CD Review: Shelley Yoelin's Jazz workshop Septet; "Secret Steps"

Tenor Player, Composer, Educator and Arranger, Shelley Yoelin leaves his Jazz community in Chicago every winter and travels to the sunny Coachella Valley for the warm weather but also for the chance to play Jazz with some of the talented musicians in this area.  Shelly is a great musical gift to our area, and he is has no trouble finding willing venues to share his music.  Currently he is playing at AJ's on the Green on Tuesdays and Woody's Palm House on Wednesdays.  In addition, you can usually find him sitting in at all of the Jazz spots in town when he doesn't have a regular gig.  Shelly just retired as Chair of the Fine Arts Department and Director of Bands and Jazz Studies at Triton College.  Shelly just loves to play and joining the Jazz community here in the Valley allows him to do just that!

Shelly has gathered 6 outstanding musicians to join him on his new CD "Secret Steps" which resulted in some wonderful Jazz performances.  There are 9 tunes on the CD and Shelly wrote 3 of them including the title tune "Secret Steps".  Yoelin writes this about the title tune he wrote, "It's a novel conflation of the harmony to Sammy Fain's "Secret Love" and John Coltrane's "Giant Steps".

I have attached a "Youtube" of the group playing "Secret Steps" that I know you will enjoy!  "Giant Steps" is a great CD for any straight-ahead Jazz fan.  You can pick up a copy next time you visit Shelly live at AJ.'s or Woody's . Don't miss the chance to hear Shelly perform  at Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs or AJ's on the Green in Cat City!

By the way, the beautiful 1969 series II Fixed Head Coupe Jaguar E type on the CD's cover was restored by Shelly in the few hours of the day when he was not playing.

"The Phil Norman Tentet" Wows an Overflow Crowd at Pete Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store in Palm Desert, CA

I would venture that any real Jazz fan living in Southern California knows that on Saturday nights the only place to be is at Peter Carlson's Golf and Tennis Store in Palm Desert, CA.  During the day, Pete's place is one of the biggest and best golf and tennis stores in the country but on most Saturday nights, Pete's team cleans out the golf bags and golf clubs in one room and as if by magic, it turns into a Jazz Club!  Pete rolls out a baby Grand and then it's straight-ahead Jazz for the night.  Pete has been hosting these world-class Jazz sessions since 2010.  The proceeds from these 30 or so concerts each season go to support music education and scholarships for young musicians in the Coachella Valley and the American Jazz Institute.  It's a great win for everyone.  Jazz lovers get to hear the best current live Jazz in the Country, and the kids get financial support to keep music playing in their schools!  It's a lot of work for Pete and his wife Edna, but it is a labor of love!

Pete is also a founder, director and broadcaster at a new local 24-hour Jazz radio station right here in Palm Desert, KAJI 95.3 FM.  For anyone not living in this area, you can tune in to the station by logging onto your computer at www.amjazzin.org.   The radio broadcasting legend, Alan Schulz is the program director for KAJI and also hosts his own show.  Alan has spent the major part of his life involved in the Jazz world and has wonderful stories he shares about every Jazz great, past or current. 

Tonight Pete hosted "The Phil Norman Tentet" one of the most talented and respected Jazz bands playing today.  The musicians in this band are stellar, every single one is multi-talented and a Jazz star in his own right.  Take a look at the advertisement posted above and you are sure to know most of the veterans who play in this band.  This wonderful band filled the house wall to wall with Jazz fans from all over the Valley and they were not disappointed.  From the first downbeat, these masters of Jazz performed one great Jazz tune after another.  The arrangement charts were also as good as it gets bringing memories of the great bands from years ago.  Mark your schedule for next week, Saturday, January 26 when the outstanding flutist, Holly Hofmann, will be joined by the Mike Wofford Quartet. 

The band played many great songs last night, but I particularly enjoyed their arrangement of "Surrey With The Fringe On Top" and I have attached a "YouTube" of the band performing it.

Shelley Yoelin Hold Musical Court At Woodys in Palm Springs Every Wednesday

David Ring, Shelley Yoelin and Andy Fraga Jr.

