The Original Sunday Morning Jazz Show will be playing "Love is Gonna Find You" by Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns on Sunday April 1st. The show on 97.1 FM is hosted by Ric and Jackie Gould and runs from 8 am to noon. "Love is Gonna Find You" will be played during the 10:00 hour. To check out the full playlist, go to www.lasvegasatitsbest.com.
There is a link to the live broadcast (on the internet) on the website as well.
After that, lotsa cats will be throwin' down at the Sunday Jazz Jam at Sonny's. That's quickly turnin' into a great hang. Starts at 9 pm, bring your axe and/or your pipes.
NEW BAND PIC
The other night The Fat City Horns were havin' a sectional rehearsal in the studio at UNLV, and Jerry asked everyone to show up so we could try to get a full, higher-rez band pic in decent light. We went over to the choral rehearsal room near the studio and shot this (click it to enlarge). Over in the corner they had this suit rack full of ugly bright red blazers. 'Hmmmm....'
Yeah, we thought about it.
SOUTH POINT GIG TO COMMENCE
OK, since Jerry announced it from the stage, I can now report that Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns will begin performing on Wednesday nights starting May 9th at Michael Gaughan'sSouth Point (in addition to Mondays at The Palms), in their new showroom now finishing up construction (9777 S. Las Vegas Blvd, at Silverado Ranch Rd).
The new venue will be beautiful, and Entertainment Director John Collison assures us that the sound and stage lighting will be first-class (and this cat knows his stuff; 'he's one of us,' as Jerry puts it. John graciously gave Jerry and yours truly an extended tour of the showroom-in-progress). The room can hold up to 792 people, but will mostly be configured for comfort for 400, depending on the artist.
My cuz Jack over in The Peoples' Republic just sent me this YouTube clip link of Level 42. Playin' nasty bass while singing is not easy. This cat is a Bad Boy, yikes!
THIS MONDAY NIGHT AT THE PALMS, SPECIAL GUEST TOM SCHUMAN of SPYRO GYRA
Monday, April 2nd we will be blessed to feature the incredible Tom Schuman, veteran keyboardist for the internationally acclaimed Spyro Gyra. Gonna be a great evening! Tom will play with the band for the entire show. Be there. Music starts at 10:15. No cover, no minimum.
I pretty much don't do politics here ('cuz it's off-topic, and you're inevitably gonna piss someone off). This clip nicely encapsulates the current U.S. landscape of the Endless Low Road Campaign.
OK, short on good pics again tonight because the management refuses to fix the light grid (really frustrating). But, the band was on fire tonight. They set the tone early in the first show with "Rosanna," which was right on the money. Sometimes they get so ramped up they push the envelope to the breaking point on that hugely difficult tune, but tonight it was right in the pocket, completely tight and powerful. Then they followed that with "Come Together," which, again, was just enough slower tonight to have a more fluid yet tight groove. It was awesome. The first set was about the best I've ever heard from Santa Fe.
Michito Sanchez sat in on congas and the rhythm section went totally thermonuclear. Got a standing-O. It was wonderful. The percussion back row was virtually in the dark, no hope of getting any shots back there. Some pics from the evening:
Below: Morris O'Connor (Stevie Wonder player) sat in tonight, and tore it up. Morris is gigging in town with Ronnie Foster. They'll be at the Orleans 5 - 8 pm tomorrow.
I think we may have gotten a usable band shot (click on it to enlarge it).
Props to guitar ace Jennifer Batten for coming in tonight. Couple of final notes: Jerry and Tommy and the guys will be at the E-String on Sunset Tuesday night (27th), starting at 9 pm. Also, our best wishes to Ron Camire on the knee surgery tomorrow. He sat in on flugelhorn at the Sunday jazz jam and was very cool. Hope to see him back on stage soon.
Finally, I turned my camera on Movie Mode and shot part of Nathan's killer tune "Come With Me." It picks up during Rob's rippin' tenor ride and goes to the end. The horn ensemble section following Rob's solo is just beautiful. While the volume level nukes the little built-in condensor mic (and BobbyG's hand-held single-shot Nausea Cam sux), it gets the idea across. I'm up late gettin' this stuff posted tonight, 'cuz the movie dump and 2-stage conversion/upload to YouTube is way tedious. Enjoy.
