(L-R) Jeff Colella, Michael Camacho, Daveena Limonick, Pat Senatore, Bob Zimmitti. Photo by Glenn A. Mitchell

Vibrato showcases some terrific jazz artists mid-week.  December 12th was no exception.  A good trio of Jeff Colella–piano, Pat Senatore-bass and Bob Zimmitti-drums was on hand to back stellar vocalist Michael Camacho.  Before the actual show began, just the duo of Colella and Senatore played some nice, lighter jazz standards and Christmas songs for dinner music. Vibrato’s food selections are beyond compare.

The second set added a marvelous singer, Daveena Limonick, who opened for Camacho.  Her songs included “Close Your Eyes,” “Watch What Happens,” “Star Eyes,” “Let’s Get Lost,” “Cry Me a River,” and “Wheelers and Dealers,” a song made famous by the late, great Irene Kral and composed by Dave Frishberg.  I was very impressed by this lady’s musical presentation.  Her stage presence was perfect and her enunciation as well.  Singing for only under three years, she is remarkable.  Her first CD, Daveena, out already, was done with Colella, Zimmitti and bassist Trey Henry.  Her husband, Peter Limonick, a pianist and composer, is on two tracks as well.  All of this was a pleasant surprise; for more info see www.botegadaveena.com . 

The Slide FX Tentet at Steamers©Glenn A. Mitchell

Steamers always presents big band entertainment on Monday nights.  It is not hard to imagine what most of the bands will sound like.  Slide FX Tentet is, however, a unique group made up of six trombones (four tenors and two bass), a rhythm section of Tom Owens--piano, Adam Uldall--guitar, Tony Candela--electric bass and John Ryskowski--drums.  On trombones are Dave Woodley, Roger Bissell, John Ward and Art Dragon with John Campanella and Rick Acosta holding down the bass trombone chairs.  Vocalist Jennifer Hart sang some beautiful numbers with them this evening, December 3rd.  Their music is from the Great American Songbook, but had quite a few jazz numbers and Christmas songs as well.

“A Foggy Day” opened the show with fine solos from trombonists Woodley and Bissell and a nice piano solo from Owens.  The band played “Days of Wine and Roses” with colorful solos from Acosta, Owens, Dragon, and Uldall.  

“She can be as playful as Ella, as thoughtful as Sarah, as naughty as Etta… Barbara Morrison… has gained a national following with her big personality and delicious sense of swing.” -L.A. Times

Barbara Morrison©Andrea Canter

One of the most soulful songstress of her (or any) generation, Barbara Morrison returns to one of her favorite haunts to usher in the new year when she visits Steamers in Los Angeles, January 4-5. With her swinging renditions of blues and jazz standards, she has no equal as singer and entertainer.

A native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Barbara Morrison made her show business debut recording for Detroit radio at age 10. Ever since, she has been performing at festivals, including the Montreux and the North Sea Jazz Festivals, and on stage with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Jimmy Smith, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, and Tony Bennett. She opened for Ray Charles and was guest vocalist for the Count Basie