By Phil Lacombe
The Coachella Valley has no shortage of talent, but few artists carry the history, soul, and sophistication of jazz quite like Rose Mallett. With a voice that feels both timeless and deeply personal, Mallett brings a classic jazz presence that instantly commands a room, effortlessly blending storytelling, emotion, and musical mastery.
Her journey through music spans decades, rooted in early R&B influences before evolving into a refined jazz career that honors the greats while standing firmly on its own. Now a beloved fixture in the desert’s live music scene, Mallett continues to captivate audiences with performances that feel intimate, powerful, and authentic every single time she steps on stage.
CVW: Your career has spanned multiple eras and styles, what originally pulled you toward jazz as your true musical home?
Mallett: As a child in Chicago, I heard the music played on the radio. Jazz icon Sarah Vaughan’s voice and vocal range captured my imagination.
CVW: When you step on stage, there’s a real sense of storytelling, how do you connect emotionally to the songs you choose to perform?
Mallett: I do not choose a song for its commerciality. It’s important to me that I choose songs that touch me; my spirit. Then I create a backstory for each song… who I’m singing to or about, where we are, etc. to provide myself and the audience a deeper meaning and delivery.
CVW: You’ve lived through so many changes in the music industry, what’s been the biggest shift you’ve personally had to adapt to?
Mallett: I started singing in Los Angeles during the mid 80’s. Very few venues, if any, offered an ongoing residency. In some cases, in fact, some venues, like Carlos and Charlie’s, required a singer to pay upfront to sing to cover their overhead. Based on tickets sold, you might get that back. Shifting to Palm Springs in 2012, I was extremely blessed to have established weekly residencies at various venues in Palm Springs, CA. My history: Spotlight 29 Casino & Resort, Escena, Woodys, and currently Purple Room Supper Club and Vicky’s of Santa Fe (Tuesdays and Saturdays, 11 and 10 year tenures, respectively). A singer was paid upfront for each gig vs the “Pay to Play” scenario in Los Angeles.
CVW: The Coachella Valley has become a special place for live music, what keeps you inspired performing for audiences out here?
Mallett: The smiles on the audiences faces and the applause. Since Palm Springs is a seasonal tourist-like city, the audiences constantly change year to year; while some return year after year. It’s a very vibrant music scene. I’m honored to be a part of it; singing regularly at two prestigious venues.
CVW: Your sound feels both classic and completely your own, how did you develop that signature style over the years?
Mallett: One thing that disturbs me is when a vocalist sings a cover tune exactly like its originator. As instructed by my vocal coach, Phil Moore, who also coached Marilyn Monroe and Dorothy Dandridge in the 40s, I write down the lyrics of a song multiple times. I then absorb those lyrics into a backstory tailored to my life experiences. My vocal phrasing of those lyrics and sentences become personalized in my delivery in tone, chosen notes, and emotion. I make it comfortable for my range. The song presentation always evolves over the years.
CVW: What’s one performance in your career that truly changed you as an artist?
Mallett: One day, during the mid 80s in Los Angeles, I came across, by sheer happenstance while taking a walk, The Inner City Cultural Center. It was a creative space where singing, dancing, and acting was taught. As I ventured up to the third floor, to the “Stormy Weather Cafe,” a rehearsal was underway for an original musical, “Earthquake.” The director was looking for someone to fill a character’s role. When he saw me, he asked if I could sing. I auditioned and got the role. It was my very first singing/acting experience. The outcome was so rewarding; the audiences showed me so much appreciation. I was hooked!
CVW: When you’re preparing for a show, what does your creative process look like behind the scenes?
Mallett: I vocalize; treadmill for 10 minutes; and some body twists.
CVW: Jazz is built on feeling and improvisation, what advice would you give to younger artists trying to find their voice in the genre?
Mallett: I must say that although Jazz is my primary interest and passion, because it allows for freedom of expression and interpretation, recently I have found that other genres have crept into my performance repertoire due to the diversity of my audiences. I would share with new artists to indeed be true to the art form, but to also not be afraid to investigate R&B, Classical, Pop, etc., while applying a jazz influenced foundation. Perform for the passion, not the notoriety. Do not choose songs for their commerciality; choose those that touch your heart. Don’t expect immediate success. There are dues to be paid… years of highs and lows. Let the music be your reward.
CVW: After everything you’ve accomplished, what still excites you most about getting up to that microphone?
Mallett: Even if I’ve had a bad day, there’s something that ignites the spirit stepping out onto the stage, because my mission is to transport the audience to a place of joy; to elevate them from the woes of life even if just for an hour or more. In doing so, I also transport myself to a happy place.
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Mallett: I have two weekly residences:
Every Tuesday, 6:30-9:30p The Purple Room Supper Club; 1900 E Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, CA, 760-322-4422 http://purpleroompalmsprings.com
Every Saturday, 5-7p, Vicky’s of Santa Fe; 45100 Club Dr, Indian Wells, CA 760-345-9770 http://vickysofsantafe.com
Website: Rose Mallett Carrie-On Productions
FaceBook: Rose Mallett
Instagram: @rosemmallett
In a scene that’s constantly evolving, Rose Mallett stands as a reminder of what makes music truly timeless, honesty, experience, and heart. Her presence in the Coachella Valley adds depth and richness to the local soundscape, offering audiences something real in every performance.
She’s not just preserving the spirit of jazz, she’s living it, breathing it, and passing it on with every note.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
