Frank DiSalvo Still Thrilling Audiences at The Indian Wells Hotel Resort

January 18, 2015 will mark the 4th anniversary of Frank DiSalvo's arrival at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel.  Let's take a look at what Frank has accomplished over these past 4 years.  Before Frank started performing at the Indian Wells Resort Hotel, there was no live entertainment of any kind.  When Frank started his gig at the Hotel, he wasn't as well-known as he is today.  I first met Frank when he came into Backstreet Bistro one evening when I was there listening to their Tuesday night Jazz series.  Frank asked to sit in with the quartet and sing a song or two.  He sounded pretty good, but I was most amazed in the amount of confidence he had.  After Frank finished singing, he passed out some of his cards listing his gig at the Hotel.  I was curious about him and decided to go to the Hotel to hear him sing.  The first thing I learned about Frank that night was that he is not just a singer, Frank is an entertainer in every sense of the word.  His audiences the first few months were nothing to write home about but that never stopped Frank.  Even if there was one person in the audience, Frank would do his 3 hour show with gusto!  I've heard that every time Frank opens the door of his refrigerator at home and the inside light goes on, he does 20 minutes of songs.  Frank DiSalvo is a wonderful entertainer but more important, he is a sincere and caring person.  By the time Frank's first season at the Hotel was over, he was drawing a large and very loyal following.  Frank was responsible for his own public relations and he has done an outstanding job.  In four short years, Frank DiSalvo has become "The Entertainer of the Desert".  Frank quickly expanded his performance from one night to four.  But Frank didn't stop here.  He was personally responsible for booking over 40 musicians into the Hotel, and as a result there is now live music at the Indian Wells Hotel 7 nights per week. 

Frank is never happy with the status quo and is constantly adding new material to his show.  This year's show now includes new songs, new stories and even a new comedy segment.  His show is like a musical history course that takes the audience through the songs and performers of the 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's.  Frank takes us from early Sinatra, Martin, Sammy and Nat Cole through Elvis, B.B. King and even Peter, Paul and Mary.  Tonight he did songs from The Lettermen and Johnny Cash.  Some people who have never seen Frank's show think he is just a Sinatra impersonator.  Nothing could be further from reality.  Frank, of course, loves Sinatra as we all do but Frank has a wonderful strong voice that stands on its own.  In addition, he is not just a singer, he puts on what might be described as a Las Vegas lounge act doing all the different parts himself.  He has worked incredibility hard over the past 4 years to improve his singing and entertaining skills and now is at the top of his game.  Frank performs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  He also sings on Sunday with the Ted Herman Big Band from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Seeing his new show is a must, and you should put it on the top of your "To Do" list and bring your friends and family.  Dinner is served during Frank's show, and the food is excellent as is the service.  Please call for a reservation as many of Frank's shows are sold out especially on Friday and Saturday.

For those who have never seen Frank's show or heard him sing, I have attached a "YouTube" that will give you an idea of what his show is all about.

CD Review: Allegra Levy, "Lonely City"

Allegra Levy is a young, but remarkably talented Singer/Songwriter that has just cut her first CD, "Lonely City".  The fact that Allegra likes to sing standards is not what makes her unusual but the fact that when she writes her own music, she writes them in the tradition of the "Great American Songbook" is!  Her voice and phrasing inspiration comes from her love of Carmen McRae and Betty Rodgers and her writing inspiration come from Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne and Henry Mancini.  If a singer/songwriter is looking for inspiration, what better group than this would one pick?  According to Allegra, "Their melodies have lasted for so long and are still so beautiful.  My goal was to retain that timeless sound with modern lyrics. Bring standards into now".   

The 24 year-old New York based vocalist and composer has written 11 original songs for her first CD and each one of them expresses her personal life experiences.  "These are real experiences that I've had, and I want somebody else to know that they're not alone!  

Supporting Allegra on this CD is an all-star cast of musicians: Richie Barshay, Drums, Jorge Roeder, Bass, Adam Kolker, Tenor Sax, Steve Cardenas, Guitar, John Bailey, Trumpet, Carmen Staaf, Piano and Mark Feldman, Violin. This CD was produced by Trumpeter/Composer John McNeil.

