CD Review: Mayita Dinos, "The Garden Is My Stage"

Mayita Dinos has just released her debut CD, "The Garden Is My Stage".   The songs Dinos has included in the CD were guided by her love for landscape design and her mixed heritage.  She was born in Puerto Rico to a Puerto Rican mother and a father of Greek and Turkish ancestry.  Dinos is also a successful landscape designer who has spent many years appearing on various shows on the HGTV and DIY networks as landscape expert.  Dinos explains "a beautiful garden is like a lush symphony composed of colors, shapes, and textures.  Her love of flowers has combined with her soft sensitive voice to create new beauty for some wonderful lyrics she gives new life to.

Dinos was singing in various venues around Los Angeles, including at jam sessions hosted by Cathy Segal-Garcia, the prolific singer, recording artist, and primary arranger.  Segal-Garcia who has produced a number of CDs for vocalists, became her producer and brought on board Guitarist Dori Amarilio as her co-producer and primary arranger.  In addition to these talent musicians,  Segal-Garcia and Amarilio brought together some of the best musicians in Southern California.  The result of putting this outstanding group of musicians behind Dinos' wonderful voice and vocal interpretation  is the creation of a verbal painting for the listener.

I could have attached any of the 13 songs on this CD because everyone is interesting and beautiful in its own way.  I decided to pick "Spanish Harlem" because Dinos approach to this old chestnut gives new life to the lyric telling us "how beauty thrives even in challenging environments".  The second "YouTube" I chose was the classic Freddie Hubbard composition, "Little Sunflower".  Dinos explains that  the song "is a metaphor for a flower seeking light in the darkness".   It's stunningly beautiful!  I have heard this song played as an instrumental many times and especially by my friend, Steve Madieo, who played this song on his Trumpet as good as anyone.  I had never heard the lyric to this song and, I love it even more now.

Playlist:   
1. Ornithology
2. Come Back As A Flower
3. Pannonica
4. Woodstock
5. Lullaby of the Leaves
6. Un pats con el nombre de un rio
7. Little Sunflower
8. Double Rainbow
9. La Lola
10. A Flower is a Lovesome Thing
11. Spanish Harlem
12. Willow Weep for Me
13. Agua de beber

Players:    
Mayita Dinos-Vocals
Biil Cantos-Piano
Rich Eames-Piano
Gabe Davis-Acoustic Bass
Hussain Jiffry-Electric Bass
Dori Amarilio-Guitar
Michael Hunter-Trumpet & Flugelorn
Alex Budman-Flute, Clarinet, Soprano Sax
Steve Hass-Drums
Tiki Pasillas-Drums & Percussion

                                                                  "Spanish Harlem" 

                                                             "Little Sunflower"

Pat Rizzo Is Back Leading The Musical Charge At 360 North In Palm Springs, CA

 "The Riz "is back making wonderful music again at 360 North in Palm Springs.  Pat had put his Sax and his voice away for more than a year, but he is playing and singing like he never left the stage!  Pat is teaming up with ultra-talented Dennis Michaels who plays beautiful piano and also sings and joins Pat in duets covering some of the greatest songs from the "Great American Songbook".  The duo plays every Friday at 360 North and anyone that loves beautiful, live music should make it down to 360 North to see Pat and Dennis.  The chance to hear two of the classic music stars of the Desert perform live, should not be missed by any fan of great Jazz sounds!  It's like taking a live look back at the musical history of the Palm Springs music scene.

What a treat to hear Pat sing and play again and his sense of humor is still very much intact!  Pat Rizzo remains a musical treasure to all music fans here in the Coachella Valley.  Pat's musical resume could fill a book and his many years playing for Sinatra in LA and at Sinatra's Rancho Mirage Estate could fill several chapters with interesting stories.  Pat Rizzo is the real musical deal!  We get very few opportunities to listen to a music legend with such a strong successful career perform live right now;  so go over to 360 North and enjoy the playing, singing and personality of Pat Rizzo soon! 

Dennis Michaels has his own splendid musical resume.  He has played for many of the major Vocalists of the last 50 years.  He also worked for Keely Smith as her Musical Director and Arranger.  He toured with her for over 25 years.  He has a special talent for Arranging and a sensitive feel for lyric that make it a pleasure to listen to his singing and playing.