E-STRING MARCH 27th NOTE
Pretty decent pic of Tommy Alvarado last night at the E-String. In addition, Michito sat in as Jerry sang "San Diego." Very nice. Also, props to Eddie DiMarino again subbing on bass. The more I hear this cat play, the more I dig him
Pete, the owner, is talkin' about making' this gig every Tuesday, which I hope he does. The only way he'll ever build a steady and increasing crowd for this A-List lineup.
WEDNESDAY: RON CAMIRE UPDATE
I went to hang with Lenny at the fly fishing store on Washington at Buffalo this afternoon -- my old 'hood, actually (you should this this cat tie flies! Wow -- such a multidimensional Artist!), then bopped over to Mountain View Hospital (Tenaya just south of Cheyenne) to see Ron. He's doing well, after major knee surgery. I hung there and chatted a while with him and his delightful wife Renee. The main number there is (702) 255-5000. Give him a call or go by if you can.
Dude, heal up quickly and completely and get back on the stage.
Really nice email from Marshall Vente that Jerry shared (reprinted by permission):
Hello Jerry!
I was just in Las Vegas, was playing a 2-day corporate gig at Mandalay Bay. Someone in our audience mentioned that Santa Fe was at the Palms on Monday (March 26th) so we hurried over for set 2 and most of set 3. You have an incredible band, the best we've heard in many years! That's me shouting "Oh yeah" at the end of your Come with Me video clip from Monday night.
We bought a couple of copies of your CD, can't stop playing it! In fact, I'm going to play a few of your tunes on my weekly radio show, Jazz Tropicale, heard every Sunday at 10 pm CST on 90.9 fm WDCB, streamed via www.wdcb.org. Try to tune in, 8 pm in Las Vegas, you're opening the show this Sunday!
We'll be back. We enjoyed every tune and arrangement, so fresh and exciting. Flawless playing too. Any chance for a recording of Living For the City downstream? This knocked me out!
Had to go see Lenny at the Bootlegger. Wouldn't miss it. Way worth it, cat sings so fine. Dave Richardson played keys, Doug Turley was on bass, and George Bryant on tubs (plays for Martin Nievera at The Aladdin). Everyone dug it. Very classy set. Clint stopped in to show the flag for Lenny. Very cool.
I was with this yummie babe.
One lucky dawg. Below, a few Bootlegger gig shots:
OK, on to see my bro' Ronnie Foster. MJ's on Jones between Spring Mt. and D.I. Scott Cannady on bass, Jesse Gopen on tubs, and Morris J. O'Connor on guitar. They were cookin'. Nice room, big stage, decent acoustics. Wish they'd put in a few backlight par cans, and lose those blue & green gels. Had to shoot with flash.
Next stop, the jazz jam at Sonny's. Place was lively, with a lotta fine players steppin' up. Rob Mader subbed for tommy, and was throwin' down (kickin' serious butt on alto tonight!). The awesome Derek Jones (Cirque "Ka" show) was on bass, and the ever so tasty, smooth, and funky Joel Richman on drums. Melvin Macias again on keyboards, and our fearless leader Jerry Lopez on guitar.
Fun evening. I'm tired, now, though. Spent the afternoon moving piles of sandstone rock slabs around the back yard. That was a four-beer job. Then running all around town tonight, whew. Fixin' to go crash.
See everyone at The Palms tomorrow night for some more major Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns Healing.
MONDAY P.S., A CALL FOR HELP
I just sent this email around to the posse:
My friends -
I'm tryin' to find sheet music for two fine old tunes. These were covered by tons of jazz artists such as Ella, Arthur Prysock, Carmen McCrae, etc. MusicNotes.com doesn't have 'em, and I don't have any Realbooks, and I'm tryin' to avoid buyin' 2 entire CDs to get these two tunes on disk:
MISS OTIS REGRETS
"Miss Otis regrets, she's unable to lunch today, madam, Miss Otis regrets, she's unable to lunch today. She is sorry to be delayed..."
DON’T MISUNDERSTAND
"Don’t misunderstand, we are only strangers, On our way to someplace else, to someplace we forgot..."
