: : : Mario's Place Restaurant : : : Featured Artists Page

Allow me to introduce to you, "j.dee", a Smooth Jazz/R & B Instrumentalist, who plays with a smooth yet funky vibe.

j. dee is on the NuGroove label and recently released his second CD, "Smoove on the Move". A sample of his music from his first CD "Tippin On The Edge Of Funk" can be heard on his MySpace Site: www.myspace.com/jdeetippinontheedgeoffunk If you click on 'Album 2' on his MySpace Site, you will be able to hear a sample of all tunes from his "Smoove on the Move" CD.

The label NuGroove, recently described j.dee as follows:

"j. dee", is a sultry, funky, smooth, incredible soprano saxophonist, and he has done it again!There are no limits to the music he creates. He always brings something for everyone, from his R & B Instrumentals "It's on and Crackin" and "Let's Walk", to smooth jazz numbers "Coast Rollin' " and "Zoom Zoom". There is no style of music that he will shy away from as evidenced in his song "Too Hip Fa Seafood" and his version of Stevie Wonders "Don't You Worry Bout' A Thang". His first CD, "Tippin On The Edge Of Funk" displayed his smooth jazz abilities balanced on the edge of funk. Calling j.dee phenomenal is an understatement. He doesn't limit himself to playing the saxophone: he writes, produces, and arranges as well. He has worked with many artists and relishes the project he did with the THE late and THE great,

Grover Washington, Jr. He wrote and played several songs, giving HIS flavor to movies such as Losing Isiah and Original Gangstas. j.dee has been given a gift and he is always ready, willing and able to share it with the world. I guarantee you, this CD will remain in your player only until his next one is released."


SPECIAL THANK YOU TO MATISYAHU & X103 PHOTO BY MARC PIRON
AUGUST 23, 2009 It’s not everyday that a Grammy-nominated artist with a modern rock Top 10 & Top 40 hit (2006’s King without a crown) rolls into Mario’s to do a free acoustic show! But, then again, Matisyahu is not your everyday artist. Maxim hasn’t called him “the world’s dopiest Hasidic Jew” for nothing. He is a virtuoso Reggae performer whose lyrics are inspired by the teachings of his Jewish faith and style by Jewish musical traditions. Matisyahu’s performance at Mario’s Place was like an “MTV Unplugged” event: intimate, up close, and terrific. A capacity crowd of 200 people was spellbound by his fluid delivery, soulful aura, and bravura beat box work, all sat to the spare atmospheric accompaniment of Aaron Dugan on guitar and Rob Marscher on keyboards. His new album, light, was release 2 days after the show. It was produced by Davis Kahne (who has worked with Sublime, Paul McCartney, The Strokes, K.D. Lang, etc…) and stretches out well beyond what he has done in the past. We wish the very humbled and down to earth artist the best of luck! He is a real mensch.

HENRY FRANKLIN QUARTET Henry Franklin / Eldad Tarmu Quintet After years of playing jazz at the Historic Mission Inn Hotel, it is an honor to have this local legend here at Mario’s Place again. You have to see this guy play with his unbelievable quartet. This is a must for straight ahead jazz lovers; it doesn’t get better than this! Henry Franklin has played and recorded with Gene Harris & the Three Sounds, Hampton Hawes, Freddie Hubbard, Bobbi Humphrey, Willie Bobo, Archie Shepp, O.C. Smith, Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Hubbard , Al Jarreau, and many more. Franklin appears on more than 100 albums, with many of them produced under his leadership, and has also published a method book for all bass players entitled, Bassically Yours.


