Ron Kalina and Larry Holloway, The Best Get Better!

Larry Holloway and Ron Kalina

The new "In Place" for Jazz on Monday night is at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel where you will find two of the most talented musicians in the country.  Ron Kalina is without question one of the best Harmonica players still performing today, and he might very well be in the top ten best players of all-times.  Ron's sweet spot is standards, and he plays them with so much emotion it almost makes the wonderful lyrics unnecessary.  Recently Ron had a few health issues in but as a result of some recent medical upgrades is playing with renewed vigor and emotion.  I heard him several times last year and the energy lift in his singing and playing this year is producing wonderful music.  These days Jazz fans seldom get to hear top-grade Harmonica playing but for those lucky people here in the Desert, we get to hear Ron every Monday night!  In addition to Ron's wonderful work on the Harmonica, he also plays the Keyboard and handles the Vocals.  Ron's voice and phrasing are very much like that of Fred Astaire.  His singing of standards not only give the lyric life but present them as if Ron has lived every word of them.

Joining forces with Ron is the highly respected Jazz Bass sensation formerly from Seattle, Larry Holloway.  Mention Larry's name to any musical pro and you will only get praise and adoration in return.  Tonight because Larry was only playing with Ron on Keyboard and it allowed him the opportunity to expand his motivating and articulate solos to the delight of everyone in the audience.   The synergy between these two marvelous seasoned pros tonight was delightful.  The duo plays from 6:00 until 9:00 on Mondays but it's still not enough time.  I could listen to their great sounds all night.

An added surprise tonight was the large number of professional musicians who stopped by to sit in with Ron and Larry.  The first one to come up and sing was Carolyn Martinez who delighted the crowd with her strong and pure voice.  Carolyn's voice and style was perfectly suited to fit between these two pros.  Carolyn is singing as good as I have ever heard her.  She has her own gig across the street at Vickys every Tuesday with Larry on Bass, and I strongly recommend that you make plans to  see her.  Next up was everyone's favorite male singer, Ken Steele.  Ken has a great voice and his phrasing is just about perfect whenever he sings.  Ken is multitalented and also is an excellent songwriter, arranger and producer. Hearing Ken sing is always a treat!  I had not seen or heard from Lola Rossi in quite a while and was delighted when she was called up to sing.  Lola has a beautiful strong voice and she is a really confident performer.   She chose to sing a strong version of "Over the Rainbow" and hit every note of the song in perfect pitch.  No small accomplishment. Next up was Denise Motto who sings and plays marvelous Keyboard and was joined by outstanding Trumpet player Gordon Camp and a Drummer from Canada, Don Fraizer , who was in town for just a night.  Denise has always been wonderful every time I have seen her and tonight was no exception.  I would love to see her performing her gig in the near future.   Gordon is always a delight to hear and he is always ready to play anything that is put in front of him.  He is a real pro! Don Fraser was impressive with his brush work which provided the perfect foundation for tonight's singers.  

Ken Steele

Larry Holloway and Carolyn Martinez

Gordon Camp

Larry Holloway and Lola Rossi

Denise Moto and Gordon Camp

      

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

Carolyn Martinez Singing Better Than Ever at Vicky's

                                 

Carolyn Martinez

Listening to Carolyn Martinez sing is always a treat for the ears and the spirit.  Carolyn has become a Desert favorite within a short period of time due to her ability to relate to a lyric and sing it like it was her life story.  Carolyn is meticulous in picking her material, only the best of the best of songs for her.  The result is a wonderful listening and emotional experience for her audiences.  This is her second year singing at Vicky's, and she has more fans than ever going to Vicky's to hear her. Her rhythm section consists of Larry Holloway and Roger King. Larry is already on the top of everyone's list as a super bass player in jus the few years he has been performing in the Valley.  The Drummer, Roger King has been getting a lot of work this season. Roger plays with soft hands that give perfect support to Carolyn's singing. Usually, David Ring plays Piano for Carolyn but tonight Bob Corwin was sitting in for David.  Bob was more than up to filling the large shoes of David Ring and did a marvelous job of performing the arrangements with little time for rehearsal.

Tonight Carolyn asked two popular Valley singers to come up to sing, Leonard Kaye and Ken Steele. Leonard Kaye has a wonderful voice and a great relaxed singing style that is always a treat for any audience.  Ken Steele has a deep golden voice that would sound great even if he was reciting the alphabet.  He is truly a seasoned professional, and I never get tired of hearing him sing.  Ken and Carolyn surprised the audience tonight with a charming duet.

