New Arrivals To The Desert, Jasmine Tommaso and Lorenso Grasi Make Their Musical Debut At Backstreet Bistro

Bill Saitta, Lorenso Grasi and Jasmine Tommaso

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta and Lorenso Grasi

Singer Jasmine Tommaso and Guitarist Lorenso Grasi have recently moved into the Valley from Italy.  They are two highly trained (Berkelee College of Music) musicians who want to start performing in our area.  Based on the audience response at Backstreet Bistro, finding venues to perform should not be a problem.  Vocalist Jasmine Tommaso has a wonderful, warm voice, sounding like a mixture of Lady Day and Nancy Wilson.   Her phrasing is very Jazz-like and pleasing,  especially when she sings great standards, like "You've Changed" and "All of Me".   Her stage presence is strong, and she knows how to lead her sidemen who quickly recognize they are dealing with a very experienced musician.  It didn't take long for the group, all new to playing with each other, to merge into one group voice.  Guitarist Lorenso Grasi who will be marrying Jasmine in a couple of months, worked perfectly with the rhythm section of Bassist Bill Siata and Drummer Jay Lewis.  Lorenso also provided some excellent solos in support of Jamine's vocals.  Another wonderful Tuesday night of Jazz at Backstreet Bistro.  Also, I have to mention the food at Backstreet Bistro continues to be excellent so you can come out on Tuesdays for great food and great Jazz.

You can get to see and hear Jasmine and the group as they performed at Backstreet Bistro on the "YouTube" attached below:

I am also attaching a "Youtube" I found with Jasmine Tommaso singing "Someone to watch Over Me".  Jasmine performs this musical gem perfectly at her father's 50th Jazz anniversary at the Auditorium Parco Della Musica in Rome Italy in 2014.  Jasmine's father is the internationally acclaimed Bassist, Giovanni Tommaso who makes some remarks in Italian about his daughter's singing.  Even if you don't understand Italian, you can feel his fatherly pride pouring out!

Players on the Video:
Giovanni Tommaso-Base
Jasmine Tommaso- Vocal
Anthony Pinciotti- Drums
Claudio Fillippini- Piano
Daniele Scannapieco- Sax

Yve Evans Is Welcomed Back to Backstreet Bistro By Her Loving Fans

Jay Lewis, Henry Franklin and Doug McDonald

Henry Franklin, Doug McDonald and Yve Evans

Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, CA has great Jazz performers every Tuesday evening but no one draws a bigger crowd

of Jazz lovers than Yve Evans!  The reasons why Yve has tons of fans in the Coachella Valley is first and foremost, she is:"The Jazz singer who sets the standard for all other Jazz singers".  Yve has a beautiful, pure voice that puts her in the same company as Ella and Sarah and her phrasing and sense of timing are second to none.   Second, Yve can do it all: Blues, Pop, R & B and Latin without hesitation.  She has the respect of every musician she plays with not only because of her platinum reputation, but because they all know that when Yve's driving the Band,  she can and will make changes at a moments notice so they are always challenged to be ready and they love it!  Third, Yve has an amazing sense of humor and works it into her performances seamlessly. And lastly,  Yve has a loving, caring personality that she projects to everyone who meets her.    Once you meet Yve, you will become a fan forever!

Yve, as you would image, is a highly sought after musician and she plays at many venues in and out of California.  As busy as she is, she never forgets her fans at Backstreet Bistro and tries to appear there at least one Tuesday every month.  She also performs regularly at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs, usually on Tuesdays.  No trip to the Valley would be complete without seeing Yve perform at least once.

Tonight's program was put together by another Valley favorite, Drummer Jay Lewis,  and he was joined by two of the best Musicians in the West, Guitar player Doug McDonald and Bass player, Henry "Skipper" Franklin.

I found a "Youtube" of Yve playing and singing at the 2017 Monterey Jazz Bash by the Sea that will give you a good example of how good a performer she is.  I know you will enjoy it!