GEORGE WHITTY TRIO George Whitty has spent 20 years playing keyboards with some of the world’s best musicians, including the Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Chaka Khan, Richard Bona, and a dozen others, and his resume as a session musician includes some of the best-selling records of all time: Santana’s "Supernatural" (with Dave Matthews), Celine Dion’s "Falling Into You" and "These are Special Times", and more than 100 other CDs. As a producer/keyboardist, his Grammy-winning streak began with Chaka Khan’s "The Woman I Am" in 1992 and extends through 3 releases with the Brecker Brothers, most recently Randy Brecker’s 2004 Grammy-winner "34th and Lex". He is currently scoring a feature film, "The Getdown", and playing on tour with David Sanborn. Ric Fierabracci first received world-wide acclaim in his two years as bassist on one of the most demanding tours in music: Chick Corea’s Electrik Band. Since then, his fluid melodicism and soulful groove have been heard on tour by artists such as Andy Summers (the Police), Men At Work, Asia, and Tom Jones. His CD "Hemispheres" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2008. Ric is currently on tour with British superband UK. Craig Chestnut is one of the most electrifying drummers in the California area today.

J.DEE & COMPANY
SMOOTH FUNK / R& B JAZZ Allow me to introduce to you, "j.dee", a Smooth Jazz/R & B Instrumentalist, who plays with a smooth yet funky vibe. j. dee is on the NuGroove label and recently released his second CD, "Smoove on the Move". A sample of his music from his first CD "Tippin On The Edge Of Funk" can be heard on his MySpace Site: www.myspace.com/jdeetippinontheedgeoffunk If you click on 'Album 2' on his MySpace Site, you will be able to hear a sample of all tunes from his "Smoove on the Move" CD. The label NuGroove, recently described j.dee as follows: "j. dee", is a sultry, funky, smooth, incredible soprano saxophonist, and he has done it again!There are no limits to the music he creates. He always brings something for everyone, from his R & B Instrumentals "It's on and Crackin" and "Let's Walk", to smooth jazz numbers "Coast Rollin' " and "Zoom Zoom". There is no style of music that he will shy away from as evidenced in his song "Too Hip Fa Seafood" and his version of Stevie Wonders "Don't You Worry Bout' A Thang". His first CD, "Tippin On The Edge Of Funk" displayed his smooth jazz abilities balanced on the edge of funk. Calling j.dee phenomenal is an understatement. He doesn't limit himself to playing the saxophone: he writes, produces, and arranges as well. He has worked with many artists and relishes the project he did with the THE late and THE great, Grover Washington, Jr. He wrote and played several songs, giving HIS flavor to movies such as Losing Isiah and Original Gangstas. j.dee has been given a gift and he is always ready, willing and able to share it with the world. I guarantee you, this CD will remain in your player only until his next one is released."

S.L.an'G. (Soul Love an' Groove)
JAZZ-FUNK-FUSION This 70's, funk, fusion, band this quickly becoming a local favorite. Opening for legendary Conga Player Poncho Sanchez at Riverside's "Downtown Street Jam" on September 12 KINDRED SPIRITS: Motown, some CTI jazz flavors of the late ’60s and early ’70s, a bit of the Blue Note and Impulse! roster, Bitches Brew, Mahavishnu, Earth Wind and Fire, early Santana . . . get it? For too many years, artists have been mining the funk for their own purposes. They’ve been sampling the funk behind their own rhymes. And they’ve been melding the funk into the backgrounds of television shows and movies. In short, many things have become funkified, but the funk itself has been left out in the cold to hang alone, as true funk outfits haven’t shared the commercial limelight in the same way that hip-hop, R&B, rock and country has in recent times. But, with bands like San Bernardino’s own S.L.an’G. writing their own prescriptions for a pure groove-based good time, an updated concoction on the rhythm-heavy riff (add some rock, hip-hop and jazz pills in there) is just what the doctor ordered to put this supreme style back on the scene. By: Waleed Rashidi