And there are always special guests who show up to see Pat at every performance from all of the country.  Tonight,  LA sensation Michael Dees who moved to Palm Springs a few years ago,  sat in to sing a few songs.  Michael is one of the best Vocalist, Arranger and Composer on the music scene today!  Also, direct from "Birdland" in New York City, Bandleader, Arranger and super Sax player, Ron Aprea came in to see Pat who he knew from the time Pat lived in New York.  Ron also was close to another Palm Springs great we just lost, Steve Madaio.  Ron and Steve had a long musical past including recording with John Lennon.  Ron's big band currently performs regularly at "Birdland".  The next singer Angela DeNiro (Ron's wife) came up to sing one of the best retendions of "Someone To Watch Over Me" I have ever heard with Dennis Michaels on the Keys.   All this musical talent at 360 North on a normal Friday night in Palm Springs with no cover.  They just keep the music history of Palm Springs alive!  

For your listening pleasure, I have attached a "YouTube" from Pat Rizzo's CD, "Gold For Silver" on which Pat shares the stage with the great Trumpeter, Conte Condoli.  

I have also attached a "YouTube" of Pat singing "Nancy With The Smiling Face"  from his CD "The Tokyo Blues" to give you a sample of Pat's smooth and relaxed singing style.

Steve Madaio Makes His First Appearance at Backstreet This Season

Jazz fans in the Valley were delighted that the brilliant Trumpet player Steve Madaio finally was able to perform again at Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday,  April 13.   Steve has had a rough winter, first recovering from a pretty serious illness and then losing his beloved father last week.  All his fans are so happy his health has returned to top-form and also want to wish Steve their condolences for the loss of his Dad.

Tonight Steve gathered two of the most important and professional players in the Desert, Pat Tuzzolino on Keyboard and Vocals and Jay Lewis on Drums.  Steve showed no sign that his recent health problems had any effect on his playing.  In fact,  his breath control and energy level were  higher than the last time I heard him play.  When it comes to music, Steve can do it all.  From tender ballads to straight-out Jazz, Steve makes the musical transitions effortless and is comfortable with both.  

Pat Tuzzolino has always been one of my favorite Jazz performers because he is so original in his approach to music.  Pat's approach to music has always been related to what he feels inside about a song and its lyrics.  His vocals are superb!  His phrasing and timing are a pleasure to listen to, because of his own interpretation of the composer's lyrical message.  I never miss a chance to hear him.

I have written about Jay Lewis many times in my blog and with good reason.  Jay is one of the best Drummers playing today.  He never overwhelms the members of the group, he never falters in putting down a solid Drum line and contributes wonderful Drum solos when called upon.

I have attached a "Youtube" of Steve, Pat and Jay playing the Jazz standard, "Killer Joe" and know you will enjoy it.  I also couldn't help attach a second "Youtube" of Steve playing "Europa", a song that has almost become his Musical trademark.

                                 

CD Review: "Ron Aprea Plays Tribute to John Lennon and the Beatles"

 Ron Aprea, the world-class Sax player, Arranger and Producer has just released a terrific CD cover of some of the best songs written by John Lennon and the Beatles.  The inspiration for this CD was born as a result of the musical experience Ron had when he recorded with John Lennon in 1974 on Lennon's award-winning Album, "Walls and Bridges".  This CD also celebrates the reunion for Ron with Trumpeter and my long-time friend, Steve Madaio.  Turns out that Steve was also on the recording session for "Walls and Bridges".  

Part of the musical joy of this new CD from Ron Aprea is the wonderful arrangements he has penned for this Album.  Ron's playing ability is well known throughout the music world, but I have always believed that his arranging skills put him up with the top arrangers writing today.  When you listen to Beatle songs that you have probably heard hundreds of times and hear some of the new and imaginative arrangements from Ron, the songs take on a new, wonderful feel.

Ron Aprea can and has played everything from BeBop to Ballads but when you add his arranging talent to the mix, he truly stands out as one of the most talented musicians performing today.

The CD starts with an unusual arrangement of "Let It Be" that Ron opens with a soulful playing of the melody and then moves into an upbeat full band treatment of the rest of the melody.  Next up is "Imagine" with Steve Madaio sharing the lead with Ron.  I have been privileged to hear Steve play this classic many times in person but adding Ron's mellow Sax work with Steve's lush Trumpet sounds, produces a brilliant result.

