Yve Evans Is Welcomed Back to Backstreet Bistro By Her Loving Fans

Jay Lewis, Henry Franklin and Doug McDonald

Henry Franklin, Doug McDonald and Yve Evans

Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, CA has great Jazz performers every Tuesday evening but no one draws a bigger crowd

of Jazz lovers than Yve Evans!  The reasons why Yve has tons of fans in the Coachella Valley is first and foremost, she is:"The Jazz singer who sets the standard for all other Jazz singers".  Yve has a beautiful, pure voice that puts her in the same company as Ella and Sarah and her phrasing and sense of timing are second to none.   Second, Yve can do it all: Blues, Pop, R & B and Latin without hesitation.  She has the respect of every musician she plays with not only because of her platinum reputation, but because they all know that when Yve's driving the Band,  she can and will make changes at a moments notice so they are always challenged to be ready and they love it!  Third, Yve has an amazing sense of humor and works it into her performances seamlessly. And lastly,  Yve has a loving, caring personality that she projects to everyone who meets her.    Once you meet Yve, you will become a fan forever!

Yve, as you would image, is a highly sought after musician and she plays at many venues in and out of California.  As busy as she is, she never forgets her fans at Backstreet Bistro and tries to appear there at least one Tuesday every month.  She also performs regularly at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs, usually on Tuesdays.  No trip to the Valley would be complete without seeing Yve perform at least once.

Tonight's program was put together by another Valley favorite, Drummer Jay Lewis,  and he was joined by two of the best Musicians in the West, Guitar player Doug McDonald and Bass player, Henry "Skipper" Franklin.

I found a "Youtube" of Yve playing and singing at the 2017 Monterey Jazz Bash by the Sea that will give you a good example of how good a performer she is.  I know you will enjoy it!

  

Yve Evans Makes a Spectacular Return to Backstreet Bistro

Yve Evans gave her first Backstreet Bistro performance of the winter season to the delight of her fans and friends who packed into Backstreet's outside patio Tuesday night.  Yve recently had a medical procedure that delayed her performance schedule but you would never know it when you listened to her play and sing.  I have written about Yve many times on this blog and honestly it's difficult to come up with words that describe what a brilliant, talented and unique musician she is.  I will just say that Yve is special, very special.

Yve has a  pure, strong voice that can be as sweet as silky honey,  and, yet, she can sing the Blues as good as anyone.  Her phrasing is dead-on perfect, absolutely as good as Sinatra, Ella and Sarah but she copies no one.  Yve has a beautiful, unique singing style that is all her own and that's what makes Yve so loved by her legions of fans.

As much as I enjoy Yve's singing, I also believe that she is one of the best keyboard players today, playing great standards and Blues from the "Great American Songbook".  And if singing and playing brilliantly is not enough to convince you of her world-class musical talents, Yve also sprinkles some of the funniest comedy around her lyrics and music!

Yve has been performing in the Desert for over 20 years, and she truly is a musical gift to any music lover.  It's so great to have Yve back performing again, and we all wish her a lifetime of good health.

I am very excited to attach two "YouTube" videos I was able to capture at Tuesday night's performance for you to hear and see Yve's wonderful singing and playing at a live performance.  The first one is a remarkable performance of "With These Hands" that I think is stunningly good.  The second is a performance of the Blues evergreen "Stormy Monday" that Yve captures and makes it her own.

Tonight Yve was supported beautifully by two of the best and most popular musicians in the Southern California area;  Bill Saitta on Bass and Jay Lewis on Drums.

                                                                             

Two Important Musical Events You Will Not Want To Miss

I wanted to give all my Desert music followers a heads-up about two musical events that I know you will enjoy.  First, on Saturday, January 31 at 1:00pm at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, Chase Huna is having a fundraiser to get his new song, "On The Chase" to radio.  Chase's band will include Eddie Reddick on Bass, Tateng Katindig on Keys and Craig Chestnut on Drums.  For more information on this event contact show host Carl Davis at 760-567-0690 or email Carldavis3@verizon.net.

