CD Review: "Humblebrag, Live At 800 East" by Michael Feinberg

The new CD, "Humblebrag Live At 800 East" from Michael Feinberg is very inspirational. Michael informs us the word humblebrag means "Subtly letting others know about how fantastic your life is while undercutting it with a bit of self-effacing humor".  Pretty deep thought and so is the music.  Michael Feinberg is a talented Bassist and a superbly and refreshingly creative Composer who is not satisfied following the traditional Jazz-composing path.  This means Michael must take some serious musical risks, and he embraces these challenges.  I willing admit that Michael's compositions would not normally be what would musically attract me, but there is something about, not only the way the music is composed, but how it sounds that is very appealing to the listener.

Part of this is due to the wonderful group of talented musicians Michael has assembled to record his compositions. Michael agrees as he states, "These guys are my friends and they make it a comfortable environment. Each one is a talented composer, and knows how to interpret my music. Billy and Godwin spent two years playing together every day at the Monk Institute, and on top of their virtuosic musicianship they're an amazing team. Along with Julian they're the next generation of guys coming up." I could not agree more with Michael's assessment. Supporting Michael on this CD are some of the brightest new Jazz stars on the New York scene.  Julian Shore on Piano, Godwin Louis on Alto Saxophone, Billy Buss on Trumpet and veteran Terreon Gully on Drums.  Jacob Deaton adds his Guitar on one track.

This CD will hit the street on May 7, 2014 and will be enjoyed by any serious Jazz fan. This may be the new face of Jazz going forward but for now its just great inspiring music!

Michael Feinberg: Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass
Terreon Gully: Drums
Godwin Louis: Alto Sax
Billy Buss: Trumpet
Julian Shore: Piano
Jacob Deaton: Guitar
All Songs Written by Michael Feinberg

                                Tracks
1. Tutuola
2. Puncher's Chance
3. But The Sound
4. Duckface
5. Untitled 2
6. Humblebrag

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.

Jim DeJulio & Josh Nelson Produce Marvelous Jazz At The Merc

Josh Nelson & Jim DeJulio
Jazz At The Merc

Jim DeJulio & Josh Nelson

Jim DeJulio
Photo by Cam Miller

Josh Nelson
Photo by Cam Miller

On Thursday April 3 Bassist Jim DeJulio and Pianist Josh Nelson joined forces to put on a magnificent program of Jazz at the Merc. "The Jazz at The Merc" is a Jazz series that spotlights what Sherry Williams, the creator and manager of this series calls "Chamber Jazz". This Jazz series hosted by the wonderful Jazz singer, Sherry Williams lights up every Thursday at 7:30pm in one of the most intimate Jazz venues you will ever experience. "The Merc" is at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater (42051 Main Street).  The acoustics inside the small theater that seats only 48 are hard to explain.  Think about going to hear your favorite Jazz players in a recording studio with 50 of your closest friends. The sound is so good, so intimate that you almost become one with the music. I have been told by my musician friends that they make their way to "The Merc" just to enjoy playing in this wonderful acoustical space filled with appreciative Jazz fans. 

Tonight was no exception. Performing tonight was one of the most respected Bass players in the country, Jim DeJulio who was joined by one of the most talented and sought after young Jazz pianists, Josh Nelson. 

Jim DeJulio, well-known and respected by Jazz musicians from coast to coast is one of only a handful of Bassists that understands the beauty and simplicity of playing melody. When Jim played melody on his Bass like he did Thursday night for "How High The Moon", the listener visualized the lyrics and felt the emotion the composer put into the song. Technically trained, he is exceptional when playing all genres of music. He played for Sinatra and the Pittsburgh Symphony for years. No wonder Jim was Sinatra's Bassist of choice for his Vegas concerts and his Palm Springs house parties. In addition to his magnificent Bass playing, Jim has also written some outstanding songs, several of which he performed Thursday to the delight of the audience. The list of world-class musicians Jim has played with could easily make up the "Who's Who" of Jazz: Sinatra, June Christy, Johnny Mathis, Dionne Warwick, Sammy Davis, Jr, Carmen McCrae, Lannie Kazan, Vic Damone and Nancy Wilson to name just a few. In addition, normally when a Bassist is playing with a most-talented Pianist, the Pianist would be leading the charge for most of the concert. But not tonight!  Jim carried the lead many times during the evening but by the end of the performance, these two talented musicians shared the lead equally.