I enjoyed every cut of this Album but would like to spotlight a few of my favorites in addition to "Imagine".  Ron has written a wonderful arrangement for "Can't Buy Me Love" that is not high on my list of Favorite Beatles songs but Ron's arrangement of this song is marvelous.  The swinging arrangement calls out  "Count Basie" and any Basie fan would love it.  Ron's technical and sweet-sounding performance on "Yesterday" just knocked me out.  It reminded me of one of my favorite Albums recorded over 50 years ago, "Cannonball Adderley and Strings".

Ron has gathered a wonderful group of musicians together for this session including special performances by Brian Lynch- Trumpet , Matt Aprea-Violin and Viola,  Steve Madaio-Trumpet, Dom Minasi-Guitar and singer Angela DeNiro.

      PLAYLIST:

1. "Let It Be"                                                2. "Imagine"

3. "Norwegian Wood"                                  4. "Yesterday"

5. "Happy Xmas"                                         6. "Can't Buy Me Love"

7. "Here There And Everywhere                 8. "Blackbird"

9. "Something"                                            10. "Fool On The Hill"

11. "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night"  12. "Goodnight"

I have attached some clips from the CD listed on Ron's site for your enjoyment.

http://www.ronaprea.com/john-lennon-tribute-album.html

      

Ron Aprea Remembers John Lennon

Steve Madaio, Ron Aprea and John Lennon
(Ron Aprea's photo from 1974)

Ron Aprea, composer, arranger, producer, saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist is working on a new CD, "Lennon and the Beatles, A Jazz Tribute". In 1974, Ron cut a album with John Lennon and Elton John called "Walls and Bridges". Also recording with Ron on this album was a super-talented horn section that included Howard Johnson, Frank Vicari and Palm Desert favorite, Steve Madaio.

Ron is raising money to produce this new Lennon Tribute album using the Kickstarter site. I know everyone will be interested to hear Ron tell some interesting stories about the making of this album and his experiences with John Lennon in recording the "Walls and Bridges" album. It's sure to be a blockbuster CD and Ron needs some help to raise the money for it.  I have attached some information I just received from Ron including  the site address so you can hear Ron's stories and also contribute to support this wonderful musical project.

Dear Friends and Relatives,

Just wanted to update you on my John Lennon jazz tribute album "Kickstarter" campaign, and thank those who've contributed.  I can't tell you how thrilled Angela and I are at the positive response we've received.

We are currently in Week 3 (of 6) and we are approaching 50% of our goal of $5,000, which is amazing, but we have to get to 100% to receive any of the pledges.  So please for this next push, forward the below link to any and all of your friends.  Also, I would love to give recognition to our donors via my Facebook and Kickstarter page, but I've been hesitant to do so, without your permission.  So for those who have already donated (or will) please let me know if you have any objection to your name being posted.

Here's the link:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/134490756/lennon-and-the-beatles-a-jazz-tribute

Thank you again for your continued support in helping me create my "dream" album.

Warmest regards,

Ron

Exceptional Musicians Name Their Top 10 Favorite Songs, Chapter Three: Steve Madaio

Steve Madaio

This is the third in a series of blogs about the top 10 favorite songs of some of the best musicians performing today.  Steve Madaio is a music legion.  Steve along with David Sandborn performed on stage at Woodstock with the Butterfield Blues Band. He has toured and recorded with the legendary Janis Joplin, and enjoyed two world tours with The Rolling Stones.  Steve has also toured and recorded with Stevie Wonder, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Madonna and Barbra Streisand to name just a few!

Steve loves the "Great American Songbook" especially the ballads.  Often when performing, he mentions when a particular song is on his personal top 10 list.  His fans, and I'm one of them, can now see his list----in no particular order.

