Loretta St. John Sings With The Rick Jones Jazz Quartet
Make sure that you catch our very own Loretta St. John on stage this Saturday night, November 10th.
Loretta will be singing with the Rick Jones Jazz Quartet at
DE STEFANO'S ITALIAN RESTURANT (on E. Tropicana @ Pecos) from 7 to 10 PM. Reservations are recommended (364-8424).
Loretta was an opening act for many stars, a former backup singer with Wayne Newton and with Bobby Darin, and did a world tour with the revival of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
Loretta will perform 3 sets from 7 to 10 PM
Boy Katindig Plays Poolside at The Orleans
KOOL KAT PODUCTIONS AND 105.7 SMOOTH JAZZ THE OASIS
PRESENTS BOY KATINDIG
POOLSIDE @ THE ORLEANS HOTEL
FRIDAY 09/28
BOY KATINDIG IS THE RESIDENT TOUR KEYBOADIST
FOR PAUL TAYLOR
Tommy Thompson Project
The Tommy Thompson Project performed at the Rampart Casino/Addison's on Wednesday September 26th.
Two Nights of Flamenco's Hottest Performers Perform at MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas
Displaying the talents of some of the world’s best Spanish-style dancers and musicians, Lake Las Vegas Resort presented a unique and exciting set of cultural Flamenco shows called “Spanish Nights on the Lake” on Sept. 14 and 15, 2007.
Born out of Spanish and Gypsy traditions, Flamenco is a high-energy form of entertainment that features sensual movement and fiery passionate music. World-renowned guitarists Adam del Monte, Pedro Cortes and Jason “El Rubio McGuier, along with captivating singer Jesus Montoya and a large group of talented musicians will provide the sultry sounds for dozens of flamenco dancers, including special guests Omayra Amaya and Emmy award-winning dancer “Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos”, to kick up their heels to in a one-of-a-kind stage performance on the lake.
Featuring two separate 90-minute performances on Sept. 14 and 15, “Spanish Nights on the Lake” illustrated rich Spanish culture among the backdrop of the European-inspired resort. Each show included performances by 16 world-renowned Flamenco singers, dancers, and musicians – and special featured guest artists per evening.
Born out of Spanish and Gypsy traditions, Flamenco is a high-energy form of entertainment that features sensual movement and fiery passionate music. World-renowned guitarists Adam del Monte, Pedro Cortes and Jason “El Rubio McGuier, along with captivating singer Jesus Montoya and a large group of talented musicians will provide the sultry sounds for dozens of flamenco dancers, including special guests Omayra Amaya and Emmy award-winning dancer “Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos”, to kick up their heels to in a one-of-a-kind stage performance on the lake.
Featuring two separate 90-minute performances on Sept. 14 and 15, “Spanish Nights on the Lake” illustrated rich Spanish culture among the backdrop of the European-inspired resort. Each show included performances by 16 world-renowned Flamenco singers, dancers, and musicians – and special featured guest artists per evening.
Ronnie Foster Kicks Off "Organique" at Just Jazz
Ronnie Foster breaks out his mighty Hammond B3 organ for a special performance at Just Jazz (1000 E. Sahara) on Sunday night, September 9th at 9 PM. This is a new show for Ronnie.
Phil Wigfall on alto sax, Ronnie Rathers on guitar and Jess Gopen on drums join Ronnie on stage.
Phil Wigfall on alto sax, Ronnie Rathers on guitar and Jess Gopen on drums join Ronnie on stage.
Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns Release Their New CD
The broadcast premier of Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns new CD... LET THE HEALING BEGIN! LIVE will be on The Original Sunday Morning Jazz Radio Program this week. Ric and Jackie Gould will also interview Jerry Lopez and Jamie Hosmer on the program. This Sunday morning from 8 AM to Noon on 97.1 FM. Link to Bobby G's BLOG
Mike and Ronnie Gutierrez Shine on Stage at The Palms
Mike and Ronnie Gutierrez opened the show for Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns on Monday night at The Palms.
Gabriel Falcon, Mike Gutierrez and Ronnie Gutierrez
Posing for pictures after the second set
Our friend Urich from the Cirque du Soleil show KA at MGM Grand dances on stage after only a few seconds on the honored "Seat Of Funk"
Music Seen Merchandise is Now Available On-Line
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All Star Evening at The Palms
Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns
Not only was it Lenny Lopez's return to the stage, Ricky Peterson was in town for a corporate show with Stevie Nicks. Ricky came in with some of the band after the gig. Joey Finger and Howard Arthur, who had told me about a month ago that Ricky would be in town, escorted the group in to the Lounge. Before Ricky could sit down Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns band leader Jerry Lopez invited Ricky up on stage to sit in with the band.