Carolyn and her group perform at Vicky's on Monday nights.  If you haven't heard her sing this year, do you self a favor and call for a reservation to hear her.  She creates a wonderful night of music and I highly recommend you catch her act.    

Carolyn Martinez, Roger King, Larry Holloway and Bob Corwin 

Larry Holloway

Roger King

Ken Steele

Ken Steele and Carolyn Martinez

Leonard Kaye

The Rich and Poupee Open Mike Show Brings Out the Best Musical Talents in the Valley

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

Poupee Boccaccio

The Indian Wells Resort Hotel has "Open Mike" every Wednesday night hosted by two of the most talented performers in the West, Rich Bono and Poupee Boccaccio. I have written about Rich Bono in previous blogs but every time I hear him, I am just amazed at his abilities on the keyboard and his skillful vocals. Rich also has the ability to accompany a vast amount of singers with different singing styles. Rich Bono's resume is stellar. He performed in some of the biggest hotels in Las Vegas for over 25 years. He also toured with the famous Harry James Orchestra and played as an accompanist for many musical stars like Jack Jones, Tony Bennett, Frankie Laine, Linda Darnell, Mary Kaye Jane Morgan, Don Cherry and Pat Boone just to mention a few.

Rich's partner, the stunningly beautiful Poupee Boccaccio is also a mighty talent in her own right. Poupee has had a successful career in the movies and TV and also speaks and can perform in 5 different languages. She has appeared on the "Johnny Carson Show", "the Joey Bishop Show", "I Spy", "Wild, Wild West", and "Get Smart" and many others. Poupee has acted in the following movies: "Colombo" with Peter Falk, "April Fools" with Jack Lennon, "Fastest Guitar Alive" with Roy Orbinson and "Pocket Money" with Lee Marvin & Paul Newman. And for many years, she was a headline singer for the "Follies Bergere" in Las Vegas. I especially love when she sings in French. She could perform and star in any Jazz club in France with no adjustments. Because so many Valley singers want to perform on Wednesday nights, Rich and Poupee really never have an opportunity to show off all their talents. But make no mistake, these two are major-league performers.

Tonight a long list of singers joined a packed house and performed to the delight of the crowd. "Open Mike" is so much fun, and I recommend it to anyone who likes great singing and the best songs of the Great American Songbook. I have attached pictures of Wednesday's performers. I personally enjoyed everyone!

Ken Steele

Carole Hampton

                                                                                                       

                                   

Thom McMorris

Sally Skeoch

                                             

         

Beverly Jensen-Leys

Ron Negri

Ilone Albert

Colin Bray

Leonard Kaye

Amadeo Bacci

Michael Dees Joins the Great Singers in the California Desert

Michael Dees, Allen Goodman, Larry Holloway and Barney McClure

Larry Holloway and Michael Dees

Michael Dees and Barney McClure

Allen Goodman and Larry Holloway

Allen Goodman, Larry Holloway and Rich Bono

Ken Steele

Jeanie Monroe

Several of my musician friends recommended I should go to Vicky's on Tuesday night to hear Michael Dees.  Michael moved to Palm Springs from LA about 6 months ago and now performs every Tuesday night at Vicky's. Michael has an impressive resume and has sung songs for movies like "A walk in the Rain", "Day of the Locust", "The Happy Ending", and "Sabrina". His vocals were also featured on two episodes of "The Simpsons".  Michael is a marvelous singer especially on great American ballads. More than this, Michael has written music and lyrics for some simply wonderful songs. He also has a crowd-pleasing personality and a professional stage prescence.

Michael's show consists of some of the best tunes from the "Great American Songbook" and songs he has written with lyrics and music you will love instantly. He has a great voice and even better sense of delivery. Michael will be a welcome addition to our Desert musical community. Make plans now to get over to Vicky's on Tuesday to hear Michael perform.

Supporting Michael tonight were Barney McClure on Keyboard, Larry Holloway on Bass and Allen Goodman on Drums.  Barney McClure is a sensational Keyboard player who could be every singers' dream accompanist! I could listen to Barney play for days. Some of his improvisations reminded me of one of my all-time favorites, Dave Brubeck. 

