Mark Hix at Steamers©Glenn A. Mitchell

Trumpeter, Mark Hix’s big band performs regularly at Steamers on Monday evenings each month.  Mondays have been big band nights now for a number of years.   June 22nd was my first night to hear this very good sounding 17-piece ensemble.  These musicians are all professional and show high quality in their playing.   

Hix did all the emcee duties, giving a little history of each selection as well as naming the members performing.  The band members: Trumpets―Mark Hix (Disneyland), Matt Fronke (Disneyland), Jeff Jarvis (CEO Kendor Music), Brian Mantz, Joe Badaczewski (Disney All American Band); Alto saxes―Steve Alaniz, Ernie DelFante; Tenor saxes― Alan Palmer (ex-Disneyland), Vince Hizon; Bari sax―Brian Williams (Disneyland); Trombones―Alex Henderson (Big VooDoo Daddy), George McMullin, Mike Briones; Bass Trombone―Tom Griffith; Piano―Mike Saul; Drums―Roger Brooks; Bass―Nick Schaadt.   

L.to R.: Paul Morin -bass, Enzo Todesco-drums, Elaine Miles-vocals and John Chiodini-guitar©Glenn A. Mitchell

A pleasant, captivating show was presented by vocalist Elaine Miles on June 10th at Steamers, along with her incomparable guitarist, John Chiodini.  Bassist Paul Morin and drummer Enzo Todesco made up the rhythm section. Miles, originally from Connecticut, has spent her career performing, writing music and recording her soon-to-be-released CD.  She has quite a wide set of selections – all from some well-known standards and popular tunes from recent time. 

Beginning with a tune I wasn’t familiar with, “So Near and Yet So Far” by Cole Porter had some pretty melody and lyrics.  Miles has magnificent stage presence and is a beautiful woman.  Her voice is clear and distinctive, bringing each song perfectly to the audience this evening.  The Chiodini Trio played brilliantly.  I had not heard Chiodini before, but his performing was beyond compare.  Morin and Todesco worked as though they’d been doing the gig for many years.  A Harry Connick song, “Forever for Now,” followed (also new to me), but I enjoyed it.  The popular “Loving You” was a straight-up wonderful selection. Miles and Chiodini trio made it shine.  A highlight, “Lover,” played in double time as a samba shuffle, came off in top form.  Chiodini, Morin and Todesco gave their best solos. 

Barbara Morrison © Andrea Canter

Jazz Singer, Educator and radio host Barbara Morrison will appear at Steamers Jazz Club,  located at 138 W. Commonwealth Ave. in Fullerton on Friday, June 19th. Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan and raised in Romulus, Michigan, Barbara Morrison recorded her first appearance for radio in Detroit at the age of 10. Well known in the Los Angeles area for her duo and trio dates Ms. Morrison also tours extensively, blazing a trail as a Jazz and Blues legend in her own right across the Continental United States, Western Europe the Far East and "Down Under, ' wowing audiences with her band.