Backed up by an excellent rhythm section (Brian Piper and Mike Garvey on piano, John Adams on bass, and Mike Drake on drums, trumpet and sax players Rodney Booth and Shelly Carro), she sings an uncommon set of standards. The path taken by many singers these days is to suddenly discover the Great American Songbook – only to record the most familiar Gershwin, Porter, and Richard Rogers songs. Ms. Martin has picked a set of songs that she makes her own (Bad News, Yes I Know When I’ve Had It, Sway) and, her voice is always clear and obviously experienced in this genre. Her great gift is understating her performances slightly while presenting the songs as jazzy stories or somewhat torchy songs – not overly dramatic and never over-the-top.
– Michale Coldewey

I was thrilled when I read this review. That was exactly the ambiance I was feeling when I selected the songs and worked with John Adams who produced and arranged the CD. I hope you enjoy listening to is as much as I enjoyed making it.

This collection of songs is all about someone you’ve loved – some good, some bad, some just playful and some a little painful. I think everyone can identify with the line in the title song, “cause your soul won’t forget, someone you’ve loved.” The story of searching for An Older Man Is Like An Elegant Wine, which led me to discovering Johnny Pate, an American Jazz legend, can be found in the article “Who is Johnny Pate” Please take a moment to read about this amazing man. Two of the songs on this CD were written by Mr. Pate, the title song, Someone You’ve Love and Yes, I Know When I’ve Had It. Three of the other songs were ones suggested by him.

The song Lost Herd was written by a Canadian treasure, Ian Tyson. Ian began his career in the ’60s folk era when he recorded, with his then wife Sylvia, over a dozen timeless albums that included his well know songs Four Strong Winds and Someday Soon. After 5 decades he is still going strong writing marvelous songs and touring while still continuing to work on his ranch in Alberta, Canada. I was privileged to open for Ian at the famous Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. He had such a great influence on my early years in music that I wanted to include one of his songs on my first CD.

I first thought of Someday Soon, as that is a song many, many people would recognize but then I remember a Christmas I spent with Ian and his lovely, talented wife Sylvia. I had just received a new Martin guitar and was anxious to learn to play. I was working on Someday Soon when Ian came into the room and told me that if I played that song one more time I would not live to see another Christmas. When I first heard Lost Herd I knew that was a song I had to record. Although it is from his songs in the cowboy genre, it is hauntingly beautiful and fits beautifully into the jazz world. I hope he like my interpretation.

The first thing people comment on when they see the CD is the cover photos. They were taken by Margaret Wolf (www.movingimagesproductions.com). Margaret is an incredible photographer with so much energy that she has to be tethered to the ground. She produced a coffee table book of the cover and session photos that is absolutely gorgeous. If you see it, you all want to have her produce one for you.

Kimberli Hull (www.sevenaspens.com) designed my website and the CD cover using Margaret’s photos. She also wrote the liner notes. Kimberli has been a big part of this project from the beginning. She has been my audience, the designer, the marketing guru and the supplier of wine!

The musicians on this CD are incredible! Without them this never would have happened. I cannot say enough good things about them. Their musical expertise is beyond description and on top of that they made the entire experience FUN! I would like to introduce each of them:

Brian Piper – Piano

Brian Piper as someone said “has cops to burn!” And that is an understatement. As a player he has made quite a name for himself, performing and recording with musicians and artists of all musical styles, from Texas legends Jerry Jeff Walker and Lloyd Maines to jazz greats Cab Calloway, Kenny Rankin and Clark Terry. He has conducted for Eartha Kitt, Rosemary Clooney and many others as the assistant musical director at Dallas’ famous Venetian Room in the Fairmont Hotel.
He has also played for the Dallas Summer Musicals and traveled with New York touring companies of several shows, including Grease and Godspell. He has worked with actors James Earl Jones, Tim Curry, Kris Kristofferson and Patrick Bergen. He has recently performed with Sheila E, Will Kennedy, Mike Davis and Bill Reichenbach.

