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Sunday Aug 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. If it’s too hot, it will be indoors. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
This book was published originally in 1981 and since has been translated into 18 languages. It has been taught on several Universities including Harvard and Colorado University. Roger Fisher, a Williston Professor of Law Emeritus at Harvard University died at 90 years of age in Hanover on August 25th, 2012. For over 40 years, he served as a professor at Harvard, where he established conflict resolution and negotiation as single field deserving academic study. Fisher joined the Harvard Law School faculty in 1958 and became a full professor of law in 1960. In 1976, he became the Samuel Williston Professor of Law. In 1992, he was named a professor emeritus. He also taught at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, the London School of Economics, the Naval War College, Air War College, and the NATO Defense College.
The Harvard Gazette reported that Fisher told Ury that he liked his (Ury’s) paper so much he sent it to the assistant secretary of state for the Middle East, and wanted Ury to work with him.
“I was stunned. Never had I expected a professor to call me up, let alone invite me to collaborate, or see one of my ideas offered up for practical application,” said Ury. “Roger introduced me to the field of negotiation, taught and mentored me, and shaped my career more than anyone. It would be impossible for me to imagine my work without the inspiration and influence of Roger Fisher.“ Full article
The New York Times reported in his obituary: “In 1979, Secretary of State Cyrus R. Vance went to Professor Fisher’s house on Martha’s Vineyard before the meeting at Camp David that would lead to a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. Professor Fisher suggested to Mr. Vance the “single negotiating text” method that was used to bring the parties together, said Bruce M. Patton, who wrote “Getting to Yes” with Professor Fisher and worked on many diplomatic projects with him. The strategy involved having President Jimmy Carter alone be responsible for writing solutions and letting the other leaders shape the treaty through a back-and-forth critiquing process.” Full article
The was the son of Katharine Dummer Fisher and William T. Fisher who each are descendants of prominent families in the legal profession. The ancestors of his mother were in the circle of Abraham Lincoln and his grandfather William T. Fisher advised Tuft as his secretary of the interior.
It is said that Roger Fisher’s passion for conflict resolution derived of the fact that four out of his eight college friends passed away during the World War II. Early on he decided to devote his life to find a way to prevent conflict and wars.
“We aren’t likely to see a recording career like this again.”
— The New York Times
“…his voice is still a technical marvel, and no one else on Earth can make a lyric written eight decades ago sound as natural as a conversation at a coffee shop.”
— New York Magazine
No one else in popular American music has recorded for so long and at such a high level of excellence as Tony Bennett. In the last ten years alone he has sold ten million records. The essence of his longevity and high artistic achievement was imbued in him in his loving childhood home in the Astoria section of Queens where he was born on August 3, 1926. His father died when Tony was 10 and his mother, Anna, raised Tony and his older brother and sister, John and Mary, in a home surrounded by loving relatives who were Tony’s first fans filling him with encouragement and optimism. He attended the High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan, where he continued nurturing his two passions, singing and painting. From the radio he developed a love of music, hearing Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and James Durante.
As a teenager Tony sang while waiting on tables, and then enlisted in the Army during World War II. While in Europe he performed with military bands. He later had vocal studies at the American Theatre Wing School. The first time Bennett sang in a nightclub was in 1946 when he sat in with trombonist Tyree Glenn at the Shangri-La in Astoria. Bennett’s big break came in 1949 when comedian Bob Hope noticed him working with Pearl Bailey in Greenwich Village in New York City. As Bennett recalls, “Bob Hope came down to check out my act. He liked my singing so much that after the show he came back to see me in my dressing room and said, ‘Come on kid, you’re going to come to the Paramount and sing with me.’ But first he told me he didn’t care for my stage name (Joe Bari) and asked me what my real name was. I told him, ‘My name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto’ and he said, ‘We’ll call you Tony Bennett.’ And that’s how it happened. A new Americanized name—the start of a wonderful career and a glorious adventure that has continued for over 60 years.”
With millions of records sold worldwide and platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett has received seventeen Grammy Awards—including a 1995 Grammy for Record of the Year for his “MTV Unplugged” CD, which introduced this American master to a whole new generation—and the Grammy Lifetime Award. His 2007 prime-time special, “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” won seven Emmy Awards. His initial successes came via a string of Columbia singles in the early 1950’s, including such chart-toppers as “Because of You,” “Rags to Riches,” and a remake of Hank Williams “Cold, Cold Heart.” He had 24 songs in the Top 40, including “I Wanna Be Around,” “The Good Life,” “Who Can I Turn To (When Nobody Needs Me)” and his signature song, “I Left My Heart In San Francisco,” which garnered him two Grammy Awards.
Tony Bennett is one of a handful of artists to have new albums charting in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and now in the first two decades of the 21st century. He has introduced a multitude of songs into the Great American Songbook that have since become standards for pop music. He has toured the world to sold out audiences with rave reviews whenever he performs. Bennett re-signed with Columbia Records in 1986 and released the critically acclaimed The Art of Excellence. Since his 1991 show-stopping performance at the Grammy Awards of “When Do The Bells Ring For Me,” from his Astoria album, he has received a string of Grammy Awards for releases including Stepping Out, Perfectly Frank, and MTV Unplugged.