                                        Steve Madaio's Top 10 Favorite Songs
1.  "Tenderly"
2.  "I Can't Get Started"
3.  "Smile"
4.  "Shadow of Your Smile"
5.  "When I Fall In Love"

6.  "The Nearness of You"
7.  "Body and Soul"
8.  "Over The Rainbow"
9.  "Imagine"
10. "Alfie"

Great To Hear Steve Madaio Back At Backstreet

                                                 

Jay Lewis, Bill Siatta, Steve Madaio and Doug McDonald

Steve Madaio

Doug McDonald

Bill Siatta

Jay Lewis

Laura Hagen

The Grossmans

LaVane Hause, Owner of Backstreet

Mario The Waiter

Steve Madaio was back holding court at Backstreet Bistro on Tuesday. It was like a celebration of great food, great wine and, of course, great music. This was my first visit to Backstreet since I arrived  in the Desert, and it was really great. The Jazz area in Backstreet Bistro is small but intimate, and you get a chance to get-up close to the musicians. 

Steve had a great year in 2013, highlighted by his participation in two world class concerts. In October Steve was asked to perform at the 18th Annual Music Masters Series at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.  The event was a tribute Concert celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Rolling Stones as a band. To celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame hired only players who are currently playing with the Stones or those like Steve that toured with the band. It was a major event that I was very fortunate to attend. See the review pictures I posted on my blog in  October 2013. For those that are not aware, Steve did a European tour with the Stones back in the 70's.  

The second world class concert that Steve participated in was in December 2013 with Stevie Wonder at the Nokia Theatre in LA. Not everyone knows that Steve has a lot of history with Stevie Wonder and has done a lot of recording with him including the fabulous "Superstition" and "Songs In The Key Of Life" albums. At this concert Stevie wanted to re-do the "Songs In The Key of Life" album and, of course, the first one he called was Steve. 

Steve did his usual outstanding playing tonight, especially on ballads! Now you know Steve can do it all from slow romantic ballads to raging Rock and Roll. Supporting Steve tonight was a group of the finest musicians in the Valley.  Bill Saitta playing solid Bass to support the group including Steve's solo trumpet. Doug McDonald, while always great on guitar, was really special tonight. Maybe it was the effect of playing in the open air and receptive audience that brought him to higher levels. In any event Doug is one fabulous Guitar player! The fourth member of the group was Jay Lewis who is one of the most respected Drummers in the Valley. Jay is faultless in putting down just the right groove for whatever group he is playing with.

I would also mention that "Backstreet Bistro" has been a fixture for the Jazz community for years on Tuesday nights. Many thanks to the owner, the lovely LaVane for her support of the live Jazz. In addition, the food at Backstreet is wonderful and reasonably priced and there is never a cover.  The best deal in the Desert. I wanted to recognize our waiter, Mario who does a great job not only as a waiter but also being able to in close quarters and never interfering with the music. Thanks Mario! 

.

Trish Hatley Returns To Woody's

Trish Hatley

Andy Fraga, Jr, Larry Holloway, Trish Hatley and Barney McClure

Andy Fraga, Jr, Larry Holloway, Steve Madaio and Barry McClure

Seattle singer, Trish Hatley returned to Woody's last week and the singing and the music was nothing short of wonderful. Hearing Trish sing for a second time proved to me that she is one of the best female singers performing today.  Her voice is strong and clear as a bell and her stage presence is evidence of her vast experience.  Tonight she was joined on stage with Barney McClure on Keys.  This was the first time I had heard Barney play and he turned out to be just terrific.  In talking to Barney between sets, he told me that he is moving to the Desert. Great news for all the Jazz lovers because Barney can really play and will be a valued addition to our stable of great players we all love.  Larry Holloway was on Bass and he just continues to provide solid intelligent solos that you just don't hear from many Bass players. Andy Fraga, Jr on Drums provided strong rhythm support for the group.

My good friend and superb Trumpet player, Steve Madaio was in the audience and Trish invited Steve up to play a few songs to the delight of the crowd.

It was a great evening of singing and Jazz and I hope we hear a lot more from Trish next season.  In talking to Trish, she told me she is thinking of moving to the Desert.  I hope she does as she would fit into our music scene perfectly.

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!

