CD Review: Doug MacDonald, "Big Band Extravaganza"

Guitarist, Composer and Arranger Doug MacDonald has recently released his first CD by the Doug MacDonald Big Band.  Doug leads the 17-piece Jazz Orchestra performing 9 original compositions and one Gershwin standard, "But Not For Me".  Doug has done recordings with almost every configuration but this is his first try at leading a Big Swinging Band.  Lovers of the big band sound will love this CD and this is another milestone Doug can add to his rich resume.  Doug is one of the premier, in demand Guitarists performing today.  He has recorded with Buddy Rich, Ray Charles, Bill Holman and Jack Sheldon, just to name a few.  He also has published several terrific new CDs over the past couple of years that I have reviewed.  

Considering the fact that Doug performs live almost every night in the Southern California area, I have no idea how he finds time to compose and arrange beautiful music, MC a Jazz radio show and release two or three new CDs every year.   Doug is a dedicated Jazz musician who is committed to keeping Jazz alive and well!  

The "Big Band Extravaganza" showcases the big band's swinging sound thanks to Doug's excellent compositions and brilliant arrangements.  Doug has brought together some of the finest musicians in the country to perform his songs on this CD.   The results will be satisfying to every Jazz fan and especially to the lovers of the historical big band sound.

I have attached two "YouTubes" for your listening pleasure.  The first one is the MacDonald original, "Ya Know Bill".   This performance contains solos from Trumpeter Carl Saunders who sadly recently died.  Those of you who are familiar with Carl Saunders work,  know what a big loss this is for the Jazz world; RIP Carl!

The second cut I have attached is the Gershwin classic, "But Not For Me" with a great solo from Rickey Woodard on Tenor Sax.

PLAYLIST:

1.  Toluca Lake Jazz

2. Rashomon

3. Luces Azules

4. Aventura En Triadas

5. Desert Jazz

6. Luz De Amour

7. De Ha

8. But Not For Me

9. Minor Mess

10. Ya Know Bill

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar, Leader, Composer, Arranger

Kim Richmond, Alex Budman- Alto Sax

Rickey Woodard, Glen Berger- Tenor Sax

Tim McKay- Baritone Jazz

Ira Nepus, Les Benedict, Ivan Malespin, Rich Bullock- Trombones

Mike Campagna, Dan Fornero, Aaron Janik, Carl Saunders- Trumpets

Bill Cunlifffe- Piano (Day 1)

Andy Langham- Piano (Day 2)

Chuck Berghofer- Bass

Paul Kreibich- Drums

                                                                "Ya Know Bill"

                                                                   "But Not For Me"

                      

CD Review: Doug MacDonald "I'll See You In My Dreams"

 

Multi-talented Guitarist Doug MacDonald has released a new CD, "I'll See You In My Dreams" and it's exactly what the best of American Jazz is about.  Doug has included a group of standards and two of his own original compositions on the CD.  In addition, he has brought with him one of the finest Jazz trios performing today, Pianist Tamir Hendelman, John Clayton on Bass and Jeff Hamilton on Drums.  Doug's life evolves around music.  He is always experimenting with music both old and new, recording new CDs, composing and an MC at a local Southern California radio Jazz show.  Doug performs almost nightly in every part of Southern California to the delight of his thousands of fans.

If someone new to Jazz had any questions about what American Jazz is all about they need to listen to Doug's new CD.  Doug and the three musicians playing on this CD have performed some of the greatest music in the country.   All four musicians are outstanding whether playing solo or playing in a group.  

Doug offers these reflextions on why he did this recording. "In the mid-eighties I was a member of the Snooky Young/Bob Cooper Sextet, The Jack Sheldon Group and played in an early version of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra. Now here we are almost 40 years later, together again".  We are also delighted that Doug, Tamir, John and Jeff got together again!

I have attached two "YouTube" videos from this CD.  The first is the Matt Dennis/Tony Adair standard, "Will You Still Be Mine" and the second is a delightful Blues tune "New Mark".