RON KOBAYASHI TRIO
The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO consists of three uniquely talented musicians from the Southern California area. Each musician brings with him years of diverse musical experiences. Pianist and leader Ron Kobayashi has performed with Mel Torme, Margaret Whiting, Herb Jeffries, Kenny Burrell, Eric Marienthal, Tim Weisberg, Peter White, and Paula Kelly Jr. and the Modernaires. He was a featured performer on the international "Johnny Yune" television show, the 2002 Jerry Lewis Telethon and on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. In 1992, Ron performed for President Bill Clinton. Bassist and composer Baba Elefante was voted one of the nation’s top bass players in a Bass Player Magazine poll. He also performed on the 1995 Universal movie "The Hunted," as well as with jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, saxophonists Pete Christlieb and Justo Almario, "Yes" keyboardist Patrick Moraz and "Kansas" lead vocalist John Elefante. Drummer Steve Dixon has done numerous recording sessions both as a drummer and percussionist. He has worked with "War" harmonica legend Lee Oskar, saxophonist Richie Cole, trombonist Bill Watrous, vocalist Tierney Sutton and Warner Brothers recording artists The Untouchables." The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO has played numerous music festivals including the Playboy Jazz Festival in Pasadena, San Bernardino Music Festival, The Orange County Art and Jazz Festival, the Dana Point Jazz Festival, the Yorba Linda Arts Festival, the Mission Viejo Music Festival, the Orange Street Fair and at the Colorado Belle in Laughlin, Nevada. The Trio has worked in Orlando, Florida and Las Vegas, Nevada and shared the stage with such notable artists as: David Benoit, Eddie Palmieri, Cirque Du Soleil, Strunz and Farah and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. In 2002, The Trio provided all music for the 10th Annual Hollywood Diversity Awards where such stars as "The Rock," Michael Clarke Duncan, and the cast of NBC’s "West Wing" were honored. The Los Angeles Times says the trio are "superb jazz stylists." The RON KOBAYASHI TRIO’S latest CD "No Preservatives," (Carpet Cat Records) was described as a "five star session from three of the Southland’s finest…" by the LA Jazz Scene. The Orange County Register wrote: "If you define jazz, at least partly, as spontaneity, emotional expression and communication among musicians, you won’t find anything better than "No Preservatives." The trio’s current CD is being played on more than 75 radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada, and reached the "Top 10 Playlist" on KAWC in Arizona. In 1996, the trio was voted "Best Jazz Group in Orange County" by readers of the Orange County Weekly Magazine.

COLE COLLECTIVE

Cole Collective is a San Diego bred funk-jazz group, currently based out of Los Angeles. The group is led by Wesley Cole Switzer, a Berklee College of Music alumni and funk jazz bassist from San Diego. The talented groups unique style and instrumentation generates a distinct show that fans and music lovers can rarely find outside of the heart of the east coast jazz scene. The group features Asha Sukumar on violin, Waylon Hicks on saxophone, and Tom Atkins on drums; with a variety of special guests appearing regularly from one show to the next. Cole Collective brings something refreshing to the Southern California jazz scene. Wesley Cole Switzer varies the bands set list adding in both contemporary jazz originals, as well as popular standards intertwined with elements of funk, blues, and even hip-hop. Jazz melodies on saxophone, hip-hop grooves on drums, funky bass lines and a hint of violin and vocals in the mix blends exceptionally well to create the exciting, fresh new sound that is the Cole Collective.


7th AVE BAND
R&B - CONTEMPORARY JAZZ A local favorite. Vocally lead by Lisa Maguinez and Carles Abraham, directively lead by Gary Henderson, deeply under toned by the bassing of Paul Henderson, and glued together by powerful drumming of Harold Allen Jr. Seven Ave is a band lead by the inspiration music.

JAZZ JUNKIES
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ http://www.myspace.com/jazzjunkies ARTE HERNANDEZ (Saxes & Flute) PHIL SANCHEZ (Bass) HENRY RODRIGUEZ (Drums) MARK FERGUSON (Keyboards) This group consists of local jazz legends from the Southern California area, they love to play their style of Creative funky groove jazz with a touch of latin spice thrown in. This is not to be missed.