Woody's Palm House in Palm Springs is a great spot to hear live music any day of the week because they have live music 7 days a week.  And the quality of the performers is always some of the best the Desert music scene has to offer.  The owner of Woody's Palm House, Wayne Woodliff, is a former musician himself and he personally selects every act that performs there.  Tonight, I enjoyed the Shelly Yoelin Trio that performs regularly every Wednesday night.  Shelly usually invites one of our great Desert singers to be a special guest and tonight the fabulous Michael Dees joined the group.  Michael has had a long career of doing studio, movie and TV work in LA until he moved to Palm Springs a couple of years ago.  His singing and his original compositions are top draw.  He is simply one of the finest singers on the scene today even though we only get a few chances to hear him sing locally.  I try never to miss one of his gigs.

Tonight Michael vocally joined the Shelly Yoelin Group consisting of Shelly Yoelin on Tenor and Flute, David Ring on Keys and Andy Fraga Jr. on Drums.  These are three of the most talented musicians anywhere and when joined by Michael Dees, it's magic!  Michael sang many songs tonight including the evergreen "What Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life" the song Michael sang for the movie "The Happy Ending".  Michael also sang several beautiful and sensitive songs he wrote the music and the lyrics for, one in particular is the sensational, "In A Moment".  It was a great night for quality music!
 

I recorded Michael singing a swinging version of the classic "All or Nothing At All" at the event.  I was recording from my table and caught some of the crowd sounds but I think you will still enjoy Michael Dees and the Shelly Yoelin group.   Enjoy!

Craig Yancy and the RPM's Star at Backstreet Bistro

Niles Yancey, Mark Ferguson, Craig Yancey, Bill Saitta  

Bill Saitta and Jeff Olson

Hello again to all my Jazz friends in the Coachella Valley!  My winter Jazz season has started and it's appropriate that it started at the Tuesday Jazz session at Backstreet Bistro.  Tuesdays at Backstreet Bistro have been a Desert Jazz lover's staple.  The outdoor setting on the patio is informal and intimate.  For me, I try to get there early so I can sit right next to the musical group.  As a former musician, it brings me back to my playing days!  Each week Bass player, Bill Saitta, schedules different Desert-favorite musicians who have their chance to show us their musical chops.

Tonight, Sax player extraordinaire Craig Yancey had three wonderful musicians, Bill Saitta on Bass, Mark Ferguson on Keys, Jeff Olson on Drums and Craig's son, Niles on Alto Sax to join him.  I heard Niles Yancey perform before but it was clear tonight that he had advanced to the point where he can hold his own next to the most experienced Jazz players.

Craig Yancey has a natural love of music and Jazz in particular and he enjoys playing as much as his audience enjoys hearing him.  Bill Saitta was impressive on Bass and also sang a few songs that have become audience favorites.  Jeff Olson was on Drums and it was a pleasure hearing him again.  I like to say that Jeff Olson has the softest hands in the West.  His drumming is always right on target for the group he is playing for.

I found a short "YouTube" of the group that was recorded and published in July of 2017 that I think you will enjoy.  It contains a major drum solo by Jeff Olson.

Remember, Tuesday is always Jazz night at Backstreet Bistro and reservations are always a good idea,

CD Review: Fred Hersch Trio '97 @ The Village Vanguard

Question: Is there something in the music world that can be described as an intelligent, caring, sensitive and thoughtful Piano Trio?  I think there is and the 1997 never-before-released recorded performance titled, "The Fred Hersch Trio @ The Village Vanguard" fits this description perfectly!

Fred Hersch has been recording outstanding music over the past 20 years,  but he is now allowing us to travel with him back 21 years to share his first performance with his own trio at the Village Vanguard.  Fred Hersch performed at the Village Vanguard for years before 1997 as a sideman for legendary bandleaders including Joe Henderson, Art Farmer, Lee Konitz, Ron Carter, Al Foster and others.  But in July of 1997, Hersch performed at the Village Vanguard with his own Trio.  The Fred Hersch Trio performed three Friday night sets in 1997 that were captured on tape and now Hersch has hand-picked his favorite songs from these live performances for his latest CD.

