A little media buzz/exciting times

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
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.

I Got The Blues Soulful and sensual! — with Tyler CombsLeslie BakerTadg GalleranBobby Spencer and Albert Trepagnier Jr.

Hangin’ with a dear friend and great drummer.

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.

bakerbass

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.

We have fun!

October 12, 2016  

Le Petit Paris

418 s spring street

Downtown L.A.90013

 

Marissa is a wonderful singer and songwriter. I'm glad she thinks my bass playing is sassy.
Marissa is a wonderful singer and songwriter. I’m glad she thinks my bass playing is sassy.

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!

bakerbass
Leslie Baker and Friends Jazz Classical Fusion
bakerbass
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.

bakerbass
Joining Tuesday Musicale in Pasadena CA

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!

Another exciting week end in July 9 & 10 , 2016

Lotus Festival this Week End! Leslie Baker and Friends perform Sunday 1:30 PM

36th Lotus Festival

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

bakerbass
Thanks Joe Weinroth for the photo
Lisa and Leslie making music
bakerbass
Jazz Singer Lisa Casalino

SUMMER!

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

Bakerbass

bakerbass
Delicious

The Band Plays on the Patio, Bass and Drums under a Gazebo

bakerbass
Dale Fielder and Rick Olsen
bakerbass
Don Littleton

Don and Leslie workin' a selfie!

On this very hot day the ocean breeze made things nice.

Fisherman's Village View

bakerbass
A lovely day

bakerbass

Fisherman's Village Viewbakerbass

bakerbass
The biggest boat I’ve seen in this bay
bakerbass
Used to be Shanghai Red’s

roasted pig

bakerbass
The Venue

IMG_1385

bakerbass
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!!

bakerbass
Songbird Lisa Casalino leads her band.
bakerbass
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:

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

LAJS Jazz in Schools Program 2016

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.

We continue to bring Jazz music and history to young ones
We continue to bring Jazz music and history to young ones. Thanks to our sponsors, LAJS, Herb Alpert Foundation, MPTF. Photo Joe Weinroth
image
Photo Greg Lloyd
backstage, photo Greg LLoyd
Photo Greg Lloyd
Leslie Baker Bass
Recognition from the City of Angels for our work in schools. Photo Joe Weinroth
lajs 2016
Photo Greg Lloyd
Leslie Baker Bass
Maria Martinez, Darrick Edmondson, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Mark XX, Maria Martinez, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Mark Miller, Maria Martinez, Bobby Rodriguez, Leslie, Oscar Hernandez. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Bobby Rodriguez, Maria Martinez, Leslie. Photo: Greg Lloyd
Bobby Rodriguez, Maria Martinez, Leslie. Photo: Greg Lloyd

Holiday Time!

So it’s December.  More music, more fun and a good time to celebrate!

what the hell, another night at Joe's in Burbank with the Eric Ekstrand Ensemble 11-17-2015
what the hell (this is a joke, look carefully at the picture taken by Joe Weinroth), another night at Joe’s in Burbank with the Eric Ekstrand Ensemble 11-17-2015

“Hey Bartender” from live blues gig with Bobby “Hurricane” Spencer  at Roscoe’s in Long Beach

Leslie Baker plays bass and sings for Floyd Dixon, his most famous song with Albert Trepagnier, Jr., a great drummer from New Orleans and long time friend.  We both spent time on the road gigging with Floyd and compare some humorous memories at the end of the audio.

This time of year brings out some sentimentality in me.  Special people in my life come to mind even if they are no longer here with us on earth.

Interested in making your holiday celebrations kicked up a notch? Live music! I can provide for you, think about it……..

Seize the day (or night as the case may be).

Happy Holidays!

Blues Time with Bobby “Hurricane” Spencer

Hi All,

Day after Thanksgiving it’ll be a good idea to do some movin’ and shakin’

DSC_8127

A couple of days before Christmas the band played Jazz/Blues at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach

Like Wagman says: “it doesn’t make sense, but blues makes you happy” and with Bobby’s all star band, we are having some fun. So blues lovers, music lovers, check us out at the Seabird Jazz Lounge at Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles in Long Beach.  If  getting to Long Beach is out of the ordinary for you, here’s a chance to spread your chicken wings and discover a vibrant music scene.  We have several dates (check the calendar) coming up starting with Friday November 6.  We play from 9 pm to 1 am.  In the meantime here’s a bit of our rendition of Chicken Shack:

 

Bobby Hurricane Spencer Blues All Stars

Posted by Pat Delaney on Saturday, October 10, 2015

This video of  “Chicken Shack” features a bass solo!