"Lonely City" is an excellent and mature first effort from Allegra Levy and will put the music world on notice that she is a musician that has established herself as a winner and future superstar.

I found a "Youtube" of Allegra Levy singing "Lonely City" in a Jazz club.  Unfortunately,  the quality is less than what I heard on her CD, but I still wanted my readers to get a taste of her sound. 

               Playlist 

1. "Anxiety"                              2. "I Don't Want To Be In Love"

3. "Everything Green"             4. "A New Face"

5. "Why Do I"                           6. "A Better Day"

7. "I'm Not Okay"                    8. "Clear-Eyed Tango"

9. "Lonely City"                       10. " Our Lullaby"

11. "The Duet"

                                                   Allegra Levy Sings "Lonely City"

Bill Saitta Opens the 2015 Tuesday Jazz Series At Backstreet Bistro

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside, Bill Saitta and Joe Azarello

Tuesday night, January 6, 2015 was opening night for Jazz at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert, California.  Bill Saitta, the great bassist, singer, arranger creates a different group of outstanding musicians every Tuesday night throughout the winter season.  Tonight Bill selected his go-to-Drummer and everyone's favorite, Jay Lewis along with Joe Azarello on Keyboard. The star of tonight's program was Tom Keenlyside who thrilled the group with his solos on Flute and Tenor Sax. Tom only moved to Palm Desert from Canada a few years ago and has already established his reputation as a sterling Jazz player.  Tom is amazing in his ability to improvise, yet, always retains the essence of the melody.  Tom can do it all, and he does it all whenever he performs.  Tom always plays with excitement, and he transmits his joy of music to his audience.  He also lifts his fellow players to higher levels because of his outstanding musical skills.  Tom never plays safe, he always pushes himself to higher levels of performance.  He is loved by his audience!

I had not heard Bill Saitta play Bass for over 8 months but tonight he continued to prove he is a student of the Bass and his music.  Every year he seems to improve the level of his playing and this night proved that he has taken his musical game to an even higher level.  Bill's approach to music including Jazz is far from casualty.  He continues to be a student of music and takes nothing for granted.  His solos tonight were thoughtful and perfectively constructed.  It's no wonder that Bill is one of the most sought after Bassists in California!

Jay Lewis as usual was sparkling on Drums tonight. Jay is at the top of the list of skilled Drummers playing in Southern California and for good reasons.  Jay never tries to over-shadow any members of the groups he plays with.  He is supportive, and yet can hold his own with any Drummer when it is his time to solo.  Besides his musical talents,  Jay is a really good person and loved by all.

Joe Azarello was on Keyboard tonight and it was my first experience with him.  He supported the

Jay Lewis and Tom Keenlyside

group perfectly and has a very unique playing style especially on his solos.  Seems Joe believes that the structure of his playing is much more important than just playing a lot of background notes.  He was well received by the enthusiastic Backstreet audience.  Tonight was a wonderful start to the season, and I recommend that you put Tuesday night Jazz at Backstreet Bistro on your "To Do" list.

Joe Azarello

Jay Lewis, Tom Keenlyside and Bill Saitta

The Jackson Garrett Band Warms Up "The River" Shopping Mall

Mike Costley And The Jackson Garrett Band

On Sunday, January 4, 2015, a group of some of the most talented musicians in the West came together at "The River" Mall in Rancho Mirage to perform in support of "Desert Friends of the Developmentally Disabled". This non-profit group provides low-cost dental care to everyone with developmental disabilities, as well as senior citizens and veterans in the Coachella Valley and throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. I find it interesting that these world-class musicians, who, are never paid the full value of their talents are always the first ones to offer their musical talents to help worthy charities all across the USA.  We all owe these musicians our admiration and support for the music they give us and their efforts to make our world a better place to live!

