Lots of Food, Wine and Great Jazz at the Coachella Wine Festival at Miramonte Resort & Spa

Sisters Cupcakes

La Brasserie

Vicky's

One of the tasting booths

Tasting Booths

Lola Rossi, Mikole Kaar & Johnny Meza

Mikole Karr & Johnny Meza

On Saturday, April 16, I went over to The Miramonte Resort & Spa to attend the Coachella Wine Festival.  The Wine Festival is a four day wine and food adventure that includes a golf tournament at the Classic Club.  I was looking forward to tasting some great new California wines but was surprised to find that in addition to great wines there was also a large array of tasty food provided by some of the best restaurants in the Valley.  To top it all off, there was a live program of jazz music put together by my good friend, Johnny Meza.  The music started with a trio consisting of Johnny singing and on keyboard, Mikole Kaar on alto and the clear smooth voice of Lola Rossi.  I had just heard Lola sing the night before at the Escena Lounge & Grill and was delighted for the chance to hear more.  This was also the first time I got to hear Mikole Kaar play alto and he was a good addition to the group. I understand that Mikole plays in a jazz group every Tuesday at The Tavern, 3700 Vista Chino@ Gene Autry in Palm Springs. I hope I can get to review his show before I leave the desert.

Julio Cesare

The next musician to arrive was Julio Cesare who brought with him a new and very neat electronic drum.  According to Julio, this new electronic instrument can make hundreds of sounds. As he played with the group, he produced some great rhythms.  I found out later that Julio plays with the "Great" Inka Kings who perform at the La Quinta Resort on Saturdays.

Our next arrival was Denise Motto who played the keyboard and sang.  Denise was a powerhouse of rhythm combined with a soft and smooth voice.  An outstanding musician that I would like to hear more from.  She plays at Dink's Restaurant on Saturdays.

It was a very enjoyable afternoon with great weather, superb wines, delicious food, great sounds from some of my old musical friends combined with some very talented new musical friends.

Denise Motto

Outstanding Singing from Lola Rossi at The Escena Lounge & Grill Enhanced With Smooth Jazz Singing and Sax From Reggie Alxander

Friday Night, April 15, 2011, I had the pleasure of hearing Lola Rossi sing at The Escena Lounge & Grill. Many live music fans had told me that Lola was a terrific singer but this was the first time that I had the opportunity to judge for myself.  As I arrived at the Escena Lounge & Grill, I was caught off-guard by a beautiful clubhouse building with its Palm Springs mid century design and the glorious views of the Nicklaus designed golf course that is visible from anywhere inside the building.  When I arrived, Lola was already singing. The first song heard was the great standard, "At Last". Lola sang this blues classic so well I thought that the blues may be where she lives.  But as the night went on, it became clear to me that it's not possible to put Lola into one musical Jenre.  She does it all! Broadway, with two stunning Barbara Streisand arrangements: "Memories" from the musical "Cats" and "His Is The Only Music That Makes Me Dance" from "Funny Girl". By the time her show was over, Lola covered: Broadway, The Blues, Country, and music from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.  She had a strong but smooth voice with remarkable range that she uses to showcase some classic  but difficult songs effortlessly. There is no doubt that Lola is one of the best singers performing in the desert today.

But Lola was not my only surprise this night.  Lola was joined by a wonderful singer and sax player, Reggie Alexander.  I went to Escena Lounge and Grill to see and hear Lola but having Reggie sing and play along side her was a double treat.  Reggie plays alto and tenor and can cover both standards and jazz equally well.  He performed a rendition of the jazz standard, "Europa" that I thought was great.  His sax sound is smooth and warm even when he went off on some well thought out jazz solos.  His singing style and voice were also smooth and warm.  He handled some wonderful vocal signature songs from Lou Rauls, Nat King Cole, and Sinatra with great ease.

The sounds from this partnership were just terrific entertainment.  Lola and Reggie will be performing every Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 through April and then will also stay during the month of May but may be moving to Saturday night. If you like live jazz and who doesn't,  put Friday night at Escena Lounge & Grill on your entertainment "To Do" list!

