Linda Peterson Jams With Her Son Jason Peterson DeLaire At Woody's Palm House In Palm Springs, CA

Composer/Vocalist and Keyboard musician Linda Peterson is one of the most popular performers in both the State of Minnesota and the California Desert.   Once you meet Linda,  you will understand why.  She is truly a warm and caring person and when you add her fabulous musical talents, you know why she is so popular!  Linda with her warm personality is just one of a large extended family whose members have performed in the Minnesota area for over 50 years.   What I particularly like about Linda is that she has the rare ability to select only those songs that have the finest lyrics and melodies.  Linda only sings and plays the "Best of the Best" from the Great American Songbook.  The music she composes is also beautiful and meets her high standard of performing only the best of lyric and melody.  Linda is always busy here in the Desert.  She plays at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs every Thursday night starting at 6:30.  She also has a regular gig at Backstreet Bistro every Saturday starting at 12.30pm.   

Tonight's performance at Woody's in Palm Springs was very special because Linda was joined by her son and world-class Alto Sax player,  Jason Peterson DeLaire.  Like his mother, Jason can do it all musically.  His primary instrument is Alto Sax but he also plays Piano and is a great Blues singer.   Jason was here because he is touring with Michael Bolton with whom he has played with for years.  He was scheduled to do a concert program with Michael at Fantasy Springs Casino the following night but here he was enjoying the chance to jam with his talented musical mother on his one night off.  Fred Astaire once famously said "Got to dance, Got to dance" and Jason says "Got to play, Got to play".  The Peterson family is one special musical gift to the world!  Tonight we were treated with several Jazz vocals from Jason.  He loves the Blues and he sings like he was born and raised in New Orleans.  

As an extra musical bonus tonight, Linda welcomed a couple of outstanding musicians to join her and Jason.  The musicians are visiting from Amsterdam and call themselves the Amsterdam Connection.  Tim Welvaars is a terrific harmonica player and his partner, Naomi Adriaansz is a wonderful Tenor Sax player.  They all joined in for several tunes and it was very entertaining.  Jason's Blues voice and phrasing complimented Tim's Harp work and Naomi's Tenor sounds.  And of course, Linda's keyboard tied the group together.  

I must mention that Woody's Palm House is one of the best places to hear live music in the Valley.  The owner, Wayne Woodliff, has done a spectacular job of fully renovating the entire interior and it's beautiful.  And unlike most Jazz clubs, the food is also outstanding.  Wayne is a strong supporter of live music and has live Jazz and R & B seven nights a week at Woody's.   

I have attached a "YouTube" of Linda Peterson and Jason Peterson DeLaire playing "The Girl From Ipanema".  I also found a "YouTube" of Jason playing keyboard and singing the "Christmas Song".  I know Christmas is over but since it has been so cold this winter, I thought it would be ok.  I wanted you to experience Jason's vocal and deep rich voice.

Linda and Billy Peterson Team-Up For Great Music at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs

Linda Peterson fans were treated to a special musical visit from her brother, Billy.  Billy is a world-class Bassist who is constantly on the road playing with great Jazz groups both in the United States and in Europe.  Valley favorite Linda Peterson is always a joy to listen to but when she is joined by a member of her large and talented family, she seems to sing and play at an even higher level.  Linda is loved by many because of her wonderful piano playing and singing,  her amazing selection of the greatest songs from the Great American Songbook and her contagious happy personality.  It doesn't matter what mood you are in when you go to hear Linda perform,  by the time you leave you will be humming a favorite tune and feeling at the top of your game.  And it is not just her fans that love Linda so much, I have never heard anything but praise for Linda coming from all the best musicians in town.  Quite a well-deserved tribute for a true professional and truly wonderful caring person.

Woody's Palm House is the successor of the original and wildly-popular Woody's Beer and Burgers that moved into the Palm House last year.  It's a great venue for Jazz and also some of the best food in the Valley.  They still serve the same great hamburgers and other menu items from the old Woody's but now they have added great additional items to the menu.   You are sure to enjoy great food,  hear great Jazz and have a fun-time.  Woody's is usually always sold out, so reservations are a must.  Call ahead at 760-230-0188.

Linda Peterson performs at many venues throughout the Valley and when not playing a gig usually can be found sitting in with other great musicians.  She performs at Woody's every Thursday night from 6 to 10 and every Sunday for brunch between 10 and 2.  On Friday she holds court with Bassist Tibor Lesko on the patio at Fix on El Paseo from 5 to 8.  Great fun place for a quick drink and small plates.  Reservations call 760-340-3040.

