L.to R.: Mike Higgins-guitar, Peggy Duquesnel-piano/vocals, Jim DeJulio-bass and Kendall Kay-drums©Glenn A. Mitchell

Pianist, vocalist and composer Peggy Duquesnel brought her beautiful quartet to Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel on April 8th for release of her new CD, Summertime Lullaby.  Her voice is soft, clear and very sweet.  Crowne Plaza’s room is one of the best rooms in the entire city of L.A. for listening, and comfortable as well.   

Duquesnel has been performing for many years.  Some interesting credits include: Touring nationally and internationally with Dionne Warwick, performing and recording with Henry Mancini and working with many other artists.  She also has been the keyboardist for the Anaheim Angels at Edison Field, especially at their 2002 world championship. 

Her excellent quartet members were:  Mike Higgins (guitar), Jim DeJulio (bass) and Kendall Kay (drums), who appear on the new CD as well. This CD is a joy to listen to, and many of the CD’s songs were performed this night at the release party. One of Duquesnel’s neat compositions, “Trottin,’ ” opened up the show.  She and Higgins traded choruses throughout the piece, while the rhythm of DeJulio and Kay supported the quartet nicely.  Duquesnel’s “The Days of Wine and Roses” was magical, as was her stylish version of the Jobim classic, “Dindi.”  The CD’s title track, “Summertime Lullaby,” was a standout composition for the night, receiving a lot of applause from the audience.  Duquesnel knows how to reach her audience and her singing is very appealing.    

Other tunes throughout the evening were: “Orange Colored Sky” (a favorite of all of us in the audience), “Fly Me To The Moon” with some great guitar, bass and drum solo work, and “On Green Dolphin Street,” which started off with solo piano from Duquesnel, followed tastefully to its conclusion by the quartet. The second set gave us another of her originals, “Drivin’ Blues.”  This attention-grabber was a down-home blues with good lyrics and singing from Duquesnel.  Another enjoyable number engaging the fans was a spirited “It Might As Well Be Spring,” captured in samba rhythm.  Kay took a terrific solo at his drum set that was well-received.  A co-written tune, “In The Quiet Hours” by Duquesnel and vocalist Dee Dee McNeil, reminded us of the peaceful time that we all need as much as possible.  There is a favorite tune of mine on the CD, “Stay As Sweet As You Are,” composed by Mack Gordon and Harry Revel.  It has truly sweet lyrics and, for me, was an emotional experience to see and hear live from Duquesnel’s quartet.  See her website: www.joyspringmusic.com or www.peggyduquesnel.com.  An excellent show!  

Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, May 2010.

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