The second event includes everyone's favorite performer, Yve Evans who is staring in the musical play, "A Handful of Nickels & Dimes" at the Indio Performing Arts Center in Indio.  Yve says the cast of this musical is stellar and the show is fast paced and hilarious.  The play opens on February 20 and will run until mid-March.  You can get tickets on line at: www.Indioperformingartcenter.org or by calling 760-775-5200.

Both Chase and Yve would love to have you support these events.

Sherry Williams Lights Up Woody's Jazz CLub

Andy Fraga Jr., Larry Holloway, Sherry Williams and Keith Droste

The Divas: Sherry Williams and Yve Evans

Tuesday night Sherry Williams performed with Andy Fraga Jr. on Drums, Larry Holloway on Bass and Keith Droste on Keys at Woody's Burgers and Beer in Palm Springs. This was the first time I had the opportunity to hear Sherry sing. I also had not heard Keith Droste before tonight's performance. Tonight, Sherry was sitting in for the always great Brian Nova.

Sherry Williams has a strong but soft voice that has hints of Ella, Sarah and my personal favorite, Nancy Williams. Her style, stage presence and timing are impeccable. I have mentioned before in several blogs that only the very best singers perfect the ability to interpret a lyric and make it come alive.  Sherry Williams is a charter member of this special group of singers.  Sherry brings her own personal interpretation to lyrics and then paints a picture of the story the composer had in mind when the music was written. Tonight Sherry sang the song that I have rated the number one song in the "Great American Songbook" The Nearness of You". I honestly have never heard anyone sing and express the lyric any better!  Tonight was my first experience with Sherry Williams, and I am now in love with her!  Sherry is a big supporter of Jazz and she hosts a different Jazz group every Thursday at "The Merc" in Temecula. You can get more information and tickets by going the the Old Town Temecula Theater online site:  Http://www.Temecula Theater.org. Tickets are a bargain at only $15!

There are levels of Jazz performance at every live Jazz event and tonight Andy Fraga, Jr., Larry Holloway and Keith Droste performed at the highest level adding to this superbly-enjoyable evening of Jazz.  In particular, Keith Droste was especially impressive on Keys. I hope of get to hear more from Keith in the near future.

Adding to the night's excitement, everyone's favorite, Yve Evans came to hear and support Sherry.  To the audiences' delight, Sherry invited Yve to sing with her. It's clear that Sherry and Yve have a strong mutual respect and admiration for each other.  In addition, they both are sensitive and caring people.

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!

Count Basie: Remembering The Jazz Greats: Chapter 11

April In Paris Album

A two months ago I had the pleasure of hearing Yve Evans sing with the Indian Wells Pops Orchestra  doing a tribute to the Count Basie Band. During her performance, Yve mentions some memories she had about the one and only, Joe Williams.  Remembering the Count Basie Band without remembering Joe William can not be done. So I have attached three videos from YouTube for your listening pleasure. The first two tunes are unforgettable Count Basie's signature songs with Joe Williams at the microphone.  Please enjoy the great Count Basie with Joe Williams playing first "Well Allright, Okay, You Win" and then the Count with Joe singing "Every Day I Have The Blues". The third YouTube is the Count Basie Orchestra playing a song written by the Basie's long time Guitarist, Freddie Green, "Corner Pocket".

                                                  "Well Alright, Okay, You Win"

                                                "Every Day I Have The Blues"

   

                                                           "Corner Pocket"

Yve Evans Simply Marvelous At Backstreet Bistro

YVE EVANS

Yve Evans was at Backstreet Bistro playing and singing to a sold-out crowd of mostly very loyal fans. After you hear Yve perform, you never want to miss a chance to see and hear her  again. When Yve performs you get the chance to see a major superstar.  Yve can do it all. She has stage presence, plays Jazz on the keyboard as good as anyone you have ever heard and sings like an angel. She will remind you of all the great Jazz singers like Ella and Sarah. Oh by the way, did I say she has a great sense of humor in the Pearl Bailey school of comedy? The scene at Backstreet tonight was like a school reunion with Yve as President of the class!