In the new millennium, Bennett’s artistry and popularity was higher than ever. In 2006, the year of his 80th birthday, his Duets: An American Classic was released. The album—which included performances with Paul McCartney, Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Bono, and others—won three Grammy Awards and went on to be one of the best selling CDs of the year and Tony’s career. Bennett’s first Duets album also inspired the Rob Marshall-directed television special Tony Bennett: An American Classic which won seven Emmys making it the most honored program at the 2007 Emmy Awards.
In celebration of his 85th birthday in 2011, the release of Bennett’s highly anticipated Duets II featured Tony performing with a new roster of celebrated artists including the late Amy Winehouse (her last recording was their duet of “Body and Soul”), Michael Bublé, Aretha Franklin, Josh Groban, Lady Gaga, John Mayer, and many others. Duets II debuted at #1 on the Billboard Album charts, making Tony the only artist at the age of 85 to achieve this in the history of recorded music. Bennett won two Grammys for Duets II in the 2012 Grammy ceremony and this year marked the 50th Anniversary of the recording and release of his signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” A documentary entitled THE ZEN OF BENNETT, which was created and conceived by Danny Bennett, Tony’s son and manager, was premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2012. At the end of 2012, Bennett also authored his fourth book, the New York Times bestseller, LIFE IS A GIFT, which highlights his personal philosophies learned throughout his life and career.
Tony Bennett became a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2005, was named an NEA Jazz Master in January of 2006, a Citizen of the World award from the United Nations and a Billboard Magazine Century Award in honor of his outstanding contributions to music. Tony Bennett is a dedicated painter whose interest in art began as a child. He continues to paint every day, even as he tours internationally. He has exhibited his work in galleries around the world. The United Nations has commissioned him for two paintings, including one for their 50th anniversary. His original painting, “Homage to Hockney,” is on permanent display at the Butler Institute of American Art and the landmark National Arts Club in New York is home to Tony’s painting “Boy on Sailboat, Sydney Bay.” Three of his paintings are part of the Smithsonian Museums permanent collections including his portrait of his friend Duke Ellington that became part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection in 2009.
Throughout his career, Tony Bennett has always put his heart and time into humanitarian concerns. He has raised millions of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, which established a research fund in his name. His original paintings each year grace the cover of the American Cancer Society’s annual holiday greeting card, proceeds from which are earmarked for cancer research. He is active in environmental concerns and social justice. He marched with Dr. King in the historical Selma to Montgomery Civil Rights movement and the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta bestowed upon him their “Salute to Greatness Award” for his efforts in fighting racial discrimination.
In 1999, Tony Bennett, with his wife Susan Benedetto, a former public school teacher, founded Exploring the Arts (ETA) to strengthen the role of the arts in public high school education. ETA connects private funders, individual artists, and cultural institutions to Partner Schools to achieve greater equality of resources and opportunity for youth of all means and backgrounds. ETA programs are designed to help school principals and teachers sustain the arts in the face of budget cuts and better leverage the arts to strengthen student learning and engagement. ETA’s first endeavor was the establishment of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (FSSA), a public high school founded in 2001 by Tony and Susan in partnership with the NYC Department of Education. FSSA is housed in a newly constructed building in Tony’s hometown of Astoria, Queens. Its state of the art facilities include visual art studios and a gallery, black box theatres and a stagecraft workshop, dance studios, choral and orchestral classrooms, an 800-seat concert hall, a multi-media technology lab, and a rooftop performance garden. All students major in Dance, Theatre, Film, Fine Art, Vocal or Instrumental Music. FSSA also offers a rigorous academic curriculum and holds one of the highest graduation and college enrollment rates for NYC public high schools. ETA continued beyond its commitment to FSSA to expand their support and to date, ETA currently partners with 17 public high schools—14 in all five boroughs of New York City and 3 schools located in East Los Angeles.
Today Tony Bennett’s artistry and accomplishments are applauded here at home and all over the world from people from 12 to 90 years old. Recently former President Bill Clinton observed, “Now in his seventh decade of singing, Tony Bennett has somehow kept his unique voice, with its beauty and range, its strength and style, and still in perfect pitch. But as talented as he is, Tony’s most impressive quality is his giving spirit!”
Help Tony Bennett, on his birthday to keep giving he gift of Art. exploringthearts.org
Enjoy this amazing show of this incredible life. It is long and so, so rich.
Tuesday Aug 2, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx. 6-9pm. After 5 weeks away, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits. (925) 820-2366. See www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
Friday Aug 12, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm. Rolando returns to the place The Examiner and Independent have proclaimed has the “Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food” anywhere, on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room. Call (650) 589-1163, www.donpicosbistro.com.
Saturday Aug 13, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist with Steve Miller and Arturo Sandoval, the great Carlos Reyes; from Venezuela, the Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free!x www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.
Sunday Aug 14, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Rolando returns for the Maria, Maria Tardeada series. Enjoy a Mexican brunch outdoors and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by flautist Bob Harrison. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010.