Josh Nelson is only in his early 30's but has already established himself as one of the most upcoming Pianists and Songwriters on the West Coast. His approach to Jazz on the piano is fresh and inventive, and his touch is so light and beautiful one wonders how he is able to generate the sounds he does. Josh has already won many awards including being a semi-finalist in the prestigious International Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition. In addition to his ongoing songwriting pursuits, Josh has also been busy touring with Jazz vocalist Natalie Cole for the past two years. He is also devoted to maintaining a private studio of Jazz students and teaching Adjunct Faculty at Soka University. Josh's influences are from Herbie Hancock, Bill Evans, and Keith Jarrett. Quite a trio of brilliant talents to emulate! Josh Nelson may be young but he is already an accomplished Jazz musician. Don't miss any chance to hear him.

By the way, the piano at "The Marc" is a beautiful-sounding Steinway that makes any Pianist want to play.

                             
                                                    UPCOMING SCHEDULE AT THE MARC

April 17: Dick Weller Trio featuring Ty Ballie, Organ and John Tendy, Sax

April 24: Eric Reed Quartet featuring Danny Janklow, Sax Hamilton Price, Bass and Wesley Anderson, Drums

May 1: Doug MacDonald, Guitar/Organ quartet

May 8: Delfeayo Marsalis Quintet 

May 15: Jon Mayer, Piano with vocalist Mark Winkler

May 22: Frank Potenza, Guitarist with Luther Hughes, Bass

May 29: Debbie Voltura Quartet

June 5: Bruce Lett Bass, Hank Mancini Vibes, and Brad Dutz Perc

June 12: Bill Saitta Bass, Jeff Olsen Drums

  

CD Review: "Te Llevo Bajo La Piel" by Yolanda Duke

 Latin Jazz comes in many forms, but Yolanda Duke's latest effort makes a clear statement that the king of the Latin big band, The Tito Puente Orchestra is hard to top.  Yolanda has been performing with the current Tito Puente Latin Jazz Orchestra using some of the old wonderful charts that just come alive on this CD. Personally I love the Latin Jazz sound because there are so many variations that never get old.  What makes this new CD extra special is that it includes covers of some great songs out of the Great American Songbook. Singing the lyric for "I've Got You Under My Skin" and other classics in Spanish is not easy but Yolanda Duke does it beautifully. The album even has a sub-title "The Great American Songbook Goes Latino".

Yolanda Duke brings the listener many years of experience with Latin Jazz and all its rhythms. Whether Merengue, Ballads, Bossanova, Salsa or Bolero, Yolanda clearly has a mastery of Latin Jazz.  She has performed in many venues, but she found her sweet spot when she joined the Tito Puente Orchestra and toured the world from 1994 to 1997. She has a clear, strong voice and she is not afraid to show it. One really special song on the CD is "Contigo En La Distancia" that was arranged, produced and performed by the great Trumpet Star Arturo Sandoval. The CD will be available for sale on April 15, 2104 at all fine retailers.

                                                       List of Songs
1. Le Neblina De Tu Amor (Misty)

2. Te Llevo Bajo La Piel (I've Got You Under My Skin)

3. Contigo En La Distancia (Performed by Arturo Sandoval)

4. Eso Que Llaman Amor (What Is This Thing Called Love)

5. Muchos Besos

6. Dios, Como Te Amo

7. Nadie Me Lo Podra Quitar (They Can't Take That Away From Me)

8. Luna Azul (Blue Moon)

9. Medley: Myrta Silva 

10. Extrano Aquellos Anos (The Hungry Years)

11. Dio, Come Ti Amoi (Italiana Version)

Gilbert Hanson Plays and Sings Jazz at Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Shelley Yoelin, Gilbert Hanson & Dan Papalla

Gilbert Hanson

     

Shelley Yoelin

Jay Lewis & Shelley Yoelin

Jazz lovers always make the best and most appreciative audiences.  On Tuesday, April 1,  the great electric Bass Man, Gilbert Hanson sat in for Bill Saitta to lead a group of very talented musicians perform a night of Jazz at The Backstreet Bistro. The weather was windy and cold. Only serious Jazz fans would brave this weather and have dinner on the patio so they could hear the great sounds. This night proved if you play great Jazz, they will come and the patio was full regardless of the weather.