Larry Holloway continues to impress everyone with his beautifully-constructed solos.  He is a perfect fit with the Drummer and leader of the group, Allen Goodman.  Some of you might be familiar with Allen who leads the big band performing on Sundays at Vicky's for the last several years.  Allen's Drum work is an excellent compliment to the group. Allen has a special talent of putting the right talent in the right place at the right time.  Allen told me that he had been trying for two years to get Michael to perform in the Desert. He certainly has been proven right about putting this group together.  

Rich Bono was in the audience tonight and as soon as Michael noticed him, he asked him to play a couple of songs with Larry and Allen. I think it is wonderful that Rich and other major stars here in the Valley come out to support fellow performers. They deserve more recognition and credit for all the support they give our Jazz community.  Next Michael asked Jeanie Monroe to sing.  Jeanie was married last year, and she is singing better than ever.  No doubt being happily married is having a great effect on her performance.  Also in the audience tonight was Ken Steele was asked to sing. I have to say that I have never heard Ken sing better than his performance tonight!

What a great night of music; it's what the Desert music scene is all about!

I have a treat for your ears in the attached YouTube of Michael singing "What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life" which he sang for the movie "The Happy Ending". Music by Michel Legrand, lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman.

Ron Kalina leads The "Harmonica Convergence Jazz Trio" on Mondays at The Indians Wells Resort Hotel

Ron Kalina

Larry Holloway, Gino Antonacci and Ron Kalina

Rich Bono & Poupee Boccaccio

Rich Bono

Carolyn Martinez

Ken Steele

Gordon Camp

My first posting of the 2014 winter season in the California Desert is a review of Ron Kalina and the "Harmonica Convergence Jazz Trio" currently performing at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel. Mondays are usually a dark night for live music, but we were given a present when Ron Kalina and his Jazz Trio were moved into the Monday spot at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  The Indian Wells Resort Hotel continues to be a leader in presenting great live Jazz and now has live music 7 days per week.

Ron Kalina is simply a musical treasure that keeps giving to music lovers in the Valley. Ron sings and plays the keyboard, but his harmonica playing is what makes him such a special musician.  I don't know if Ron is the greatest Harmonica playing performing today but he is certainly the best that I have heard. Ron has a special feel for the great ballads from the "Great American Songbook". The fact that you can hear Ron and his Trio playing every Monday night with no music or cover charge is just another reason you need to get to his show.

Joining Ron in his trio are Gino Antonacci on Vibs and Larry Holloway on Bass.  These two  remarkably talented musicians are both at the top of their game. How often do you get to hear a world class Vib player these days? Gino is one of the great ones and he is still performing because he just loves to play.  Larry Holloway in the short space of a few years of arriving here in the Desert has firmly established himself as one of the great Desert Bass players.  Larry's solos are highly intelligent and organized. When he solos, you don't just hear a series of notes. You hear carefully constructed musical ideas that really explain what Jazz is all about!

There were several special friends in the audience that Ron called up to the stage to perform tonight.  First, Carolyn Martinez the talented singer who has been impressing all of us over the past couple years sang a couple of songs with the Trio.  Carolyn is currently performing across the street at Vicky's every Thursday night and is a delight to hear.  Next everyone's friend, Ken Steele came up to sing a couple of songs. Ken is well known to people in the Desert and his voice is lush and smooth as silk. It is seldom that you get to hear a voice as pure as Ken's in today's music scene.  Rich Bono was next to come up to play the keyboard to the delight of the audience. Rich is well known to all music fans in the Valley and with good reason. Rich is extremely talented and simply a job to listen to. I have talked to dozens of singers in the Desert and when they get a chance to sing, they all pick Rich as the "Go To" pianist they want to play for them! Rich's talented partner and singer, Poupee Boccaccio also made an appearance and sang for us. Rich and Poupee hold court at the Indian Springs Resort Hotel every Wednesday as the hosts of "Open Mike" night that has become stable for everyone that enjoys great singing and instrumental performance. The last friend to join the party was Gordon Camp. Gordon is a fine Trumpet player that can handle Jazz, Pop and anything out of the "Great American Songbook". He joined in with the Trio and thrilled the audience with his supportive playing.

Don't miss the opportunity to hear Ron Kalina and his Jazz Trio playing every Monday starting at 6:00 PM.