The backstory is that when I met Cheryl in Birmingham 33 years ago this month at Joe Namath's, we were on a bill there with (the late) O.C. Smith, the "Little Green Apples" dude. That fluff pop novelty tune that made his general public rep notwithstanding, the cat was a stunning Arthur Prysock / Billy Eckstein type baritone cabaret singer. He had this killer trio comprised of Gildo Mahones on keys, Roland Haynes on bass, and Jimmy Smith on drums (the drummer J. Smith, not the B3 player). In addition to being musically dazzling, they were the nicest people. A great memory.
I've always wanted to do those tunes. I wanna put those in my acoustic book -- come outa Loggins left field and go off on this whole other 'WTF?' tangent, 'cuz it's so joyfully personal (aside from the tunes bein' so cool).
Just thought I'd ask for help. I'll see most of ya's tonight.
Went over to Michael Soli's "Unplugged" singer/songwriter gig at the House of Blues tonight (nice venue), then dropped in at the Casbah Lounge to see Kelly. The very nice lineup is Ron Crews on tubs, Eddie DiMarino on bass, Tommy Alvarado on saxes and percussion, Dave Hart on guitar & harp, and Dave Kowalski on keys. Kelly Clinton is as sweet as can be, and is a fine singer and entertainer. Shot a just few pics, couldn't stay long.
SATURDAY OFF-TOPIC UPDATE: TAJAUN PORTER
This is the kid who sent UNLV home from their glorious Big Dance run to The Sweet Sixteen:
EIGHT 3's, most of 'em via dead-run movin' left-or-right pull-up jumpers from Downtown. Amazing. He's just 5'6" and a friggin' Freshman! One that no other Div I school wanted. Kid could step up with Iverson, I swear. Fast as lightning, blow right by ya, or if you lay back and give him any slack, he just rains on you from beyond the arc.
Props to our Runnin' Rebels for a great season. You done yourselves proud.
JOKE
Since her new husband is so old, Lou Anne decides that after their wedding she and Wally should have separate bedrooms, because she is concerned that her new but aged husband may overexert himself if they spend the entire night together.
After the wedding festivities Lou Anne prepares herself for bed and the expected "knock" on the door. Sure enough the knock comes, the door opens and there is Wally, her 85 year old groom, ready for action.
They unite as one. All goes well, Wally takes leave of his bride, and she prepares to go to sleep.
After a few minutes, Lou Anne hears another knock on her bedroom door, and it's Wally. Again he is ready for more "action."
Somewhat surprised, Lou Anne consents for more coupling. When the newlyweds are done, Wally kisses his bride, bids her a fond "goodnight" and leaves
She is set to go to sleep again, but, aha you guessed it -- Wally is back again, rapping on the door, and is as fresh as a 25-year-old, ready for more "action." And, once again they enjoy each other.
But as Wally gets set to leave again, his young bride says to him, "I am thoroughly impressed that at your age you can perform so well and so often. I have been with guys less than a third of your age who were only good once. You are truly a great lover, Wally."
Wally, somewhat embarrassed, turns to Lou Anne and says:
"You mean I was here already?"
The moral of the story: Senior moments have their advantages.
LOL! Don't forget, Jazz jam tomorrow night at Sonny's (see prior post) -- after the Bootlegger show featuring Lenny Lopez.
SUNDAY UPDATE
We got a lot goin' on tonight. Lenny Lopez Guest shot at Bootlegger (top of this post), Kelly finishing up this week's stint at the Sahara, Jazz jam at Sonny's (Rob Mader subbing for Tommy), and Ronnie Foster is back and sent this email out:
Hey Folks,
Well if last Sunday was any indicator I think everyone likes the new spot. A incredible turnout for the first Sunday. The food is kick'n! So come on out and enjoy. We had a lot of great musicians stop by and they threw it down.
MJ's Bar & Grill, 3417 S. Jones between Spring Mtn. & Desert Inn (702-364-1144) right in the middle of the big shopping center. We start at 8 pm, till 11 pm every Sunday starting this Sunday.
It is owned by 2 lovely young ladies Monica and Amanda who have done an incredible job of remodeling the place some of you might have know it when it was the Boston or Sultan's Table.