As soon as the band started to play, it seemed to warm the air and everyone immediately enjoyed the music and the musicians.  Gilbert Hanson is one of the few electric Bass players who plays Jazz in the Valley.  He has a unique, cool style, puts down a great groove and walks his electric Bass as well as any Stand Up Bass player. In addition, he sings the Blues as good as anyone I have heard.  Tonight he warmed up the audience singing his version of "Going To Chicago".  

Taking the lead on most of tonight's songs was the talented Tenor Sax player, Shelley Yoelin. When Shelley plays he takes no prisoners, just full speed ahead. He delighted the audience with enthusiastic solos that were well-constructed. On Guitar tonight, was our old friend, Dan Papalla.  Dan is highly respected throughout California and for good reason.  He plays great fresh solos where the listener can clearly hear every note he plays. Any group would be glad to have him.  Jay Lewis one of the absolute best drummers in the Desert played Drums tonight and proved once again why he is so sought after by all the top professionals. He plays with great taste, never overpowers the group and performs original and tight solos.

It was a windy and cold night, but this talented group performed as if we were in the middle of a heat wave.  A great evening of Jazz for all. 

Exceptional Musicians Name Their Top Ten Songs, Chapter Two: Rose Mallett

Rose Mallett Shares Her Top 10 Favorite Songs

This is the second in a series of blogs about the top 10 favorite songs of some of the best musicians  performing today.  Rose Mallett is one of those professionals.  Rose has only been singing in the Palm Springs area for a few years, but she has already established herself as one of the Valley's top singers. She delights her audiences with her original style of singing that shows influences of all the classic great singers of the Great American Songbook like Ella and Sarah. She has been appearing on a regular basis in many of the favorite Jazz spots including Woody's in Palm Springs. I would recommend that you check out her site: Rosemallett.com that lists her current performing schedule.  Wonderful singer and also a wonderful caring human being.

                                                   Here are Rose's top 10 favorite songs in no particular order:
                                                                        (Her favorite artist listed also.)


1. "How Do You Keep The Music Playing"

2. "So You Say" (Manhattan Transfer)

3. "Say No More" (Barry Manilow)

4. "A Song For You" (Donny Hathaway)

5. "If I Never Sing Another Song" (Shirley Bassey)

6. "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (Roberta Flack)

7. "Man I Love"

8. "Love Comes From The Most Unexpected Places" (Barbara Streisand)

9. "The Way He Makes Me Feel" (Barbara Streisand)

10. "Send In The Clowns"

CD Review: " Still" by The Keith Davis Trio

The new CD "Still" is the first release by veteran Jazz pianist Keith Davis and it's filled with beautiful original music that he composed. Keith has spent the last 30 years building his reputation as a Jazz pianist, composer and educator.  He toured with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Artie Shaw Orchestra and as a member of the Teddy Adams Quintet. Keith has perfumed with many of the greats of the American Jazz scene including David "Fathead" Newman, Ben Riley, Mike Mainieri, Pat LaBarbera and Frank Foster. Keith lives in Greenville, SC where he serves as Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Piano at Furman University.

Joining Keith on this CD are Ron Brendle on Bass and Justin Watt on Drums. These three performers fit together perfectly with the wonderful Jazz composing of Keith Davis.  The music is fresh and relaxing and sure to be loved by any Jazz lover. Keith has constructed each melody with clarity, and yet, he allows the group plenty of room to explore. Simply great Jazz for everyone! This CD was produced by Keith Davis and released on February 4, 2014 on the LoNote label.