                                                                  "Will You Still Be Mine"

                                                                       "New Mark"

PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar

Tamir Hendelman- Piano

John Clayton- Bass

Jeff Hamilton- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. I'll See You In My Dreams

2. I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)

3. Don'Cha GO Way Mad

4. My Ship

5. New Mark

6. Easy To Love

7. Tis Autumn

8. More Yesterdays Than Tomorrows

9. Will You Still Be Mine

CD Review: Michele Faber, "Journey Back"

 

Pianist, Composer and Arranger Michele Faber recently published a couple of wonderful Jazz albums a few years ago that I recently received.  Michele is a classic Jazz Pianist who performed for many  years in the LA area and then 12 years ago moved to Barcelona, Spain.  She fell in love with Barcelona and the outstanding Jazz environment there and decided to make it her permanent home.  A good friend and wonderful singer, Beverly Jenson who has known and performed with Michele Faber told me about her.  I received two CD's that Michele Faber has published and I fell in love with both of them.  The one that I am reviewing is "Journey Back" and it was recorded in Barcelona.  It's a classic Jazz album that includes 6 songs that Michele wrote, two standards and one song written by Guitarist Doug MacDonald.  Michele's compositions are beautiful and are matched perfectly by her outstanding Jazz Piano playing.  I have attached a YouTube of one of her compositions from the CD, "Here We Go Again" so you can judge for yourself.  Michele is joined on this cut by Fredrik Carlquist on Tenor Sax and Bassist Pete Loewe.  For me this composition brings to mind the cool Jazz scene of Barcelona as I invision it.  The second song that I have attached is the Duke Pearson Jazz classic "Jeannine" that features Doug MacDonald on Guitar and Pete Loewe on Bass.

Michele Faber is a master composer and musician in the traditional American sense.  She creates music that is fresh, new and understandable on many levels.  You don't have to be a Jazz buff to appreciate her writing or her improvising, she just produces beautiful music!  Michele has CD's available for sale that you can add to your Jazz collection and I highly recommend them all.  The second CD I received was titled, "Barcelona Encounter" and it's just as good as "Journey Back".

 PLAYLIST:  

1. Journey Back

2. Letter to J.L

3. Algo Que Paso

4. Once Again

5. Jeannine

6. Estate

7. Madison at Midnight

8. Here We Go Again

9. Dream Love

PLAYERS:

Michele Faber- Piano

Pete Loewe- Bass

Joe Smith- Drums

Fredrik Carlquist- Tenor Sax

Doug MacDonald

                                                                   "Jeannine"

                                                                  "Here We Go Again"

CD Review: Doug MacDonald "Live In Hawaii"

Guitarist, Composer, Arranger and Radio personality, Doug MacDonald has recently released his latest CD, "Live In Hawaii" and it's a beauty.  MacDonald has been praised many times over the years for his beautiful and sensitive renditions of some of the great ballads from the Great American Songbook,  but he has taken off the gloves for his new CD and comes out swinging!  He has put together a super, talented group of musicians for this up-tempo CD.  As soon as I listened to the first song on this CD, "My Shining Hour" it reminded me of one of my very favorite Jazz groups from the past, the Modern Jazz Quartet.  I have to say adding the very talented Noel Okimoto on Vibraphone to Doug's usual configuration of Drums and Bass gives the quartet the room they need to swing out.  Darryl Pellegrini is on Drums and Dean Taba is on Bass.  

This new CD takes no time to get used to, instant gratification for any Jazz buff.  It's so great to hear a  Vibraphone playing in a Jazz quartet again!   Doug has written two of the 7 songs on this CD, and they are both terrific Jazz tunes, "Cat City Samba" and "Bossa Don".  The arrangements are classic Doug MacDonald, new, exciting and understandable.  

I have been very fortunate to know and hear Doug play for many years in the California desert,  mostly in  a Jazz Club in Cathedral City, CA where I am sure the inspiration for "Cat City Samba" was born.  Doug performs all over the country including in Hawaii where he lived for several years.  This CD was recorded live at the Hawaii Public Radio's Atherton Performing Arts Studio in Hawaii.  Doug has performed with most of the giants of jazz during his long successful Jazz career including the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Jack Sheldon, Ray Brown and Buddy Rich just to mention a few.

If you love to listen to a swinging Jazz quartet this CD will thrill you.  Thank you Doug MacDonald for all your efforts to bring us the best in Jazz in this CD and all your other great releases!