The Coachella Valley Symphony Joined by Featured Artists Steve Madaio & Tom Keenlyside

Tom Keenlyside, Conductor Wayne Abravanel and Steve Madaio

The Coachella Valley Symphony, Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside

The Coachella Valley Symphony

The Coachella Valley Symphony

On Tuesday April 16,  Jazz merged with Classical when Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside brought the KM Project's new CD, "Slices" to The Coachella Valley Symphony.  The KM Project is an idea created by two dynamic musicians Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside.  After meeting by chance in Palm Desert in 2010, they soon discovered that they had much in common.  Shortly after their first meeting, Steve and Tom played a few gigs together and quickly realized that their individual phrasing made their music very compatible.  The progress of their collaboration quickly moved as they began talking about the classic songs of the 70's and the impact these songs had on their lives.    As soon as the songs were selected, they both worked on new arrangements for these classic tunes.  The result is "Slices" their hot new CD.  

A chance meeting with Maestro Wayne Abravanel gave Steve the opportunity to discuss Tom's and his new project.  As soon as Steve shared his story about the songs and arrangements he was working on with Tom, Wayne suggested that Steve and Tom perform with The Coachella Valley Symphony incorporating the songs on the CD; and this is how "A Symphony of Rockin' Jazz "was born.

Playing to a capacity audience consisting of both Classical and Jazz followers, the concert was wildly appreciated.  What was somewhat surprising to me was that as each song was announced, there was an spontaneous reaction of recognition from the audience.  These songs of the 70s obviously brought back memories for so many people.

 Jazz met Classical and we all were winners because we got to experience it live! I hope that Jazz and the wonderful Coachella Valley Symphony continue their partnership next season.

Pre-Release CD Review: Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside Release "Slices"

                                                                                     

                                                                                     

Question: What do you get when you put a world class trumpet master with a world class flute master and then mix them together with eight great songs from the sixties and seventies? The answer is "Slices" one of the best CD's I have heard in many years!

It is with great pride and pleasure that I had the opportunity to review a new CD from two of my favorite musicians and friends from the Coachella Valley in  the California Desert. This CD has been cooking in the minds and hearts of Trumpeter Extraordinaire Steve Madaio and  the Great Flutist and wind player Tom Keenlyside for a long time. Both of these highly talented musicians earned their musical stripes playing and listening to the music of the sixties and seventies. Although their talents  expanded since that time, there is still something about the songs of that period that never left them.
Indeed, if you enjoyed the sixties and seventies, I won't have to say anything more about the 8 wonderful classic songs that Steve and Tom have selected for their first album.  Every song on this CD is a dream catchers for this generation. These songs revive fond memories about our life experiences during these times. There were hundreds of songs that could have been chosen for this CD but Steve and Tom spent over two years culling the potential list of songs down to just the absolute eight best songs.

The CD begins with a perfect mix of Trumpet and Flute playing the Procol Harum classic, "A Whiter Shade of Pale".  This song recorded in 1968 was and still is a classic sound of the sixties. I admit that I  have no idea what the lyrics mean but hearing the song now as an instrumental, leaves no doubt that the melody is still a gem!

The second cut on the CD is the Rolling Stones Classic, "Sympathy For The Devil" written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. My guess is that this unusual song was picked by Steve since his relationship with "The Stones" goes way back to early 1960s when he joined "The Stones" on their European tour. I would love to hear the reaction from Jagger and Richards after they hear this rendition of their song!

Next up was the popular hit for Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass, "The Lonely Bull" written in 1962 and still wonderful to hear today especially the warm tones from Steve's Trumpet.

The forth cut is the "Steppenwolf's" 1968 hit "Born To Be Wild". This song represents much of the culture of the sixties for teens who yearned for more personal freedom in their lives.

The fifth cut is "Theme From A Summer Place" recorded in 1960 by Percy Faith and his orchestra for the film of the same name. "A Summer Place" starred Sandra Dee and Troy Donahue and everyone experiencing this period knows and loves this song. The recording won a Grammy for the Record of the Year.

The sixth song on the CD is "Lowrider" recorded by the band "War" in 1975.  This remarkable song has been featured in 14 movies which speaks to its attractions for this generation of kids.

The seventh song is "Memphis Underground" that was recorded by jazz flutist Herbie Man in 1969. You can bet this song had special meaning for Tom in his musical development.  To me this song is  the combination of Rhythm and Blues with a big dose of "Cool"!

The last song "Ode To Billy Joe" was written and recorded by Bobbie Gentry in 1967.  Her recording received 8 Grammy nominations resulting in 3 wins and one win for the arranger, Jammie Haskell.

