I enjoy making music in many flavors. Let me know when I can make some for you.
Bass is bass, acoustic or electric, I love it and it keeps me busy. How thankful I am for all of that!!
All photos by Joe Weinroth except where otherwise noted.
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.
We are sponsored by the Los Angeles Jazz Society, Musicians Performance Trust Fund, Herb Alpert Foundation and Cultural Affairs of Los Angeles. We have several more concerts coming up this month along with 2 other bands in celebration of Black History Month.
Here’s a picture from last year:
And the year before:
Mark Christian Miller, Maria Martinez, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie Baker, Oscar Hernandez
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.
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.
I Got The Blues Soulful and sensual! — with Tyler Combs, Leslie Baker, Tadg Galleran, Bobby Spencer and Albert Trepagnier Jr.
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.
Things are bubbling up for Marissa Gomez and the Ghosts of Echo Park
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.
And now for the most exciting thing coming up soon is the debut of my Chamber Music Group. Our performance date is Oct. 9, 2016 2:30 – 3:30 PM at the Donald Wright Auditorium in the Pasadena Central Library on Walnut
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!
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.
Leslie Baker and Friends, the chamber group has come up with a new name for the group.
As of 2017 we go under the name of Transcendence!
Lotus Festival this Week End! Leslie Baker and Friends perform Sunday 1:30 PM
If you want to see us, don’t be late….it’s a short set. We are surrounded by dancers.
Saturday from 6-9 PM I return to play in Lisa Casalino’s Jazz Band on the Westside, at the Grove near Nordstrom
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
The Band Plays on the Patio, Bass and Drums under a Gazebo
On this very hot day the ocean breeze made things nice.
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!!
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:
http://www.ci.san-marino.ca.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=1237
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
With the new year comes another chance to give grammar school concerts all over L.A. that teach about Jazz. I am very happy to once again participate in this program with bandleader Dr. Bobby Rodriguez and his very talented band. If you would like to observe a concert, contact me at bakerbass@mac.com to arrange for a guest pass.