I have attached two cuts from this CD, the first is "My Shining Hour" and the second is a Doug MacDonald original "Cat City Samba".     

                                           

                                                                       "My Shining Hour"

                                                                        "Cat City Samba"

     PLAYLIST:

1. My Shining Hour

2. Cat City Samba

3. Blues in the Closet

4. Star Eyes

5. Bassa Don

6. Lester Leaps In

7. Stranger In Paradise                  

       PLAYERS:

Doug MacDonald- Guitar

Noel Okimoto- Vibraphone

Dean Taba- Bass

Darryl Pellegrini- Drums

CD REVIEW: Doug MacDonald Duo, "Toluca Lake Jazz"

Guitar Master and Composer Doug MacDonald has just released a new CD, "Toluca Lake Jazz".  The CD is a string Duo with Doug and world-class Bassist, Harvey Newmark.  This talented Duo had some creative fun interpreting 7 standards and 6 original tunes composed by Doug.  The inspiration for the CD came from the long history of live Jazz in the area.  The Lakeside Golf Club was a place where many musicians performed regularly.  The Club was also a destination for old Hollywood where many famous Hollywood giants were members including Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and W.C.Fields.  This CD is meant to be a tribute to the wonderful Jazz that was performed here and in local Jazz clubs in the area and to a wonderful tradition of live Jazz music.

Doug MacDonald and Harvey Newmark are two of the most in-demand musicians in the country but especially in the Southern California area where they both reside.  

Doug MacDonald has an interesting music background.  He started in career in Hawaii and then relocated to Las Vegas where the music scene was bursting with opportunities to perform.  While in Vegas, Doug performed with many of the Jazz greats like Joe Williams, Carl Fontana, Jack Montrose and Carson Smith.  After many years performing in the Vegas scene, Doug moved to LA and performed with Bill Holman, Ray Anthony and John Clayton.  He recorded with Jake Hanna, Rosemary Clooney, Jack Sheldon, Bob Cooper, Ross Tompkins, Ray Brown Buddy Rich and Ray Charles. You won't find any musician busier than Doug MacDonald!  He has a regular Wednesday gig at AJ's on the Green in Cathedral City California and still finds time to compose and tour participating in 300 performances a year from coast to coast.  He also broadcasts a Jazz radio show on KAJI, a terrific local Jazz station in Palm Desert, CA.  

Harvey Newmark was born in Hollywood California and startedlearning the Bass while he was in middle school.  It was love at first sight of the Bass, and by the time Harvey entered Hollywood High School he was working with Bands playing for private events on weekends.  After graduating from college, Harvey joined the Buddy Rich Band and at the age of twenty was asked to join the Lawrence Welk Band.  Harvey has toured and or recorded with Terrence Blanchard, Carmen McRae, Joe Henderson, Anita O'Day,  Cal Trader,  the Baja Marimbo Band,  Milt Jackson, Eddy Jefferson, Pepper Adams and Terry Gibbs.

The joining of these two wonderful experienced musicians together has produced a delightful musical Duo of great music!  It is fun sitting back and listening to how they interpret old standards and also experience Doug MacDonald's creative composing.  

I am already hoping to hear more from this talented Duo in the future with the appearance of "Toluca Lake Duo II".  I have attached two "YouTube" videos for your listening pleasure.  The first is an interesting MaxDonald original titled "New World".  Doug shared that he wrote this song based on the changes of "It's a Blue World".  The second song is the standard "Easy Living" with some outstanding Bass work from Harvey Newmark.

PLAYLIST:

MUSICIANS:

Doug MacDonald-Guitar and Composer for cuts 5, 6, 7, 9. 11, & 13

Harvey Newmark- Bass

            "New World"                                                          

              "Easy Living"                                                              

CD Review: The Coachella Valley Trio, "Mid Century Modern"