Derrik Lewis & Jeff Stover Light Up The Lounge At Tropicale

Derrik Lewis & Jeff Stover

Derrik Lewis & Jeff Stover

The Tropicale Restaurant

Jeff Stover

On Tuesday, April 12, I went to Palm Springs to visit the Tropicale Restaurant.  My purpose was to listen to two talented musicians who have a regular gig there, Derrik Lewis and Jeff Stover. I had never been to Tropicale but within minutes of my arrival, I knew that this restaurant had "It".  What's "It" for a restaurant, you ask?  Great looks, warm comfortable feel, several different areas to have drinks, finger food or dinner, wonderful mix of people, great menu, friendly experenced waiters and, as it turns out, great sounds from the piano and bass duo of Derrik Lewis and Jeff Stover. This marvelous new Palm Springs restaurant was created in 2008 out of an old auto repair shop. The three partners, Tony Di Lembo, Rob Kenzi and Ranz Wienert designed and totally rebuilt the structure from bare walls and transformed the site into a beautiful, upscale dining experience.  But it's not just for dining. It's clear that it has become a meeting place for locals and their friends. This was my first visit, but I am already planning my return as I am putting Tropicale on my restaurant rotation.

 I understand that Derrik Lewis and Jeff Stover have been extended for another year, and the reason is because they make some wonderful sounds together.  First, Derrik picks only the "best of the best" songs from the "Great American Songbook". There were songs from great Broadway musicals as well as songs written by Cole Porter and Gershwin. What makes this duo special is that Derrik and Jeff apply their own unique approach by playing with different tempos that give these gems a whole new and welcome presentation. In addition,  when Derrik sings if you close your eyes and listen, you could easily envision that you were sitting in the Carlyle Hotel in NYC listening to the great Bobby Short. The name of this restaurant is "The Tropicale" and it does make you feel you are in South Beach in Miami, but I also think it also has the feel of New York City. I also want to mention that as good as Derrik plays piano and sings, Jeff does an outstanding job of playing upright bass. On many songs, he even take the lead and plays the melody while Derrik fills in perfectly with the piano.  This restaurant is the real thing and needs to be on your "To Do" list.  Finally, I have to mention that we were provided excellent service by our wait person so I decided to post his picture.  Ask for Dan when you visit, and he will take great care of you!

Dan The Man

Jeff Golub, Mindi Abair And Euge Groove Rock the Desert Night Air

Jeff Golub

If you felt the earth move near the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Palm Desert last Saturday, April 2, don't worry.  It was not an earthquake. It was the sounds coming from the 2011 Desert Lexus Music Festival.  There were three major talents shaking the ground: Euge Groove, Mindi Abair and Jeff Golub. Jim "Fitz" Fitzgerald introduced the trio and then for the next two hours they took the house down.  Euge Groove made his tenor sing with more notes and range than I thought were possible on a saxophone.  Then the great Mindi Abair brought the crowd to a fever pitch with her alto sounds and moves.  Mindi also sang a couple of her classic tunes that delighted the audience.  Next up on the program was some terrific guitar playing licks by Jeff Golub.  Jeff was at his best and the audience couldn't get enough of his wonderful guitar sounds.  The trio played individually and then together that drove many in the audience into a dancing frenzy in front of the stage.  The setting under the stars in great desert weather made the event almost surreal.  It doesn't get any better than this.  

Mindi Abair

Euge Groove 

Jeff Golub

Mindi Abair

Euge Groove

Linda Eder Is Loved By McCallum Theater Audience

Linda Eder

Linda signing her new CD for fans

Linda Eder

When Linda Eder walked on the stage at the McCallum Theatre on Wednesday night, March 30, it felt like opening night of a Broadway play.  Before Linda reached center stage, the audience was  clapping and cheering for her. She has a tremendous following here in the Desert and she did not disappoint anyone at the McCallum.  Linda said it was a long trip from the East Coast but it was worth it to perform for the appreciative audience in the Desert.  Linda performed a wonderful collection of songs including many from her newly released CD, "Now".  The music on this CD is exactly what you would expect on any Linda Eder CD.  The songs are all sensitive stories told with wonderful melodies.  This is Linda's trademark.  Linda Eder unlike many singers, only picks songs that have strong lyrics and tell a story.  Then she sings these songs with a sensitive understanding of exactly what the composers had in mind. All  great singers have the ability to bring lyrics to life, and Linda Eder is a great singer.  Linda performed for an hour and one half with no break and received a rousing standing ovation when she finished.  Linda is truly one of the most talented singers performing today.  She is an American music treasure! Make sure you pick up her new CD; it's really good!

