Showing posts with label Leonard Kaye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leonard Kaye. Show all posts

Monday, February 24, 2014

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

Monday, January 27, 2014

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

CD Review: Keith Oxman Returns to the Heart of Jazz with “Home”

                                     Keith Oxman Returns to the Heart of Jazz with “Home” Acclaimed tenor saxophone player Keith Oxman has ...