The performers today included a long list of A-list musicians put together by the tireless efforts of Chris Gore, singer, arranger, writer and all-around good guy who spent weeks putting this concert together.  Chris is the leader of the talented "Jackson Garrett Band" that performs at various functions in the Coachella Valley. He not only plays keyboard but sings, arranges and writes new material for the band. The reason why Chris is able to get all these great musicians to perform is because they know he a dedicated, committed individual and will do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

Today's performers included the lovely and golden voiced Beverly Jensen, John Pagels on Guitar, velvet throated singer Ken Steele, Shelley Yoelin on Tenor Sax, Singer and Valley weatherman, Patrick Evans, singer Michael D'Angelo, Chris Gore singing and playing Keyboard, desert-favorite singer Darci Daniels-Murphy and Mark Guerrero singing and playing Guitar. This group performed brilliantly but the closing performer, Mike Costley brought the house down with a world-class performance that electrified the audience. Mike has not been performing over the past year or so and his performance today reminded everyone of his singing and performance greatness. Today Mike Costley owned the stage!  Mike sang, danced and talked to the audience gathered at "The River" with a perfection few performers ever get to experience. It was simply a delight to hear Mike performing again. We all hope that Mike decides to perform again on a regular basis!

The Jackson Garrett Band today consisted of John Leys on Trombone, John Pagels on Guitar, Don Clark on Trumpet, Steve Alaniz on Tenor Sax, David Ring on Keyboard, Jay Lewis on Drums and the great bassist, Jeff Stover on Bass Guitar.

Darci Daniels-Murphy and the Jackson Garrett Band

Beverly Jensen and The Jackson Garrett Band

Ken Steele

Michael D'Angelo

Mike Costley & John Pagels

Shelley Yoelin

Chris Gore

Mark Guerrero

CD Review: Five Plus Six "Such Sweet Thunder"

Jazz is alive and well in all parts of the USA.  Most of the new Jazz CDs I am asked to review, especially big bands are either the West Coast or the East Coast.  However, Vance Thompson's new Jazz band, Five Plus Six direct from Knoxville, Tennessee proves that great Jazz is being creative all over the USA.  Vance Thompson is an outstanding Jazz Trumpet player, and he has provided some  sensational arrangements of classic Jazz composition from the masters of Jazz: Thelonious Monk, Billy Strayhorn and Duke Ellington.  And believe it or not Vance has arranged a gem from the musical pen of Dolly Parton that would knock Dolly off her chair, "Little Sparrow".

The heart of this new eleven-piece band combines Vance Thompson's core quintet with six additional horns.  The additional horn players while younger musicians, play with seasoned musicianship and add a noticeable excitement to the overall big band sound.  Five Plus Six has produced a terrific Jazz product and would thrill anyone who loves the big band Jazz sound.

As a side-note, this CD was made possible through a fund raising project done in coordination with the site, "Pledgemusic.com".  Its great that we have so many sites now where musicians can get financial support to record new CDs that benefit all music lovers.  The world is a better place because musicians like Vance Thompson can share their creative talents with us.

        The Lineup:
       
        "The Five"
Vance Thompson- Trumpet & Flugel and all arrangement except "Four in One".
Michael Wyatt-Trumpet
Joe Jordan-Trumpet
Tylar Bullion-Trombone
Sean Copeland-Tenor & Bass Trombone

         "The Six"
Keith Brown-Piano & Fender Rhodes
Jamel Mitchell-Alto & Soprano Sax
Taylor Coker-Bass
Greg Tardy-Tenor Sax & Bass Clarinet
Nolan Nevels-Drums
David King-Baritone and Soprano Sax

"Four and One" arrangement by Donald Brown and Keith Brown
Executive Producers: Barbara and Jeffrey Crist
Associate Producers: Bill and Elisabeth Rukeyser

Playlist:
"Pannonia"-Thelonious Monk
"Isfahan"-Billy Strayhorn
"Little Sparrow-Dolly Parton
"Ugly Beauty"-Thelonious Monk
"Such Sweet Thunder"-Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn
"Prelude To A Kiss"-Duke Ellington
"Rocklin In Rhythm"-Duke Ellington
"Four In One"-Thelonious Monk
"He's Gone Away"-Traditional Appalachian Folk Song

I found a "YouTube" of Five Plus Six playing "Rockin In Rhythm" that is guaranteed to make you feel good!