THEM NOVUS
CONTEMPORARY VOCAL Various styles influenced by The Police, Dave Matthews Band, Jamiroquai, Incubus, and a few more. THEM NOVUS was formed in Riverside, California, in early 2007. As destiny would have it, Johnny Gomez and Henry Rodriguez were in a dilemma not unfamiliar to most new bands: They needed a lead singer. Trial and error put them through agonizing auditions with talented but chemically incompatible musicians. Meanwhile, less than twenty miles away, Devin Vasquez had just returned home from touring the world with major international acts. Yet, she wasn’t satisfied. It was then that the tides turned and the planets lined up in our favor. Through a friend of a friend, they were united and THEM NOVUS was born.

ELEMENTS
"ELEMENTS & FRIENDS OPEN MIC/JAM SESSION" THE I.E.'S BEST MUSIC HANG AND JAM SESSION @ THE GREATEST JAZZ VENUE & RESTAURANT IN RIVERSIDE! MUSICIANS AND VOCALIST WELCOME! CONTEMPORARY JAZZ ELEMENTS Formed by visionary drummer/percussionist, Gary “Big G” Stanionis and made up of today’s top up and coming musicians, Elements Revolution are quickly becoming industry veterans. Fusing Jazz, R&B, Latin and World Beat Rhythms to Funk and Soul, they are creating a style and sound that is all their own. From their "smooth as silk" rhythm section to their “blazing” soloist’s, Elements is sure to get you moving! Elements debut album is called “Takin’ it Back” and was released under the band name “ELEMENTS” in the summer of 2008 and since has been a SMASH!

LIVE JAZZ W/ RENEE ROJANARO

With her silky voice and smooth jazzy style, this enchanting vocalist specializes in warm, mellow grooves that brings to life those nostalgic jazz torch songs from the 30's and 40's, along with the fresh feel of the popular tunes of today. It's a sound that is perfect for an intimate setting where you want a classy presence that allows your guests to enjoy the entertainment as well as conversation. Her band consists of some of the most talented and experienced musicians in Southern California. They have performed with such artists as Etta James, Gladys Knight, Prince, Pink, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind and Fire to name a few.

MICHAEL HAGGINS
http://www.myspace.com/michaelhaggins CONTEMPORARY JAZZ Michael Haggins is a Bass Player/Songwriter born in Pasadena CA and began playing music in his early teens. Having studied Jazz at Pasadena City College Michael has worked and recorded with many artists while also working in the network television industry.Michael has worked for NBC,ABC,CBS, and continues to produce his special brand of original music with his own sound. Influences include Stanley Clarke,Isley Brothers,George Duke,Earth Wind & Fire, and many others.Michael Charted on Smooth Jazz Radio with his debut CD, "Daybreak". Traffic the current CD release is phenomenal!His laid back style is funky and smooth, a compelling vibe for jazz enthusiasts. From funk to smooth with a taste of old school. Veteran Sax player Jimmy Roberts and Guitarists Mike Miller & Darrell Crooks are also featured on Michael's music. Both CD's offer a solid collection of great music well worth your investment."Traffic" has been featured on the "Smooth Jazz Weekend Top 20 Countdown with Allen Kepler " as the new music spotlight that currently airs weekly on major smooth jazz radio stations, including KTWV 94.7 The Wave in Los Angeles. "Traffic" was also named in Smooth Jazz News Magazine as one of it's Top 10 CD Picks Best of 2009 December issue. Michael Haggins currently records for the Indie label Cuate Records Corp.

ROSE MALLET
Rose Mallett has captured the essence of vocal delivery that some say reminds them of the range and texture of Sarah Vaughan; the joy and playfulness of Ella Fitzgerald; the foreboding pain of Billie Holiday; and the regal articulation of Lena Horne. Her voice is simply beautiful.

ENCOUNTER LATIN JAZZ

LATIN JAZZ Latin Jazz is alive in Riverside.
LATIN JAZZ Latin Jazz is alive in Riverside.

FULL WATTZ
REGGAE Now we have decades of musical experience working together with one aim -to rock the world with music - roots, rockers, lovers rock and dancehall in our own unique style. Rasta music, love music, soul music, African music, World music. JAH RAS TAFARI. The music is intense, infused with emotions - happy and upbeat because we love Jah and have alot for which to be thankful, mellow and irie.