Mike Garvey – Piano

Mike is an accomplished Pianist/Composer who has been based in Dallas since 1998. A native of the San Francisco Bay area, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from the University of California and has played professionally for over 20 years.

Mike is a recognized talent within the music industry and has been the featured pianist with many groups, playing such Dallas venues as Sambuca, Sipango, the Balcony Club and Soho Jazz Cafe. He also played regularly at the Adams Mark Hotel. Prior to moving to Dallas, Mike was an active participant in the New Orleans and Nashville music communities. Mike also spent three years on staff at RCA Records in Nashville.

John Adams – Producer, Arranger, Bass

John Adams is one of the Southwest’s most versatile and in-demand jazz, pop and studio musicians. He currently leads various performing groups. Adams holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from the University of North Texas, where for ten years he was the jazz bass professor. He is also active as a producer/arranger, a composer, clinician, and an instructional author.

John has backed a wide array of artists from vocalists Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Wayne Watson, and Sandi Patti, to jazz artists such as Woody Herman, Randy Brecker, Marvin Stamm, Joe McBride, Bobby Lyle, Chet Baker, Clark Terry, Carl Fontana, and Dave Liebman. His broad musical background has also included extensive recording and show work.

Mike Drake – Drums

Originally from Durban, S. Africa, drummer Mike Drake has performed and recorded music of virtually every style and genre. Mike’s driving and musical approach have placed him in concerts backing an array of artists such as Rosemary Clooney, The Fifth Dimension, The Platters, The Inkspots, The Mamas and the Papas, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Kenny Rankin. Mr. Drake has also performed with numerous touring groups, house-bands, such as at the Fairmont Hotel’s Venetian Room, as well as musical productions and on commercial recordings and jingles. He also has extensive experience as an arranger and writer, and is one of the region’s premier drum set instructors at colleges and universities such as The University of North Texas, Eastfield College, and Texas Wesleyan University.

Shelley Carrol – Sax

Saxophonist Shelley Carrol hails from family of gospel singers and musicians in Houston, Texas. It was there that the music bug bit him at an early age and landed him in the famed Boys Choir of Houston. After picking up the saxophone, he was able to study with the legendary Texas Tenor greats Arnett Cobb and Don Wilkerson. At the time he didn’t know how revered these gentlemen were around the globe. They simply lived in his neighborhood. Shelley attended the city’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and was a standout in the city’s Summer Jazz Workshop Program. This is where he developed a true flair for the stage.
While attending the University of North Texas, Shelley earned a spot in the Grammy Nominated One O’clock Lab Band. There he recorded two critically acclaimed CD’s in 1990 and 91. During the same period, Mr. Carrol was invited to join the Duke Ellington Orchestra by trumpeter Barry Lee Hall. This would prove to be an enormous musical opportunity with worldwide exposure. Since joining the band, he has toured the U.S. and over 30 foreign countries. He has also recorded and/or performed with Maureen McGovern, Tony Bennet, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams and a host of others.

Rodney Booth – Trumpet

Rodney Booth has been an active professional musician for over 27 years. A native of El Paso, Texas, he began his professional career at age sixteen as a trumpet player in his father’s bands. He received his degree in Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas and was a student of Don “Jake” Jacoby. Rodney was a member of the renowned North Texas State 1 o’clock Lab Band.

He traveled across North and South America and Europe with Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd Big Band. He has performed with many major recording artists such as Lou Rawls, Nancy Wilson, Wayne Newton, Michael Feinstein, Dionne Warwick, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Hamlisch, Ray Charles and Natalie Cole to name a few. He has recorded professionally with the popular artist Al Green and country star Janie Fricke.
Rodney is very active in studio and commercial recordings. He can be heard on national commercials for the Fina Corporation, Texaco, McDonald’s Corporation, Domino’s, Miller Brewing Company and Chevrolet. In addition, he performed on the commercial recordings for the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox, CNN News, the US Postal Service and also the popular television series, “Wishbone”. He also recently recorded the music for a national documentary, “The United States and Mexican War.” His various bands have been chosen to perform for companies such as Exxon, the Zales Corporation, Gordon’s Jewelers, Merle Norman Company and Cartier’s Jewelers. Rodney is also an adjunct professor at the University of North Texas where he teaches Improvisation, ear training, and jazz trumpet lessons.

