CD Review: Thisbe Vos: Under Your Spell

Thisbe Vos

Songwriter/Singer Thisbe Vos has just released her 2nd CD, "Under Your Spell" and as soon as you hear it you will be under her spell! This wonderful woman was born in the Netherlands and has an impressive resume for her young age.  She started working with a British swing band, "The Jive Aces", and toured with them across Europe, Canada and the United States.  Thisbe recalls, "I was the girl singer in the band, and did Louis Prima/Keely Smith type of duets with the lead singer and some ballads on my own".  In 2008 she moved to LA to work on recording a solo album in the style of traditional Jazz, featuring both classic Jazz standards and original songs she had been working on over the years. She released her first solo CD in September of 2011. An excellent CD that contains six standards and six original songs.

Thisbe Vos is a terrific singer with a soft velvet voice that is both sophisticated and elegant.  But her greatest talent may be in her songwriting abilities. According to Thisbe, "As a songwriter, my influences are the songs of Irving Berlin, the Gershwin brothers and Cole Porter amongst others". Now that is setting the bar about as high as you can get, and, yet, Thisbe's songs and especially her lyrics fit perfectly among the standards she included in "Under Your Spell". This is an excellent album from a  polished musical talent. Thisbe Vos is destined to become a major national musical star.

Songs on the Album

1. Shanghai Blues
2. Under Your Spell
3. I Thought About You
4. That's All Right With Me
5. I Need You
6. Round Midnight
7. He's A Tramp
8. Now You Are Here
9. Just A Fool Over You
10. Rue de la Huchette
11. Always
12. Ain't Misbehavin'

Supporting Thisbe Vos are: Gary Matsumoto-Piano, Henry Franklin-Upright Bass, Donald Dean-Drums, Nolan Shaheed-Trumpet, Geoff Nudell-Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contra Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute, Carl Randall-Tenor Sax, Michael Higgins-Guitar, The Pasadena String Ensemble-Strings

Sherry Williams Lights Up Woody's Jazz CLub

Andy Fraga Jr., Larry Holloway, Sherry Williams and Keith Droste

The Divas: Sherry Williams and Yve Evans

Tuesday night Sherry Williams performed with Andy Fraga Jr. on Drums, Larry Holloway on Bass and Keith Droste on Keys at Woody's Burgers and Beer in Palm Springs. This was the first time I had the opportunity to hear Sherry sing. I also had not heard Keith Droste before tonight's performance. Tonight, Sherry was sitting in for the always great Brian Nova.

Sherry Williams has a strong but soft voice that has hints of Ella, Sarah and my personal favorite, Nancy Williams. Her style, stage presence and timing are impeccable. I have mentioned before in several blogs that only the very best singers perfect the ability to interpret a lyric and make it come alive.  Sherry Williams is a charter member of this special group of singers.  Sherry brings her own personal interpretation to lyrics and then paints a picture of the story the composer had in mind when the music was written. Tonight Sherry sang the song that I have rated the number one song in the "Great American Songbook" The Nearness of You". I honestly have never heard anyone sing and express the lyric any better!  Tonight was my first experience with Sherry Williams, and I am now in love with her!  Sherry is a big supporter of Jazz and she hosts a different Jazz group every Thursday at "The Merc" in Temecula. You can get more information and tickets by going the the Old Town Temecula Theater online site:  Http://www.Temecula Theater.org. Tickets are a bargain at only $15!

There are levels of Jazz performance at every live Jazz event and tonight Andy Fraga, Jr., Larry Holloway and Keith Droste performed at the highest level adding to this superbly-enjoyable evening of Jazz.  In particular, Keith Droste was especially impressive on Keys. I hope of get to hear more from Keith in the near future.

Adding to the night's excitement, everyone's favorite, Yve Evans came to hear and support Sherry.  To the audiences' delight, Sherry invited Yve to sing with her. It's clear that Sherry and Yve have a strong mutual respect and admiration for each other.  In addition, they both are sensitive and caring people.

