Shaking off the dust somehow preparing for who knows what?!
Like I said, making gigs with talented people I like has so lifted my spirit.
“Don’t know what you got ’til it gone” Thankfully the school program sponsored by Los Angeles Jazz Society & others sailed once again in 2023 after a no go in 2021 & 2022.
Fun times in the music business.
Memories of NAMM show mostly right before Covid & the New Years Eve gig that took us into 2020
There’s a lot more going on. This is a taste. I’m feeling stronger, grateful, writing new original music, lots of exploring musical directions…& a bunch of real cool gigs!!
Today the band, under the direction of trumpeter/educator Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, brings live jazz music and education to grammar school kids all over Los Angeles.
I got a good review when I least expected it. The gig was with Jimmy McConnell Quintet at the Valley Jazz Club. “Leslie Baker played a unique compact “traveling bass” with surprising full, rich sound proving it’s value to the band with her very active playing, showing off her skills as both a motivated supportive and feature player” Harvey Barkan Los Angeles Jazz Scene newspaper September 2016.
Leslie jamming on her upright electric bass by BSX
Bobby “Hurricane” Spencer and the Blues Allstars which includes me on bass, Albert Trepangnier from New Orleans on drums, Tadj Galleran on keyboard, George Van Wagner on guitar and Tyler Combs on vibes has a couple of videos out that are breaking my personal records for worldwide views.
As of now our video “I Got the Blues” has over 112K views since it’s release September 18, 2016. Pretty exciting. The same band with front vocalist Kelly Chappue on “Bad When I’m Good” (released Sept. 18) reached over 25K views!
I will update you as things go. Check it out! I put on my red dress baby…..I’ve been compared to a character in the Hobbit (in a red dress) in a comment at facebook.
Recent sightings at Clifton’s Cafeteria DTLA, LA Live and other spots in the works in and around Downtown and Hollywood. I’ve been floating among the ghosts with my friend pianist Chris Glik.
There is no charge for this performance. We will be recording live. Our presentation is very much a crossover of Jazz and Classical. We will be performing Claude Bolling Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano Trio in it’s entirety (7 movements) and a few additional pieces to round out the program. This is under the auspices of Tuesday Musicale. The fabulous musicians who will join me for this new adventure are Flutist Ruth Kasckow, Drummer Kenny Park and pianists Chris Glik and Alan Geier . It is a lovely place with parking and additional parking if lots fill also at no charge. It is my sincere hope to fill the room with friends, fans and interested parties on that Sunday afternoon October 9 in Pasadena!
Leslie Baker and Friends Jazz Classical Fusion
Leslie Baker and Friends at Pasadena Central Library 10-9-2016
My own review of the debut performance Leslie Baker and Friends…..I am very pleased with how we played together and so grateful for the wonderful audience who gave us a standing ovation. Also big thanks to the organization Tuesday Musicale who in concert with the Pasadena Public Library sponsored the concert. We have recordings. More news on that later.
Joining Tuesday Musicale in Pasadena CA
Leslie Baker and Friends, the chamber group has come up with a new name for the group.
So we’re hot! I’m doing what I can to not get bothered…..Full moon, Solstice, Fire’s, Father’s Day. Summer events and performances are rolling along.
Here’s what Father’s Day looked like for me as I enjoyed being the bass player for the Dale Fielder Quartet at Whisky Red’s Marina Del Rey, CA
Delicious
The Band Plays on the Patio, Bass and Drums under a Gazebo
Dale Fielder and Rick Olsen
Don Littleton
On this very hot day the ocean breeze made things nice.
A lovely day
The biggest boat I’ve seen in this bay
Used to be Shanghai Red’s
The Venue
Bandleader Dale Fielder enjoying brunch after playing his heart and soul at Whiskey Red’s
This coming Saturday, 6/27/16 I will be with Lisa Casalino’s Band at the Grove, 3rd and Fairfax in front of Nordstrom from 6-9 An evening of fun, free for the public performance. It is always nice to see friends and fans at these shows.
We had a great time with Lisa and the band was definitely cooking with Ark Sano on keyboard and Dustin Haner on drums!!
Songbird Lisa Casalino leads her band.
Thanks Joe Weinroth for the photo Lisa and Leslie making music.
July 4th I’ll be at Lacy Park in San Marino with the Tom Sullivan Band. We are part of a line up of bands followed by fireworks-big ones up close! Reservations and tickets required:
Happy 4th of July Weekend! Lots of bands, a parade—very Americana as I get to contribute to the festivities performing with Tom Sullivan’s Dixieland Band. We are being joined by a choir for our closing selection “Amazing Grace”. Tickets available- check Lacy Park, San Marino CA
And of course that is not all, just all for now…..stay tuned
