A duet: Judy Chamberlain and Al Viola

This is a rubato (purposely out of tempo) duet with the great guitarist Al Viola, who is on pretty much everything Frank Sinatra recorded for more than 25 years.

It’s from a 2005 live performance in Hollywood, two years before Al passed away.

Al is playing his beloved 1939 Gibson L5, arguably one of the most iconic guitars in the history of popular music.

He used this guitar on more than 500 studio recordings, including numerous movie soundtracks.

Wise musicians know that a rest is actually a musical note — and great music, like a fine painting, prefers space in which to breathe.

Love and songs,

Judy

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Dallas Jazz Bands: In Search of Jazz Authenticity

What is jazz?

I am asked this again and again.

The topic of jazz is especially confusing to anyone who takes Ken Burns seriously.

I don’t.

Burns, the author of the supposedly definitive book, “Jazz,” failed to mention such important historic jazz icons as Chet Baker, Bing Crosby and… Read the full story »

A Dallas jazz singer in California: What a swell party it was!

Lou Delmonico, one of the original founders of Southern California’s Orange County Performing Arts Center, celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday recently.

Lou sits on many arts-related boards; his love of opera and chorale music is legendary.

He’s also a great fan of classic jazz, the kind you… Read the full story »

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A Jazz Singer In Dallas

It’s been more than six years since we moved halfway across the country to our home in Dallas, TX.

In the thirty years we lived in California, a lot of things changed there — some for the better, and some not.

Texas is a far different… Read the full story »

Tagged: California, Dallas jazz singer, Judy Chamberlain, Texas

Frank Sinatra did not write Fly Me To The Moon

The internet is loaded with stuff like this:

Fly Me To The Moon “by” Frank Sinatra.

Shame on you, Pandora.

Sinatra may have had the hit, but he didn’t write the song.

A guy named Bart Howard did.

To me, this is about as bad as looking at the… Read the full story »

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Live Jazz in Dallas, Texas

Reflecting upon the state of jazz in the state of Texas, it’s alive and well.

A recent club date was big-time proof that the art of improvisation lives in the hearts, minds bodies and talents of some very fine young musicians here.

Was I dreaming,… Read the full story »

Tagged: Dallas Jazz Clubs, Jazz in Dallas, Judy Chamberlain, Live Music in Dallas

What is jazz?

Might be that nobody really knows what jazz is anymore.

Some think it’s a dowdy antique, while others are certain it’s a marriage of rap and hip hop.

Neo-soul — and bastardized “funk” — are called “jazz” these days, too.

Oh, and “original music”…or maybe… Read the full story »

Tagged: what is jazz

Dallas Jazz Singer Judy Chamberlain

Dallas Morning News
August 21, 2012
Arts & Life

Name a song, and she’ll sing it.

A huge repertoire testifies to singer Judy Chamberlain’s first love: jazz.

By JON M. GILBERTSON
The Dallas Morning News… Read the full story »

Hire A Great Dallas Wedding Band!

What makes a great band?
A great repertoire!
Totally live, interactive and in-the-moment entertainment can literally MAKE a wedding.
Our fabulous musicians have toured and recorded with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis, Jr., Diana Krall, Michael Buble and Aretha Franklin.
We’re not your typical Dallas wedding band.
Great weddings… Read the full story »

Los Angeles Wedding Music On A Budget

Getting married in the Greater Los Angeles area? Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Diego and Palm Springs brides know how expensive it can be to rent a venue, provde a great meal and an open bar for your guests, arrange for lovely flowers, a great… Read the full story »