Solitaire Miles' Christmas Show at The Jazz Showcase in Chicago.

What do Solitaire Miles and Jen Zias have in common?...They were high school friends in Erie, Pennsylvania, they were both at Chicago's Jazz Showcase last night, and Oh yea, they sing a bit too!

Solitaire Miles solitairemiles.com

 What do Willie Pickens (piano), Robert Shy (drums), Jack Gallagher (baritone trumpet & vocals)Dave Gordon (piano) Brian Gephart (tenor sax), Chris Greene (soprano sax) and Brian Sandstrom (bass) doing what he always does keeping everybody together...have in common?

Jack Gallagher, baritone trumpet & vocal.

 ...they are all musicians, Yes! you got it. But if you were at the Showcase last night you would also know how "straight up " jazz is supposed to be jammed, as they took turns WOWin' their Christmas week audience. 

The event put together by Solitaire, stressed the '"Holiday Spirit" as much as the jazz....
"play it like it should be" attitude. Everything from Coltrane to White Christmas was on the bill.

This wonderful ensemble rotated solos, shared the stage and demonstrated their understanding of swing,
with a touch of progressive as they ran away with a list of the classics and some holiday tunes: "Christmas Time Is Here", "You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To", "Let It Snow", "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", "Santa Baby"...done so sassy and sexy by Solitaire...and "Baby It's Cold Outside" a duet with Solitaire and Jack Gallagher...once again Solitaire putting together a book of just the right tunes for the event.

Brian Gephart b_gephart@northwestern.edu

 Vocalist, Jennifer Zias, took her jamm in set II, with a wonderful, respectful swing version of "White Christmas"it was spirited and her range and wonderful crisp sound was a holiday treat.

So many good things happened at this show musically, it would violate the Cardinal rule of blogging, (to be brief), if I went on and on.
A perfect event for the season, I'm looking forward to more of the same in 2012, what a great show!

BTW, the sugar cookies and cup cakes and gingerbread cookies baked by Solitaire took their solo at the intermission, they were also well received! 

So get out Chicago! ...to see Solitaire's next gig...and make sure you stay for the second set!!

Solitaire will be at:  Andy's...  Hubbard Street, Chicago  -Feb 16th & 17th


I'm Pete, follow me at: www.twitter.com/petecarma

"On"

"My love is a voice, it's a sound, if you hear it then it's yours too. And it's coming to remind you of your own voice"...On.

On...http://www.on0n.com/

 "On" a unique, talented sound brought to my attention by another of New York City's unique personalities Sara Zar * http://www.sarahzar.com/

To get acquainted with "On" I spoke with  Naaran Barzilay.
...and asked him to answer the two question I ask everyone.

If you were leaving the planet and could take only one album with you, which would you take?
Naaran...this album will be an old record that I would find in the street
and pick it up just because of his unusual cover... it will have female voices followed by strings and orchestra of drums and pianos.... it will be so beautiful that right away I will look for the artist name
and surprisingly there will be none, just an underline for the listener to name it himself :)

If you could perform with anyone who would you choose?
Naaran...We would love to preform with great inspiring artists that are unfamiliar to us...
the things we already know are less exiting then what we're about to learn:)

"On's" current album is "A Box of  Costumes" ...here is the current video from it "It's Good You're Here"  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3WUzxzjkzA&feature=youtu.be

 "On" will be at: Rockwood Music Hall, March 16th.


I'm Pete, follow me... www.twitter.com/petecarma

Sinatra '66 12/12

...I met Sinatra on two occasions, briefly, once in Atlantic City and once in Vegas.
On both occasions he went out of his way to stop and chat...but

...the time when I knew history was being made was 1966 in the Copa Room at the Sands.
It was one of my first moves to Vegas from New York City.  Sinatra was there for five days, that meant five shows, he only did one a night, others did two. No dinner show, too much noise for the man!

I was young and dumb but one thing was clear, this was the end of an era. The corporate powers to be would soon turn the town into a get 'em in get 'em out cash machine, and the days of seeing Sinatra, and Basie for a few bucks and two drinks in a cozy venue was on death watch.

I was with strangely enough with a girl from Hoboken! She had never been more then twenty miles from home so for her to be in a room with every mob guy in America, Grace Kelly, Betty Grable, Joe Di Maggio, Liberace, Judy Garland was well, huge!

We did not have reservations for the show, but I caught a monster hand at the crap table and slipped the MaitreD $50 at the door he called a Captain and said G2 for Mister C, as we walked to G2, I slipped the Captain another $50, he went off the floor and came back with two piano like chairs and put them and us right up against the stage, our elbows could rest on stage..Remember this is 1966, $50 was like 200 now.

One of the shows that week was recorded and little did I think I would have it on a disc playing on a desktop or in my car 45 years later. 