  

Jay Lewis, Barney McClure and Henry Franklin Perform Wonderful Live Jazz at Backstreet in Palm Desert, Ca

Jay Lewis, Henry Franklin and Barney McClure

Barney McClure

Is there anything better than live Jazz under the stars?  I don't think so.  Being outside seems to give the Musicians and the Jazz sounds a wonderful lift.  Tonight and on every Tuesday, Backstreet Bistro comes alive with the best Jazz players in town.  Jay Lewis, one of the desert's favorite Drummers, has taken the lead and put together the best of the best every Tuesday at Backstreet Bistro.  Tonight was no exception with Jay on Drums, the marvelously inventive Barney McClure on Keyboard and veteran Henry Franklin providing perfect rhythm support with his Bass.

Barney McClure is amazing, especially knowing that he is a self-taught keyboard player.  I think being self-taught has given him an advantage when playing because he plays with a freedom that few Keyboard players can reach.  Part of the fun of watching these pros is listening to them change arrangements and keys as they are playing.  Not the easiest thing to accomplish but this produces a fresh new approach to many old chestnuts that playing from written charts cannot measure up to, in my opinion.  Jay Lewis is always on top of the beat and in control no matter what group of musicians he is playing with.  He is admired by every musician I know and a quality person.  Henry Franklin always provides solid rhythm with no drama, just doing his job, creating solos that are new and fresh.  All in all, another great night of Jazz at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, CA.

Steve Madaio Makes His First Appearance at Backstreet This Season

Jazz fans in the Valley were delighted that the brilliant Trumpet player Steve Madaio finally was able to perform again at Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday,  April 13.   Steve has had a rough winter, first recovering from a pretty serious illness and then losing his beloved father last week.  All his fans are so happy his health has returned to top-form and also want to wish Steve their condolences for the loss of his Dad.

Tonight Steve gathered two of the most important and professional players in the Desert, Pat Tuzzolino on Keyboard and Vocals and Jay Lewis on Drums.  Steve showed no sign that his recent health problems had any effect on his playing.  In fact,  his breath control and energy level were  higher than the last time I heard him play.  When it comes to music, Steve can do it all.  From tender ballads to straight-out Jazz, Steve makes the musical transitions effortless and is comfortable with both.  

Pat Tuzzolino has always been one of my favorite Jazz performers because he is so original in his approach to music.  Pat's approach to music has always been related to what he feels inside about a song and its lyrics.  His vocals are superb!  His phrasing and timing are a pleasure to listen to, because of his own interpretation of the composer's lyrical message.  I never miss a chance to hear him.

I have written about Jay Lewis many times in my blog and with good reason.  Jay is one of the best Drummers playing today.  He never overwhelms the members of the group, he never falters in putting down a solid Drum line and contributes wonderful Drum solos when called upon.

I have attached a "Youtube" of Steve, Pat and Jay playing the Jazz standard, "Killer Joe" and know you will enjoy it.  I also couldn't help attach a second "Youtube" of Steve playing "Europa", a song that has almost become his Musical trademark.

                                 

Linda and Patty Peterson Wow the Capacity Crowd at Backstreet Bistro

Linda Peterson

Bill Saitta

Patty Peterson

Bill Saitta, Patty Peterson, Linda Peterson

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta and Patty Peterson

Tom Keenlyside, Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Linda Peterson was the featured musician of the week at Backstreet Bistro and she gathered a talented group of musicians that included beautiful vocals from her sister Patty Peterson, Bill Saitta on Bass and Jay Lewis on Drums.  Linda is one of the most popular musicians in the Valley because of her wonderful work on the Piano, her marvelous voice and her pleasing personality.  Joining Linda and the group tonight was her talented sister, Patty who recently arrived in town from her family home in Minneapolis.  The Peterson family is famous in the Minneapolis area because of all the wonderful music everyone in their large extended family performs.  

Linda Peterson always allows local talented vocalists to sit in with her when she is performing.  But when she has the opportunity to play some straight ahead Jazz,  she really sparkles!  Tonight was one of those opportunities for Linda, and she took advantage of it providing great Jazz vocals and solos.   As you will see in the attached "Youtube" Linda has a great love for her sister Patty's musical talents and has no problem giving up the spotlight to her.

