My ... How fast the time goes! I'm enjoying my 'freedom' and working on my 'goals' ~ Paying dues like everyone else in this business! ~ I've been writing as well as working on some new tunes to learn, from a list of 'request' and am seriously considering the title REQUEST for my next CD .. Hanging out at JAM sessions is paying off. I met some nice gentlemen who are serious about perserving the JAZZ experience here in the LA area..snagged a good gig..I hope all of you are mindful of your health. It seems…
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Greetings JAZZ FANS
TinaTurner
Sadden to learn of the passing of 'The Queen of Rock', Tina Turner, one of the greatest singers of all time. She was a global icon who enchanted fans around the world. Her first recording, 'A Fool In Love', dates back to the '60's. Tina was the first female and Black artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. 12 Grammys, 3 Grammy Hall of Fame awards, a Lifetime Achievement award, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
When I was a senior in high school, I had the honor of being a member of the Ikettes. I traveled with the Ike and Tina Turner Review briefly, but they were going to Europe to open for the Rolling Stones and I needed to graduate . I witnessed her husbands abuse, (against an employee). It was disturbing and I was young and didn't understand at the time. She was a kind soul who leaves behind a beautiful legacy.
Sleep Well Queen.! Thank You for the music. You're Simply the Best
May 24, 2023
It's Been A While
My last GIG was March 8, 2020. My calendar reminded me today of our GIG this Sunday. " Sunday JAZZ Brunch " with pianist Sunny Na, 11:00am until 3:00pm. The planet is still dealing with the virus. Good news, science has stepped up its game , and maybe just maybe , the GIGS will resume, soon. The last concert we attended was the great Willie Nelson, back in January, 2020 . There are several things I want to do before I die, and Willie was on my bucket list!
Best wishes to all of you. Im buried somewhere on YouTube, if you want to go on a scavenger hunt. GOAL..fix it. Have fun!
Stay SAFE
3/2/21
Pandemic 2020
Here’s hoping all is well and as good as it can get with you. Hopefully you have your Plan B in motion. This global pandemic has certainly changed everyone’s way of life for a while. It takes some getting used to, and I miss that human touch the most. I also miss the gig at Colombo’s Italian Steakhouse and Jazz Club here in L.A. with Sunny Na. In fact I miss all of you!
I’ve been doing some writing, trying to relearn the flute, which I played in elementary school, and I was taking guitar lesson to up my game. Anyway, my son Carl took a photography class and needed music for a project. He used my latest song entitled ‘Wrote It In A Song’. The video is very cute. Look for it on on YouTube!
5/28/2020
Keep Jazz Alive
Well everyone. There are many of us dedicated to keeping Jazz alive. Its so sad when the venues shrink and you get cancelled because the owner wants Rock and Roll. This past week-end I spent a little time at one of my favorite places to perform, CAFE 322 in beautiful Sierra Madre California. Sadly it was to say goodbye. Yes they closed their doors. No more Jazz or anything else at CAFE 322. On July 5, 2005 they opened and I was the first Jazz vocalist to sing on their stage. What a nice place…
Read more1st of January
Welcome 2012. I must say I had the best time of my life, while performing at the Crown Plaza Hotel LAX December 22nd. We were treated like royality. Merrel is a jewel. The band was slammin..Rick Olson, Kenny Elliot, Jeff Litton, & Scott Mayo. I love when a friend from the past shows up at a gig. Nice seen' you Ron Zeno. Hip Kitty Jazz and Fondue was a blast as always. We (Newell Canfield, Clarence Robinson, Bobby Pierce, Jimmy Kousakis and Gaston Renee) were back for the 6th year doing the 'Santa…
Read morePerformance Up Date...
Hello fans!! It's been a beautiful summer here in Southern California. Been taking in the Jam sessions around the L.A. area. Recorded two songs for a movie two weeks ago at a nice studio in Burbank CA. I was the vocal coach for a 'Gospel Choir' for a commerical for Ally Bank last week. Did a grave-side service in Costa Mesa with bassist Harry Smith..First time I had 48 hrs to learn a song..'Alexandra Leaving' pretty song.
I'll be back on Hollywood & Highland September 11, 2011 at the Renaissance…
Read moreWine and Jazz at Hollywood & Highland
July 19, 2011
A big Thank You to all of you who came out tonight!! I had a nice time! The crowd was fablous!!
A New Year !
Hello ! Wishing you well!!
As long as this planet spins and holds us all, our lives go on. To some it's been hell.
We're armed with coping mechanisms. So how tough are you?
The weather sure has been actin' strange, and now birds are droppin' from the sky?
I say don't give up. You woke up. You can make it better. Be nice.
Been thinkin' about my next project. I've always wanted to do an album with different guitar players; add bass, a violin and maybe a cello.... Taking request.
Stay…
Read moreJazz Concert at St Andrews Saturday November 13
Performing inside of St Andrews Church, located in Pasadena California, was a treat. The sounds swirled around the marble pillars, mixing with the beautiful acoustics. The audience appreciating the artistry of each musician. Tenor Sax player Carl Randal and his wonderful group made it feel like I was in heaven as I stood at the edge of the steps facing this enormous space and reaching back my thru childhood memories. How many times had I climbed those choir loft stairs hoping no stange person would…
Read moreJazz Party at St Philip's in L.A. Sunday Sept 26
I had the best time tonight at the Jazz Party at St Philips' on Stanford St. in Los Angeles. Wow what a party..celebrating 103 years and still going strong Nice way to celebrate. Everyone was so nice. Thank you for the supper and the love. Thank you Donnell Lambert, Mike Hughes and Chico Fernandez. You guys sounded great.!! So It was 108 when we arrived at 3:00 pm and it was 92 when I got back to Altadena at 9:00 pm..I love California..