And there you have it, 8 wonderful songs full of vivid memories for all of us to rediscover again and again.

This wonderful album was perfectly produced, arranged and mixed by Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside with Tom Keenlyside on the Flute, all Keyboards, and programing.  Steve Madaio on Trumpet.

Also, Doug Stephenson on guitar on "The Lonely Bull", Born To Be Wild" and Lowrider.  The great Brian Nova on guitar on "A Whiter Shade of Pale".  Michale O'Neill on guitar on "Sympathy For The Devil", "Ode To Billy Joe" and "Memphis Underground".

If you were around during the sixties and seventies, you absolutely need to get this CD which will be available right after the first of the year. Steve and Tom are just wonderful playing together on this CD.  At times, Steve's Trumpet and Tom's Flute join together almost as one, leaving the listener to immerse himself in the magical sounds of Trumpet and Flute.

I hope this is only the first of a series of CDs from Steve and Tom. In my opinion, this CD deserves Grammy recognition and I bet it will get a nomination or two. It's that good!

You can decide how good this CD is for yourself because on Tuesday, April 16, Steve and Tom will be playing songs from their CD with the Coachella Valley Symphony.  You need to call to get tickets quickly because this concert is nearly sold out.  Call 760-360-2222 for tickets and details.

Tom Keenlyside and Barnaby Finch Join Bill Saitta and Jeff Olson At Last Jazz Session at Woodhaven CC

Bill Saitta, Tom Keenlyside, Jeff Olsen and Barnaby Finch

Tom Keenlyside

Jeff Olsen

Barnaby Finch

Wednesday, March 20 was the last session in the Jazz series that Bill Saitta put together at the Woodhaven CC. I decided to attend because I heard that Tom Keenlyside and Barnaby Finch were sitting in.  I was not going to do a review but the Jazz was so good that I just had to let my readers know.  I heard just a little of Tom's playing this season at the recent supper concert Tom and Steve Madaio put on at The Gardens on El Paso, and I wanted another chance to hear him close up.  Tonight, Tom played a lot on his Tenor Sax, and it is hard to express just how good he performed.  Tom is known by many for his superb flute performances but take it from me, a long-time Sax player, Tom plays Tenor Sax as good as anyone I have ever heard. 

Tonight was my first time this season to hear Barnaby Finch play and he exceeded my highest expectations!  He was just "on fire". I can only tell you that both Barnaby and Tom were really cooking and took each other to higher levels of great Jazz. 

There was a real Jazz chemistry in the air at Woodhaven tonight and it not only could be felt by everyone in the packed audience but also by Bill Saitta and Jeff Olsen.  Tonight I heard some of the best Jazz of the season!  This group of musicians does not play together too often but I highly recommend that anytime they do, you should make every effort to get to hear them.

This is the last performance for Bill Saitta for a while.  Bill is having surgery on his shoulder on Friday and will be out of commission for at least a month.  Best of luck Bill, and we all wish you well and a speedy recovery.  

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                       
                                                                                                         

                                                                                                       

Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside Bring A Sold Out Crowd To Their Feet At "The Gardens".

The KM Project Band
Dave Withim, Mike O'Neil, Tom Keenlyside, Andy Fraga Jr., Steve Madaio, Bill Saitta,  Yarek Urant

   

Tom Keenlyside & Steve Madaio

Tom Keenlyside, Steve Madaio, Andy Fraga Jr, Bill Saitta

David Withim, Mike O'Neil, Tom Keenlyside

Tom Keenlyside, Steve Madaio, Andy Fraga Jr, Bill Saitta

Yarek Urant

Tom, Steve and Andy

The "Standing Room Only" Crowd at The Gardens on El Paseo

From the very moment we arrived at the beautiful "Gardens On El Paseo" in Palm Desert, we could sense an excitement in the air. Tonight was going to be a very special night! Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside were about to perform songs from their KM Project's new CD, "Slices".  This CD has not been officially released to the public, but it is causing a buzz throughout the Valley. On this CD, Steve and Tom have carefully selected some of the great songs of the 60's and have recorded each one with their own Jazz interpretation.  Those lucky enough to have had a pre-release opportunity to hear this CD have only expressed rave reviews!  The concert was scheduled to start at 6:00 PM so we arrived early at 4:50 PM in order to get a good seat.  Much to our surprise, about 300 Jazz lovers had the same thought in mind.

