Charlie O's is one of the top jazz clubs in America (and the world for that matter). On August 5th, their stage was graced by some of the icons of the jazz milieu. Appearing was Carl Saunders (a trumpeter without peer) and Med Flory (the irrepressible founder of Super Sax and an alto player who has long been a star in the galaxy of jazz). Scott Whitfield (recognized by his compatriots as the premier trombonist on the scene today) also made an appearance. Whit came in at the

It has been said by this writer that the seductiveness of the female voice in song, courts the soul of any man who listens. It is the lure of the siren and the irresistible call of the muse, Euterpe.... The lure of Nancy Kelly lies in the rhythmical, harmonic and melodic ideas and concepts that flow forth from this remarkable singer. From a sizzling ballad to a jump riff tune, one thing remains constant in Kelly's magical repertoire, and that is swing. It pours outward, not only in sound,

The East coast has always been a driving force in jazz, and it was no exception on this night as award winning pianist Lenore Raphael from NYC, was joined by bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Tim Pleasant, who both reside on the left coast, but whose musical roots are in New Jersey and New York respectively. Each combined to show an appreciative audience some hard hitting bebop sounds. Now the 'Middle' East has given us Milcho Leviev, who joined forces with this magnificent trio and all thi

One of the most energetic explosive events known, is a supernova. While many supernovae have been seen in the past (in other galaxies) they are rare events in our own galaxy. The same can be said of jazz musicians, an explosive event is rare in this day and age where most singers sound like Minnie Mouse on helium and the intrumentalists sound like new years eve noise makers. In the past week at the Crowne Plaza in Los Angeles, Tony's Steak And Seafood in Ventura and The Lighthouse at Hermosa

In the 1980's Tony's Steak and Seafood was the weekend gig site for such jazz stalwarts as Billy Higgins, Leroy Vinnegar, Frank Butler and other luminaries. Last night, January 16, 2004, jazz again made its debut at this venerable venue. Under the musical directorship of Drew Salperto, who will be the house pianist and booking person, this promises to be a hot spot for the jazz afficionados and cognoscenti alike. Drew has a musical history that promises to continue the legacy of the aforem