Linda and Billy Peterson Team-Up For Great Music at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs

Linda Peterson fans were treated to a special musical visit from her brother, Billy.  Billy is a world-class Bassist who is constantly on the road playing with great Jazz groups both in the United States and in Europe.  Valley favorite Linda Peterson is always a joy to listen to but when she is joined by a member of her large and talented family, she seems to sing and play at an even higher level.  Linda is loved by many because of her wonderful piano playing and singing,  her amazing selection of the greatest songs from the Great American Songbook and her contagious happy personality.  It doesn't matter what mood you are in when you go to hear Linda perform,  by the time you leave you will be humming a favorite tune and feeling at the top of your game.  And it is not just her fans that love Linda so much, I have never heard anything but praise for Linda coming from all the best musicians in town.  Quite a well-deserved tribute for a true professional and truly wonderful caring person.

Woody's Palm House is the successor of the original and wildly-popular Woody's Beer and Burgers that moved into the Palm House last year.  It's a great venue for Jazz and also some of the best food in the Valley.  They still serve the same great hamburgers and other menu items from the old Woody's but now they have added great additional items to the menu.   You are sure to enjoy great food,  hear great Jazz and have a fun-time.  Woody's is usually always sold out, so reservations are a must.  Call ahead at 760-230-0188.

Linda Peterson performs at many venues throughout the Valley and when not playing a gig usually can be found sitting in with other great musicians.  She performs at Woody's every Thursday night from 6 to 10 and every Sunday for brunch between 10 and 2.  On Friday she holds court with Bassist Tibor Lesko on the patio at Fix on El Paseo from 5 to 8.  Great fun place for a quick drink and small plates.  Reservations call 760-340-3040.

Saturdays you will find Linda at Backstreet Bistro in Palm Desert singing and playing for the lunch crowd.   And Sunday evenings Linda performs at Chef George's from 6 to 9.  Chef George is located at Country Club and Washington and has wonderful authentic Hungarian food at reasonable prices and great Jazz playing and singing from Linda.  Reservations call 760-200-1768.

I located a YouTube video of Linda playing and singing a few great standards, enjoy!

CD Review: Ken Schaphorst Big Band, "How To Say Goodbye"

There are not many great big band CDs being recorded today and that is a shame.  In my opinion, nothing beats the sounds of Jazz being performed by a big band of talented musicians.  I guess it's just too costly, and I imagine hard to get all the band members in a recording studio at the same time.  But when are able to get a group of great players in the studio together and have a superb composer and bandleader, the magic starts to happen.   Composer/Bandleader Ken Schaphorst, chair of the Jazz Studies Department at New England Conservatory has just released a wonderful big band CD, "How To Say Goodbye" and it is terrific.  This CD has everything a big band CD would need to be excellent: Schaphorst composed and arranged 10 beautiful pieces of music and selected seasoned pros to join him in this effort.  The result is a gift to Jazz lovers of a big band CD of outstanding musical quality.  There is a lot of good stuff on this CD but the Schaphorst tune, "Blues for Herb" really appealed to me.  This tune was composed as a tribute to Ken's friend influential Trumpeter and Educator Herb Pomeroy.  Schaphorst developed a long musical relationship with Pomeroy who was always supportive of Ken and his music.  This cut showcases some wonderful Tenor work by Donny McCaslin who was also a student of Pomeroy.

The Band:
Ken Schaphorst: Trumpet, Fender Rhodes
Michael Thomas: Alto and Soprano Sax, Clarinet
Jeremy Udden: Alto Sax
Donny McCaslin: Tenor Sax
Chris Cheek, Tenor Sax
Brian Landrus: Baritone Sax, Bass Clarinet
Tony Kadleck: Trumpet, Flugehorn
Dave Ballou: Trumpet, Flugehorn
John Carlson: Trumpet, Flugehorn
Ralph Allessi: Trumpet, Flugehorn
Luis Bonilla: Trombone
Jason Jackson: Trombone
Curtis Hasselbring: Trombone
Jennifer Wharton: Bass Trombone
Uri Caine: Piano
Brad Shepik: Guitar
Jay Anderson: Bass
Matt Wilson: Drums
Jerry Leake: Percussion

The Playlist:
1. "How to Say Goodbye"
2. "Blues for Herb"
3. "Mbira 1"
4. "Green City"
5. "Amnesia"
6. "Take Back the Country"
7. "Float"
8. " Mbira 2"
9. "Global Sweat"
10. "Descent"

I found a "Youtube" of this cut and have attached it below for your review.