The fare is Neapolitan style pizza, reasonably price Italian dishes and sandwiches served in a casual atmosphere presented by Bruno and Johnny Ceka.  Most famous for his namesake, Bruno’s in Valley Ranch, Bruno was inspired to create Siena in Coppell after he visited a pizzeria in Siena, Italy.  He recreated the décor of the place with paintings of Venice and consulted with his family to create some wonderful recipes to make Siena unique.

D Magazine names Siena the best neighborhood pizza place in Coppell.  But the menu extends beyond pizza and pasta to include several chicken dishes and seafood. And there is a full bar.

Now entertainment has been added every Saturday night.  There will be a variety of musicians and vocalist performing Jazz, Standards and maybe even a little Country and Blues.  The music will provide a backdrop for a lovely romantic dinner or just the opportunity to listen to some great music without having to drive downtown.   Special guest will add spice to the evening’s show.  Entertainers will include Jennifer Martin, Carolyn Lee Jones, Bryans Meggison, Miss Sandra Kaye, Rosana Eckert, Drenda Barnett, Bernard Wright, Tommy DeSalvo and many, many others.  The chance to see these performers in this small, intimate setting, up close and personal is a real treat.

Stop by to enjoy the warn hospitality of Bruno and Johnny, great entertainment and wonderful Italian fare.

Check the schedule for the next appearance
of Dallas jazz vocalist, Jennifer Martin
at Dallas jazz cafe, Siena Pasta and Pizza

Song writer, bass player, arranger, producer, conductor, educator – Jazz Man Extraordinaire!

I had the privilege of meeting Johnny Pate in the Spring of 2009. I was on a quest for the chart of the song “An Older Man Is Like an Elegant Wine” which I had heard on a Nancy Wilson CD.  Johnny’s name appeared in the liner notes. I rushed to the internet and discovered an article written by Devra Hall about Johnny Pate.  I contacted her and within two days, Mr. Pate sent me an email.  Technology is really wonderful!

Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, December 5, 1923,  Mr. Pate served in 218^th AGF Army Band during World War II and from there he went on to play with such greats as Coleridge Davis’ big band, Joe Williams, Ella, Sarah, and Duke Ellington. He produced albums for B.B. King, Shirley Horne and Curtis Mayfield and many more. His numerous accomplishments are detailed in the bio appearing at the end of this article.

I explained to Johnny that I was preparing to record a CD and wanted to sing that song but could not locate the chart.  He said he could have it ready for me in a couple of days.  Then he invited me to his home to pick up the chart and meet.

When I arrived at Johnny’s home I was surprised to see that he had been working on a list of songs he thought might be good for me to record. Johnny sat on the floor and played song after song while telling me wonderful stories of his life.  His lovely wife, Carolyn, served tea and cookies and added a few stories of her own.  Johnny also provided suggestions for singers to whom I should listen.  He did all that for someone he had never even met!

Asked how he knew what would be best for me, he said he had listened to the sample songs on my website.  All the material he selected was perfect.  I came away with 5 songs for my CD to be recorded in October.  Two of the songs were written by Johnny Pate, “Someone You’ve Loved” and “Yes, I Know When I’ve Had It.”

To say that Johnny Pate is inspirational is an understatement.  Sitting with the legendary Mr. Pate widened my musical horizons.  Johnny is passionate about jazz and that passion is contagious.

Although Johnny has “retired” rumor has it, somewhere in North Texas, it is my hope that he will never really retire as he has so much to give to the musical community.

I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to meet the marvelous Johnny Pate.

Please check out Johnny’s website http://patesplace.net where he showcases jazz legends, provides his expert commentary, and introduces new artists.

