented new musical friends.

Denise Motto