Patty Peterson has been singing since she was a child.  If you are in the Peterson family performing comes naturally.   She has a strong, clear voice and truly understands the lyrics in the great evergreen songs she sings.  Her phrasing is dead perfect as is her pitch.  Singing with musicians you don't know and who have no charts to follow is always difficult but tonight Patty and her supporting musicians made it seem simple.  It was a great night for Jazz under the stars on the Backstreet Bistro patio, and we all hope Patty returns soon so we can hear more of her vocals.

Linda Peterson is always busy working at different venues in Southern California.   On Wednesdays she performs at The Palm House in Palm Springs.  She is doing a vocal presentation with talented singer, Lenny Kay on Thursday at Backstreet Bistro from 3 to 5.  On Friday she is performing from 5 to 8  at FIX located on El Paseo in Palm Desert.  On Saturdays, she performs at Backstreet Bistro from 12:30 to 3:00.   And finally on Sunday she plays at Chef George's in the lounge from 6 to 9 pm.  

Mike Costley Playing to Capacity Crowds at Vickys in Indian Wells

Every time I hear Mike Costley perform I prepare myself to find him less spectacular than I remember from the last time I heard him sing.  However, the truth is that every time I hear Mike perform I always leave more impressed by his talents.  I am not just talking about his singing. He is so much more.  Mike is a marvelous singer/performer who has the ability to capture his audience within minutes of the start of his show and keep them engaged right to the last song he sings.  Mike loves to sing and performs with body and soul and his passion quickly connects with his audience.  His energy on stage is electric.  Mike's first set is non-stop for over 90 minutes.  What is most amazing is that Mike can sing every genre of music and all at the highest professional level.  He is also naturally comedic especially when you least expect it!  Mike is a perfectionist when it comes to music, and he demands and gets the top level of support from the talented instrumentalists that he carefully selects to join him on stage.

Supporting Mike at Vickys are two outstanding sidemen, Steve Alaniz on Tenor Sax and John Pagels on Guitar.  Steve is one of the best Sax players in Southern California, and I especially love the way he can mirror Sam Butera's wonderful phrasing and sound on the Louie Prima numbers Mike sings.  John Pagels is also recognized by all the musicians I know as one of the most best guitar players on the scene today.  He provides rock-solid support for Mike whether he is singing torch songs or up-tempo swing numbers; he can do it all. 

How lucky we music lovers here in the Coachella Valley are to get to be able toexperience Mike Costley on a regular basis.  Mike's show is first rate and as good as any show you might see in Vegas or NYC. He performs every Tuesday at Vickys in Indian Wells to packed audiences.  He starts at 7:00, but be sure to get to Vickys early if you want a seat.

For those readers that have never had an opportunity to hear Mike sing, I have attached a "YouTube" of Mike singing with the great Jackson Garrett Band at an outdoor concert at "The River"  in 2015.  The band members consisted of some of the best musicians in our Valley: Jay Lewis-Drums, Jeff Stover-Electric Bass, Dave Ring-Keys, John Pagels-Guitar, Steve Alaniz-Tenor Sax, John Leys-Trombone and Don Clarke-Trumpet.  All musicians perform wonderful solos on this track.         

             

        

Super-Star Drummer Jay Lewis leads a group of exceptional musicians at Backstreet Bistro

Last Tuesday night April 14 was another wonderful night of Jazz at Backstreet Bistro.  Jay Lewis assumed leadership of the band for Bill Saitta who is off working and partying in the "Big Easy".  Jay invited Tom Keenlyside, Blake White and Pat Tuzzolino to join the fun.  Jay Lewis is one of the most respected musicians playing in the Desert, and I know this is true because every musician I talk to tells me he is on their list of top Drummers.  In addition to his wonderful Drumming talents, Jay is a truly wonderful person.  No flash or ego,  he just gets in front of his Drums and makes wonderful things happen.  If you love intelligent, swinging Jazz Drumming, don't ever miss a chance to hear him.