Saturdays you will find Linda at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert singing and playing for the lunch crowd.   And Sunday evenings Linda performs at Chef George's from 6 to 9.  Chef George is located at Country Club and Washington and has wonderful authentic Hungarian food at reasonable prices and great Jazz playing and singing from Linda.  Reservations call 760-200-1768.

I located a YouTube video of Linda playing and singing a few great standards, enjoy!

Linda and Patty Peterson Wow the Capacity Crowd at Backstreet Bistro

Linda Peterson

Bill Saitta

Patty Peterson

Bill Saitta, Patty Peterson, Linda Peterson

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta and Patty Peterson

Tom Keenlyside, Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Linda Peterson was the featured musician of the week at Backstreet Bistro and she gathered a talented group of musicians that included beautiful vocals from her sister Patty Peterson, Bill Saitta on Bass and Jay Lewis on Drums.  Linda is one of the most popular musicians in the Valley because of her wonderful work on the Piano, her marvelous voice and her pleasing personality.  Joining Linda and the group tonight was her talented sister, Patty who recently arrived in town from her family home in Minneapolis.  The Peterson family is famous in the Minneapolis area because of all the wonderful music everyone in their large extended family performs.  

Linda Peterson always allows local talented vocalists to sit in with her when she is performing.  But when she has the opportunity to play some straight ahead Jazz,  she really sparkles!  Tonight was one of those opportunities for Linda, and she took advantage of it providing great Jazz vocals and solos.   As you will see in the attached "Youtube" Linda has a great love for her sister Patty's musical talents and has no problem giving up the spotlight to her.

Patty Peterson has been singing since she was a child.  If you are in the Peterson family performing comes naturally.   She has a strong, clear voice and truly understands the lyrics in the great evergreen songs she sings.  Her phrasing is dead perfect as is her pitch.  Singing with musicians you don't know and who have no charts to follow is always difficult but tonight Patty and her supporting musicians made it seem simple.  It was a great night for Jazz under the stars on the Backstreet Bistro patio, and we all hope Patty returns soon so we can hear more of her vocals.

Linda Peterson is always busy working at different venues in Southern California.   On Wednesdays she performs at The Palm House in Palm Springs.  She is doing a vocal presentation with talented singer, Lenny Kay on Thursday at Backstreet Bistro from 3 to 5.  On Friday she is performing from 5 to 8  at FIX located on El Paseo in Palm Desert.  On Saturdays, she performs at Backstreet Bistro from 12:30 to 3:00.   And finally on Sunday she plays at Chef George's in the lounge from 6 to 9 pm.  

The Star Spotlight Shines On Linda Peterson At Backstreet Bistro

Linda Peterson

A lot of my readers have lunch at Backstreet Bistro on Saturdays to hear Linda Peterson perform in the courtyard.  Linda is an extremely talented Keyboard player, Vocalist, Arranger, Composer and all-around good person.  That is why she has fiercely loyal fans who turn out no matter where she is performing.  Tonight was Linda's night to shine and she wasted no time singing and playing the music she loves.  She became so engrossed with her music that she forgot about even taking a second break.  Linda just did not want to leave the stage to the total enjoyment of the capacity crowd at Backstreet.  Tonight Linda was supported by rock solid Jay Lewis who usually plays in a quartet with Bill Siatta.  Tonight Jay was really rocking and showed us a little more of what he could do.  Jay is a marvelous drummer and any Jazz buff would welcome him into any group.  He never disappoints!  Joining Jay was Kelly Corbin who seemingly keeps getting better and better.  I have only seen Kelly playing Jazz in a quartet with Bill Siatta.  I like to describe his playing as "Sax on steroids".  Tonight, Linda was playing some great ballads from the Great American Songbook and Kelly surprised me with his sensitive riffs and solos around Linda's sweet voice.  So Kelly Corbin can play ballads, who knew?

At the end of the night's program, Linda invited up Jeannie Norris to sing and she sang with
the ease of a seasoned pro.  Then Linda pulled the great Carole Hampton up to sing some blues which brought the audience to its feet.  I never get enough of Carole's singing and always enjoy her when she sits in.  Linda Peterson will be performing again at Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday, February 3!

