CD Review: Nicole Saphos: "Tiptoe"

Bassist, Vocalist and Songwriter Nicole Saphos takes the "Great American Songbook" for an exciting ride. On her new CD, "Tiptoe" Nicole has fun with some great classic songs like Cole Porter's "Just One Of Those Things" proving that when a great Vocalist meets a great song, the great song becomes new again.  But singing is just one of Nicole's talents. She is a terrific and inventive Bass player leaving the standard Bass line behind in search of new creative Bass Jazz compositions.  In addition to the standards in this CD, Nicole has also included 4 original songs she composed.  Personally, I like to hear a new singer perform a standard first before I listen to a newly composed song.  The way a singer approaches a standard can tell you a lot about their imagination and style.  Nicole passed this test with flying colors with the first song on her CD, " Cole Porter's "Just One Of Those Things".  I found a video on "YouTube" so you can judge for yourself.

In 2012, Nicole formed her own trio with Ele Rubinstein on Drums and  John Lee on Guitar.  Playing together over the past 4 1/2  years has created a tight fit for this group with each performer anticipating each others every move.  This CD is very refreshing combining great standards with some new musical approaches to new music composed by Nicole Saphos.

I have attached a second "YouTube" of the trio playing one of Nicole's original compositions, "Broken Ballerina".  "This song uses  a ballerina's dedication to art as a powerful metaphor.  Ballerina's careers are tragically cut short by injury and age, yet knowing this fate, they still commit their lives to this fleeting time."

Playlist:
1.  "Just One Of Those Things"
2.  "Broken Ballerina"
3.  "Say IT Isn't So"
4.  " Custom Memories"
5.  "Lady Hip's Great Escape"
6.  "Hot Knife"
7.  "Moon Ray"
8.  "Doesn't Do"
9.  "Ugly Beauty"
10."You Don't Know What Love Is"

CD Review: Glenda Davenport "More Than You Know"

One night last month, I went over to Shanghai Jazz Restaurant in Madison to catch some Jazz sounds.  The singer appearing was Glenda Davenport who was new to me.  I was really impressed with Glenda's smooth style and sensitive voice, the selection of classic songs she performed and her top-notch Jazz styling.  Glenda reminds me of some of my favorite Jazz singers and has the voice and talent to allow her to join their group.  Tonight I heard reminders of Ella and Sarah mixed with Glenda's own unique style and voice.  Glenda is a seasoned pro and a polished Jazz Vocalist!  Tonight she came out and sang for over 90 minutes without a break and never missed a note.

Glenda has two CD's she has published and her latest is "More Than You Know".  It's a perfect CD for anyone who loves the songs from the "Great American Songbook".  Every song and performance on this CD is a gem.  Take a look at the 15 song playlist. Glenda is joined on this CD by her close and long-time friend, Hiroshi Yamasaki who was her Musical Director, Arranger, and Pianist.  Hiroshi is terrific in his own right.  Ryan Berg was on Bass and David Jones was on Drums.  Carmen Leggio was a special guest on Alto Saxophone.

Playlist:

1. "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To"
2. "More Than You Know"
3. "Lover Come Back To Me"
4. "For Once In My Life"
5. "Why did I Choose You?"
6. "My Funny Valentine"
7. "Moonlight In Vermont"
8. "Don't Go To Strangers"
9. "I Could Write A Book"
10. "The Nearness of You"
11. "This Can't Be Love"
12. "The Man I Love"
13. "Be My Love"
14. "Dindi"
15."That's All"

I found a "Youtube" of Glenda singing "That's All" live at the Kitano Hotel in New York City that was recorded on March 6, 2010. Accompanying Glenda is the wonderful Hiroshi Yamasaki Piano Trio.

CD Review: Jeff Rupert & Richard Drexler, "Imagination"

Jeff Rupert and Richard Drexler have just released a new CD that highlights their enormous musical talents.  Jeff Rupert has a long list of credits that include recordings and tours with Diane Schuur, Mel Torme', Ernestine Anderson, and Benny Carter's Grammy winning "Harlem Renaissance".  He toured with Maynard Ferguson from 1997 through 2002.  Here is a quote from Maynard "From the moment I first heard Jeff Rupert with my band I considered him one of the great Jazz players of today".  In addition to Composing, Arranging and playing Tenor Sax, Jeff is a Pegasus Distinguished Professor, Trustee Endowed Chair and Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Central Florida and founder of Flying Horse Records.

But on Jeff's new CD, there is no big band, only the talented Richard Drexler on Piano, and as a result, listeners can get a close look at Jeff's improvising mastery and also the sensational tone he produces.  Pianist, Bassist, Vocalist and Composer/Arranger Richard Drexler has performed on over 200 recordings and played Piano in the Woody Herman Orchestra for over 20 years.  He has performed with some of the greats of Jazz, George Benson, Diahann Carroll, Vic Damone, Donovan, Connie Francis, Amy Grant, Al Jareau and tons more other Jazz greats.  Richard is also a faculty member at the University of Central Florida's acclaimed Jazz Studies program.

There are 8 wonderful songs on this CD, one composed by Jeff Rupert and the others from some of the best American composers like Vincent Youmans, Steve Wonder, Claude Thornhill, Dave Brubeck, and Jimmy Van Heusen/ Johnny Burke.  These songs being performed by a great Tenor player and a just-as-great Piano player is a joy to any music lover.  This CD was released on January 2, 2017, and I highly recommend it.

Playlist:

1. "Without a Song"
2.  "I Can't Help It"
3." Snowfall"
4. "Strange Meadowlark"
5. "Imagination"
6. "A Felicidade"
7. "My Mistress' Eyes"
8. "Soul Eyes"  

I have attached a "YouTube" video of Jeff and Richard playing the stunningly beautiful standard, "Snowfall"  composed by Claude Thornhill.

I found another "YouTube" I could not resist attaching for you.  It's Jeff Rupert playing an up-tempo version of the Cole Porter classic "Love For Sale" with the Dirty Martini band.

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"