Supporting Yve tonight was desert favorite, Bill Saitta on bass.  Bill is playing bass better than ever and he also happens to be a perfect straight man for Yve.  Jay Lewis was the drummer tonight and he also is a perfect fit for Bill and Yve.  Jay has the softest hands of any drummer playing in the desert.

Yve and this group of musicians play frequently in the desert at Backstreet and also at the great Jazz club in Palm Springs, Woody's Burgers and Beer. I know there is a lot of great live Jazz here in the desert but take my advice: Check out where Yve is performing next and make sure you go to see her.  Make sure you have reservations because her shows are always packed.

  

Bill Saitta, Yve Evans and Jay Lewis
(Photo by Herb Koenig)

Jay Lewis and Bill Saitta

Tribute to count Basie at the Indian Wells Theater

The Indian Wells Pops Orchestra Jeff Stover Conducting

Yve Evans

Is there anything better than hearing a live 16 piece orchestra playing the best of the Count Basie playbook? Well, as it turns out there is, when you add the fabulous singing by Yve Evans. Tonight's performance at the Indian Wells Theater was inspiring for everyone in the packed house.  On stage were some of the best musicians in the county being conducted by great bass player, Jeff Stover, playing the best of the Count Basie charts that never sounded better.  They call themselves the Indian Wells Pops Orchestra, but this group of musicians is so much more than a local orchestra. They excel at producing the big band sound, and it is obvious to all that every talented member of this orchestra loves playing the big band charts.

From the first moment Yve Evans walks the stage, she immediately captures her audience and once she has them, she never lets them go. Yve is not only a wonderful, caring person, she is also one of the greatest performing jazz singers of all times. We, here in the Coachella Valley, are so privileged to be able to see and hear Yve sing in many intimate settings. And as great as it is to listen to Yve sing in an intimate room,  hearing her sing "Basie Songs" with a live 16 piece orchestra, is as good as it can get!

If you missed this performance of the Indian Wells Pop Orchestra, you have another chance on Sunday Feb 10, when they return to play "Swing Time" a tribute to big band swing with guest singer, Sherry Williams.

You can also get to enjoy the talents of Yve Evans who will be performing at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert on Tuesday, January 22nd.  Don't miss the opportunity!  

Sassy Sarah Vaughn,The Divine One:Remembering The Jazz Giants, Chapter 8

"The Divine One" Sarah Vaughn was born in the same town I was born, Newark, NJ on March 27, 1924.  She died much too young in LA on April 3, 1990.  She had a musical career that few will ever reach for over 50 years. It always seemed to me that Sarah Vaughn never got the public recognition she so deserved but was loved by every talented musician of her time. Her voice was powerful and silky and some say her voice range could cover  4 octaves.  Every great singer of her time acknowledged her greatness without exception. The great Ella Fitzgerald called Sarah "The world's greatest singing talent"! The first time I got to hear Sarah sing live was in the late 50's at the great New York jazz dinner club, "Basin Street East", and I have been a fan ever since. Sarah's voice was so versatile that at times it seemed more like a finely tuned instrument rather than a human voice.  

I have attached two YouTube videos that will define "Sassy" Sarah Vaughn certainly better than I could. The first is the great evergreen, "Stardust" and the second is everyone's favorite, "Over the Rainbow" Few singers back then or even today could even come close to her magnificent level of musical talent. She left us much too soon. Thankfully, we still have her music to remind us of how wonderfully she could sing.  

I would like to dedicate this Sarah Vaughn posting to my friend from the California Desert, Yve Evans. Listening to Yve singing and playing piano this past winter and feeling her love and respect for "Sassy" rekindled my fond memories of the "Incomparable" Sarah Vaughn.   

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