Pre-Release CD Review: The McCrary Sisters: All The Way

The McCrary Sisters

The supremely-talented singing McCrary Sisters, Alfreda, Ann Deborah and Regina have scheduled the release of their 2nd CD, "All The Way" on April 30, 2013.  This CD is a follow-up to their 2011 debut CD, "Our Journey". "All The Way" was produced by Kevin McKendree & Tommy Sims and it includes 10 McCrary Sisters' original songs, plus take on the Tom Hambridge/Gary Nicholson gem, "Skin Deep". They also recorded a new song written by Bonnie Bishop/Jimmy Wallace entitled, "Right Where You Are". In a previous blog I mentioned how I admired the song writing skills of Bonnie Bishop, and this song proves she is still going strong! Joining The McCray Sisters on "All The Way" are some exceptional musicians: Rob McNelley/Akil Thompson/Tommy Sims (Lead Guitar), Kevin McKendree/DeMarco Johnson/Jeremy Nixon (Keyboards), Dwan Hill (Organ), Quentin Ware (Trumpet), Dana Robbins (Saxophone), Steve Mackey/Anton Nesbitt/Tommy Simms (Bass), Derrick Phillips (Drums).

It's hard to classify or define the genre of the music The McCrary Sisters create because it is part Gospel, part Soul, part Funk and a large measure of R & B. It is unimportant because these girls can sing! The theme of this CD tells the story of the continuation of The McCray Sisters' journey. The McCray Sisters' songs are inspiring as they sing of loving and living life and keeping a positive attitude through all that life brings.

The Sisters were raised in a home where singing was always present and was reinforced in their church. While this is only the 2nd CD for the group, all four sisters have experience singing professionally in one form or another for years. The result of all this singing experience for these talented women has transformed their four voices into a powerful sound filled with passion and soul. This group is moving into national recognition, and this new CD will move them even quicker.

Jacob Collier, Age 18 Proves That There Still Are Young Adults Who Do Know What Great Music Is All About!

                                           Jacob Collier singing "Isn't She Lovely"

I recently received a posting from a music blog I follow called "People vs. dr. chilledair" authored by Bill Reed. The topic of the blog was a story about a 18 year old singer/Bass player/Piano player/Guitar player and arranger named Jacob Collier. Jacob lives in London, England, and I was blown away by the musical talents of this young musician and wanted to share his great sounds with you. Jacob has several musical postings on YouTube and I urge you to check out all of them.  He sings standards and also is very comfortable with contemporary tunes. I have attached two YouTube videos from Jacob. In the first one, Jacob sings his own arrangement of Stevie Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" and in the second one, he sings his own arrangement of Jerome Kern's "I've Told Every Little Star". Jacob sings all six harmony parts in both videos. Jacob Collier is a musical wonder!

                                             
                                           Jacob Collier Singing "I've Told Every Little Star"

The Coachella Valley: "Jazz Centre Of The World" By J. Crawford Reid

La Quinta Desert Flowers

J. Crawford Reid is a Canadian who loves Jazz especially Jazz in the Coachella Valley and he is our guess author of this post.

The Jazz Centre of the World--New York City?  No.  Birdland?  No. I think the Jazz Centre of the World is the Coachella Valley in Southern California.

My wife and I started regular vacations in Palm Desert 8 years ago.  We went there for all the usual reasons, the weather, good dining, shopping and lots of nice places to see.  We really didn't anticipate that Jazz would become a very important reason for returning year after year, in addition to all the other benefits of the area.

Let me talk about some of the places and people that have so impressed us. First, without doubt, is the Backstreet Bistro, where it started for us.  Perfect hostess, Lavane, perfect music, and really good dining!  A must every Tuesday night.  In that context, I have to thank Bill Saitta, who plays there often.  A great Bassist, but also a great leader, and a guy who creates a lot of work for Jazz musicians.  We have so enjoyed Jay Lewis' Drums and Steve Madaio's Trumpet.  This year, a new guitar player, James Moody (not that James Moody), and some nights, Chase Huna, a teenage saxophone player who's getting better each year--may be the most perfect Jazz Club anywhere.

At the other end of town, Vicki's!  In addition to Jazz almost every night, they have great Sunday afternoons!  A delightful Band with many different guest vocalists.  In past years, we've heard some brilliant guest musicians who travel out from LA, like Dave Pell.  The regular front line is Stan Watkins on Trumpet and Don Shelton on reeds.  Don is a superb Saxophonist, but also a brilliant singer.  He paid his dues in Singers Unlimited.  On Bass in that band is Larry Holloway, one of the best Bass Players I've ever heard.  This Band sometimes features the very good Tom Keenlyside, a transplanted Canadian.  Tom is outstanding on Flute and Reeds.  Are you starting to get the picture of the musical strength in this area?

