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"

                                           

Kevin Tokarz Plays Wonderful Jazz Piano and Leads the Band at AJ's

Tim Pleasant, Larry Holloway and Kevin Tokarz

Doug  McDonald usually holds musical court at AJ's at the Date Palm Country Club in Cathedral City on Wednesdays but Doug had an out-of-town gig so he brought in Kevin Tokarz to replace him on Piano.  I had no experience with Kevin but it only took a few minutes of listening to him to realize he is a super-talented Jazz piano player.  Kevin spent many years playing Jazz in Chicago and Reno before moving to the Desert last year.  Tonight was a wonderful treat for anyone who loves music played by a Jazz trio.  For me, it's hard to top of the pleasure of listening to a Jazz Piano trio especially one playing great standards.  Tonight Kevin was joined by the great Bassist, Larry Holloway who never ceases to amaze me with his outstanding Bass playing.  I love the way Larry constructs his solos, not just combining a  long string of notes within the musical key but rather Larry improvises with thoughtful phrases and always ties in the basic melody of the tune.  Tim Pleasant was on Drums tonight and as usual provided stellar support for Kevin and Larry.

Kevin Tokarz does not have a regular gig in the Desert but he is frequently called upon to join various bands and anytime you get to hear him, don't miss it.  He is a remarkable Jazz pianist and also sings in a very enjoyable Jazz style.  I strongly recommend any band looking for a solid Jazz piano player to try to reach out for Kevin.  His contact info: Cell: 775-846-0187  Email: keveeno26@

I don't have any music from Kevin Tokarz at this point but since we are talking about terrific Jazz Piano Trios, I have attached a "YouTube" one of the best Jazz Piano Trios of all times, the great Oscar Peterson Trio playing "The Days of Wine and Roses" with Ray Brown on Bass and Ed Thigpen on drums.

Greta Mattassa Puts On A Master Class In Jazz Vocals at Pete Carlson's

Pre-Show Preparations At Pete Carlson's

Greta Mattassa, Andy Fraga Jr.,  Larry Holloway and Doug McDonald

 

If you are a fan of Jazz vocals and were not at Pete Carlson's Jazz For Jazz Lovers Series last Friday January 26, you missed a spectacular performance by Jazz Vocalist, Greta Matassa.  Greta has been voted best Jazz Vocalist in the Pacific North West four times and has recorded 10 highly successful CDs.  Greta's influences include the best American vocalists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra, and Anita O'Day.  You can also hear the influences of Sarah Vaughn, Nancy Wilson, June Christy and Diane Schuur.  It's one thing to have all these vocal giants as your musical heroes but then to perform using everything you have learned from these heroes is a talent that only a few musicians can accomplish.  It is clear to everyone in the standing- room-audience tonight that Greta Matassa has more than proved she can join this illustrious group of vocalists.   Greta's voice can move from sad to joyous, from delicate to strong and her phrasing is fresh and powerful!

Greta also teaches in Jazz camps, festivals, master classes and give clinics and workshops for aspiring singers.  Tonight's performance was a clinic for the audience of what Jazz Vocals are all about.

Supporting Greta tonight was a group of three of the top musicians from the Coachella Valley area.   Larry Holloway on Bass, Andy Fraga Jr on Drums and Doug McDonald on Guitar.  Doug was called in at the last minute because the Guitar player that was scheduled, Bruce Forman came down with the flu.  Doug's performance was outstanding especially considering he never performed with Greta before and he never had time to even review her charts.  Doug is such a Pro, no one could even detect that Doug was not Greta's regular Guitar player! 

I found a "YouTube" of Greta Matassa singing "The Song Is You" that will give you a good sample of Greta's vocal skills.  She is joined by musicians Darin Clendenin on Piano, Clipper Anderson on Bass and Steve Dornes on Drums.

"Jazz For Jazz Lovers" at Pete Carlson's Golf & Tennis Is a Gift to All Music Lovers!

John Prouix

Larry Holloway and Jeff Olson

For any of my Jazz followers who have not discovered the wonderful Jazz Series: "Jazz for Jazz Lovers" at Pete Carlson's Golf & Tennis in Palm Desert, I think you are missing a chance of a life time to see and hear some of the best Jazz in the country.  The series is possible because of the generous financial support of Pete and Edna Carlson who have put together over 40 concerts this winter season bringing wonderful performers to our area.  All the non-profit concerts' proceeds go to support music education and scholarships for young musicians in the Coachella Valley.  