NOVA MODERN
STRAIGHT AHEAD-FUNK JAZZ The Nova Modern: Sax, 8-string Guitar, Drums Nova Modern is a unique jazz band assembled in 2008 by Saxophonist Waylon Hicks and Guitarist Bobby Bozonelos. Great chemistry is the core of the band’s success and their signature brand of funk flavored grooves always proves to be fun and exciting. This talented group performs as a Jazz Trio, omitting a bass player and utilizing an uncommon “half bass, half guitar” instrument known as the 8-String Guitar. This instrumentation is very unconventional in a jazz setting but has gained quite the attention of many venues and audiences. The Nova Modern set list includes everything from straight-ahead jazz to funk and rock. In addition, Nova Modern often includes what has become known as their Electro-Funk Jazz sets, utilizing various software, midi controllers, and other electronic and DJ elements on top of their live performances creating a feel good vibe that can last all night long. They have definitely become known for having a fresh approach to their shows which along with the usual jazz crowd will often draw in younger audiences and those not usually known to attend jazz performances. Nova Modern draws from the influence of many artists and bands from all genres such as; Kenny Garrett, Joshua Redman, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Charlie Hunter, Jeff Beck, Marcus Miller, Radiohead, Massive Attack, Air and Zero 7. Nova Modern set out to create a sound that was different than anything else heard in their local music scene and by combining all of their personal music interests and influences they have successfully accomplished their goal. Now, they are very excited to search out new venues and begin sharing their sound and concept with a variety of audiences. You’ll absolutely not want to pass up the chance to hear this incredibly talented Power Jazz Trio!

TONY PALKOVIC
FUSION JAZZ Praised by the prestigiuos Guitar Player Magazine and his albums have been heard in the U.S. and in other countries. He has played in concert halls, clubs and festivals headlining and also sharing the bill with artists from Jeff Lorber with Kenny G to Richard Elliott to the legendary Weather Report. He has appeared on the BET television network. ESOTERIC is the name of TONY's new album. On the AP label. It features pianist/keyboard genious PATRICK MORAZ (REFUGEE,YES and THE MOODY BLUES) and sax player KRYS MACH (best known for his work with LEVEL 42).Tony hosts his own jazz radio show which is heard in the Greater Los Angeles/Southern California area. The show features guest interviews and live performances. Heard on 88.7 FM. http://www.kspc.org

CROSS-EFFECT
STRAIGHT AHEAD MEETS CONTEMPORARY-FUSION JAZZ Dante Fire (Bass/Drums) has a style that is uniquely his-own, neo-soul/jazz/gospel. The ambitious style touches all formats of music, and this propels him beyond the limits of a traditional musician. Dante Fire and his associates have performed with Jaime Foxx, Rick James, Candy Dulfer, Chuck Mangione, James Moody, Bobby Shew, Bob Mintzer, Lew Tebackin, The Temptations and the Glenn Miller Orchestra to name a few names.

SHAWN JONES
VOCAL ACOUSTIC & ELECTRIC ROCK BLUES Shawn Jones began winning over audiences with his unique blend of exceptional singing, songwriting, and guitar playing at a very young age. Shawn has become a popular fixture in the California Southland and in Nashville, with forays as far a field as Europe. Most recently, Shawn has been creating quite a buzz overseas, touring extensively in the U.K. and Ireland at some of the major festivals and appearing on BBC radio where his music has found a new home and has been getting extensive airplay.

CHUCK BOOGIE TRIO

JAZZ FUNK The Chuck Boogie Trio is an exciting new group that brings a mix of Soul, Funk, R&B, Jazz and Gospel together to make there unique sound. The trio consist of Charles Moore aka Chuck Boogie on Organ and Keys, Andrew Sarabia on Electric Guitar and Berzelius Baker Jr. aka Big Bert on Drums. The band has played for artist such as The Pharcyde, Mc Lyte, Maya Azucena, Digital Underground, Slang and Chuck D just to name a few. They one day decided to do there on style of Jazz which they named “Soul Jazz”. Since coming together they have wowed many audiences with there musicianship and style. They have played at various venues throughout Southern California and are preparing for a National Tour in 2010.

