Exceptional Musicians Name Their Top 10 Songs, Chapter 7: Judy Wolman

Judy Wolman

Judy Wolman is one of the most-well liked people in the music industry.  She is not only a caring person, she is also one of the best pianist playing today.  Judy is a women of remarkable talents and is the Founder and Artistic Director of  "Sing! Sing! Sing!", a non-profit organization that features a small group of rehearsed singers who joyfully ease the audience into singing "All the songs you love to sing".  Audiences love the experience!  Everyone is given lyric sheets and each song is introduced with a brief and entertaining commentary.  Judy is a classically trained pianist with a degree in Music from Washington University in St. Louis and has taught vocal music and music appreciation in public and private schools.  After she moved to Los Angeles, she joined the Gregg Smith Singers, a professional, classical choral group and spent 10 years touring and recording with them.  Judy has sung in films and television including "Empire of the Sun", "Jurassic Park" and "The Incredible Hulk". 

Judy has a deep love for the songs in the "Great American Songbook". She always plays them with complete love and inspiration.

                          Judy Wolman's Top 10 Favorite Songs....in no particular order

1.  "Here's That Rainy Day"
2.  "Where Or When"
3.  "Embraceable You"
4.  "All The Things You Are"
5.  "My Shining Hour"
6.  "Young and Foolish"
7.  "I Can't Get Started"
8.  "You Must Believe in Spring"
9.  "Someone To Watch Over Me'
10."Body and Soul"

Ron Kalina Still Impressing Large Audience At Frank's Place In Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Ron Kalina

Judy Wolman and Ron Kalina

Larry Holloway, Ron Kalina, Gino Antonacia and Frank DiSalvo

Ken Steele, Ron Kalina and Gino Antonacia. Does anyone know those three guys in the background?

Larry Holloway, Carole Hampton Ron Kalina and Gino Antonacia

Rose Kingsley, Judy Wolman and Gino Antonacia

Ron Kalina's "Harmonica Convergence" continues to draw large crowds from all over the Valley on Tuesday nights at Frank's Place in the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  And it's no wonder, hearing Ron play Harmonica at levels few have ever reached is only part of the performance.  Ron also plays songs on Keyboard from the Great American Songbook as good as anyone. Believe it not, Ron sometimes plays Harmonica and Keyboard at the same time. There is no doubt that Ron Kalina is one of the best living Harmonica players in the country.  What also surprises his audience is that Ron is an excellent singer.  So he is a triple threat, plays Harmonica and Keyboard and sings!

I love the sound of great songs being played on the Harmonica and Ron only choices the best of the best classic American standards to play.  Tonight, Ron asked Judy Wolman who was in the audience to come up and play keyboard for Ron while he played "My Funny Valentine"on Harmonica.  Together they made wonderful music for all of us.  This classic played by every great musician from the beginning of time never sounded better!

Part of the fun of live Jazz in the Desert is no matter where you go, you are sure to be surprised by someone in the audience stepping up to the mike to sit in with the band. Tonight was no exception as the Desert favorite Ken Steele was called up by Ron to sing a couple of songs.  Ken has a wonderfully soft and glorious voice and a smooth style that always leaves the listener wanting to hear more. Right after Ken performed, another Desert favorite, Carole Hampton stepped up to sing a couple of her signature songs to the great delight of the audience.  Carole has been under the weather for a while but it is clear from her performance tonight that she is back in her groove again! At the end of the evening, Rose Kingsley stepped up to the mike and sang for us. I just met Rose this evening and was so glad I got to hear her sing. Rose is the Artistic Director/Founder of the International Opera Institute.  I look forward to hearing Rose sing some classical songs from Operas in the near future.              

Quite a display of talent in Frank's Place tonight but the icing on the cake was when the "Captain" of Frank's Place, Frank DiSalvo joined the group playing guitar and then singing a couple of songs with Ron's trio. Not everyone knows it, but Frank is largely responsible for getting the live music explosion started at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. Frank, I would like to personally thank you on behalf of all of the great musicians here in the Valley for working selflessly to provide more venues for live jazz here in the Desert!

Ron Kalina's Trio appears every Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 at Frank's Place. Be sure to catch this wonderful musical experience and call Manny at 760-340-6466 ext. 7584 for reservations.