By Patty Purcell
If you are looking for the biggest Jazz event in the desert this summer you will find it at SUMMER JAZZFEST (Smooth Jazz, Blues, Funk & Groove) Monday night, July 27 from 5 pm until 10 pm at Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club in Palm Springs. Sponsored by Coachella Valley Weekly and Oasis Radio 95.9, the event is produced by Patte Purcell (Muze Muzic). There will be 4 national acts with headliner, powerhouse 7-piece band Greg Adams and EAST BAY SOUL. If you love horns this is your band!
The leader Greg Adams is world renowned. He earned the first trumpet chair as a freshman at his Bay Area high school, and was writing arrangements for various school ensembles by the time he was a junior. Following high school, he joined Tower of Power, and was soon taking a major role in crafting the group’s distinctive horn sound. Adams’ first solo record, 1995’s Hidden Agenda, released on Epic Records, established him as a major architect of the emerging “smooth jazz” sound, and a single from the album, a cover of Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” remains a virtual template for the genre. His second album, Midnight Morning, was released on Adams’ own label, Ripa Records, in 2002, and tracks like “Roadhouse” led to famed jazz label Blue Note picking up the record for distribution. Adams’ muted trumpet style, a mix of gentle jazz with R&B rhythms, all done with a cool, sexy ambience, has made him a sought-after session player and arranger, and he has worked with countless artists, including: Santana, Madonna, Bonnie Raitt, B.B. King, the Rolling Stones, Lyle Lovett, and Quincy Jones. He has also contributed musical scores for several films, including Mask and Top Gun. His third solo project, Firefly, was released in 2004 on 215 Records.
Lead Singer Darryl Fitzgerald Walker will thrill the audience. In addition to his stunning vocal abilities, Darryl Walker has also become known for his amazing talent on the saxophone. Specializing in R&B, Pop, Blues, and Jazz, Darryl has lit up countless live shows and recording sessions with leads and backgrounds… adding vocals or sax for a bevy of labels: Tabu, A&M, Motown, Mesa Blue Moon Records, Northern Blues, and Ripa Records.
The show will open with East Bay Soul keyboardist Joey Navarro, who will play his hit song “Strawberry Moon” produced by Paul Brown. He will be followed by the ‘Voice of Smooth Jazz’ Slim Man and his band, with Greg Vail on sax (also with East Bay Soul), Joey Navarro on keys, and Craig Chestnut on drums. Joey is a premier keyboardist. His list of musical credits include working with East Bay Soul, Greg Adams, Tierra, El Chicano, Sister Sledge, Boney James and many more.
Joe Baldino and his band will be up next. Joe’s sexy guitar licks range from the smoothest of smooth jazz to passionate flamenco and sizzling blues. He switches guitars throughout his show giving an original twist to his sublime originals. His new CD is coming out produced by ‘A List’ artist and producer Brian Bromberg with musical superstars joining him including Rick Braun and Super Saxman Michael Paulo. He will be joined by nationally renowned Jazz and Blues sensation Deanna Bogart, who tours the world with her ‘Bluesion’ originals.
Downbeat magazine describes Deanna Bogart as “an extravagant entertainer”-and entertain is what Bogart does best. The Maryland-based blues and boogie pianist/saxophonist combines the energy of 1930’s style boogie piano blues with contemporary blues sounds emanating from places like New Orleans, Chicago, and Memphis. “The goal when we play live,” says Bogart, “is to create a fusion of all these different musical styles, with the blues and boogie genuinely at the core. Cashbox called Bogart a “butt-kickin’ barrelhouse player that could give a good chase to old Jerry Lee.” Blues Revue gushed that “A big part of what makes Deanna Bogart such a delight is her vivacious, charismatic live show. Whether displaying dazzling technical skills at the keyboard or playing soulful tenor sax, the ensemble sound Bogart and her band is skintight.” The Washington Post raved about “her two-fisted turns on piano that radiate plenty of energy and momen- tum!”
There will be a VIP Lounge where VIP tickets holders can schmooze with the artists and some special surprise celebrity guests. They can get their CDs autographed and get their pictures taken on the red carpet with their favorites.
There is cool indoor seating, small plates and drink specials from Hacienda Cantina and Beach Club (hosting venue) at 1555 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. With inside seating for 250, dancing and several rooms to roam and rock it’s the perfect place for a big summer party!
General Admission tickets are only $20. VIP reserved seating tickets which include access to the VIP Lounge are only $50. Contact Patte Purcell at 1-702-219-6777 with questions, to become a sponsor, or reserve your spot. RSVP’s are already pouring in!
