By Patte Purcell
Karl Stober, writer for numerous national jazz magazines said it is a ‘very organic show’
Guests raved about it! The musicians were excited just to be a part of it. The Celebrity Jazz Jam at Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert, an incredible outdoor patio with meltingly beautiful views of the golf slammed the desert. Jazz aficionados and the press delighted and danced to the incredible sounds of a full jazz band with uber talent from LA, San Diego, and Las Vegas.
The sound and lighting from our guru Willie Robinson of Live Audio was amazing. There were wine tastings, Alien Tequila tastings, even Kangen water from Oasis Water Store. Renova Solar was there too.
The jam started with a Michael Jackson medley from sax player and vocalist Rick Parma who killed it and got the crowd hopping! Rob Sabado played his latest hit on Billboard. Greg Vail, sax guru who’s sold millions of CDs brought the crowd to its feet with his version of “Europa.” Joe Baldino wowed the crowd with his original song from his new CD, Fire and Water. Slim Man emceed with his dry humor and sang two of his originals. Latin jazz’s Bob Desena from Las Vegas performed 2 beautiful pieces and played vibes, trumpet and flugelhorn. John Carey played the blues on guitar. A list bass player Darryl Williams funked the place. Greg Manning played just two of his string of hits. Victor Robles nailed his number on the sax. And co-producer Karl Erikson sang a beautiful rendition of “Unforgettable.”
Then Deanna Bogart took the stage with her ‘bluesion’ style on vocals and keys. She had the crowd up and applauding. This dynamic 4 time national blues award winner knows how to excite the crowd with her wild flying hair and high energy. She tours the world performing her special boogie boogie style.
She then joined with the entire band that performing “Everybody Needs Somebod” (Blues Brothers) and the crowd stood up and danced and sang along.
Three straight hours of solid smooth jazz, blues, funk, R&B, and groove. It was an exciting night to say the least. This was the 4th in the Celebrity Jazz Jam series at Desert Willow Golf Resort, held outside on their patio with stunning views on a balmy night under the moon and stars. Special thanks to Todd Kelly, management and staff, and Chef Francois for the jazz jam buffet, great service and a wonderful time.
Sheryl Aronson from the Hollywood Times, Mikey and Jack Cohen from Smooth Jazz Live and Karl Stober, writer for numerous jazz magazines all covered the event.
The next Celebrity Jazz Jam is on Monday, May 16 from 6-9 pm. Guitarist, pianist, producer, and TV performer Terry Wollman will be guesting. Bobbi Eakes, actress, performer, and soap star will be a featured guest as well, along with an incredible core band. More artists to be announced. In future jams we will be hosting Melissa Manchester, Jose Feliciano, and Jeff Goldblum as special guests. For questions contact 1-702-219-6777.
Tickets are available at www.purplepass.com/celebrityjazzjam5
