Don Rice, Danny Flahive and Joe Lettieri Jazz It Up At Sullivan's Steakhouse

                                   

Don Rice, Danny Flahive and Joe Lettieri

On Wednesday I went to Sullivan's Steakhouse to hear Don Rice and his Jazz Trio including Danny Flahive on Bass and Joe Lettieri on Drums.  Sullivan's is a fun bar and one of the most popular in Palm Desert.  Wednesday night is Jazz night with Jazz starting at 6:30p.m. The bar is always a busy place, but if you wait until happy hour is over at 7:00 pm, you will be able to find a table.  The feel of the room is warm and comfortable and with the addition of Jazz, it is a great place to have some wine and listen to really good Jazz.  Don Rice and his Tenor Sax are well-known throughout the Valley and for good reason. Don gets a wonderful bold and warm sound out of his horn and reminds me of many of the Tenor greats who I listened to and loved when I was growing up in New Jersey. I have written about Danny Flahive before and every time I hear him, he seems to get better. He plays with great intensity and creativity that makes each of his solos seem new. Danny is one of the great Bass players here in the Desert, and someone I just love to hear play. On Piano tonight was Joe Lettieri who I had not heard before.  Joe has a soft but exciting style, and he had no problem playing beautiful Piano for the great songs this group played tonight. 

I don't know how long this group has been playing together but they fit together perfectly. They play great classic Jazz tunes and classics from the "Great American Songbook".  I highly recommend a trip to Sullivan's to have some fun and enjoy the outstanding Jazz these seasoned musicians perform every Wednesday night. 

"It's Better With A Band" Produces Cheers From "Sold Out" Audience at Azul Tapas Lounge in Palm Springs

Lindsay Ouelette

Carol Taylor, Jeff Stover, Don Rice and James Nation

Jean Sorf, Jeff Stover, Don Rice & James Nation

Ryan Wojcik and Jeff Stover

Sharon De Haworth, Singer and Host of the Evening

Marcello Tulipano

Beverly Jensen Leys and Jeff Stover

Francesca Amari 

Court Graves, Jeff and Don

Eve Holmes

Christiane Joubert

Gina Zollman & Don Rice

Gianni Battali

Lori Donato

Deryl Jon Bair

There was tons of excitement in The Azul Tapas Lounge on Saturday March 9 as  the 6th installment of the popular series, "It's Better with A Band" provided a showcase for 15 of the best singers in the Coachella Valley. This successful series of shows is directed and produced by Derrik Lewis who deserves much thanks and recognition from everyone who enjoys hearing great music and the singing of songs from the "Great American Songbook".  Even though Derrik is always fully book with performances all over the Valley, he always seems to make time to support great singers and songs whenever he can. Derrik Lewis is directly responsible for much of the live music programs we all love and I would like to personally thank him for all his efforts.

Tonight's Program contained songs we all know and love from the show "Your Hit Parade-Songs From the 50's".  What a great walk down memory lane!  If you missed this great show, you will have another chance as the 7th in the series will take place at Azul Restaurant on Saturday April 13.  I believe the theme of this show will be the songs of Frank Sinatra and will surely be sold out. So get your reservations in early.

Singers and Songs & Musicians

The Derrik Lewis Quartet: Derrik Lewis, Piano, Jeff Stover, Electric Bass,  Don Rice, Tenor Sax and James Nation, Drums

Francesca Amari: "Chances Are" & "Why Don't You Do Right"

Beverly Jensen Leys: "When I Fall In Love" & "Teach Me Tonight"

Court Graves: "Orange Colored Sky" & "Mona Lisa"

Eve Holmes: "I Want You, I Need You" & "Sincerely"

Ryan Wojcik: "All I Have To Do Is Dream" & "Love Me Tender"

Christiane Joubert: "Misty" & "Hey Good Lookin"

Lindsay Ouelette: "Make Someone Happy" & "Music, Music, Music"

Gina Zollman: "Cry Me A River" & "The Wayward WInd"

Carol Taylor: "I Can't Stop Loving You" & "It's All In The Game"

Gianni Battali: "Smoke Get In Your Eyes" & "Don't Be Cruel"

Jean Sorf: "Wheel of Fortune" & "Hey There"

Sharon Di Haworth: "Que, Sera, Sera" & "Diamonds Are A Girls Best Friend"

Lori Donato: "I Love Being Here With You", "Doogie In The WIndow" & "Allegheny Moon"

Marcello Tulipano: "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" & "Papa Loves Mambo"

Deryl Jon Bair: "Only You" & "I Only Have Eyes For You"