Seasonal Jazz

Thursday night's Jazz at the Eliott Hotel had a very seasonal look about it. The Christmas decorations were up and the beautifully decorated Christmas tree stood guard by the corner at the Verandah Bar. The quartet for the night starred Monique Posso on piano, Charlie Rovegno on drums, George Posso on double bass and Nicky Gonzalez on alto and tenor sax (but not at the same time). Guest musicians and singers included Noel Yates on guitar (welcome back Noel!!!), Louis Chipolina on guitar and Dennis Beltran on vocals. Noel and Louis were special guests as it's been quite some time since they joined us last at these sessions.

Also special guest for the evening was the flautist, well-known to many locals as he has been around Main Street for a couple of months, mainly around the cathedral area, reciting beautiful popular tunes. His name, Brother Wally, originally from Philadelphia is now living in Algeciras and visits Gibraltar almost every day.

The group was in good Christmas spirit and started off the first set with a beautiful jazzed up Christmas carol entitled ‘Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas' with Nicky taking the melody on sax. This was followed by a bit of romance with ‘I'm In the Mood for Love' with Noel on guitar. They continued with Monique's preferred latin style with ‘Black Orpheus' a la Michel Camilo with Louis now on guitar, Brother Wally on flute and Nicky on sax. Next was a Carlos Velazquez tango entitled ‘Besame Mucho' (Kiss Me Much) moving on to the ever popular Jobim ‘The Girl From Ipanema' with Brother Wally blending in on the melody in unison with Nicky and with Noel on guitar leading to the end of part one.

The quartet was soon on stage for the second set with Louis on guitar, still in a latin mood they played a salsa version of ‘Softly As In A Morning Sunrise'. Next was a Frank Loesser composition entitled ‘I've Never Been In Love Before' played in swing style, and also in swing followed another popular one ‘Fly Me To The Moon' before welcoming Dennis Beltran to sing ‘East Of The Sun' (And West Of The Moon) very well received by the audience, and there was more to come from Dennis with ‘Witchcraft' and closing his set still in seasonal mood with ‘The Christmas Song' also known as ‘Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire'. A funky version of ‘Summertime' followed with Nicky taking the melody and leading to conclude another evening of good entertainment with more to come next Thursday. See you there!!!

Thursday Jazz Night at the O'Callaghan Eliott Hotel

This Thursday 13^th December 2007 we welcome Atsuko Shimada on the piano with Norman Tonna on drums and Louis Chipolina on electric bass together with the usual supporting musicians and singers.

Performance from 9.30 pm to 11.30 pm

Friday Live Music at Latino's Diner

Live music continues at Latino's Diner on Friday 14^th December 2007 (weather permitting) with Tito Chipolina on guitar and vocals, Mitch Jansen on trumpet, Brian Torres on keyboards, Charlie Rovegno on drums and George Posso on bass.

Performance from 8.00pm to 11.00pm