Guitarist Doug MacDonald has just released a new CD, "Mid Century Modern" with his trio, "The Coachella Valley Trio". "Mid Century Modern" is a phrase visitors to the Palm Springs California area frequently hear.  It brings to mind American Modernism and its distinctive architecture that had its roots in not only Palm Springs but in the entire Coachella Valley area.   The life style in this area of California has its own vibe and it's cool and chilled.  Live Jazz music is alive and well in the Coachella Valley and Guitarist, Composer and Arranger, Doug MacDonald is in the forefront of the musical action.  Doug is one of the finest guitar technicians performing today and is highly sought out by Jazz venues from coast to coast.  When Doug is not traveling for out of state gigs, he is performing at many different Jazz sites including AJ's on the Green in Cathedral City every Wednesday.  In addition, Doug hosts a local Jazz radio show on a small but excellent non-profit 24-hour Jazz station in Palm Desert, CA,  KAJI Radio.   Doug's Trio, "The Coachella Valley Trio"  has been performing in the Coachella Valley Jazz clubs for several years and has developed a large following of fans.  The trio consists of Doug MacDonald on Guitar, Larry Holloway on Bass and Tim Pleasant on Drums.  Doug invited special guest, Big Black who plays the Djembe to join the group on several cuts.

Larry Holloway is one of the most respected Bass players in the West and in addition to all his playing gigs he finds time to manage the renowned "Coachella Valley Symphony".  Tim Pleasant, the Drummer for the group and Doug have known each other for years preforming together in the Valley and also in the New York area.  As a result of the talent level of these three musicians and the length of time they have played together, the sounds from the trio at times seem to be merged into one voice.  I had the pleasure of hearing Big Black play with this group recently at AJ's and he adds a special element of excitement to this wonderful trio.

There are 11 wonderful songs on this CD,  8 beautiful standards and 3 original songs written by Doug,  So you get to hear some great standards and also experience Doug's excellent composing at the same time.

Players:
Doug MacDonald, Guitar
Larry Holloway, Bass
Tim Pleasant, Drums
Special Guest, Big Black, Djembe

Playlist:

1. "My Shining Hour"
2. "Lance or Lot"
3. "Cat City Samba"
4. "Tran Jam"
5. "What's New"
6. "Give Me The Simple Life
7. "Stranger in Paradise"
8. "I Hadn't Anyone Till You"
9. "Woody'N You"
10. "Bossa Nueva"
11. "The Way You Look Tonight"

I have attached two "YouTube" videos for you to listen to.  The first is a tune written by Doug, "Cat City Samba".  The second "YouTube" is the Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen gem, "My Shinning Hour".
                                                                "Cat City Samba"
     
                                                                            

"My Shining Hour"

                                           

CD Review: The Doug MacDonald Quartet "Organisims"

Master Guitarist, Composer, Band Leader and Arranger, Doug MacDonald has released his latest musical project,  "Organisms" performed by The Doug MacDonald Quartet.  This new CD is the thirteenth CD Doug has released and the third organ project that he performs as not only the band leader, but as a Composer and Arranger.  Doug has brought together 3 highly talented Jazz musicians on this CD and has included a wonderful mix of classic tunes and three original composition he composed.

On Tenor is the highly sought after Sax player, Bob Sheppard.  I am sure Bob needs no introduction to anyone who loves the West Coast Jazz scene.   He is one of the best Tenor players on the Jazz scene today.  Carey Frank who is on the Hammond B3 Organ and Ben Scholz on Drums are relatively younger in Jazz experience compared to Bob and Doug but as you will hear,  are all up to the task.  "Organisms" presents a wonderful refreshing sound of younger Jazz musicians blending perfectly with more experienced players.

Doug MacDonald lives in Southern California but Doug is in so much demand that his gigs take him all over the United States and the world.  He is a very serious and skilled musician and every waking hour is dedicated to creating and performing American Jazz.  Doug has performed live with some of the best musicians in the world including Stan Getz, George Shearing, Joe Williams, Sarah Vaughan, Buddy Rich, Scott Hamilton, Ray Charles, Jack Sheldon, Hank Jones and the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra just to name a few! For those readers that live in the California Coachella Valley area, Doug needs no introduction because he performs in many different venues in the area every week.   Doug also makes time to broadcast a weekly Jazz radio show on  KAJI 97.3 FM on Mondays from 2 to 4 pm unless he is traveling.  KAJI is a 24-hour non-profit Jazz stations in Palm Desert, CA. You can hear KAJI anywhere you are by computer by opening this link:  WWW.AmJazzIn.Org.