Tom Keenlyside, the talented Canadian Sax and Flute player has only been in the Desert for a few years but, he has already become a Jazz household name here.  Tom plays the greatest Flute I have been privileged to hear and his Sax playing is top rate.  Tonight, Tom also proved he is also quite the singer, performing several tunes with the band. What's also great about Tom is that his whole life is focused on music and not just playing it.  Tom composes, records in his own music studio, arranges and tours with the best groups in the business when he has any free time.  He is a true professional and brings no agenda with him.  He always has time to help other musicians with suggestions and direction expecting nothing more than a thank you!  I understand that Tom will be back at Backstreet next Tuesday, so make your plans to be there.  The opportunity for Jazz lovers to get up-close to a talented performer like Tom are rare, so don't miss any chance you get to hear him.

On Bass tonight was the young and talented Blake White.  I have heard Blake a few times over the past few years and in my opinion he is now playing as good as I have ever heard him.  His solos are new and crisp and original.  Blake has obviously has been working hard to lift the level of his Bass playing and the results are terrific.

The last member of the group tonight was Pat Tuzzolino.  I found Pat a few years ago and became an instant fan.  Pat played wonderful guitar tonight, and also sang several songs.  Multi-talented Pat also plays keyboard and Bass.  But in my opinion, Pat's real brilliance is in his singing.  Pat sings Jazz standards in his own unique way,  and he provides his own arrangements that are outstanding and can turn an old classic "Chestnut" into something new and beautiful.  It always surprises me that so many Jazz fans in the Valley are not familiar with Pat because he is without a doubt one of the most talented musicians you will ever hear.  I know this is a bold statement but I believe it is true.  Pat plays in the bar area at Castelli's Restaurant in Palm Desert on Wednesday through Saturday.  Never miss a chance to hear him.

I found a "YouTube" of Pat singing "Yellow Days" at Vitello's on 7/29/13.  He is joined by Larry Koonse on Guitar and Dan Williams on Drums.  This video will give you a good idea of the remarkable musical talents of Pat Tuzzolino.

   

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!

The Star Spotlight Shines On Linda Peterson At Backstreet Bistro

Linda Peterson

A lot of my readers have lunch at Backstreet Bistro on Saturdays to hear Linda Peterson perform in the courtyard.  Linda is an extremely talented Keyboard player, Vocalist, Arranger, Composer and all-around good person.  That is why she has fiercely loyal fans who turn out no matter where she is performing.  Tonight was Linda's night to shine and she wasted no time singing and playing the music she loves.  She became so engrossed with her music that she forgot about even taking a second break.  Linda just did not want to leave the stage to the total enjoyment of the capacity crowd at Backstreet.  Tonight Linda was supported by rock solid Jay Lewis who usually plays in a quartet with Bill Siatta.  Tonight Jay was really rocking and showed us a little more of what he could do.  Jay is a marvelous drummer and any Jazz buff would welcome him into any group.  He never disappoints!  Joining Jay was Kelly Corbin who seemingly keeps getting better and better.  I have only seen Kelly playing Jazz in a quartet with Bill Siatta.  I like to describe his playing as "Sax on steroids".  Tonight, Linda was playing some great ballads from the Great American Songbook and Kelly surprised me with his sensitive riffs and solos around Linda's sweet voice.  So Kelly Corbin can play ballads, who knew?

At the end of the night's program, Linda invited up Jeannie Norris to sing and she sang with
the ease of a seasoned pro.  Then Linda pulled the great Carole Hampton up to sing some blues which brought the audience to its feet.  I never get enough of Carole's singing and always enjoy her when she sits in.  Linda Peterson will be performing again at Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday, February 3!

Jay Lewis, Kelly Corbin and Linda Peterson

Kelly Corbin and Linda Peterson

Jay Lewis

Jay Lewis and Kelly Corbin

Jeannie Norris

Carole Hampton Singing And Having Fun

 

Bill Saitta Opens the 2015 Tuesday Jazz Series At Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside, Bill Saitta and Joe Azarello

Tuesday night, January 6, 2015 was opening night for Jazz at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, California.  Bill Saitta, the great bassist, singer, arranger creates a different group of outstanding musicians every Tuesday night throughout the winter season.  Tonight Bill selected his go-to-Drummer and everyone's favorite, Jay Lewis along with Joe Azarello on Keyboard. The star of tonight's program was Tom Keenlyside who thrilled the group with his solos on Flute and Tenor Sax. Tom only moved to Palm Desert from Canada a few years ago and has already established his reputation as a sterling Jazz player.  Tom is amazing in his ability to improvise, yet, always retains the essence of the melody.  Tom can do it all, and he does it all whenever he performs.  Tom always plays with excitement, and he transmits his joy of music to his audience.  He also lifts his fellow players to higher levels because of his outstanding musical skills.  Tom never plays safe, he always pushes himself to higher levels of performance.  He is loved by his audience!