Pat Rizzo-One More Time!

Pat Rizzo

Pat Rizzo & Yarek Urant 

The Pat Rizzo Band

Jim DeJuilo

Steve Neilen

Carol Hampton-Singer/Actress

Denny Seidenfeld-Entertainer/Philanthropist

Dave Schaner-Jazz/Swing Historian & Lecturer

I decided to make another visit to Vicky's Restaurant to take in the Pat Rizzo "Tony Bennett" show on Tuesday, April 29.  In my last review that I published on March 20, I indicated that not only did I love the way Pat plays sax and flute, but I was also caught off guard by how well he sings. I got lucky this night because Pat sang almost every song.  I continue to be impressed with his range and ability to hit every note with perfect pitch. Another positive change was the synergy amoung the members of Pat's bank. It was noticeably better than my last visit. The performance by Yarek Urant on Piano, Jim DeJulio on bass and Steve Neilen on drums fit together with Pat like a glove. Pat made a remark during the program that this was the best band he has ever put together, and I certainly agree with that!  I also was treated to a song by the wonderful singer, Carole Hampton.  This is the third time I have heard Carole sing, and I am more impressed every time I hear her.  Carole needs to get her own regular gig so we can take in more of her wonderful singing voice and style. I also got to hear Denny "Mr Excitement" Seidenfeld sing again, and he is always great fun.  I also want to mention that I got to meet, Dave Schaner, the Jazz and Swing Historian and Lecturer. If you love Jazz and Swing music, Dave is the go-to guy.  His knowledge of performers and recordings is very impressive.  Dave gives music lectures during the season at the Rancho Mirage Library and he is well worth seeing.  All in all, there are four excellent reasons why you need to catch the Pat Rizzo Tuesday show at Vicky's: Pat Rizzo, Yarek Urant, Jim DeJulio and Steve Neilen. 

Pat Rizzo & Yarek Urant

Beverly Jensen Lights Up Lavender Restaurant

Beverly Jensen Leys

Ken Steele

Thom McMorris

This past Friday night, April 1, 2011, we dined at Lavender Restaurant to enjoy their great food and the even greater sounds from Beverly Jensen. As I mentioned before, we have heard Beverly sing a song or two at other entertainment venues we visited.  However, we did not want to miss the chance to hear her headline her own show. Beverly was joined by the wonderful pianist, Herb Mickman who traveled from LA just to play for Beverly.  We sat outside in the patio area even though the temperature at 6:30 pm was still in the 90's. But the heat did not stop Beverly from performing some of the greatest songs ever written in the Great American Songbook.  One of the first songs she sung was the song I rank as my personal favorite of all times;  the great Hoagy Carmichael & Ned Washington chestnut "The Nearness of You". This song was written in 1937 and never gets old.  I loved the way Beverly sang this song, with her soft and silky voice with great attention to the emotion the lyrics express.  A truly a wonderful display of great singing talent.  Next she covered several absolutely great evergreens, "Spring Is Here", "Spring Can Really Hang You Up" and slow tempo "That's All".  I liked the way she sang "Teach Me Tonight" and Beverly did teach us all how well she can sing.  One other number really moved me, the Gershwin classic, "Someone To Watch Over Me".  If you closed your eyes during this song, one could easily hear the soft and lush sounds of Ella Fitzgerald coming from Beverly. If you have a voice as mellow and soft as Ella's, nothing can top that. Thanks for the great evening of music, Beverly!

We also had two guest singers who came up from the audience, Ken Steele and Thom McMorris.  I have heard both of these gentlemen sing before and I was delighted to hear them again. They are both accomplished, professional singers and were welcomed by the many music lovers that were at Lavender to hear Beverly.  It is sometimes hard to explain to people who ask me "why I like spending time in the desert". I think singers like Beverly, Ken and Thom are the answer.  This is where the talented musicians hang out in the winter.  I am renaming the Coachella Valley as "The Winter Home Of Jazz".