Fred Hersch wrote the liner note for this CD, and I think it tells us how proud he is of this gig and his Trio.  Hersch writes: "This recording documents a huge moment in my life as a Jazz musician.  I had played numerous times at the famous Village Vanguard as a sideman starting in 1979.  The Vanguard had been in existence at the same location since 1935-virtually unchanged. The magic of the acoustics and the history of all the greats who played and recorded there make it the "Carnegie Hall of Jazz clubs"."

Improviser, Composer, Educator, Bandleader, Collaborator and Recording Artist Fred Hersch has had a heavy influence on the American Jazz scene over the past 30 years.  His awards would fill a book and include twelve Grammy nominations.  I think a quote from "Vanity Fair" hits the target perfectly, "The most arrestingly innovative pianist in Jazz over the last decade".  If you have not heard any music from Fred Hersch, you are in for a real treat.  If you are already a fan of Fred Hersch, this new CD will thrill you!

Bassist Drew Gress and Drummer Tom Rainey had been working with Hersch for five years at the point they took the Vanguard job.  The three players were at their height of perfection as a group and this CD represents the only live recording of this much-loved trio.  This CD is a gift to all Jazz lovers of  Jazz Piano Trio music!

MUSICIANS:  
Fred Hersch-Piano
Drew Gress-Bass
Tom Rainey-Drums

PLAYLIST:
1. "Easy to Love"
2. "My Funny Valentine"
3. "Three Little Words"
4. " Evanessence"
5. "Andrew John"
6. "I Wish I Knew"
7. "Swamp Thang"
8 "You Don't Know What Love is"

I have attached a "YouTube" of the Fred Hersch Trio playing "My Funny Valentine" like you have never heard it before.  Please enjoy!

CD Review: Shirley Crabbe, "Bridges"

Vocalist Shirley Crabbe is a marvelous Jazz singer who makes singing seem effortless.  Her interpretation of Lyric and her beautiful Voice produce a sound as smooth as silk!  Her CD is called "Bridges" and it's all about connections through our lives.  It contains an eclectic list of songs, including some Jazz standards, a Pop tune, a couple of originals and a hip, updated version of "Blessed Assurance" which is a well-known Christian hymn that is one of her mother's favorite songs.  The first cut on the CD is the Irving Berlin classic "Isn't It A Lovely Day" that is closely associated with Ella Fitzgerald who was an important influence on Shirley Crabbe.  Whenever I listen to a singer for the first time, I really like to hear them sing a classic standard song.  Singing a song that has been covered by all of the greatest Jazz vocalists in history usually tells me up front the level of talent the vocalists has.  Most singers simply copy the style of the performer who had the hit and most times the results are less than satisfying.  However, even though Ella was one of Shirley's influences, she takes on the classic song and brings some of herself to it, adding something new but retaining the integrity of the original recording.  Few singers can accomplish this feat and Shirley is one of them.  It was a pleasure to experience her talents on this CD and I highly recommend that this CD would make a terrific Christmas present for any lover of the "Great American Songbook". 

Shirley has gathered two brilliant Jazz Pianists to join her on this CD, David Budway and Donald Vega who also was the musical director for the CD.  In addition, the fine list of musicians below helped make this CD an outstanding musical presentation.

        Players:  

Shirley Crabbe-Vocals

Donald Vega-Piano & Musical Director

David "The Budman" Budway (1,8,9)

Clovis Nicolas-Bass

Ulysses Owens Jr-Drums

Alvester Garnett-Drums- (2,10)

Brandon Lee-Trumpet

Chris Cardona-Violin

Sean Carney-Violin

Todd Low-Viola

Stephanie Cummins-Cello

         Playlist:

1. "Isn't It A Lovely Day"

2. "Taking A Chance On Love"

3.  "Bridges"

4. "The Bridge"

5. "I Didn't Know What Time It Was"

6. "Promise Me"

7. "The Windmills Of Your Mind"

8. "And So It Goes"

9. "Thief In The Night"

10. "Blessed Assurance"

   

I found two "YouTube" videos showcasing the great Jazz vocal singing by Shirley Crabbe.  I am sure you will enjoy the wonderful arrangements also!  The first one is an Irving Berlin classic, "Isn't This A Lovely Day" and the second is the Evergreen "Taking A Chance on Love".