Playlist:
1. "It's You Or No One"
2. "Jazz For All Occasions"
3.  "L & T"
4. "Nina Never Knew/Indian Summer"
5. "Sometime Ago"
6. "Poor Butterfly"
7. "Centerpiece"
8. "Too Late Now"
9. "Hortense"
10. "On The Alamo"

Players:
Doug MacDonald- Arrangements, Guitar, Composer
Carey Frank- Hammond B3 Organ
Bob Sheppard- Tenor Saxophone
Ben Scholz- Drums

I have attached a "YouTube" of The Doug MacDonald Quartet playing "Centerpiece" from their recent CD release, "Organisims".   I also attached a "YouTube" of the Quartet playing an original composition Doug wrote entitled "Jazz For All Occasions"  I know you will enjoy listening to every song on this wonderful new CD!

CD Review: Mikole Kaar, "Give Em Heaven"

Anyone who has visited the Southern California live Jazz scene has probably run into Composer, Arranger and Reed player, Mikole Kaar.  Mikole Kaar has dedicated his entire life to live performing and even now when he has gigs 5 to 6 times a week, the first time he has a free night, you will find him sitting-in with other Jazz groups.  Playing since he was 9 years old, Mikole has studied Clarinet at Cal State and then became a Flute major at University of San Diego.

Mikole has just published a new CD, "Give Em Heaven" and it has been getting excellent reviews.  There is a mix of 10 songs on the CD, some great Jazz standards and a few written by Mikole for this CD.  The Jazz is hot and cool and so is the sound as Mikole has gathered 3 seasoned musicians to support him on this CD.  His supporting cast is made up of the fabulous guitar player and Desert favorite, Doug MacDonald who never disappoints his large Jazz fan base with his great playing, Paul Kreibich is on Drums and Harvey Newmark is on Bass.  Together they make beautiful music!

This CD has a wonderful groove and I especially like the pairing of up-tempo tunes with a couple of outstanding ballads.  I love the interpretation of the old Jazz standard "Invitation" that still sounds haunting every time I hear it.  One cut that Mikole composed, "A Song For Claire" has been selected to be on this year's "Desert Jam CD".  Profits from this CD go to "Wellness in the Desert Charity".  I also loved cut 4, "Darlicious".  I have to say that the influence of Doug MacDonald's wonderful guitar work on Mikole's playing is clear.  These two seasoned pros have been playing live performances together for a while now and they work perfectly together.  You can buy the CD or any of the tunes on Spotify, YouTube and Google and you can go on site to hear some of the great stuff Mikole has put down.  Mikole plays all over town and currently does gigs at "Oscars" in Palm Springs among other live music spots in the Valley.

I found a "YouTube" of Mikole Kaar playing the flute for the song "Comin' Home" with the Jackson Garrett Band to give you a sample of Mikole's playing style.  Enjoy!

The Players:

Mikole Kaar: Composer, Arrange, Tenor, Flute and Vocals
Doug MacDonald: Guitar
Paul Kreibich: Drums
Harvey Newmark: Bass

Playlist:
1. "Give Em Heaven"
2. "Invitation"
3. "Coming Home Baby"
4. "Darlicious"
5. "A Song For Claire"
6. 'Blues For For Jack"
7, "Dynamic Dynamo"
8. "Black Ballet"
9. "Imagine"
10. "Please Make Up Your Mind"

Aubrey Tadman Stars At 360 North with Guitarist Doug MacDonald

Aubrey Tadman is a musical treasure who lives and sings in the Coachella Valley.  Aubrey is multi-talented with comedy writing credits for such shows as "Mary Tyler Moore", "Rhoda", "Welcome Back Kotter", "Three's Company", "The Tim Conway Show", "Dick Van Dyke And Company" and "Donny and Marie" just to mention a few.  Of course, anyone who has met Aubrey knows how funny he can be.  Aubrey is from Winnipeg,  but his personality is right out of Hollywood.  Aubrey has had a long career as a writer and producer of television in Hollywood.  He has won an "Emmy" and has been nominated for 5 additional "Emmys".  He has also been awarded a "Writer's Guild Award".