To hear the Basie Band, Sinatra, with the Count at the keys, and the great Quincy Jones as a young man conducting and writing the charts...well, I knew this was something to savor, as the Beatles and the bubble gum music was about to fill the airways.

...it was January '66, from the stage Francis announced that he had fallen off the wagon the night before, and this night he was gonna celebrate his 51st, birthday three weeks late.
...he introduced Quincy as a "bright new star" in the music business.
..he explained his bad luck at the tables had spread to his personal life, he said him and Basie went up to see the Grand Canyon, and it was closed!

The band did several tunes alone, and Frank fired five or six classics then the band again, a full show was what they delivered....an ovation as the intro to each number started, and another at it's conclusion!
I've heard the Basie Band of the late 50's early 60's many times live, and the sound is still fresh in my head today, but at this show,  Vegas, The Sands, everyone was at the top of their game, it was "that moment".

If I remember right, excluding the $100 zuk, the total tab was like $23!
So this is my small tribute to the "man" ...The show was billed as "The Man and His Music"

...this is my favorite Sinatra number, when done with Basie....It's an old Don Costa arrangement that was given a "Hip" transplant by Quincy Jones...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfuMlrSSRpM&feature=related 
...it was the show stopper! (this Vid is not from the show, but the same era)

...this is one of the only videos I could find that is from that show at The Sands...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTrI74EH7X0

 So, for the many, many great memories...Francis, on the day of your birth, 12/12..."cent' anni"

I'm Pete, follow me at...  www.twitter.com/petecarma

"Right On Time"... by Mary C

...to me, a guy weened on R&B back in the day,  
Mary C is like finding an uncut diamond!

 I was in New York City for a week back in November. My time was all accounted for, except for Sunday afternoon. So, as I am always looking to contact new talent to bring to you, I looked on line to see if I could find a set to see. Mary C had a gig at 5 PM.

...as most great things happen purely by chance, I stopped in to see Mary C.

We chatted for a minute and then she hit the stage, for a set without her full band.

From the jump, her stage presents, her beauty, her music and her pipes rocked the room!

Since, Mary has sent me an online preview of her soon to be released CD "Right On Time"


The CD is perfect...what does that mean? I mean I can not recall a Funky, Soulful, R&B CD that I have ever owned in which every tune hits the mark!

"Get Me Through" ...the opening high -energy number will get you movin',  a solid, solid get up and move
piece of funk!

"Love Automatic"...Mary's performance here is the ultimate sassy, soulful, attitude of a "got to have it" woman, in an "Automatic" affair, I really loved this tune!

"Paper Moons"...gets down as deep as soul can get. Mary's range and ability to funkify the phrasing of her terrific lyrics make this tune special. "I just want to be with you... under a paper moon, ...dancin' in the night, while you hold me tight....wish you knew my name."

"Out of My Mind"...another bulls eye! up beat 21st Century neo/soul...this one could be bound for the Dance Charts.

"Changing Spaces"...could be the "ever green" tune of this work. Mary's universal words of a broken heart are lent to a melody of passion. "Hear the sound of my heart break"  "Love or hate" "Gone or hold on"
...she tells it like it can be, and we have all been there.

...Seven tunes in all, on the preview I reviewed, all written by Mary C.

This CD just confirms what I saw live;
Mary C, expresses her emotions and keeps the music as real as it can be. She is able to blast her stage presents out like an explosion and yet maintain an intimacy with her audience!

...for me this work came "Right On Time"!

                                                                      *********

Mary C http://home.marycmusic.com/

Mary C has a great show planned for: Pianos, NYC, December 13th 7PM.


I'm Pete, follow me...www.twitter.com/petecarma

Clara Lofaro's "Perfekt World"

..."Perfekt World" Clara Lofaro's wonderful CD, that preceded her current work the self titled "Clara Lofaro", is an eclectic shotgun blast of what "Pop" music is today!

...on Clara's bio, it refers to her as a "tiny powerhouse"-not! she runs marathons so she is fit, but there is nothing tiny about her. Her voice is as large as a Rainbow, and it bring just as much joy when you hear it. Her heart is a big as a truck, she is always helping others... a percentage of "Perfekt World"
goes to fight hunger, and Clara was part of a massive effort to send relief to the victims of the recent tragedy in Japan.

Perfekt World;
"Birds of a Feather" the first cut is a sample of Clara's agility. A simple tune that will stick with you all day, and have you tapping your foot, with lyrics that give you a picture of a world that you can relate to...and maybe fill it some thoughts of your own, as Clara paints a picture for you.

"No Way Home" is a cut that seems a bit "Punky" to me as the shotgun blast of Miss Lofaro expanded, and I loved it. Several rhythm changes and a heavy bottom from the rhythm section, and the classic Clara lyrics telling the story; "you don't wanna marry me, I've lived my life too fast...to be a mother and a friend, and trust our love will last!