The crowd this evening had the kind of  excitement and electricity that would rival any major Jazz event I have attended.  The night's proceeds, (100%) went for the benefit of "Morning Start Center of VNA California, a center for kids who are grieving the loss of their parents.  So the concert was a win-win for children of need and Jazz lovers throughout the Valley.

The program started with Steve's and Tom's interpretation of  Bobbie Gentry's classic "Ode To Billy Joe" which got the concert off to a rousing start and brought the audience to their feet with applause. The audience appreciation of the music never stopped as Steve and Tom played several other songs from their "Slices" CD including Herbie Mann's "Memphis Underground" and Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Free".  The last song they played from "Slices" was the great song written by Mick Jagger & Keith Richards, "Sympathy For The Devil" that brought the house down.

True to their professionalism, Steve and Tom have added some of the very best players in the country as part of the KM Project Band including Bill Saitta on Electric Bass, Mike O' Neil on Guitar, Doug Westfall on piano, Andy Fraga Jr. on Drums, and Yarek Urant on Keyboard.

This night started and ended with an audience that was ready for some world class Jazz sounds and they were not disappointed.

If you missed this concert, you will have another chance to hear Steve Madaio & Tom Keenlyside.  They will be playing with the Coachella Valley Symphony Orchestra on Tuesday April 16.  This very special one time event will be terrific! But a word to the wise, get your tickets early as I expect this show to be sold out. Tickets are $25, $35 and $45 and can be purchased at their website: www.cvsymphony.com or by calling 760-360-2222

   

The Music Man's 2012 "Coachella Valley Live Music Hall of Fame"

Dreaming Of LaQuinta
Oil by Robert Nicosia

                                                                   
Well the winter music season is just about over and it's time to publish the 2012 "Coachella Valley Live Music Hall Of Fame."  This year has been a wonderful season for live music, and I had the great pleasure to meet and hear the marvelous musicians listed below. I would like to personally thank all of these musicians for the hours of great music they provided me and all the music lovers in the Valley. I know there are other great musicians that I have probably missed and I apologize for any oversights. Please keep the music playing, and I look forward to another great season next winter!

 I would like to give special recognition to two new music venues that excelled in their efforts to support live music in the Desert this past season.

The first is "The Indian Wells Resort" that brought Frank Di Salvo to us last year.  This year they expanded their music program to 6 nights a week to the delight of all of us. I can't wait for next winter to return to this great hotel for more great food and music! For those readers that live in the Desert year-round, please continue to support The Indian Wells Resort so we can keep the live music playing.

The second is "Woody's Burgers & Beer" in  Palm Springs.  Woody's opened this past year and has booked live music 6 nights a week to sell out crowds.  It used the formula of reasonably-priced good food and great music with no cover charge to become one of the hottest music spots in the Desert. Woody's will continue to have live music through the rest of the year, so anyone staying in the Desert, please continue to support this great live music gem!

Eric Lindstrom

Blake White

Pat Rizzo

Steve Madaio

Frank Di Salvo

Ken Steele

Leo Vigil

Yve Evans

Kelly Corbin

Poupee Boccaccio

Bill Saitta

Jack Jones

Dan Papaila

Gino Antonacci

Ron Kalina

Dale Curtis

Beverly Jensen

Missoni Lanza

Larry Holloway

Brian Nova

                                                 

Mikole Kaar

Josh Parker

Mike Costley

Ted Herman

Ted Herman Big Band

Carole Hampton

                                 


                                       

Jimmy Dykes

Carolyn Martinez

Barnaby Finch

Ron Kokolj

Tom Kennlyside

Vito Pizzo

Anita Gardner

Aubrey Tadman

                                        

Jim DeJulio

Yarak Urant

Rich Bono

Jeanie Stanhope

Jeff Olsen

Andy Fraga Jr.

John Leys

Joe Canoura

Jay Lewis

The Four Freshman

Jenny Irvine

Eleanor Peffley

Michael D'Angelo

Margie Grennan

Ilona Albert

Noel Grennan

Rich Aiello

Sally Skeoch

Mel Albert

Johnny Morris

Earl Knauss

Bill Marx

Lola Rossi

Bobbi Fletcher

Chase Huna