    

Mike Costley Singing Better Than Ever at Vicky's in Indian Wells, Ca

Wayne Boyer, Mike Costley, Henry Franklin

Wayne Boyer

Henry Franklin and Dennis Michaels

If you like songs from the "Great American Songbook" and great vocals, there is no better place  than Vicky's in Indian Wells on Monday and Tuesday nights.  Mike Costley's singing and major-star stage presence captures the audience from the first note he sings and does not release them until 2 hours later when he takes his first break.  Mike has a strong voice with an unbelievable range probably 3 octaves and always puts on a Jazz vocal seminar at every performance. Mike Costley is without a doubt one of the best singers performing today.  One only has to observe the large number of professional singers who show up whenever they have a free night to heard Mike sing.  Tonight was no exception as some of the most talented Singers and Musicians in Southern California came to see Mike.  This group included the multitalented Singer/Composer Michael Dees, and Valley favorite Linda Peterson who brought another talented member of her family Producer/Singer/ Composer, Rickie Peterson.  Also in attendance was the outstanding Piano player, Richard Turner who performs with the John Stanley King group on Sunday nights at Vicky's, Pianist Judy Wolman, Tenor player Joe Canoura and several other talented Singers, Carole Hampton, Lee Hartley, Kristie King, Michael DelAngelo, Larry Capelito and Jeannie Norris.

For Mike's Monday show he is supported by three highly talented and musically-skilled musicians,  Dennis Michael on Piano and Vocals, Wayne Boyer on Drums and Flugelhorn and Henry Franklin on Bass.  When Mike surrounds himself with musicians of this quality, his performance is raised to a greater height to the delight of the audience!  Dennis Michael is the heart of the supporting group providing wonderful arrangements for Mike and thoughtful creative solos.  Dennis has been the accompanist for numerous big-time Vocalists over the years and after listening to his piano work tonight it's easy to see why.  His touch is soft and thoughtful providing solid support for Mike without taking any of his creative space away.  Michael is also a wonderful Jazz singer in his own right.  He sang a couple of Jazz songs Monday to the delight of the audience.  Wayne Boyer is a simply amazing musician playing Drums and Flugelhorn at the same time with excellence! Wayne also plays Piano and Organ.  Completing this great supporting trio is Bassist, Henry Franklin.  I have now seen Henry three times this season and he has quickly become one of my favorite Bassists.

The music starts at 7:00pm but if you want a seat, plan to get to Vicky's early.  Don't miss the chance to hear Mike Costley perform, it doesn't get any better than this!

CD Review: Ron Boustead "Unlikely Valentine"

Ron Boustead has a long and solid reputation as one of the most talented Vocalist and Lyricist performing today.  For the past 34 years, Ron has been performing and writing lyrics since he was just 16.  His many past credits include recording a vocal CD featuring lyrics he had written to tunes by the likes of Chet Baker,  Chick Corea, and Freddie Hubbard.  Over his career, he released three more CDs and learned a new trade. He became a top-notch mastering engineer, worked at the legendary Precision Mastering where he cut CD and vinyl masters for artists like Prince, Rolling Stones, Seal, Kiss, R.E.M., and many others.  After all of these achievements, Ron thought it was time for him to make a CD that reflected his evolving tastes and growth as an artist.  His new CD "Unlikely Valentine" is cool and hip.  Ron put together a mix of tunes that include lyrics he provided and a fresh take on lesser-done standards.  When Boustead began thinking about this project, he decided he wanted the music to be upbeat and bebop-oriented, yet accessible to people who aren't necessarily hard-core Jazz fans.  In my opinion, he has reached these goals!  His new CD is fresh and live and his lyrics seem real and natural.  His performance on the tune he wrote, "Coffee" is outstanding in style and lyric and Ron's vocal is perfect and "Sinatra-like".  If you like straight ahead Jazz vocals, you will love this new CD that is being released on February 14, 2017.  It will be available on Amazon, iTunes and CD Baby.