"Blue"....there is not much I can tell you about this tune, but.....this is my favorite Clara Lofaro, she sits at the piano and her words jump out from her  "tiny powerhouse" being and win your heart! I've been listening to music for six decades and seeing Miss Lofaro working her magic on the keys and poring out her soul, she is as good as anyone.

The title tune "Perfekt World", well here it is enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYQINPdjOxo
...this is a testament, to the heart and soul of this wonderful artist.

When Clara handed me this CD several weeks ago she said; "I want you to have this one" full knowing that I loved "Clara Lofaro". I see why now, it's a different side of her. This album comes on full force, no holds barred, a side of Clara I had not seen, and I love it!

I hope you enjoy "Perfekt World", with artists like Clara Lofaro, one day we may have one!

...here are previous reviews...http://streetcredmusic.blogspot.com/2011/04/american-songstress-clara-lofaro.html

http://streetcredmusic.blogspot.com/2011/07/artists-in-new-york-part-3-clara-lofaro.html 

Clara Lofaro will be at;  Hugh's Room, Toronto, Dec. 13th, 2011.
http://claralofaro.com/

I'm Pete, follow me....www.twitter.com/petecarma

Simona D, "Start to Fly"

Simona D, "Start to Fly"

 Let me introduce to you, Simona D...

A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Simona D currently lives in New York City where she is an active singer, cellist and writer.

 ...let me share with you a chat we had recently..
....I asked her what was happening in her career in
NYC, and what to expect from this bright young artist?

Simona: Right now I am working on my studio album that will come out later next year. I’ve been writing a lot of music and it's been an exciting creative process. I love writing as much as singing and working in the studio is always thrilling for me. I cannot wait to share my music with the world!

As always I asked my usual two questions:
1. If you were leaving the planet and could only take one album with you, which would you take?

Simona: Very hard question for a musician...actually for anyone who loves music! But if I had to choose one album it would be the first one I ever bought: Queen's "Greatest Hits II" I fall in love with it every time!

2. If you could work with anyone, who would it be?

Simona: The list of artists I would love to perform with is very long…there are too many musicians I admire and constantly inspire my music. If I had to chose I think I would probably say Babyface. I grew up listening to his music and had the chance to meet him once. He is such an incredible musician and beautiful person!

I asked Simona about her composition  "Start to Fly" written as part of the score to the upcoming movie "Drifting".

Simona: “Start to Fly” is a very simple interlude. The melody is clean and so are the lyrics. I wanted to keep it essential to better express the message of the song.
It represents hope, when you are in those situations you feel overwhelmed, when it’s hard to project a positive vision for the future, because you are stuck in the negative of the present and that is all you can see in that moment.
It is by knowing the strength you have within yourself that you can face any situation and by having the capacity of dreaming that you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Listen;http://www.simona-d.com/Music.html

...Then I asked how the feel of NYC effects her music and life in general...

Simona: New York is an amazing place to live! It is tough, it is real and the energy is incredible. I’ve been so fortunate to meet wonderful people and friends and many talented musicians and artists that always inspire me. Living here made me stronger and aware of who I am and what I want to be.

Simona D, http://www.simona-d.com/News.html

 Simona has a classy smooth style, combined with great vocal range, and writes simple but universal lyrics, a wonderful combination!

here is a sample of Simona's great style! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVo48X0k_7c

...I can't wait to see Simona D perform live, on my next trip to NYC!


 I'm Pete, follow me...www.twitter.com/petecarma

It All Started With Greta! Three Years Ago.

...the question I get most about this blog and what I do is: "Why are you doing this and how did you get started?"

Greta's Bakery, Greta Panettieri

The answer is in this photo...

I was writing free lance, sports and politics, for several publications and web sites. Two of the sources I was writing for decided to add music to their content. Being a closet musician and lover of "live" music of all genre,
I said I would write reviews and do interviews, they were paying me to write, cool yes...no!
As all corporations they were full of it!

I was on a trip to New York City about three years ago, I was meeting people from LA, Vegas and Atlantic City. Me being the native NYer, I was given the job of entertainment person, pick a place where we could see some great music, and liquor up after dinner.

After searching the net for weeks, youtube and all the venues I clicked on a group called Greta's Bakery.
Greta was so damn delightful, and when I heard her sing...I decided that's who we would see.

The people with me, trusted me, but I could tell they were not sold on going to see some group that none of them had ever heard of, after all it was NYC and there were dozens of musicians all over town??

So after we were out drinking and eating all day, I dragged them all to see Greta at eight o'clock.
...after about 8 bars of the opening number everyone was knocked out by her amazing talent and that smile!!