This series of Jazz concerts has been going on since 2010 and this year represents the largest number of concerts they have ever hosted.  Some may wonder how a Jazz performance can be put on inside a Golf and Tennis store, but I can assure you that the venue is perfect.  Everyone gets to see and hear great Jazz close-up and even better, talk with the performers one on one after the concerts.  

This year's concerts started on October 30 with the outstanding pianist Tamir Hendelman and his quartet that featured Polly Gibbons on Vocals. The last concert will be on April 2, 2016 with a Shelly Manne Tribute with Gary Foster.  You can call for tickets in advance since they go quickly, 760-568-3263.  Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis is located at 73-741 Highway 111, in Palm Desert.  All Jazz fans in the Valley owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Pete and Edna Carlson for their tireless effort to bring all this world-class Jazz to us.  I salute both of them and encourage you to do the same the next time you are in their wonderful golf and tennis store.

Recently I attended two events that featured two of the best Vocalists performing today, John Prouix Trio consisting of Vally favorites, Larry Holloway on Bass and Jeff Olson on Drums.   John sings and plays great Jazz piano.  His vocal seems like a mixture of Chet Baker and James Taylor;  not a bad combination, right ?  John also performed some great songs he has written that have been covered by a lot of singers performing today.

I found a "YouTube" of John Prouix singing "The Best Thing For You", the title song from his new CD.  I know you will love what you hear!

                                                   
                          JACKIE RYAN

Jon Mayer, Chris Connor and Jackie Ryan

The second outstanding Vocalist I heard at Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis was Jackie Ryan and her trio  consisting of Jon Mayer on Piano, Chris Connor on Bass and Ron McCurdy on Drums.  I can't even begin to describe how great Jackie Ryan is, but I will say that she reminds me of several of my very favorite Jazz Vocalists.  Her stage presence is polished and professional and her selection of songs is straight out of my list of all-time favorite standards.  What a delight to listen to her sing no more that 10 feet away.  Jackie has several great CDs out and I highly recommend that you pick up a few.  Jackie Ryan should be on your "To Do" list of Jazz artists you need to see in person! 

I found a "YouTube" of Jackie singing "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" from her great CD "You And The Night And The Music" that will give you a taste of her vocal talents.

CD Review: Trish Hatley "I Remember- 2nd Set"

Trish Hatley has just released her 8th Cd, "I Remember-2nd Set" and its outstanding!  Trish tours and divides her time between Seattle, Washington and Palm Springs, Ca.  Trish is an accomplished and polished singer with a golden voice.  She also has a wonderful stage presence.  For new CD continues her personal exploration of great songs out of the "Great American Songbook" and we get to hear the wonderful results.  There are 16 cuts on this CD including one that Trish wrote, "I Don't Want To Hurt You".  Trish covers songs from the greatest American composers including George & Ira Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Harold Arlen and Duke Ellington.  These great songs are perfectly fitted to Trish's style and her understanding and mastery of lyrics.  She sings songs that were written year ago but her approach breaths new life and sparkle into all of them.

All the arrangements were done by Darin Clendenin who has as long musical history with Trish.  His arrangements are perfect for Trish and bring out the best in her performances.  Cut#5 was arranged by  John Anderson and Cut#6 was arranged by the Desert's great Bass player, Larry Holloway.  The excellent supporting musicians playing on this CD are:

Vocals & (whistling): Trish Hatley
Piano: Darin Clendenin
Bass: Larry Holloway
Drums: Ken French
Saxes: John Anderson
Flugelhorn: Paul Mazzio
Trombone: Dan Marcus
Vibes: Susan Pascal
Guitar: Dave Peterson
Rhythm Guitar: Rebecca Killgore
Percussion: Jeff Busch

          Playlist:
1. "It Don't Mean A Thing"                            2. "Lover Man"
3. "Shadow Waltz"                                         4. "I Don't Want To Hurt You"
5. "Four Brothers                                            6. "Robbins Nest"
7. "I'm Glad There Is You"                             8. "A Sleeping Bee"
9. "Why Don't You Do Right"                        10. "Midnight Sun"
11. "'S Wonderful"                                          12. "AN Occasional Man"
13. "Smile"                                                     14. "Beyond The Sea"
15. "Thou Swell"                                            16. "That's All"

I attached a "YouTube of Trish Hatley singing her stunning interpretation of, "Where Do You Start".  Listen to this and there will be no further need to tell you that she is a super-star singer!