CD Review: "The Music of Gary Lindsay: Are We Still Dreaming" Featuring the South Florida Jazz Orchestra"

Grammy-nominated Arranger Gary Lindsay has released a new CD,  "The Music of Gary Lindsay: Are We Still Dreaming"  featuring The South Florida Jazz Orchestra.   Gary Lindsay has written big band charts that have been performed by everyone from Maynard Ferguson and the Atlantean Driftwood Band to the Airmen of Note and the Florida Philharmonic.  This is Gary's first CD that is devoted entirely to his big band arrangements.  Gary Lindsay is also an Alto Sax player and performs, records and arranges for the Miami Saxophone Quartet.  To say he is a gifted Arranger would be a serious understatement.  He arranges in the tradition of Stan Kenton, Maynard Ferguson and all the other great big band arrangers of the 50's and 60's.  His arranging is thoughtful,  spirited, traditional and, yet, new and inspiring.

 I have to hear a new CD several times in order to really get a clear feel as to its message.  Not so with this CD.  The South Florida Orchestra is so talented and performs seamlessly on every song with wonderful arrangement.  Anyone who likes the big band Jazz sound will flip over this CD.  The orchestra was directed perfectly by Chuck Bergeron who let the players and singers have their way without any loss of control of the ultimate sound.  The musicians who performed on this CD are all sensational, and I thank them for their world class contributions to this project.

Gary Lindsay has received multiple well-deserved awards and I am sure his Grammy nomination for Jazz arranging for Arturo Sandoval's album "I Remember Clifford" is at the top of his list of accomplishments!

Doing reviews is not always fun for me , however,  getting to listen to this great big band CD one that I probably would have missed if not reviewing, make it all worthwhile!

Playlist:
1. "Moment In Time"
2. "Spring Is Here/Up Jumped Spring
3. "Toward Hope"
4. "Easy Living"
5. "Better Days Ahead"
6. "Are We Still Dreaming"
7. "Round Midnight"
8. "Ummg"

Players:
Gary Keller- Alto, Soprano and Flute
Gary Lindsay- Alto, Clarinet
Ed Calle- Tenor, Flute
Phil Doyle- Tenor, Flute
Jason Kush- Tenor, Flute
Mike Brignola- Bari Sax, Bass Clarinet
Rick Margitza- Guest Soloist on "Toward Hope"
Augie Haas- Trumpet 
Jeff Kievit- Trumpet
Greg Gisbert- Trumpet
Jason Carder- Trumpet
Alex Norris- Trumpet
Peter Francis-Trumpet
Richard Todd- French Horn
Martin Bejerano- Electric & Acoustic Piano
John Hart- Guitar
Chuck Bergeron- Acoustic & Electric Bass
John Yarling- Drums
Brian Potts- Shaker, Pandeiro
Ksenija Komljenovi- Vibes & Xylophone
Dana Teboe- Trombone
Dante Luciani- Trombone
John Kricker- Trombone
Major Bailey- Trombone
Derek Pyle- Trombone
Andrew Peal-Trombone
 
I found two "YouTube" videos of two songs from this new CD.  Both are just outstanding examples of master Jazz arranging and some of the best Jazz singing and playing you can find anywhere!  The first is a medley of "Spring is Here" by Richard Rogers and "Up Jumped Spring" by Freddie Hubbard.  There is no way to top this creative combination.  The recording features some great singing by Julia Dollison and outstanding solos by Dante Luciani on Trombone and Phil Doyle on Tenor.  

The second "YouTube" video is a cover on the Thelonious Monk classic "Round Midnight".  According to Gary Lindsay, this arrangement was inspired by the Stan Kenton sound.  It's a  magnificent arrangement that features a soulful sound from Ed Calle on Tenor.