Ricky Peterson and Steve Tuminello
Percussionist Lenny Castro Live from The Palms with Gabriel Falcon & Pepe Jimenez
Pepe Jimenez, David Inamine, and Lenny Castro
Joey Melotti Jams with Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns
Steve Tuminello and Joey Melotti
Last Monday, August 30th, was a special night with Barry Manilow keyboardist Joey Melotti, sitting in with Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns. Like band leader Jerry Lopez said “He doesn’t do that on the Barry Manilow gig”. Joey was laying it down and at the same time having a lot of fun.
Jazz Great Boy Katindig Guest of Ric and Jackie Gould at “The Original Sunday Morning Jazz Program” on 97.1 FM
I was honored to have host Ric Gould quote my review of Boy Katindig’s CD “Groovin High” as he opened the interview portion of his show.
What a great morning with our friends in the music community Ric and Jackie and Boy with his entourage. His son Christian, age eight, who is the namesake for one of the cut’s on “Groovin High”, Christian’s Song. Christian is learning to play the piano and drums.
Jackie and Christian look at the fish in the aquarium in the Lotus Broadcasting Studios Lobby
Also, part of the entourage was Jeff Lee who runs sound for Boy as well as plays percussion. Jeff is a perfectionist on the sound and as he said, Boy expects perfection in his live performances as he does in his recordings. I was really impressed with Jeff’s mix at the recent performance at The Renaissance Hotel where saxaphonist Paul Taylor guested with Boy Katindig. Our friend Lorraine Fidler, Management with Boy’s Production Company, Kool Kat Productions was on the microphone along with Jeff this morning.
Jeff Lee and Boy Katindig with Jackie Gould
I had mentioned to Ric a while back that Blaise Sisson who is a long time friend of Boy and worked with him in L.A. years ago. Blaise told me that Boy is considered to be the Chick Corea of the Phillipines. Ric mentioned that on the air today and Boy was very humble about this comparison. Blaise also told me that I had to get Boy’s Jazz Fusion CD from back in the late 1990’s titled “Puerta Princessa”.
Ric Gould, Boy Katindig, Lorraine Fidler, Jeff Lee, Jackie Gould and Steve Tuminello
I am looking forward to a great show at Lake Las Vegas next Saturday At “Jazz on the Lake”. The Free show starts at 7 PM.
Just Let It Go Band Performs "Because of You" at Alexis Park
I first heard “Just Let it Go” about two months ago on a Sunday afternoon at The Firefly Restaurant and since then I’ve had a hard time letting go. There was something special about this band’s groove. When I talked with vocalist, Reggie Gonzales and manager, L.A. Walker, that day I told them that
this sound reminded me of bands that I had heard in Los Angeles at La Ve Lee Jazz Club.
Our friend Loretta Denson sent me an e-mail about “JLIG”
performing at The Alexis Park this past weekend. I called manager L.A. Walker and told her I wanted to review the band and shoot a “YouTube” video.
The band has expanded since I saw them the first time. On vocals both lead and background are Reggie Gonzales, Aimee Rochelle, Gloria Vielo and Satin Wills. On synthesizer Richie Richardson, Wayne Tolen on bass, Eric O’Neal on drums and Musical Director Delvin Williams on keyboards.
The first set was more R & B Hip Hop Dance Music and the second set Reggie set the groove for a little more R & B sound.
Having the four vocalists really adds a lot visually as well musically with the background harmonies. Check out the “YouTube” featuring Reggie singing “Because of You”.
Reggie and I talked on the break and I learned he was from San Antonio, Texas and I told him about my living in Houston for some fifteen years. We discussed our favorite jazz club La Ve Lee in Studio City, California. Reggie told me he had worked with Earth, Wind and Fire. I asked if Maurice White was in the band at that time and he told me he actually was hired to cover for Maurice when he was out sick.
The new revised “Just Let It Go Band” will be appearing at different venues around Las Vegas and we will keep you updated on their schedule.
"Shades of Sinatra"
A Class Act
I first met Carmine Mandia
about three years ago at Café Nicole, which no longer exists. When I
met him it was obvious that he bore a slight resemblance to Frank Sinatra and he told me he did a tribute to Frank Sinatra. I told him about my cousin, Phil Tuminello who had written songs recorded by Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Carmine asked me which songs he had written for Frank Sinatra and when I said “Can I Steal a Little Love”, his eyes lit up and he sang a few bars of the tune and said “You know Frank recorded over 1700 songs”.
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I was surprised he knew the song because a lot of people don’t remember that particular Sinatra song which was recorded in 1956 on Capitol Records and arranged by Nelson Riddle. However, Frank Sinatra Jr. remembered “Can I Steal a Little Love” on his album “As I Remember It” released in the early nineties with only eleven cuts on the album out of the 1700. In this album Frank, Jr. remembers in his dialogue between songs that Elvis had appeared on the scene and Nelson Riddle changed up my cousin Phil’s original arrangement to have a more Rock n’ Roll Saxaphone line to compete with this new sound. Even though the song did well on the charts Frank was going up against Elvis and it did not make it to number one.