Mike Costley Is Back and Singing Better than Ever!

Mike Costley

Sal Frisaura, Mike Costley, Chuck Buffamonte, Larry Holloway and David Ring

David Ring

Check Buffamonte

Larry Holloway

Sal Frisaura

To the delight of everyone in the Valley, Mike Costley is back performing.  Mike retired two years ago and  has been very much out of sight.  However, Mike is back with a vengeance, singing and performing better than ever.  He has put together a terrific show that just explodes with excitement.  Even before Mike entered the stage, I could feel electricity in the capacity audience, and I knew I was going to experience something really special.  From the first note Mike sang until the end of the first set, one hour and fifty minutes later, the Purple Room was on fire.  Mike Costley has vocal talents that few singers could ever dream of reaching.  His octave range is unbelievable, and he has one of the strongest voices I have ever heard.  And what makes him really special is Mike is sensationally good singing songs from every genre of music from the sweetest ballads, swing, R & B, Jazz and even hip hop.  Few singers I have heard have this ability to ease from one school of music to another.  Mike has a wonderful ability to scat Jazz songs that would certainly impress  Ella.

There are lots of entertainers that I think are good but good does not come close to describe the show that Mike put on; he is in a class of his own.  It's not only his marvelous singing that sets Mike apart from others, he does vocal impersonations, jokes with the audience and has the stage presence only major stars have.  The Mike Costley show must be experienced by anyone who loves being entertained by great singing. 

Mike has selected four of the best Valley musicians to support him on stage.  His long-time friend, Chuck Buffamonte is on Guitar, David Ring is on Keyboard and he also controls the arrangements, Larry Holloway is on Electric Bass and Sal Frisaura is on Drums.  This group could star on their own but this show is all about Mike Costley.  My only regret is I can't put into words how terrific Mike's performance was tonight!

The Mike Costley show plays every Thursday at the Purple Room starting at 7:00pm.  I also need to tell you that the food at the Purple Room is outstanding and the prices are reasonable.  And no cover charge...how good is that! 

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

      

Michael Dees, David Ring and Danny Flahive Perform Wonderful Music at the Purple Room

Michael Dees, Danny Flahive and David Ring

Michael Dees

Michael Dees

Danny Flahive

Michael Dees and David Ring

David Ring

The Purple Room is a new supper club re-born in a room that has deep historical musical roots in Palm Springs.  The old Purple Room established in 1960 was famously the home to Sinatra's Rat Pack.  During the 1960s, the Purple Room was the rallying spot for Sinatra and his famous friends. They sang, they played and just had fun there.  Now the Purple Room under new management has transformed the Purple Room into it's former self.  The owners of "Trio Restaurant" have applied their capital and restaurant skills to create a great new supper club with live music 6 days a week.  On Tuesday nights starting at 6:30 pm Michael Dees sings and plays the drums with David Ring and Danny Flahive who was sitting in tonight for Larry Holloway. Michael Dees is a relatively new singer in the Desert, but he has already added to the music scene with his beautiful voice, impeccable timing and Sinatra-like phrasing. Michael is one of the most impressive singers I have heard in many years.  In addition to singing some of the greatest songs from the Great American Songbook, like "My One and Only Love", "I'm Old Fashioned" and the "The Way You Look Tonight",  Michael also sings some of the songs and lyrics he has written.  His songs are stunningly beautiful and stand up perfectly against the classic songs listed above.  He is a brilliant musical talent and I highly recommend that music lovers in the Desert get to the Purple Room to hear him sing.

David Ring was playing Keys tonight and every time I hear David I gain more and more respect for his musical talents.  David plays Jazz that is new and inventive unlike any other of the currently playing in the Desert.  He supports Michael's voice and phrasing perfectly!  Danny Flahive was a joy to listen to on Bass.  Danny has a huge following of supporters in the Desert and for good reason.  Danny always plays with emotion that supports the message of the lyrics.

