The Music Industry Loses A Giant: Ron Kalina

The music industry and especially the Coachella Valley music community was recently faced with the sad news that one of our music giants had passed. We lost the incomparable and mega-talented Ron Kalina.  Ron was considered one of the finest Jazz harmonica players in the world.  And when it came to playing standards, Ron was simply the best that I have ever heard.  He often told me "My sweet spot is playing and singing the beautiful ballads of the"Great American Songbook".  I think it was far more than a sweet spot for Ron.  For me, he was one of those rare instrumentalists that could bring a beautiful lyric to life without a word being spoken.  Ron spoke with his Harmonica and everyone who ever heard him was touched by his musical brilliance.  The other sweet spot for Ron was playing in a supportive role for vocalists who understood the beauty of some of the greatest American songs ever written.  There was no one better at filling behind singers than Ron.  In my years listening to great music here in the Desert, I was fortunate to hear Ron playing for every great singer performing and he was always asked to sit in whenever he entered a music venue.

Ron's talents were not just limited to his Harmonica, he was a wonderful Singer, Pianist, Composer and Arranger.  He also was a talented Tap dancer but I never got to see him dance. As a pianist, Ron accompanied hundreds of performers including lovers of the "Great American Songbook" like Linda Ronstadt, Joe Williams, Gloria Lynne and the great Johnny Hartman.

I will always be thankful that I had the chance to hear and know Ron Kalina, a true American musical genius!  I loved everything he ever played, but his recording of "The Nearness of You" is unforgettable for me.  You can hear Ron playing this song by going to iTunes and look up Ron's Cd's.

Ron Kalina, rest in peace,  the joy and brilliance of your music will be with us for the rest of our lives!

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

      

Exceptional Musicians Name Their Top 10 Favorite Songs, Chapter 5: Ron Kalina

Ron Kalina

Ron Kalina is very special to most of the musicians and Jazz lovers here in California because he is one of the absolute best harmonica players in the country. He performs every week at many of the local venues in the Desert. Ron also plays piano and sings but his sweet spot is playing the greatest ballads out of the "Great American Songbook" on harmonica.  Recently I was with some of my  some friends,  and I asked them if they liked harmonica music?  They answered quickly that the sound of a harmonica was not something they enjoyed. I can understand this because until you hear a musical genius like Ron Kalina play ballads, you really can't appreciate how incredible he makes a harmonica sound.  I played a couple of songs from Ron's "Odd Couple" CD and they were stunned.  Audiences hearing Ron play for the first time are many times taken by surprise at how adept he is at playing and the sound he produces.

Ron plays at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel every Monday from 6pm to 9pm and I encourage all my Jazz loving friends to go to hear him!

                                Ron Kalina Shares His Top 10 Favorite Songs

1.  "Lush Life"
2.  "Round Midnight"
3.  "It Never Entered My Mind"
4.  "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me"
5.  "Laura"
6.  "Body and Soul"
7.  "Sophisticated Lady"
8.  "If You Go Away"  (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
9.  "Emily"
10."Stardust"

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.

Johnny Morris Delights Audience At The Steinway Society Jazz Concert

                                                             

Johnny Morris

Roger King, Drums, Johnny Morris, Piano and Danny Flahive Bass

The Steinway Society of Riverside County presented one of their many concert events at SoCal Pianos in Palm Desert on Sunday January 26th. The Steinway Society of Riverside County was founded in 2002 by Ruth Moir who still is the president of the group. We all know that when times get tough, the first cuts school districts make are in the arts program especially the music programs. Today, most elementary schools have no music in their classrooms. The same is true for many middle and high schools who struggle even to maintain some kind of basic music development program for their students.  This is why The Steinway Society of Riverside County was created to address these problems by providing interactive music education classes, hands-on instrument training and live performance programs designed to engage, educate and inspire children to reach for their dreams. The Society has been extremely successful in achieving their goals with their music programs touching over 20,000 children every year through exposure to music. This is an organization worthy of our support as their entire income is generated through donations. You can make a donation by visiting their web site at: www.steinwayriverside.org.

