CD Review: Trish, Hans & Phil, "Greatest Hits Volume #2

 

Superb Volcalist Trish Hatley has recently released a new CD featuring her Jazz Vocal Trio, Trish, Hans & Phil.  Her new CD is titled "Trish, Hans & Phil, Greatest Hits Volume #2" and it is a musical work of art.  Trish Hatley is a well-known and loved singer on the West Coast music scene from Vancouver to Seattle to Palm Springs.  Trish has a sparkling personality and when combined with her beautiful voice and superb phrasing and understanding of lyric make her one of the most sought-after vocalist performing today.

Joining Trish on this CD is Pianist, Vocalist, Arranger and Musical Director Hans Brehmer.  Hans is based inn Seattle where he actively performs on Piano and Vocals.  In addition, Hans is an accomplished composer whose Songs and Lyrics relate current-day experiences.  His arranging skills are wildly recognized in the music scene today.

Phil Demaree is the third part of this trio.  Phil has been playing bass and singing for over 40 years appearing with notable artists like Ray Charles, The Mills Brothers, Dianne Schuur, Joe  Williams and John Gary.

Trish, Hans & Phil have honored the Great American Songbook and the artists who have lived in this sonngbook for their entire careers and continue to perform at the highest levels.  Their musical sounds are always crisp and new and their arrangements breathe new life into the classic standards they sing.  

I have attached a live performance "YouTube" of Trish, Hans & Phil singing Duke Ellington's classic, "Just Squeeze Me" with a terrific arrangement by Hans Brehmer.  Enjoy!
   

                     "Just Squeeze Me"

PLAYERS:

Trish Hatley- Vocals, Arrangements

Hans Brehmer- Vocals, Piano, Arrangements

Phil Demaree- Vocals, Bass, Arrangements

John Anderson- Sax

Brad Boal- Drums

PLAYLIST:

1. Wizard of Oz Medley

2. On the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe

3. The Fool On The Hill

4. The Nearness of You

5. I Wan'na Be Like You

6. These Boots Are Made for Walking

7. Red Top

8. Let's Face The Music

9. Hello Walls

10. All Or Nothing At All

11. Unchain My Heart

12. Just Squeeze Me

13. Slow Down/Nice and Easy

14. Beautiful Love

15. Sixteen Tons

16. Utah Moon

                                                              

Trish Hatley And Mark Kahny Create A Special Happy Hour At The Purple Room In Palm Springs CA

The Southern California area is blessed to be the home of some of the most talented singers in the country.  And at the top of the list of outstanding vocalists you will find Trish Hatley's name.  Trish has the ability to sing standards as good as anyone I have heard, and she also can sing popular tunes  just a well.  Trish is currently performing every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4:00 PM to 6:00PM at Michael Holmes' Purple Room in Palm Springs, California.  Trish is joined by Mark Kahny on Piano and Vocals.  The results of putting these two superstars together is some great duets of classic American songs.

Trish Hatley has one of the purest and clear voices you will ever hear and she has recorded some of the best songs in the "Great American songbook".  Her sense of lyric is perfect as is her feel for musical phrasing.  If you love to listen to standards,  you will just love Trish.

Vocalist and Piano master Mark Kahny is sought after by many singers here in the Coachella Valley because as an experienced singer himself, he understands the need to give singers room and at the same time knows when to fill when they need it.  He is a Pro in all aspects of performing.  When he does duets with Trish he has no trouble keeping up to her vocally and that's no easy task considering Trish's strong clear voice.  They make wonderful music together, and I guarantee you will enjoy every minute of their performance.   The Purple Room, former home to the Sinatra "Rat Pack", is the perfect setting to enjoy hearing Trish and Mark sing the standards that made Sinatra a legend!

I was not able to get a clear recording of Trish and Mark performing but I did find a "YouTube" of Trish singing "Shiny Stockings" from fabulous Standards CD "Trish Hatley, I Remember".   I also found a "YouTube" of Mark playing and singing at his home,  the Billy Joel classic, "Piano Man". I know you will enjoy both of these great musicians!

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!

Trish Hatley and Barney McClure Create Musical Magic at Woody's On Mondays

Trish Hatley

Barney McClure

Trish & Barney

                                                                 Trish, Barney and Lenny Kaye

Something really special is happening at Woody's on Monday nights.   Beautiful Trish Hatley is superbly singing some of the greatest songs out of the "Great American Songbook" and is paired with fabulous Keyboard player, Barney McClure.  I saw this duo last year but they surprised me tonight by singing duets that included wonderful harmonies.  Trish and Barney have been performing together for several months and they have merged their personalities into a powerhouse entertainment machine.  Trish has a quick, sharp mind and Barney plays the perfect straight man role for her comments.  They capture their audience from the very start of their performance and never let them go.

