This world-class musician is not only a phenomenal pianist and B-3 virtuoso, but is also an accomplished composer of many jazz songs. His technique was heavily influenced by his mentor, Larry Young. He has performed on nearly all continents. Upon hearing him on one of his many CDs, one is tempted to ask the question, "Jimmy who?" Many Baby Boomers grew up listening to Jimmy Smith, but a few of us knew about this man--a monster player who gives his all in every song. Besides his B-3 virtuosity, he is also an accomplished jazz pianist. The BH Trio has performed all over the world, especially in Asia and is available on the East and West Coasts and all points in between, including N.Y., D.C., L.A., S.F., Santa Fe, Reno and any city in the U.S. as well as internationally. Videos are available of The BH Trio live in concert upon request.

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Headliner jazz guitarist Joe Lano is one of the great straight ahead players on the jazz scene today and has one of the best Las Vegas jazz trios and quartets--as he clearly demonstrates on these Quartet tracks (two guitars). Also an acclaimed arranger and orchestrator, Lano has toured with Lena Horne and has backed Steve Lawrence and Eydie GormÈ, Henry Mancini, Jack Jones and many others. DLE is honored to have his outstanding talent grace our Jazz page! The tracks showcased here feature The Joe Lano Quartet off his Up For Air CD.

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The FP Trio and Quartet leader/guitarist is a protege of the late Joe Pass and an active educator, composer, and performer with seven solo albums to his credit. In addition to his extensive freelance recording experience, he has performed in concert with Dizzy Gillespie, George Van Eps, Joe Pass, Bud Shank, Mose Allison, James Moody, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Jack McDuff, Red Holloway and many others. He currently leads his own groups in support of his latest CD releases. He is also a professor of music and holds a Bachelor's degree from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and a Master of Arts degree from California State University, Los Angeles. One of the truly great straight ahead jazz groups on the scene today, The FP Trio and Quartet is available throughout Southern California and virtually anywhere in the U.S. for concerts only. The following tracks feature the Quartet with a headliner cast. Tracks 1 and 2 feature the Quartet--with headliner pianist, our headliner guitarist, bass and drums. Track 3 features the Trio with a Hammond B-3 headliner (with pedal bass), our headliner jazz guitarist and drums. Videos of The FP Trio live are available on request.

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Hot salsa and Afro-Cuban Latin jazz is the specialty of one of the best Latin bands in Southern California--The DLE Southern California Latin Jazz Band. Led by a critically acclaimed Latin jazz violinist, The DLE Southern California Latin Jazz Band specializes in Latin dance and show music of all types--Salsa, Latin Jazz, Mambo, Charanga, Merengue, Cumbia, Bolero and Cha Cha Cha. This is the perfect band for your "Evening at the Copacabana," "Mexican Fiesta" or "Havana Nights" party--for any Latin-themed corporate event. They appear in colorful, festive costumes or sophisticated evening wear. The DLE Southern California Latin Jazz Band ranges from a 7-piece to an 11-piece--with multiple percussion and horns for the 11-piece--on Saturdays. They can cut down to a 4-, 5- or 6-piece for weeknight events. Or, The DLE Southern California Latin Jazz Band can also become a 16-piece jazz orchestra (the 11-piece with a horn section of 7 players, with or without dancers). The DLE Southern California Latin Jazz Band is available in Napa, Sonoma, the San Francisco Bay Area and virtually anywhere in California and the U.S.

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The AK Trio is one of the most talented straight ahead jazz trios in the country. The pianist-leader attended the Yale School of Music and earned a B.A. in Piano Performance at Oberlin Conservatory. He has performed overseas and in Canada and has appeared at New York's and the San Francisco Bay Area's top jazz clubs. He has taught piano at universities as well as privately. All of the below tracks feature the Trio, except for Track 5 which features the leader as solo pianist playing one of his many original jazz compositions. The AK Trio is available throughout Northern and Southern California and anywhere in the United States.

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Founded in 1987 as a light jazz-swing trio, The David Levin Trio is one of the top lounge trios in the country. Using only "A" players (the best) as his sidemen, the Trio's sound is "classic" with touches of early Andre Previn and Erroll Garner. The Trio has appeared at The San Francisco Black & White Ball and at events at the exclusive private clubs, The Pacific-Union Club, Burlingame Country Club and many others. The piano, bass and sax/flute version was the steady combo at The Top Of The Mark in San Francisco in 1992. Studio tracks of the Trio are not available. However, three of the Quintet tracks can be heard below. Tracks 1 and 3 are instrumentals with trumpet and Track 2 features the Quintet with Ms. Otto singing the classic 1946 film noir hit, "Heartbreak". Three "A" players--jazz great Vince Lateano on drums, Benny Goodman-style clarinetist, Jim Rothermel and Harry James-style trumpeter Tom Leps are heard on Tracks 1 and 3. The Trio's unique song list consists of "up" numbers like Cole Porter's "Just One Of Those Things" to "medium swing" tunes like "You Make Me Feel So Young" to rumbas like "Heartbreak" and slow, "smoky jazz" ballads like "Easy Living" and "If You Could See Me Now" that are reminiscent of that mid- to late-1940s sound. The David Levin Trio is available in Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Reno and virtually anywhere in the U.S.

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After hearing an early recording of Regina Otto in 1996, Hassan Elgarrahy of Harry Cipriani in New York remarked, "She has an angelic voice!" He then hired her and accompanist David Levin for the Restaurant's biggest annual event, their New Year's Party. Ms. Otto specializes in singing film noir 40s songs, obscure Cole Porter and Gershwin tunes, Kern, Rodgers and Arlen as well as jazz standards. The three recordings below demonstrate some of the jazz styles she sings. Other stylings--film noir and Swing--can be heard on our Small Swing Bands page under "The David Levin Swing Jazz Band with Regina Otto". Ms. Otto gets more out of a ballad than most singers do today as heard on her "Be Anything (But Be Mine)". Her "opener", "Just One Of Those Things" showcases her ability to tackle one of the most demanding jazz songs every written--at double-time speed! Though not known as a scatter, Ms. Otto does admirably well on Track 1's "September In The Rain". She has appeared at The Plush Room, The S.F. Black and White Ball, Burlingame Country Club and many other venues. Ms. Otto and The David Levin Duo are available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area as well as Monterey, Las Vegas and virtually anywhere in the U.S.

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With the release of their latest CD, The JB Trio is poised to make an impact in the jazz world. This mostly original CD spotlights this guitarist's unique and remarkable chordal technique as well as his ear for fresh, unusual repertoire and his own superb jazz compositions. His trio blazes a unique stylistic path, combining a deep reverence for the rich heritage of jazz with a sleek, modern sound. Artists ranging from jazz-pop vocalist Norah Jones to bebop master Dizzy Gillespie have utilized his talents. The JB Trio is available in Napa, Sonoma, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Monterey area and virtually anywhere in the U.S.

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One of the best Brazilian jazz and World fusion groups in the U.S., Tropical Harmonix (a 5, 6 or 7-piece) features the #2 harmonica player in the world (doubling on sax and vocals in Portuguese). They also feature two to three percussionists, guitar and keyboards. Two of their tracks heard below are original compositions by the leader. This is the ideal ethnic jazz band for corporate and convention events. They are available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey and anywhere in California and the U.S.

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