I had not heard Bill Saitta play Bass for over 8 months but tonight he continued to prove he is a student of the Bass and his music.  Every year he seems to improve the level of his playing and this night proved that he has taken his musical game to an even higher level.  Bill's approach to music including Jazz is far from casualty.  He continues to be a student of music and takes nothing for granted.  His solos tonight were thoughtful and perfectively constructed.  It's no wonder that Bill is one of the most sought after Bassists in California!

Jay Lewis as usual was sparkling on Drums tonight. Jay is at the top of the list of skilled Drummers playing in Southern California and for good reasons.  Jay never tries to over-shadow any members of the groups he plays with.  He is supportive, and yet can hold his own with any Drummer when it is his time to solo.  Besides his musical talents,  Jay is a really good person and loved by all.

Joe Azarello was on Keyboard tonight and it was my first experience with him.  He supported the

Jay Lewis and Tom Keenlyside

group perfectly and has a very unique playing style especially on his solos.  Seems Joe believes that the structure of his playing is much more important than just playing a lot of background notes.  He was well received by the enthusiastic Backstreet audience.  Tonight was a wonderful start to the season, and I recommend that you put Tuesday night Jazz at Backstreet Bistro on your "To Do" list.

Joe Azarello

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside and Bill Saitta

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

Bill Saitta Hosts Another Great Jazz Party at Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta, Craig Yancey and Linda Peterson

Bill Saitta

Craig Yancey

Jay Lewis

The Great Linda Peterson

Tom Keenlyside, Bill Saitta and Craig Yancey

Ron Kalina, Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta & Craig Yancey

Bill Saitta & Chase Huna

Tuesday night is always Jazz night at Backstreet Bistro.  On Tuesday April 8th, Bill Saitta put together a sensational group of musicians who put on a wonderful Jazz show to the delight of the standing-room only Jazz-loving crowd.  Tonight's music was particularly special because of the addition of everyone favorite singer and keyboard player Linda Peterson.  Linda has not been in the Desert much this season, but tonight she reminded us of how good a performer she is.  It was somewhat strange seeing her as a side-man, but the results were outstanding for the audience and the group.

Craig Yancey played Soprano, Alto and Tenor Sax tonight and he was very, very  impressive.  His tone on all three Saxes was superb and he played his heart out on every song.  I have heard Craig play before, but I have never heard him play as well as he did tonight.  Great work Craig!

Bill Saitta was on Bass and again showing us how hard he has worked to produce fresh, intelligent solos that set him apart from other Bass players.  Bill's growth as a Bass player and a singer continue to surprise all of us.  In addition, Bill deserves recognition for putting together the music lineup for the Backstreet Bistro Tuesday night Jazz series.  It's never the exact same players but always top draw talent.

Jay Lewis continues to play impressive drums night after night.  Jay is a Drummer with soft hands and plays with great taste.  He never overplays, provides perfect tempo and when called puts together very tasteful solos that seem new each time you hear one.

We had some really outstanding musicians sit-in tonight also.  First, world-class flute player, Tom Keenlyside joined the band and the fun.  Then one of the greatest Harp players in the country, Ron Kalina showed the audience why ballads from the "Great American Songbook" are still being played 100 years after they were written!

The evening concluded with a performance by 14 year old Chase Huna.  Jazz lovers in the Desert have seen Chase sit in with various Jazz groups since he was 10.  Tonight's performance was the first time I had an opportunity to hear Chase this season. It proved that Chase has arrived.  He has his own style, and his solos were new and creative.  I am sure it won't be long before we see Chase performing full-time with his own group.