Trish is singing as good as any Jazz singer today and Barney is playing outstanding keyboard in a manner unlike any of the other keyboard playing today.  Together they put on a wonderful musical show.  This is a show you must see, and I guarantee you will enjoy every minute.  Trish and Barney perform at Woody's every Monday starting at 6:00 PM.

At tonight's performance, Trish asked Lenny Kaye who was in the audience to sit in and sing a couple of songs with Barney on Keyboard and Trish playing drums with brushes.  Lenny is a very talented and professional singer with a beautiful rich voice that is perfect for the Standards he sings.  Tonight, he did an especially good job singing the "Nearness of You".

I found a "YouTube" of Trish Hatley singing "Attitude of Gratitude" so you can hear her wonderful voice and singing style.

Trish Hatley & Barney McClure Keep the Friday Night Music At Woody's Jumping!

Trish Hatley

                                                                           

Barney McClure

Tim Pleasant, Trish Hatley, Kelly Corbin and Barney McClure

Trish Hatley & Kelly Corbin

Trish Dancing With a Member of the Audience

I traveled to Palm Springs on Friday evening to see Rose Mallett who sings at Woody's  on Fridays.  When I got there the bad news was that Rose and her keyboard partner, David Ring were out with a cold.  The good news was that Trish Hatley and Barney McClure were sitting in for Rose and David. Trish and Barney are two of my favorite musicians, and I always love the opportunity to enjoy their music.  

Trish Harley made her first appearance in the Desert last season and received rave reviews from everyone.  She is from the Seattle area and is now bringing her wonderful singing voice to the Desert on a regular basis.  Aside from having a great voice, Trish has a great stage presence and connects with her audience as soon as she walks on the stage. She is a real pro and as you can see from the photos above, she loves to perform and this love transfers directly to her audience.  I also have to report that Trish is one of the best whistlers, that's right I said whistlers.  Trish whistled through a couple of songs to the delight of the audience.

Barney McClure is simply a wonderful keyboard player, an amazing arranger and just an all around really nice person. This is the second time I have heard Barney play this week, and my opinion of him could not get any higher! Anytime you can get to hear him, run, don't walk.

The two other members of Rose's quartet that were on hand tonight, Tim Pleasant on Drums and Kelly Corbin on Sax performed wonderfully.  This was my first opportunity to hear Tim, and his drumming was flawless.  I have heard Kelly play many times but I was taken back tonight by his high level of performance. Kelly has quickly become one of the best Tenor player in the Valley.

So what started out as a disappointment, ended up as a great night of Jazz!  Trish and Barney perform at Woody's on Mondays and I highly recommend you see them.  I will be making a return visit on a future Friday to see wonderful Rose Mallett. Rose and David get well soon.

For those of you that have not had a chance to hear Trish Hatley sing, I have attached a YouTube video entitled "Trish Hatley's Kiss of Jazz Sampler".  She really is a great singer!

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.

Trish Hatley Sings Up A Storm At Woody's

Jeff Olson, Trish Hatley, Larry Holloway and Darin Clendenin

Larry Holloway

Darin Clendenin

Jeff Olson

There was music magic at Woody's on Tuesday night, March 12 where Trish Hatley joined her sensational singing style with keyboard player Darin Clendenin and Valley favorites, Larry Holloway and Jeff Olson.  Trish Hatley has a great singing style that is all her own.  She loves standards from the "Great American Songbook" and approaches them in her own unique Jazz style. Her voice is very rich and clear as a bell and her phrasing is near perfect. Trish is simply a wonderfully-talented singer that I could hear again and again! I understand that Trish did a lot of singing with Larry Holloway when they were both living in Seattle and I believe Larry helped set up some gigs for Trish in the Valley. As a result, we got to hear some super Jazz sounds tonight.

Darin Clendenin has been accompanying Trish on piano for the last several years and it shows. In addition to providing great piano support behind Trish, Darin also provided outstanding arrangements for Trish's performance. Darin is a super talented musician and I hope we get to hear more from him in the future.

This was only the second time this group has played together but you would never know it from the music they made tonight.  What stood out to me was the way Larry Holloway knew every vocal move that Trish made and there were plenty of them.  Larry has always been one of my favorite bass players but tonight he was on fire. I have never heard Larry play better .

If I were a singer, I would want to have Jeff Olson playing drums in my group. I have seen Jeff play with Jazz instrumental groups and with Jazz singers, and he has the softest hands in the Valley.  He is always focused and keeps the perfect balance of sound for both uptempo and torch songs.

I understand that Trish may be doing some other dates in the area in the near future, and I strongly recommend that you try to see her, she is really good!