The Band:  

Ron Boustead, Vocals and Lyrics

Bill Cunliffe, Piano and Arrangements

Mitchel Forman, Piano and Arrangements

Pat Kelly, Acoustic and Electric Guitar

Bob Sheppard, Sax and Flute

Bob McChesney, Trombone

Ron Stout, Flugelhorn

John Leftwich, Bass

Jake Reed, Drums

Playlist:

1. "Unlikely Valentine"

2. "Love Potion # 9"

3. "Coffee"

4. " I Won't Scat"

5. "Til Now"

6. "Autumn Leaves"

7. "Love's Carousel"

8. "Along Came Betty"

9. "I Love My Wife"

10. "Love Came On Stealthy Fingers"

I found and attached a couple of "YouTube" videos that I think you will enjoy.  The first is Ron telling his story about his new CD and the second I just had to share,  Ron singing my number one greatest song, "The Nearness of You".  Enjoy!

 Ron Boustead Tell the Story of His New CD, "Unlikely Valentine"

       
                                                 Ron Boustead "The Nearness of You"

CD Review: Mikole Kaar, "Give Em Heaven"

Anyone who has visited the Southern California live Jazz scene has probably run into Composer, Arranger and Reed player, Mikole Kaar.  Mikole Kaar has dedicated his entire life to live performing and even now when he has gigs 5 to 6 times a week, the first time he has a free night, you will find him sitting-in with other Jazz groups.  Playing since he was 9 years old, Mikole has studied Clarinet at Cal State and then became a Flute major at University of San Diego.

Mikole has just published a new CD, "Give Em Heaven" and it has been getting excellent reviews.  There is a mix of 10 songs on the CD, some great Jazz standards and a few written by Mikole for this CD.  The Jazz is hot and cool and so is the sound as Mikole has gathered 3 seasoned musicians to support him on this CD.  His supporting cast is made up of the fabulous guitar player and Desert favorite, Doug MacDonald who never disappoints his large Jazz fan base with his great playing, Paul Kreibich is on Drums and Harvey Newmark is on Bass.  Together they make beautiful music!

This CD has a wonderful groove and I especially like the pairing of up-tempo tunes with a couple of outstanding ballads.  I love the interpretation of the old Jazz standard "Invitation" that still sounds haunting every time I hear it.  One cut that Mikole composed, "A Song For Claire" has been selected to be on this year's "Desert Jam CD".  Profits from this CD go to "Wellness in the Desert Charity".  I also loved cut 4, "Darlicious".  I have to say that the influence of Doug MacDonald's wonderful guitar work on Mikole's playing is clear.  These two seasoned pros have been playing live performances together for a while now and they work perfectly together.  You can buy the CD or any of the tunes on Spotify, YouTube and Google and you can go on site to hear some of the great stuff Mikole has put down.  Mikole plays all over town and currently does gigs at "Oscars" in Palm Springs among other live music spots in the Valley.

I found a "YouTube" of Mikole Kaar playing the flute for the song "Comin' Home" with the Jackson Garrett Band to give you a sample of Mikole's playing style.  Enjoy!

The Players:

Mikole Kaar: Composer, Arrange, Tenor, Flute and Vocals
Doug MacDonald: Guitar
Paul Kreibich: Drums
Harvey Newmark: Bass

Playlist:
1. "Give Em Heaven"
2. "Invitation"
3. "Coming Home Baby"
4. "Darlicious"
5. "A Song For Claire"
6. 'Blues For For Jack"
7, "Dynamic Dynamo"
8. "Black Ballet"
9. "Imagine"
10. "Please Make Up Your Mind"

CD Review: Andrea Claburn "Nightshade"