Performing today was the always wonderful piano player Johnny Morris who brought two other fine musicians with him, Roger King on Drums and Danny Flahive on Bass.  Johnny Morris has been playing for residents in the Valley for years and every time he plays, he just amazes his audiences with not only his great playing ability but his remarkable ability to select the greatest songs out of the "Great American Songbook". In addition, Johnny without the aid of any charts, plays every song requested by his audience. He calls this "Try to stump the piano player". He asks the audience to name any song they want him to play and Johnny has the ability and mental quickness to beautifully play all the songs. Another Johnny Morris secret is that he has the ability to sing the lyrics for most of these songs from memory. In the many times I have heard him perform, I cannot remember anyone stumping the great Johnny Morris. If you have not heard Johnny play recently, you can hear him again at the Backstreet Bistro every Monday night starting a 5:30 PM. He is one of the greatest piano players of standard music living today, and you can hear him right here in the Valley every Monday.

Roger King works as a private lender during the day and then becomes a world-class Drummer in the evenings.  He has a great sense of performance and did an outstanding job today without the benefit of any charts or rehearsals. Roger plays with Carolyn Martinez every Thursday night at Vicky's.  The third member of the group was Bassist Danny Flahive. This is my first experience hearing Danny play and he is nothing short of terrific. Johnny gave Danny lots of room for solos today, and he sparkled.

There were a couple of major-league performers who came by today to support Johnny Morris and the Steinway Society. One of the greatest Harp players playing today, Ron Kalina played a couple of terrific ballads with the trio to the delight of the standing room only crowd. Also performing and having some fun was world famous piano player, Bill Marx. Bill and Johnny played a duet while continually changing seats and it was very funny. Bill is always a treat to hear and is always supportive of any event that helps develop music for children. In addition today was a trio of student Trumpet players who were just a delight. They did a great job of performing the classic "Satin Doll" with the trio.

Ron Kalina

Johnny Morris and Bill Marx

Hannah Morgan, Thomas Nole and Riley Hertz

The President and Founder of The Steinway Society of Riverside County, Ruth Moir

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.     

The Coachella Valley: "Jazz Centre Of The World" By J. Crawford Reid

La Quinta Desert Flowers

J. Crawford Reid is a Canadian who loves Jazz especially Jazz in the Coachella Valley and he is our guess author of this post.

The Jazz Centre of the World--New York City?  No.  Birdland?  No. I think the Jazz Centre of the World is the Coachella Valley in Southern California.

My wife and I started regular vacations in Palm Desert 8 years ago.  We went there for all the usual reasons, the weather, good dining, shopping and lots of nice places to see.  We really didn't anticipate that Jazz would become a very important reason for returning year after year, in addition to all the other benefits of the area.

Let me talk about some of the places and people that have so impressed us. First, without doubt, is the Backstreet Bistro, where it started for us.  Perfect hostess, Lavane, perfect music, and really good dining!  A must every Tuesday night.  In that context, I have to thank Bill Saitta, who plays there often.  A great Bassist, but also a great leader, and a guy who creates a lot of work for Jazz musicians.  We have so enjoyed Jay Lewis' Drums and Steve Madaio's Trumpet.  This year, a new guitar player, James Moody (not that James Moody), and some nights, Chase Huna, a teenage saxophone player who's getting better each year--may be the most perfect Jazz Club anywhere.

At the other end of town, Vicki's!  In addition to Jazz almost every night, they have great Sunday afternoons!  A delightful Band with many different guest vocalists.  In past years, we've heard some brilliant guest musicians who travel out from LA, like Dave Pell.  The regular front line is Stan Watkins on Trumpet and Don Shelton on reeds.  Don is a superb Saxophonist, but also a brilliant singer.  He paid his dues in Singers Unlimited.  On Bass in that band is Larry Holloway, one of the best Bass Players I've ever heard.  This Band sometimes features the very good Tom Keenlyside, a transplanted Canadian.  Tom is outstanding on Flute and Reeds.  Are you starting to get the picture of the musical strength in this area?