KATHERINE PROUSE
STANDARD & VOCAL JAZZ Heavily influenced by such incredible Jazz vocalists such as Diana Krall, Etta James and Casandra Wilson, she sang every weekend in coffee shops, restaurants and bars in Orange County, Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. She gained recognition for winning the "Best Jazz" award at the 2003 Orange County Music Awards. Katherine is growing more mature and confident as a Jazz vocalist. She has a deep appreciation for the music of the 20's, 30's, and 40's. Jazz seems to be taking all new forms and shapes in today's musical climate. Katherine really enjoys bringing back the romance of the standards, and also the aesthetics of the time period.

LET'S JAZZ QUARTET
STANDARD & VOCAL JAZZ Nichole Preuss is a contemporary vocalist with a love for the Great American Songbook. Her vocal styles include the great jazz standards, blues tunes, and rhythmic Bossa Novas. Nichole is steadily gaining recognition as a unique song stylist. Al Meyers (guitar) began studying and performing on the guitar at age 12. Although able to perform many different styles, Al has endeavored to emulate the finger style guitar playing of the legendary Joe Pass. Early on Al was greatly influenced by the amazing Les Paul but primarily plays with a traditional jazz sound.

WENDELL KELLY
STRAIGHT AHEAD JAZZ Wendell Kelly is a freelance trombonist, arranger, composer, producer, performing live and in the studio of the Los Angeles area. Wendell Kelly has performed with: Whitney Houston - The O'Jays - Stevie Wonder - Lionel Richie - En Vogue - Barbara Morrison - Horace Tapscott - Louis Bellson - Connie Francis - Engelbert Humperdinck - Leslie Uggums - Eddie Daniels- Patti LaBelle - Lou Rawls - Ernie Andrews - Natalie Cole - Toni Tennille - Gary Foster - The Rippingtons - Clare Fischer - Howie Mandel - Little Richard - Ray Charles - Jack Sheldon - Lanny Morgan - Bobby Shew - Johnny Hammond Smith - Phil Upchurch - Joe Williams - Gerald Albright - Dan Ackroyd - Frank Sinatra - Rich Matteson - Maureen McGovern - Liz Torres - The Four Tops - Tommy Newsom - Billy Crystal - The Temptations - Ross Thompkins - Steve Allen - Ashley Alexander - Tommy Tedesco - Styxx Hooper - Merv Griffin - Sue Raney - Cybil Shepard - Jerry Lewis - The Manhatten Transfer - Cleo Laine - Rosemary Clooney - Ruth Brown - Jack Jones - k.d.Lange - Rebbie Jackson - Shirley MacLaine - Luis Miguel - Tony Danza - Hootie & The Blowfish - Paula Abdul -Steve Lawrence - Eydie Gourmet - Carmen Bradford - Herbie Hancock - Harry Sweets Edison - Frankie Valli - Yolanda Adams - Lalo Schifrin - Pat Boone - John Faddis - Tom Scott - Michael Crawford - Jeff Goldblum - Lorna Luft - Wayne Newton - Lisa Loab - Dan Castellaneta - John Lithgow - Brenda Dumani - Nancy Sinatra -Loretta Divine - Sheila E.- Jennifer Holiday - T.C. Carson - Clint Black - Steve Wariner - Fiona Apple - Mary Wilson - Diahann Carrol - Marty Stewart - Neil Sedaka - Lionel Richie - Toni Braxton - Bobby Womack - Edgar Winter - Paul Anka - Luther Vandross - Diana Ross - Femi Kuti - Quincy Jones - James Ingram - Patti Austin - David Foster

STEVE HOMMEL
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ Saxophonist Steve Hommel and his quartet perform original contemporary jazz material that alternately fuses Gospel, Middle Eastern and Latin musical flavors with old school Funk and R and B roots.