Vocalist, Songwriter and Arranger Andrea Claburn has published her new CD, "Nightshade" and it is a winner!  This is her debut album but based on her performance on this CD, she has obviously being training for years to arrive to her current professional level.  Andrea has a strong, warm, clear wonderful voice and a smooth approach to lyric that flows perfectly.  On this CD Andrea has put together a great mix of original compositions and re-imagined Jazz standards she has been performing over the past 10 years.  That's a long time for any musical professional before releasing their first CD but this was no accident.  According to Claburn, "Although I was performing regularly and getting positive responses from audiences, I resisted laying down a CD because I didn't want to just do songs and arrangements written by other people. I had my own concepts, but I didn't have the skills yet to realize them."  These are words of wisdom that other new performers should read and consider.  In addition to composing five songs for her CD, Andrea added her interpretations of compositions by diverse artists as Hoagy Carmichael, Pat Metheny and Betty Carter among others.  Andrea did all the arrangements except one.  Musically, this CD is outstanding and I recommend it highly.  This CD is being released on Friday the 13th of January, 2017  and based on what I have heard, it will bring nothing but good luck to Andrea Claburn! The CD is available on Amazon, iTunes, and CD Baby.

The Band:

Andrea Claburn: Songwriter, Vocalist and Arranger
Matt Clark, Piano
Sam Bevan, Bass
Alan Hall, Drums
Kasey Knudsen, Alto Sax
John Sontos, Percussionist
Erik Jekabson, Trumpet
Terrence Brewer, Guitar
Mads Tolling, violinist
Joseph Hebert, Cello
Rob Ewing, Trombone

Playlist:

1. "Lionheart"
2. "Bird On A Wire"
3. "My Favorite Flavor"
4. "Infinite Wisdom"
5. "Turn On The Stars"
6. "After You've Gone"
7. " Skylark"
8. "I Can't Help it"
9. "The Fall of Man"
10. "Daybreak"
11 "Colors of Light"
12. "Steal Away"

Jazz is Hot and Live at "Jazz For Jazz Lovers" at Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store in Palm Desert, CA

Rob Lockart, Jonathan Richards, Clay Jenkins, Pete Carlson, Bill Cunliffe and Joe Labarbera

                                                              Picture Courtesy of Ashton Khachigian

The "Jazz for Jazz Lovers" music series at Peter Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store is in full swing.  On Saturday January 7, 2017, Pete hosted "The Joe Labarbera Quintet"  featuring Joe Labarbera on Drums, Clay Jenkins on Trumpet, Rob Lockart on Saxophone, Bill Cunliffe on Piano and Jonathan Richards on Bass.  The Jazz was spectacular and well appreciated by the standing room only crowd that was in attendance.  Joe Labarbera is recognized across the US and in Canada as one of the top Drummers performing today.  Tonight, he proved why he gets high praise from both Jazz lovers and Jazz professional musicians.  Joe put on a clinic of Drum skills,  not only on up-tempo tunes but also on ballads.  I am sure you don't hear the word sensitive when describing a great Drummer but this word fits Joe's playing to a tee.  What impressed me even more was Joe's ability to fit into his Quintet perfectly without under playing or over playing.  He always provided a balance with his four playing partners.

The musicians in Joe's Quintet were all solid gold Jazz guys starting with  the well-known superb Trumpet player, Clay Jenkins.  I am sure many of you have heard Clay play but to hear him in person playing with freshness and clarity is a super treat!   Bill Cunliffe was terrific on piano and because Joe and he have been friends for years, the flow between them is dead-on great.  Rob Lockart has also been with Joe for years, and he brings his own magic to this group.  His improvising is unusual, fresh and clear.  The last member of tonight's quintet was a young Bass player, Jonathan Richards.  Joe had heard Jonathan play a couple of times and decided to have him fill in whenever possible.  Jonathan may be young but he plays terrific Bass and Joe gave him many opportunities to solo to the delight of the audience.

Pete Carlson and his wife Edna are two of the most generous and well-loved people in the Desert.  They put in a tremendous effect in time and money to keep this Jazz series going.  All the profits from the concerts that go on throughout the winter season are donated to support music education and scholarships for young musicians in the Coachella Valley.  Stop by Pete's store and get a schedule and tickets to future shows.  Think about this, the people who attended this great Jazz performance only had to pay $25 dollars that's just $5.00 per member of this quintet......Where can you get a better live Jazz deal than this?

I found and attached a "Youtube" of "The Joe Labarbera Quintet" that I know you will enjoy.  This "Youtube" was recorded at Alva's Showroom on 1/19/2003.  The players on it are Joe on Drums, Clay Jenkins on Trumpet, Bill Cunliffe on Piano, Bob Sheppard on Tenor and Tom Washington on Bass.