Across the street from Vicki's is the Indian Wells Hotel, which has good music several nights a week.  Frank Di Salvo does a great Sinatra-type show, and on Tuesday nights, there is Ron Kalina on Piano and Harmonica, with again, the great Larry Holloway on Bass and Gino Antonacia on Vibes.

Can't leave out Palm Springs.  Palm Springs has Woody's!  A hamburger place which presents Jazz very, very well.  Yve Evans entertains there on vocals and Piano just about every month.  Yve would be welcome in any Jazz community in the world.  Brian Nova is a regular every Wednesday playing his wonderful Guitar.  Brian has been in the area for years, and Woody's is his current home base.  Brian's trio consists with him on guitar, Andy Fraga, Jr., on Drums and (again) Larry Holloway on Bass is among the best anywhere! Woody's features Jazz almost every night

One of the secrets of this Valley Area is that musicians and singers are welcome to sit in.  It happens at all of the venues, and can make for a very exciting evening.

I haven't covered all of the places where good music is offered, but I've tried to give you a sense of why I think the Coachella Valley is the Jazz Capital of the world.  This has happened for years.  I hope it never ends!

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.

Ron Kalina Stars In "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel

Ron Kalina

Ron Kalina & Gino Antonacci

The Ron Kalina Trio

                                                                         

Gino Antonacci

                                                                 

Blake White

                                                                                 

Frank Di Salvo

Ken Steele

                                                                       

Rich Bono

On Tuesday April 16, I attended the opening of Ron Kalina's "Harmonica Convergence" at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Ron Kalina put together a highly talented trio consisting of Blake White on Bass and Gino Antonacci on Vibes and Ron Playing both Keyboard and Harmonica. I want to start this review by stating that Ron Kalina is simply an amazing musician. Tonight Ron sang, played the Keyboard, played the Harmonica and then played the Harmonica and the Keyboard at the same time. Ron further surprised me and a lot of people in the audience with his singing ability.  His voice sounds like a combination of Fred Astaire, Chet Baker and Johnny Mercer.  Not a bad group of singers to hang with, don't you think! There were two songs that Ron played on the Harmonica tonight that were just brilliant, "Body and Soul" and "Skylark". These are two of the greatest love songs ever written and when played with the soulful sounds of Ron's harmonica, it just does get any better.

Gino Antonacci is one of only a few great jazz players you can still hear playing the Vibes.  I have not heard a Vibes player in many years and after hearing Gino play it quickly reminded me of how much I love the sound.  Gino fit perfectly with the sound of Ron's Harmonica and Keyboard.  And can he swing! What a treasure to have him playing right here in the Desert.

The third member of this group was Blake White who played the Bass.  I had recently seen Blake with the wonderful singer, Rose Mallett and thought he was a fine Bass player.  But tonight, playing jazz in this trio, he was allowed to push the Jazz envelope, and his solos were intelligent and clear.  He provided the rhythm glue to pull the trio together.

Tonight marked the first time this talented group of musicians has played together, but you would never guess it because they sounded wonderful.  This group will be back again at the Indian Wells Resort on Tuesday, April 24.  You won't find the sounds that this trio produces any where in the area, and I encourage all my readers to get over to the Indian Wells Resort next Tuesday to catch the show. I understand that the Resort is thinking about adding this group as a regular on Tuesday nights next season. This idea would certainly get my vote!

Joining in at tonight's opening were several familiar musicians that we all love.  First, the resident musical director at the Indian Wells Resort, Frank Di Salvo who sang a couple of great classic songs.  In particular, Frank did a beautiful singing job on the standard "My One And Only Love". I have never heard Frank sing better.

The next singer was Ken Steele whose golden-deep voice had the feel of the great voice of Johnny Hartman. Ken sang "But Beautiful" and then sang a great version of "Emily".

Rich Bono, one of the best pianist in the West, then joined the Trio and played several great songs from the "Great American Songbook". Rich is a great pianist, and I never miss a chance to hear him play.