The next day I called my parents back in Louisiana to tell them about this guy, Carmine, that I had met who was a complete Sinatra fanatic and who knew more about the Sinatra recordings than anyone I had ever met. What’s interesting is I saw Carmine again at Café Nicole about a week later and he told me “Steve, I called my family and friend’s back in Philly to tell them I met you and that it was your cousin who wrote “Can I Steal a Little Love”. It made me feel good to know that Phil’s song was still impacting peoples lives and receiving recognition. Phil and my Father were the same age and first cousins. Phil married late in life and never had any children, so when I moved out west in the late 1980’s he “adopted” me as his son. He passed away about ten years ago and always told me I would be the one to keep his music alive.
Carmine Mandia and Steve Tuminello
“Can I Steal a Little Love” was featured in the recent film “The Cooler” starring William Macy, Maria Bello and Alec Baldwin. A lounge singer in the film played by Joey Fatone (‘N Sync) sings “Can I Steal A Little Love” twice during the film. I guess because of my Sinatra connection and Carmine’s obvious infatuation with 'ole blue eyes we had sort of a bond and would run in to each other from time to time around town at various music venues. Carmine, always the gentleman and always looking like he just stepped off the cover of Gentlemen’s Quarterly with his impeccable attire...
A CLASS ACT.
I would see Carmine perform by sitting in with groups around town, but never a complete show. Then about a year ago I started hearing about this show with Carmine and two other male singers doing a Sinatra Tribute. I guess it was about 6 months ago that I saw a complete show at Cappazoli’s Restaurant. It was impressive. Ned Mills was a one man orchestra and Ryan Baker and Larry Liso rounded out the show with Carmine.
There were great vocals, great humor and patter between songs. I had heard that they were doing gigs at The Bootlegger and with Kelly Clinton at The Stirling Club and calling the show “The Shades of Sinatra”. About a month ago I ran in to Carmine at Piero’s Restaurant where he was performing and he told me about doing four shows in the showroom at The Sun Coast Hotel in July and I could not believe it, a 500 seat showroom. I was so excited for him. His tenacity and persistence coupled with he and his partner’s hard work was finally paying off and their dream was coming true. Playing the restaurants and lounges is great but this was the big time. I told Carmine I wanted to see the show and review it on my “Show Seen” column.
This past Monday July 16th Dave Siefkes and I went to review the second show of “Shades of Sinatra”. We were sitting next to Jerry Fink of The Las Vegas Sun Newspaper who was also reviewing the show.
The Ned Mills Orchestra which was only five pieces but sounded like twice that size started with two instrumentals. Ned Mills was on piano, keyboards and trumpet; Sinatra alumni Dick Jones on acoustic upright bass; drummer extraordinaire Gary Olds; on trumpet and fluglehorn Bill King; and Eric Tewalt on tenor sax, clarinet and flute. What a tight group and a perfect balance from the sound engineer. I was getting excited even before the vocalists came out with the quality and caliber of the band. I kept commenting “Man, that band is great”.
Gary Olds and fellow drummer Steve Tuminello
When the boys came out it was dynamic and the excitement increased in the crowd. All three were looking dapper and the vocals were spot on. The show moves at a good pace and with a great script of patter and humor in between songs.
When Lisa Smith came out the cast was complete and Lisa’s incredible range and her humor complimented the various "Shades of Sinatra". Lisa and the boys went through several wardrobe changes. The whole time during the show I kept thinking how much my parent’s would be enjoying this show. I could really identify when Carmine mentioned about his parent’s talking about two Italians when he was growing up, “The Pope and Frank Sinatra, and not necessarily in that order”.
Steve Tuminello and Ryan Baker
Ryan Baker, the youngest “Sinatra”, has the voice of the young Frank Sinatra and they played that in to the script with quips about his youthfulness. Larry Liso, who is a cross between Frank and Dean Martin, portrays the middle aged Frank. His character was the “Bad Boy” in the group, drink in hand and always in trouble with the ladies and he and Lisa had some funny interaction playing off of that premise. The more mature Sinatra, my friend, Carmine was the serious, straight guy in the comedy routines trying to keep his partner’s in line and obviously the leader of this Rat Pack.
Steve Tuminello with Producer Kelly Clinton
This ninety minute show, that was created by entertainer / producer Kelly Clinton in early 2005, features twenty one songs and a swing medley of twelve familiar tunes. We need to see more of this show after this four night run. The show has been selling out and I’m sure as the word spreads there will be a big demand for future shows. “Shades” was named “The Best Tribute Show” from The Entertainment Consumer Exchange. It is reminiscent of the famous shows on the strip back in the 50’s and 60’s. What’s really nice is that it is not another impersonator show. As Carmine says at the opening of the show it is a celebration of the music of Frank Sinatra.
And a celebration it is indeed from a group of extremely talented performers…..
A Class Act !
Larry Liso, Ryan Baker, Steve Tuminello, Lisa Smith and Carmine Mandia after the show