Aubrey has performed at some top clubs in California including "The Jazz Bakery", "The Hyatt Hotels", "Geri's World",  the famous "Racquet Club" and "Vicky's of Santa Fe" in Indian Wells.  He has also performed in the Vancouver Jazz festival five times.  I first heard Aubrey sing when he sat in with talented pianist Rich Bono at The Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Aubrey sang "Body and Soul",  and I became an instant fan.

On Tuesday, February 2,  a big group of his friends gathered at 360 North Restaurant in Palm Springs CA to hear Aubrey sing.  His appeal as a singer is linked to his understanding of lyric and impeccable timing.  He puts life into a lyric with surging emotion.  His ability to inject that emotion into lyrics that may have been written 50 years ago and take them into the present is a rare talent few vocalists can reach.  As you would expect, Aubrey just can't stop from throwing in some comedy lines into his performances to the delight of his audience.

I wanted to mention that 360 North Restaurant in Palm Springs has live music 6 days per week and offers some wonderful food to match the great live music.  I congratulate the new owners of 360 North Restaurant for their support of live music!  A great place to stop by anytime you are in the Palm Springs area.

Aubrey has a great CD  that I highly recommend.   The CD is "Stay With Me" and it will give you a true sample of Aubrey's great singing ability.  The CD covers many wonderful standards like "Accustomed To Her Face", "Watch What Happens", "She Needs Me" and "Mountain Greenery".  I found a cut from the CD on "Youtube" and have attached it below so you can hear Aubrey at his best!  The CD can be purchased on "CD Baby".

I attempted to record a sample of Aubrey's performance at 360 North so you can see how entertaining he can be but the lighting was low and I picked up a lot of the crowd noise, but I still think it is worth sharing.  It captures Aubrey singing "You Are My Sunshine" using some funny new lyrics he has written.

 Aubrey Tadman At 360 North singing his version of "You Are My Sunshine"

                                       Aubrey Tadman singing "Accustomed To Her Face"
                                                         From his CD "Stay With Me"

Bill Saitta's Quartet Features Lovely Songbird, Beverly Jensen at Backstreet Bistro

Beverly Jensen, Bill Saitta, Tom Keenlyside and Doug MacDonald

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta, Tom Keenlyside and Doug MacDonald

Tom Keenlyside

Doug Macdonald

Jay Lewis

Beverly Jensen

Beverly Jensen, Bill Saitta and Tom Keenlyside

Bill Saitta

Backstreet Bistro was jumping again on Tuesday night with Bill Saitta leading a group of talented musicians who play Jazz with a vitality and freshness that one seldom gets to witness.  Bill puts together a different group of musicians every week, and he never disappoints with the music results.  Tonight Bill put together a group that included Tom Keenlyside, the specular Flute and Sax player; the marvelously talented Jay Lewis on Drums and world-class Guitar player, Doug Macdonald.  The music tonight was hot and was more than enough to overcome the cold front that has been in the valley the last couple of days.  Making tonight's performance even more special was the  beautiful singing of Desert favorite, Beverly Jensen.  Beverly has a long, star-singing resume that includes touring with the Dorsey Band for many years, and she still has a wonderful pure voice with perfect pitch.  As great as the band was tonight, the addition of Beverly's sweet singing voice took the music to an even higher level.

Tom Keenlyside never disappoints his audience and tonight was no exception.  He played Tenor Sax with the energy of a twenty-year old and his flute playing has never been sweeter.  Tom also treated the audience with his singing that had everyone cheering.  It's always a treat to hear him perform.  Jay Lewis continues to impress everyone with his Drumming skills.   Jay could teach a course to any young wannabe Drummer on how to use sounds and rhythms to support a band.  Jay is one of the top Drummers playing today.  There are a lot of good Guitar players around today but if you want to hear a great Guitar player, Doug is your man.  Doug's solos are intelligent with clarity.  He is one of the most sought-after players in the Desert.

Bill Saitta was playing his upright Bass tonight to the delight of the capacity audience.  Bill works very hard producing these Jazz shows and never looks for credit.  But he deserves lots of credit for always putting the spotlight on other musicians, preferring to give them all the accolades without consideration to himself.  Without Bill Saitta's efforts, the Tuesday night Jazz series would never have reached its current high esteem among Desert Jazz lovers.  From all of us that come to Backstreet to dine and listen to Jazz, we all thank you Bill!

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