Across the street from Vicki's is the Indian Wells Hotel, which has good music several nights a week.  Frank Di Salvo does a great Sinatra-type show, and on Tuesday nights, there is Ron Kalina on Piano and Harmonica, with again, the great Larry Holloway on Bass and Gino Antonacia on Vibes.

Can't leave out Palm Springs.  Palm Springs has Woody's!  A hamburger place which presents Jazz very, very well.  Yve Evans entertains there on vocals and Piano just about every month.  Yve would be welcome in any Jazz community in the world.  Brian Nova is a regular every Wednesday playing his wonderful Guitar.  Brian has been in the area for years, and Woody's is his current home base.  Brian's trio consists with him on guitar, Andy Fraga, Jr., on Drums and (again) Larry Holloway on Bass is among the best anywhere! Woody's features Jazz almost every night

One of the secrets of this Valley Area is that musicians and singers are welcome to sit in.  It happens at all of the venues, and can make for a very exciting evening.

I haven't covered all of the places where good music is offered, but I've tried to give you a sense of why I think the Coachella Valley is the Jazz Capital of the world.  This has happened for years.  I hope it never ends!

CD Review: Keri Johnsrud, "All Blue"

Keri Johnsrud

A long time friend of mine, now living in Iowa sent me a CD of a young singer he recently heard performing at the Tremont Theatre in Marshalltown, Iowa.  He thought the singer was terrific and wanted me to hear her sing.  The singer is Keri Johnsrud and she has been singing as a professional Jazz singer for the last 10 years. Keri is part of a third-generation of musicians. Her debut CD, "All Blue" was released in late 2009. Her voice could be described as cool with a Jazz flavor. Keri selected 10 wonderful songs for her CD that are a mixture of classic standards and country songs.  Keri has her own style and approach to these songs that is soothing and refreshing. Keri has been working in Jazz clubs in Atlanta, Chicago and New York City and after you listen to this CD, the reason is clear. Keep a lookout if Keri comes to your neighborhood to perform, you won't be disappointed. I would love to see Keri do another CD in the near future! 

Keri is joined on her CD by a group of excellent musicians: 

Matt Nelson- Piano, Keyboard, Organ

Cory Biggerstaff- Double Bass

Darren Scorza- Drums

Ari Seder- Guitar

Matt Cashdollar- Flute

Ogie Merced- Congas

Chris Graham- Vibes

CD Songs:

1. Anything Goes

2. (The Old Man From) the Old Country

3. But Beautiful

4. More and More

5. The Great City

6. Cabin

7. For Every Man There's A Woman

8. Cryin' Time

9. A Blossom Fell

10. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To 

The Coachella Valley Symphony Joined by Featured Artists Steve Madaio & Tom Keenlyside

Tom Keenlyside, Conductor Wayne Abravanel and Steve Madaio

The Coachella Valley Symphony, Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside

The Coachella Valley Symphony

The Coachella Valley Symphony

On Tuesday April 16,  Jazz merged with Classical when Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside brought the KM Project's new CD, "Slices" to The Coachella Valley Symphony.  The KM Project is an idea created by two dynamic musicians Steve Madaio and Tom Keenlyside.  After meeting by chance in Palm Desert in 2010, they soon discovered that they had much in common.  Shortly after their first meeting, Steve and Tom played a few gigs together and quickly realized that their individual phrasing made their music very compatible.  The progress of their collaboration quickly moved as they began talking about the classic songs of the 70's and the impact these songs had on their lives.    As soon as the songs were selected, they both worked on new arrangements for these classic tunes.  The result is "Slices" their hot new CD.  

A chance meeting with Maestro Wayne Abravanel gave Steve the opportunity to discuss Tom's and his new project.  As soon as Steve shared his story about the songs and arrangements he was working on with Tom, Wayne suggested that Steve and Tom perform with The Coachella Valley Symphony incorporating the songs on the CD; and this is how "A Symphony of Rockin' Jazz "was born.

Playing to a capacity audience consisting of both Classical and Jazz followers, the concert was wildly appreciated.  What was somewhat surprising to me was that as each song was announced, there was an spontaneous reaction of recognition from the audience.  These songs of the 70s obviously brought back memories for so many people.

 Jazz met Classical and we all were winners because we got to experience it live! I hope that Jazz and the wonderful Coachella Valley Symphony continue their partnership next season.