CD Review: Barbara Rose "Christmas CD"

The talented and beautiful Barbara Rose has produced a new "Christmas" CD,  and it's what you expect from Barbara.  It's amazingly good! Barbara Rose's talent is hard to properly describe.  She began her musical life at age 3, attended Julliard and graduated at the age of 10.  By the time she was 17, she was playing and singing in the top night spots in New York City, like The St. Regis Hotel, The Oak Room at the Plaza Hotel, Peacock Alley at TheWaldorf-Astoria Hotel and Tavern on the Green.  Currently, Barbara entertains a large following of fans at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank, NJ usually on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for brunch.  Barbara is very much in demand, so if you want to see her, be sure to call ahead to make sure she is appearing. Barbara plays and sings all styles of music from Classic to American Jazz. She is also a fine composer and does all her own arrangements which are always unique and beautiful. Her "Christmas" CD must be heard by everyone who loves the historical music of Christmas.

    Playlist:

1. Winter Wonderland                          2. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3. Santa Claus is coming To Town      4. Silent Night, Drummer Boy
5. We Need A Little Christmas            6. O Holy Night
7. Carol of Bells, Christmas Medley   8. Blue, White, Toy Land, All is Fair in Love
9. Hark                                                 10. I'll Be Home For Christmas

I have attached two YouTube videos I found I am sure you will love.  The first is Barbara's arrangement of "Carol of the Bells of Christmas Medley" and the second, "Dear Santa" is a tribute to our troops that Barbara wrote, arranged and performed.  Barbara says "I was inspired in 2001 by her prayers for peace and especially in tribute to our troops during the holidays, who continue to fight for freedom in the world.

                               Barbara Rose Playing "Carol of the Bells, Christmas Medley"

                                                Barbara Rose Playing Her Own Composition
                                                                      "Dear Santa'

Keith Jarrett Still the King of Jazz Piano

                                  Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette and Gary Peacock 

On Sunday November 30, I received my first Christmas present.  I got tickets to see Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette perform live at NJPAC in Newark, NJ.  I never saw Keith in person, and I had very high expectations.  I can only say that my high expectations were exceeded with not only Keith but also the performance of Keith's partners of over 30 years, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette.  NJPAC had advertised the concert as "Jazz Geniuses in Concert", and they captured the happening perfectly!

The audience consisted of a mix of ages, from early 20's to some who were in their 80's. What I found as remarkable was the absolute respect the entire audience held for Keith and his remarkable side men.  Every time Keith approached the piano, there was total silence in a room packed with an overflow of Jazz lovers. I have never experience this respectful tribute to any other Jazz musician I have heard live.

Keith Jarrett is universally recognized as one of the most creative improvisers of Jazz Piano. His brilliance is aided by his Classical educational which brings improvised Jazz to wonderful heights that elevate his listeners to Jazz heaven.  The word genius is overused at lot especially in the music world, but there is no better word that describes the music Keith creates!

Performing tonight with Keith were two other musical giants, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette.  Gary Peacock is still playing world-class Bass at the highest level at 79 years of age and still supports Keith's improvisations like he was his twin brother.  Supporting a genius Jazz piano player like Keith is, in my opinion,  one of the most difficult assignments for even the most talented high-level professional musician.  Keith travels his own path through some of the greatest standards ever written; and, therefore, nothing for Gary or Jack is on automatic pilot. Gary's solos were a perfect compliment for Keith's emotional renditions of classic songs, like "I Fall In Love Too Easily".

Jack DeJohnette is a remarkable drummer.  He is one of the greatest drummers in Jazz history and hearing him support Keith and Jack leaves the listener with no doubt of his brilliance.  Jack proves that there is so much more to playing Drums that simply loudly keeping time. He is a student of sounds and uses his percussion instruments like a scientist working in a lab constantly looking for even the slightest variations of sounds to support the construction of this trio's wonderful music.

The trio is touring and I recommend that you make every effort to see them if they get close to where you live. To hear this group live is a Jazz experience of a lifetime!

I found a "YouTube" that I have attached below to remind you of the brilliance of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. This "YouTube" was recorded live in 1993.

                       Keith Jarret, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette "I Fall In Love Too Easily"