22 Dec 12

Happy Holidays, blogspot readers! SouthSide's spending some time with a couple of dear friends and her daughter tonight at the legendary Coq d'Or to catch Jesse Charbonier's holiday jazz show featuring Adrian on piano and Alex on bass. Once again, this artist and band brought to life the words and music to some of the most famously (and not so famously) songs by such artists like Chet Baker, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley (yes, the King did a jazz song that was featured in the movie Viva Las Vegas) and of course, his favorite, Billie Holiday. Yet, this holiday show also featured two little special guests (Maya and SouthSide's daughter) making their Coq d'Or debut with him on  a couple of songs jingling the bells to tunes Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and White Christmas. Also, the Adrian and Alex performed a lively version of Linus and Lucy before breaking for their first intermission.

~ Jesse chatting with Maya

Still, it was a night for romantics, blogspot readers, as Jesse lovingly crooned the attentive audience to their favorites like Chances Are, L-O-V-E and Don't Explain. Each song featured on his set list (which coincidentially always changes to fit the mood and atmosphere of the room) is treated with the highest respect  and care though Jesse does add a little of spin of his own to either give the song an upbeat feeling or a touch of downtempo sadness. Plus you can hear it the same from the band members as well especially during the instrumental bridges where Adrian and/or Alex add a piece of themselves into the music they're performing. For instance during Can't Take That Away From Me (by Billie Holiday with Count Baise), there was a lively upbeat swing during the bridge featuring Adrian on piano while Nat King Cole's Unforgettable and Chet Baker's Let's Get Lost, you could hear the bass rhythm taking the spotlight a bit.

~ Jesse and SouthSide's daughter, Alexis

SouthSide highly suggests spending a romantic evening with you special someone during 2013 at Coq d'Or listening to your favorite jazz song sung by Jesse Charbonier. His performances run from 9p to 1a certain Saturday nights at The Drake Hotel or attend his Sunday brunch performances at Mellow Yellow restaurant - a good way to introduce your children to jazz music. For more information, visit Jesse Charbonier at http://www.jessecharbonier.com.

Until next time, support your local scene,

SouthSide