By Patte Purcell
It was a fun filled night as artists from LA, Las Vegas, and the desert, performed some of the Great American songbook to the delight of the audience, under the stars at the stunning Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert.
The show started with John Carey’s version of “Jump Jive and Wail” with Slim Man on vocals and most of the musicians on stage. We were then treated to the amazing sounds of Jay Gore on guitar with his rendition of “Little Sunflower.” It then moved into a fun couple of songs with former Rat Pack show member, Paul Elia, who worked the audience with his Dean Martin scenario. It was followed by the beautiful and talented Cat Lyn Day, who did a great Marilyn Monroe “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.”
‘A list’ bass player Darryl Williams performed the Stevie Wonder song, “Overjoyed.”
Curtis Brooks, the amazing 20 year old sax player, performed a beautiful rendition of “Autumn Leaves,” which received a huge round of applause. Local actress and vocalists Bonnie Gilgallon sang “Lady is a Tramp” and finally Bob Desena, who combined his talents of singing, vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn finished the first set performing “I Got You Under My Skin” and the very groovy “Grazin’ in the Grass.”
Slim Man emceed the event with his dry humor and he opened the second set with 3 classics including; “Sway,” “Bessa Ma Mucho” and a rocking version of “Route 66.” Guitarist Joe Baldino was joined by a classic flamenco guitarist and he sang vocals on a beautiful rendition of “Look of Love.” Greg Manning, composer and pianist, performed the classic “Watermelon Man.” Vocalist Karl Erikson (Mannheim Steamroller) performed “Feelin Good” the Michael Buble classic. We were treated to Curtis Brooks on “Fly Me to the Moon” where he sang and played sax. Jay Gore performed “Caused We’ve Ended” and the entire band performed the finale “Sing, Sing, Sing” with a swing with the audience singing along. The audience loved every moment.
The April Celebrity Jazz jam features 4 sax players, Bob Desena on vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn, 4 time blues award winner Deanna Bogart, A List players including; Greg Vail on sax, Greg Manning on keys, Darryl Williams on bass and a special appearance by actor Jeff Goldblum on piano (Jurassic Park, the Fly). Tickets are $30 for assigned seating and $25 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam4 or by calling Purplepass at 1-800-316-8559. For information on the event contact Patte Purcell at 1-702-219-6777. Coachella Valley Weekly is a sponsor of the event.
(Photos by Marco Najera)
