You can always count on the wonderful Las Vegas Jazz Community to keep things heated up—and this chilly January is no exception! It started off with the sizzling, 284-seat standing-room-only, Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns concert at the Summerlin Library’s Performing Arts Center, which was produced by the Las Vegas Jazz Society (of which I am an enthusiastic Board Member!). This amazing big band, led by the matchless talents of high energy vocalist, guitarist and consummate professional, Jerry Lopez, brought the dazzled audience to its feet so many times, that there wasn’t much point in sitting down! As the audience left, an oft-repeated refrain was: I’ve never seen anything on this extraordinary level in Summerlin! Kudos to the Las Vegas Jazz Society! If you missed this concert, you can still hear

The Fat City Horns on Monday nights at the Palms!

And speaking of the LVJS, the next “explosive” concert is scheduled for Sunday, January 21, 2 pm, at Winchester Cultural Center, and will feature the Jazz Society’s own Nevada Jazz Orchestra, led by Barry Ross. This tribute to the late and much loved and respected  trumpet legend, Maynard Ferguson, will showcase Ferguson’s classic charts as they were originally performed. More good news-- NJO’s first CD, featuring the absolutely finest musicians in Las Vegas, will be available for purchase a this concert! For up-to-the-minute jazz info, check out the LVJS’ web-site: www.vegasjazz.org.

Another great resource for Las Vegas Jazz is our own Jazz radio station, KUNV, 91/5 FM —especially on Tuesday nights, when Chuck Carter highlights local musicians from 9:30 to 10 pm! And—here’s a shameless plug—are there any other kind?—my own web-based radio talk-show, “Live--from the REAL Las Vegas!” provides weekly, live interviews

with the talented members of our Jazz community! Please join the conversation on Fridays at 11 am PST, www.alltalkradio.net. There will be a re-run on 1/12, while I’m in NYC at the International Association of Jazz Educators Convention, getting more interviews to share! On 1/19, I’ll be talking with Arranger, Conductor, Trombonist extraordinaire, Nathan Tanouye, who’s recent breathtaking CD, features gorgeous, contemporized big-band arrangements of the late, beloved, Russ Freeman.

On 1/26, I’ll be girl-talkin’ with the multi-talented Ms. Ronnie Fabre—who’s vocals, humor and story-telling will provide an unforgettable hour of delightful surprises!

Don’t forget to go to church on Friday nights! The Jazz Church—that is! The joint is jumpin’ on 3^rd and Bridger starting at 7 pm and going until. . .?

You never know who will show up before and after their own gigs to sit-in with the pro’s of the legendary Bobby Morris’ band—with the peerless keyboard stylings of Terry Ryan, always in-the-pocket Richard Straub providing the heart-beat on bass, and Michael Ray Tyler—the best trumpeter in Las Vegas, combined with the effervescent vocals of Miss Mary O—it just doesn’t get any better! Come by and say hi and let me know what you think!

Amidst all the holiday festivities, even our deep sadness at the loss of Las Vegas treasure, Miss Ruth Brown (1/12/28-11/17/06), was cause for the celebration of a heroic life, wrapped in the joyful noise of music. At her

Memorial Service on 12/17, which was organized by her close friends, Jillean Williams (Joe Williams’ widow) and distinguished photographer, Ed Foster, many loving tributes demonstrated the gratitude and deep affection that this remarkable and humble woman engendered in those who knew her.

“Ruth’s Party” packed the house, bringing tears, shouts, laughter, standing ovations and a profound sense of community among the “congregants” that would have made Miss B proud. Thanks to the internationally renowned Vince Falcone, whose wide-ranging keyboard acumen accompanied the guest performers, to Bill Fayne (Las Vegas Tenors), whose “Here’s to Life” conjured up images of Ruth Brown and her friend, Joe Williams applauding from a celestial audience, to the Platters own Sonny Turner, who brought rays of sunshine dancing through the clouds to light up the stained glass window with his breathtaking, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” to Freddie Eckstine, Earl Turner, Janis Carter, Clint Holmes and so many others—this truly was a once-in-a-life-time event that left all in attendance feeling mightily blessed.

So—as you can see clearly now—and hear—

Jazz is Alive and Kickin’ in Las Vegas!

Please keep me posted on upcoming events—

your input is encouraged and highly appreciated!

 jazz@joannes.us