The Purple Room has an early bird dinner from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM that includes a 3-course dinner for $19.95.  This is the best deal in the Valley,  the great sounds of Michael Dees, David Ring and Larry Holloway and a 3-course dinner for about the cost of a tip at many other restaurants! 

Sunday Afternoon Jazz At Vicky's, Great Music, Great Players and Great Fun!

Kate Campbell

Kate Campbell

Nick Mancini

Nick Mancini

Allen Goodman

Don Shelton

Larry Holloway & Chip Smith

Chip Smith

"Jazz Time" at Vicky's in Indian Wells is a wonderful Jazz series that has been running on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm for over 8 years.  That's a long run for any musical group!  So what makes these Sunday Jazz events so special?  First, the leader and Drummer of the group, Allen Goodman assists in selecting some of the most experienced and talented musicians available to join his group. Don Shelton performs vocals and plays Soprano and Alto Sax, Clarinet and Flute. Desert favorite, Larry Holloway plays Bass and Tom Kennlyside plays Tenor Sax and Flute.  Second, these 4 marvelous musicians love having the opportunity to play real Jazz.  And fourth, Allen Goodman and Bobbi Goodman have set up a format that adds new world-class Musicians and Singers every week.  Their motto is: "Don't miss a Single Sunday-You Never Know What Great Thing Can Happen, Just That It Will."  Bobbi Goodman takes care of the organizational business for the group and deserves major credit for lining up outstanding Jazz musicians and vocalists every single week.  This is a difficult time-consuming task. Bobbi has been able to bring over 100 great guests to appear in their 8 year run.  Combining Allen's musical skills and contacts with Bobbi's great managerial skill is a hard combination to top!

Drummer Allen Goodman has years of experience from NY supper clubs to Carnegie Hall to NBC TV.   He has played for the following TV Shows: "The Tonight Show", "Laugh In", "Flip Wilson",  "Name That Tune" and "The Dean Martin Show". He has also toured with world-class musicians and singers like Dinah Shore, Johnny Mathis, Peggy Lee, Liza Minnelli, Vikki Carr and Matt Monro to name just a few.  Don Shelton plays wonderful winds and does vocals and has a glorious Jazz history.  Don has vocalized with the Hi-Lo's and Singers Unlimited.  He recently played with Barbara Cook and has worked in sessions for Prince, Michael Jackson, and Robert Palmer.  Larry Holloway provides a strong foundation for the group. Larry creates wonderful tones from his vintage Bass that was built in the 1890's. Tom Keenlyside was out touring this week but he is a regular in this Jazz group. Tom has played with many of the biggest names in the music business: Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr., Natalie Cole, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme and Tom Jones.

Today's special guests were Nick Mancini on Vibes, Vocalist Kate Campbell and Pianist Chip Smith.  Nick Mancini is the best vibes player I have heard in years.  His virtuosity is marvelous to witness.  He just doesn't just play the vibes, he attacks them.  At times, when listening to Nick play, it almost seems like he is slightly ahead or slightly behind the beat. During today's entire 3 hour performance, Nick was always on target, putting his own personal emotional spin to some classic Jazz songs. I was most impressed by his approach and touch with ballads.  Nick is a member of the rare club of instrumentalists that can produce the emotion of the lyric through his instrument.  I don't use the word brilliant too often, but Nick Mancini brings brilliance to the Vibes.

Kate Campbell is not only a wonderful singer she is also a fine actor.  She has the ability to transfer her emotional energy into the lyrics of the songs she loves from the "Great American Songbook", making the stories the composers developed come to life.  It is very refreshing to witness a young singer who not only understands the story of the lyric but can express that emotion to her audience.  Kate Campbell has a very bright musical future.  Chip Smith has earned a living for the past twenty years as a commercial composer in Los Angeles.  He has written for clients like Michael Buble' and Universal Studios, the Discovery Channel and Bush Gardens. He plays piano with simple clarity and his solos are fresh and inventive. It was a real pleasure listening to Chip.

  I highly recommend that you make plans to be at Vicky's on Sunday afternoons.  Vicky's will be closed for Easter Sunday but "Jazz Time" will be back in the house through May.



   

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

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.