I love it when he uses that photo montage. I did that for him. Shot those pics one night at The Artisan and merged 'em and threw that header on there.
I guess I'm gonna be makin' the rounds tonight.
Then, don't forget, Santa Fe returns to The Palms tomorrow night -- and, a week from Monday we will have the incredible guest appearance of Spyro Gyra's Tom Schuman!
The historic phrase -- apropos, in a way -- just leapt out this morning. I was doin' my early mornin' surf-around on MySpace, clicked on Kenny Loggins' page, which led me to his son Crosby's MySpace page. OMG!
I love this line in his tune "Same Old Song live" -
"...he'd been accused of tryin' to fill his father's shoes, but, Dad was kind and left them by the door..."
How nice is that? Wow.
Yeah, the kids are indeed alright. Consider our friend Bill Champlin's boy, Will Champlin. Many of you will recall the killer new arrangement Santa Fe is doing of the tune "All My Might." That's a Will Champlin tune.
I am blessed to have been able to hear some of the studio roughs that Jerry shared with me regarding Bill's upcoming new CD. Will and Tamara will be on it (along with our Fat City Horns and other great cats). I've listened to two Will Champlin tunes amid those cuts (featuring Will on lead vocals) that are just fine as can be.
Our bro' St. Paul Peterson is now starting a tour with Kenny Loggins. See him on a promo TV show appearance link here. Just gotta love the bubblehead co-host chick raving about how Kenny's hits are played on the radio "ad nauseum."
Light grid still not working. In fact the room was dimmer than ever. Lookin' for candlepower? Stop by Bed, Bath & Beyond, pick some up on the way to the gig. Nothin' like last Monday, LOL!
Whatever. Didn't affect the band. They came out smoking! Traditional opening, "Just Kidding," followed by the Earth, Wind, and Fire Medley. Rochon in particular was ramped way up, dancin' all around, and it was infectious. (He took a bass ride tonight that was about the best I've heard him do, in a long line of jaw-droppers. It was a total knockout.) He drove everyone higher all night. The Fat City horn solos were all killer. The rhythm section was so in the pocket. Pepe took a solo that had Ron Crews mumbling.
I didn't get many pics, it was just too dim. But, I sure loved the music along with everyone else.
Band was way tight tonight, crisp as can be. The Fat City Horns were just wonderful. Those arrangements, man!
BTW- Jamie Hosmer will be at Hank's Tuesday night, 6 - 11 pm. Green Valley Ranch. Also, Kelly Clinton will appear at the Casbah Lounge this week at the Sahara (my bro' Ron Crews on tubs) through Sunday, 9 - 12 midnight. If I heard correctly, Tommy Alvarado will be there as well.
ALSO- We will have the blessed good fortune to have the eminent Tom Schuman as our guest artist on April 2nd. He'll be with us the entire evening, subbing for Dave. Who is Tom Schuman?
Member of the fabulous Spyro Gyra, my friends, in addition to the rest of his A-List rap sheet.
Jamie Hosmer appears tonight at T-Bones Chophouse in Red Rock Station, 7 pm.
Check out the solo tunes on Jamie's MySpace page. They are beautiful.
The other night The Fat City Horns were havin' a sectional rehearsal in the studio at UNLV, and Jerry asked everyone to show up so we could try to get a full, higher-rez band pic in decent light. We went over to the choral rehearsal room near the studio and shot this (click it to enlarge). Over in the corner they had this suit rack full of ugly bright red blazers. 'Hmmmm....' 
The new venue will be beautiful, and Entertainment Director John Collison assures us that the sound and stage lighting will be first-class (and this cat knows his stuff; 'he's one of us,' as Jerry puts it. John graciously gave Jerry and yours truly an extended tour of the showroom-in-progress). The room can hold up to 792 people, but will mostly be configured for comfort for 400, depending on the artist.
Monday, April 2nd we will be blessed to feature the incredible Tom Schuman, veteran keyboardist for the internationally acclaimed Spyro Gyra. Gonna be a great evening! Tom will play with the band for the entire show. Be there. Music starts at 10:15. No cover, no minimum.