Johnny Pate’s Bio

The bio information provided below is taken from a bio written by Ken Hanlon and printed in a March 30, 2003 concert program as well as in the CD booklet for “Johnny Pate: 80th Birthday Celebration,” recorded live at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The text was edited and updated in July 2007 by Devra Hall Levy.

Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Dec 5, 1923, Johnny Pate is a self-taught bassist and arranger, having learned these skills while serving in the 218th AGF Army Band during World War II. After his discharge in 1946, he played with Coleridge Davis’ big band and from 1947 to 1949 worked, in succession, with jazz violinists Stuff Smith and Eddie South. While performing with South, Johnny furthered his musical training by studying at Chicago’s Midwestern Conservatory from 1951 to 1953. In ’53-’54 he was with Dorothy Donegan’s Trio and moved from there to the Ahmad Jamal Trio in 1956. During this same time period, Johnny worked for the Club De Lisa as the arranger of its shows’ production numbers, which were modeled after the famous Cotton Club reviews in Harlem. The feature male singer in the show was a young man by the name of Joe Williams. Johnny and Joe became life-long friends and Johnny often says that he met Joe long before Count Basie even knew who he was.

Toward the end of the 50’s, Pate led his own trip that served as the house band at Chicago’s Blue Note. There he worked with such stalwarts as Ella Fitzgerald Sarah Vaughan and Duke Ellington. Johnny’s stint as Ellington’s bass player at the Blue Note was the result of Jimmy Woode, the band’s bassist, having taken ill. Johnny ended up subbing for Woode throughout the entire Ellington Blue Note appearance. Unbeknownst to Johnny, Duke, or anyone else in the Ellington orchestra, a “bootleg” recording was made and eventually released in 1994 much to Johnny’s surprise. On that recording you can hear Duke recognize Johnny following his solo on Satin Doll.

Having recorded as a bassist with his own trio on the Federal, King, Gig, Salem, and MGM labels, Johnny wrote the arrangements, played bass, and conducted on James Moody’s 1958 Argo album, Last Train from Overbrook. That album was one of his last as a bassist as the demand for his services as an arranger, conductor, and producer of jazz albums forced him to make these his main musical pursuits. Among the albums that Johnny produced or arranged in the 1960s were Wes Montgomery’s Movin’ Wes on the Verve label and Shirley Horn’s Travelin’ Light on the ABC-Parmount label, the latter of which also featured two of Pate’s songs: “Have You Tried To Forget” and “Yes, I Know When I’ve Had It.” Other Verve albums followed: Stan Getz’ Didn’t We?, Kenny Burrell’s Asphalt Canyon Suite, Phil Woods’ Round Trip, Monty Alexander’s This Is Monty Alexander, and Jimmy Smith’ The Other Side of Jimmy Smith. In 1993 Johnny produced a second album for Smith, Sum Serious Blues, on the Milestone label that features the vocal work of Marlena Shaw.

Johnny also successfully ventured into the rhythm and blues field at the request of record producer Carl Davis who wanted to add a new musical twist to h9s recordings of “doo-wop” groups Johnny’s suggestion was to add some brass to the backup arrangements. The first recording was of a tune titled “Monkey Time” by Major Lance that became a big R&B hit. The composer of the song, Curtis Mayfield, was the leader of the R&B group the Impressions. Curtis Mayfield was so taken by Johnny’s arrangements that he asked him to do the arrangements for the next Impressions ABC-Paramount recording session. Johnny accepted the offer and soon found himself working for ABC-Paramount full-time as a producer. In his own words: “all of a sudden now, I’m doing rhythm and blues things that I’m picking checks up (for) that look like telephone numbers and I wasn’t getting these kind of checks doing jazz!” Johnny worked with Mayfield on a string of singles hits that included: “It’s All Right,” “Amen,” “Keep On Pushin’” and “People Get Ready.” Johnny would later arrange, orchestrate and conduct all of Curtis Mayfield’s original music for the highly successful movie Superfly.

