Rose Mallett Performs To a Sold Out Crowd at Woody's in Palm Springs

Rose Mallett

The last time I heard Rose Mallett sing was two years ago at the Encena Country Club in Palm Springs.  I thought she had a beautiful voice and her phrasing was very polished.  Now, hearing her sing at Woody's on Friday night, she has evolved into someone far more than just a great singer.  Rose Mallett is now a wonderful entertainer.  From the moment she stepped on to the stage, she had total control of the audience.  She immediately connected to the audience with conversation and stories that gave us all of in the room the feeling we were old friends.  Rose has her only style of singing and it was interesting to see how she approached some of our favorite standards and maked them hers.  Rose is now almost always fully booked during the week at many different venues, but you can usually catch up to her at Woody's in Palm Springs.

Tonight, Rose picked some of the Valley's best musicians to support her singing.  Jimmy Dykes on Keyboard, Desert favorite, Bill Siatta on upright Bass and Tim Pleasant on Drums.  I strongly recommend that you visit Woody's on Friday nights to hear Rose sing, it is worth the trip.

Jimmie Dykes 

Bill Saitta

Tim Pleasant

I have posted a picture of one of the great service-persons at Woody's, Delia because she does such a wonderful job and makes the Woody's Jazz experience even better!

                                                                                                  Delia

I found a "Youtube" video from a couple of years ago of Rose singing "It's Impossible" that I know you will enjoy hearing.

Steve Madaio Sparkles at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert

 Tuesday night is Jazz night at the Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert.  And tonight we had the pleasure of seeing my good friend Steve Madaio perform his magic on the trumpet.  Steve has to be the most understated musician in the desert.  Not many people are aware of Steve's impressive musical resume' that few musicians anywhere could come close to.  Steve has played with the "Best of the Best" and has recorded way over 100 CD's that have become million sellers!  Hearing the way Steve plays love songs from the "Great American Songbook" with soft and emotional tones that few musicians can get out of a trumpet, it is hard to believe that he has recorded with Earth, Wind and Fire and toured for two years with the Stones in Europe. Steve's skills put him in the same class as giants like Miles Davis and Chet Baker when it comes to projecting the emotion of a lyric without anyone singing the lyric. Tonight he gave us more proof of his ability and began his first set, with "What's New" moved on to "My Funny Valentine"  combined with "There Will Never Be Another You".  Three of the best American love songs ever written. Few musicians have the ability that Steve does to approach these ballad gems with a soft touch and the romantic emotion that Steve's sound projects. You will have another chance to hear Steve again at Backstreet on Tuesday, February 7.  Steve also plays under the stars at the Bluember in Rancho Mirage on Sundays at 6:00PM.

Joining Steve tonight was an outstanding group of musicians with Leo Vigil on drums, Jimmie Dykes on Keyboard and our friend Bill Saitta playing the upright bass. Tonight was the first time that I got a chance to hear Leo and Jimmie and they did not disappoint. Leo provided a solid foundation for the group on all the songs and Jimmie played some fine solos including a very special one on the great classic "Body and Soul". I also thought Bill Saitta played his solos especially sharp tonight and his solid bass provided a wonderful bottom range to support the group throughout the performance.  A wonderful evening of music and great food at the Tuesday night place for Jazz, Backstreet Bistro.