I spoke with Great before and after the show, introduced myself and told her I would have reviews up the next day in Vegas, and NYC...she was a delight and we have been friends ever since..but the powers to be saw it different.
One site I was working for just refused to print the review, (even though they paid me for it) the publication put it on their site two weeks later, and you had to click so far back into the site to find it, I'm sure it was never seen.

So that's how I got started. I quit working for anyone and started this blog with a new and updated review of Greta and Greta's Bakery. It's non profit, but I could not be happier. I write what I want, when I want, and answer only to myself.

It's been a wonderful three years!

When Clara Lofaro tells me I put a tear in her eye when she read my first review of her..that's a pay check!

When Nadia Ackerman emails me and tells me she was just signed to a record contract, but keep it quiet till it's official...that's a pay check!

When Gio Moretti hugs me...that's a pay check!

When I see fire in Kalen's eyes...that's a pay check!

When Nikki Yanofsky & mom say meet us in the hallway between shows to say Hi!..that's a pay check!

When Eleanor Dubinsky and I share a bottle of wine...that's a pay check!

When Joe Alterman graduates NYU and becomes a Jazz Star in NYC...that's a pay check!

When I meet Yula Beeri & Sarah Zar purely by chance, and discover all the amazing people of the eXtended Family, and the amazing things they do...that's a pay check!

When I show up at the wrong time for a gig and discover a future Jazz Hall of Famer like Johnathan Parker...that's a pay check!

When I tell Emily Wolf I hear some Nancy Wilson in her songs and jazzman Joe tells her the same at a later date, and she sees it herself for the first time...that's a pay check!

When Eleanora Bianchini tells me she is moving back to Italy and I'm sad...that's a pay check!

When I can sit for four hours with Champian Fulton and Dad, Steve and talk about and listen to their great jazz...that's a pay check!

When Jade Simmons tells me she liked my analogy of a "bridge" that I used in her review, and she grew up listening to Oluatunji...that's a pay check!

When Amy Regan's hands are bleeding because she is giving 200% on stage and she never uses a guitar pick...that's a pay check!

When jazz vocalist extraordinaire Solitaire Miles says my review was insightful...that's a pay check!

When a major league artist like Jennie Booth considers working on a project with me (even though it didn't happen, this time )...that's a pay check!

 When I can get Tammy Scheffer to sing a few bars at Marie's Crisis, even though I don't think anyone else heard her...that's a pay check!  

When I can get thirteen of New York City's most talent women to do a benefit for me and donate their
talents, and they all loved each other...that's a pay check!

When I find Vividly Dim  a group of talented young kids giving their all to make it in the music business, again by accident...that's a pay check! 

When I hear Kristin Hoffmann sing her fantastic "Song For The Ocean"...that's a pay check!

When Bekka Lindstrom opens the "Singin 4R Sisters" show with words and music that sends chills through the audience...that's a memory forever! 

                                                                   *************

........So Greta and Andrea, you have made me rich! I have had more than my share of pleasurable experiences  since our meeting of destiny! 
.......However this story does not have a happy ending...yet..
.......You see my friends, Greta has moved back to Italy.
.......So my little saga is incomplete, to be finished when Greta returns!!
.......and you are all invited!!

Here is the video that started it all, when I came across it, I had to meet her!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7wmqyqH6-c

Greta Panettieri

                                             

follow me...  www.twitter.com/petecarma

The Art of Getting Out, It's easy!

...If you live in New York City, Chicago or another Metropolis, how often do you get out to see live music? Local live music?

Like, Emily Wolf, Jazz

 ...Oh no, don't tell me you are one of the main stream music lovers who spend anywhere from two hundred to three hundred dollars to see a concert! You know the "over the hill" bands that are running through every city all the time. Or perhaps you spend more then that on a "Top40" show with lights, fireworks, and a crowd of paid shills in front of the stage screaming at every word. Well let me help you save some $$$$ and enjoy you music just as much....get out and see some local artists!

Like the "passione & soul" of Gio Moretti

 Don't let the corporate "pushers" get you hooked on their "junk", try some mom and pop (local) artists...
...they are more educated in music and are as dedicated as all the "stars" the record companies force you to listen too!

Like, the wonderful lyrics and melodic lines of Clara Lofaro

...so go for the $8 cover charge, buy a drink, leave a tip, get close to the stage and enjoy a night out, AND
I promise you, when you get home you'll be on line buying some of their work.

Start here:  http://www.reverbnation.com/giomoretti        http://claralofaro.com/   

                      http://emilywolfjazz.com/    and a few others you will love.....

                        http://www.tammyscheffer.com/        http://amyregan.com/ 

                          http://www.nadiaackerman.com/        http://www.kalenmusic.com/

                              In Chicago;  http://www.solitairemiles.com/          
                                                             http://www.unsigned.com/jazminsky 

Like, the fire of Kalen!

                                            ....Oh yea, they are all easy on the eyes too!