B.B. King signed with ABC-Paramount right around the same time that Johnny joined the company, and Johnny soon found himself regularly producing albums for B.B. One of those albums, B.B. King Live at the Regal, is considered one of the greatest live rhythm and blues albums of all time.

Johnny’s success in the R&B field was followed by film and television scoring projects in the ‘70s, the best known of which is the music for Shaft in Africa (1975). Johnny also did the scores for the Shaft television series (1976) that, unfortunately, was rather short-lived. Other Johnny Pate movie scores include: Brother on the Run (1973), Bucktown USA (1976), Dr. Black and Mr. Hyde (1977), Satan’s Triangle (1978), and the original score for Bustin’ Loose (1980).

When Johnny finally decided to seek “retirement” in Las Vegas, he quickly found his good friend, Joe Williams, on his doorstep insisting that not only was he not retiring yet, but that he had several projects for which he needed Johnny’s services as both an arranger and conductor. Williams was getting more and more requests to perform with symphony orchestras and Joe was adamant about having Pate as his conductor. From Johnny’s arrival in Las Vegas until Joe’s passing in 1999, Johnny wrote arrangements and conducted for Williams on many occasions. He and his wife Carolyn also accompanied Joe and Jillean Williams to England for the recording of the CD Here’s to Life with Robert Farnon. Included in that album was the ballad that Shirley Horn had recorded in 1965, “Have You Tried to Forget?” under its new title “Someone You’ve Loved.”

For several years, Johnny hosted a Las Vegas radio show and shared his great musical expertise with his listeners as well as with music students at UNLV where he taught. Johnny since left Las Vegas but he continues to produce music…at his own tempo… and continues to maintain close friendships with the artists with whom he worked through an illustrious career.

Carmen will be heading up the Open Mic on Monday nights at LBG. All types of music are included in this open mic venue. There will be a piano player there so bring your charts or your karaoke CD. And you will also hear a few tunes from the marvelous Carmen.

Lakewood Bar and Grille is located on Gaston between Abrams Road and La Vista Drive. It is a casual neighborhood establishment with great food. The hamburgers are terrific and new menu items include Nachos, Catfish Platter, Chicken Salad, BLT, Reuben, Ribeye Steak Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, and even a Veggie Burger. (And did I mention the Sweet Potato Fries?) And then there is a variety of wonderful local talent featuring Jazz, Country and Classic Rock.  Check the calendar on their website for your favorite.

Jack Allday is presenting Jazz on Sundays at 2 PM and Tuesdays at 6:30. He is showcasing some of the best Jazz groups in Dallas. Jennifer Martin will be appearing on November 3rd.

Drop in on a Monday night to hear Carmen and some very talented singers She will be featuring all musical genres so join her and share your country, jazz, rock or soul with the crowd at the Lakewood Bar and Grille.

This year’s show opens September 11, 2009 at the Majestic Theatre and runs for four performances: September 11 at 8 PM, September 12 at 2 PM and 8 PM and September 13 at 2 PM. For ticket information go to the Senior Follies Website.

Mark says, “There are just so many talented seniors in Dallas; they sound like young cast. Music keeps these performers young and this kind of music never gets old. I think people will really be impressed with the caliber of talent we’ve assembled. Many of our performers have had very successful careers on stage.” Some are still performing.

Along with the well known jazz singer Trella Hart and the comedy of Rosemary Rumbley, Jennifer Martin will be performing two solos in the show. There will be the traditional show girls and The Dallas Tap Dazzlers just to name a few.

The proceeds from the show will be contributed to the effort to preserve the historic Majestic Theatre. The Majestic opened in 1913. The Majestic is as close as Dallas Theatre comes to resembling Broadway. It has been masterfully restored. The five story Renaissance Revival performance venue seats 1570 people. It would be a tragedy to see this beautiful landmark disappear.

We hope to see you all at the Senior Follies supporting our local talent and the future of the Majestic Theatre.