Jay Lewis, Kelly Corbin and Linda Peterson

Kelly Corbin and Linda Peterson

Jay Lewis

Jay Lewis and Kelly Corbin

Jeannie Norris

Carole Hampton Singing And Having Fun

 

Bill Saitta Hosts Another Great Jazz Party at Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta, Craig Yancey and Linda Peterson

Bill Saitta

Craig Yancey

Jay Lewis

The Great Linda Peterson

Tom Keenlyside, Bill Saitta and Craig Yancey

Ron Kalina, Jay Lewis, Bill Saitta & Craig Yancey

Bill Saitta & Chase Huna

Tuesday night is always Jazz night at Backstreet Bistro.  On Tuesday April 8th, Bill Saitta put together a sensational group of musicians who put on a wonderful Jazz show to the delight of the standing-room only Jazz-loving crowd.  Tonight's music was particularly special because of the addition of everyone favorite singer and keyboard player Linda Peterson.  Linda has not been in the Desert much this season, but tonight she reminded us of how good a performer she is.  It was somewhat strange seeing her as a side-man, but the results were outstanding for the audience and the group.

Craig Yancey played Soprano, Alto and Tenor Sax tonight and he was very, very  impressive.  His tone on all three Saxes was superb and he played his heart out on every song.  I have heard Craig play before, but I have never heard him play as well as he did tonight.  Great work Craig!

Bill Saitta was on Bass and again showing us how hard he has worked to produce fresh, intelligent solos that set him apart from other Bass players.  Bill's growth as a Bass player and a singer continue to surprise all of us.  In addition, Bill deserves recognition for putting together the music lineup for the Backstreet Bistro Tuesday night Jazz series.  It's never the exact same players but always top draw talent.

Jay Lewis continues to play impressive drums night after night.  Jay is a Drummer with soft hands and plays with great taste.  He never overplays, provides perfect tempo and when called puts together very tasteful solos that seem new each time you hear one.

We had some really outstanding musicians sit-in tonight also.  First, world-class flute player, Tom Keenlyside joined the band and the fun.  Then one of the greatest Harp players in the country, Ron Kalina showed the audience why ballads from the "Great American Songbook" are still being played 100 years after they were written!

The evening concluded with a performance by 14 year old Chase Huna.  Jazz lovers in the Desert have seen Chase sit in with various Jazz groups since he was 10.  Tonight's performance was the first time I had an opportunity to hear Chase this season. It proved that Chase has arrived.  He has his own style, and his solos were new and creative.  I am sure it won't be long before we see Chase performing full-time with his own group.

Jason Peterson DeLaire Is In The House At The La Quinta Resort.

Jason Peterson DeLaire

Jason and Brian Dewbenny

Brian Dewbenny

I first heard Jason Peterson Delaire sing and play Alto Sax and Keyboard at Backstreet Bistro when I was there listening to his talented mother, Linda Peterson.  Jason is a major part of the musically talented Peterson family of Minnesota. Jason is a highly sought after musician who is playing at The La Quinta Resort in Morgan's Restaurant in the bar area.  Jason will be playing and singing every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday night at the Resort through the balance of May except for the period of May 6 through May 19 when he will be touring in Europe with Michael Bolton.

When you first hear Jason sing and play Piano, you will find it hard to believe he was born and lived most of his life in Minnesota.  He has a perfect Rhythm and Blues raspy voice that is perfect for the Blues.  If I had to guess, I would have said he was born in the South and lived most likely in New Orleans. His style is purely his own and so is he approach to the wide variety of songs he likes to sing. The fact that is has recorded and will soon be touring again with Michael Bolton make a lot of sense. These two singer approach R & B, Blues and Pop songs with a very similar feel. But Jason's talents don't stop at singing and playing Piano or Keyboard. He plays major league Alto Sax and I am sure he will be playing a lot of Alto Sax on this tour with Bolton. Jason also is songwriter and producer.

The bar at Morgan's, the wonderful gourmet restaurant inside the La Quinta Resort is an excellent spot to take in Jason wonderful playing and singing.  There is plenty of places to sit either at the bar or at close-by tables and there is a full bar menu available that has all the great food that Morgan serves.  The bartender that served us at the bar is Brian Dewbenny and he is one of the most polished and experienced bartenders you will ever meet!  It's a great spot to savor some great food and at the same time chill out with some great sounds from Jason.