Wednesday Aug 17, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight. Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue. Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the delightful violinist who played with the Gipsy Kings, Ms. Patricia Weiss; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board. Free! See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.
Saturday Aug 20, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room for a rare Saturday night performance. Call (650) 589-1163 and see www.donpicosbistro.com.
Sunday Aug 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. If it’s too hot, it will be indoors. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Friday Aug 26, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and this time, Rolando on solo guitar and voice. Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.
Saturday Aug 27, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 8-11pm. The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot. Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet. Tonight Rolando reunites with the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist from George Benson and Prince, the delightful Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. They’ll cover the musical spectrum. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.
Sunday Aug 28, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Tuesday Aug 30, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm. Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits. We’ll see if he has any special guests sitting in… (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com.
All other shows are private. Why not hire Rolando for your own private event? He’s available for corporate shows, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals. The Rolando Morales group is available as sextet, quintet, quartet, trio and duo depending on your entertainment needs and budget.
A member of Parliament to Disraeli: "Sir, you will either die on the gallows or of some unspeakable disease.” "That depends, Sir, " said Disraeli, “whether I embrace your policies or your mistress." Aaahh… The good old days, when low-cutting political insults required wit and eloquence.
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August 1, 2016 Hola, Mi Gente! July’s political theater has helped the month scurry by. When coupled with the positive experiences of so many private events I played through last week, the month seemed but a blink of an eye. (Which reminds me… For those of you who have been asking, yes, my right eye is so much improved, but I still have an intermittent white veil that obstructs part of my vision, but that should go away within a few more weeks.) Through it all, my August Calendar suddenly reveals itself tomorrow, Tuesday August 2nd with my first appearance in almost 6 weeks at Maria, Maria in Danville from 6-9pm. That will be my only public appearance of the week, as I will be doing only private events for the next week. After I return, there will be plenty of public shows to chose from throughout August. Some highlights include an exciting version of my Trio performing on Saturday August 13 at the brand new Pairings Cellars in Pleasanton. The band will feature the great Paraguayan violinist Carlos Reyes, Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma and myself on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Details below. Then on August 17, I’ll be doing a very rare Wednesday duet performance for you South Bay fans at the San Jose Fairmont in the Lobby Lounge from 9-Midnight. I’ll feature the delightful violinist Ms. Patricia Weiss. She has shared the stage with the Gipsy Kings. Details below. There’s much more to come. I’ll see you at the show! Ciao, Rolando PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR AUGUST 2016Tuesday Aug 2, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm. After 5 weeks away, Rolando finally returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits. (925) 820-2366. See www.mariamariarestaurants.com. Friday Aug 12, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm. Rolando returns to the place The Examiner and Independent have proclaimed has the “Best Seafood and Best Mexican Food” anywhere, on solo guitar and voice in the Restaurant Room. Call (650) 589-1163, www.donpicosbistro.com. Saturday Aug 13, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist with Steve Miller and Arturo Sandoval, the great Carlos Reyes; from Venezuela, the Grammy-winning Latin percussionist/vocalist Omar Ledezma; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free!x www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846. Sunday Aug 14, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Rolando returns for the Maria, Maria Tardeada series. Enjoy a Mexican brunch outdoors and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by flautist Bob Harrison. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, or call (925) 946-1010. Wednesday Aug 17, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight. Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue. Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the delightful violinist who played with the Gipsy Kings, Ms. Patricia Weiss; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board. Free! See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900. Saturday Aug 20, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room for a rare Saturday night performance. Call (650) 589-1163 and see www.donpicosbistro.com. Sunday Aug 21, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. If it’s too hot, it will be indoors. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010. Friday Aug 26, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando returns to this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar features fine wines, tapas and this time, Rolando on solo guitar and voice. Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846. Saturday Aug 27, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 8-11pm. The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot. Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet. Tonight Rolando reunites with the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist from George Benson and Prince, the delightful Estaire Godinez; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. They’ll cover the musical spectrum. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210. Sunday Aug 28, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010. Tuesday Aug 30, Maria, Maria Cantina, 710 Camino Ramon Road, Danville CA, approx 6-9pm. Rolando returns to Carlos Santana’s most elegant restaurant for Taco Tuesday. $1 tacos, baby! And Rolando on solo guitar and voice with his diverse repertoire performing out on the patio by the fire pits. We’ll see if he has any special guests sitting in… (925) 820-2366, www.mariamariarestaurants.com. All other shows are private. Why not hire Rolando for your own private event? He’s available for corporate shows, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals. The Rolando Morales group is available as sextet, quintet, quartet, trio and duo depending on your entertainment needs and budget. |
The band seems like a collection of the San Francisco Bay Areas best of the best. These amazing musicians came from all around the world and formed this amazing ensemble.
CHRISTIAN TUMALAN, PIANO Born in Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico. In addition to his pianistic studies, he felt a powerful attraction to the art of composition. During a period of seven years, he studied classical piano at the “Escuela Superior de Musica” in Mexico City. Later, He turned his interests towards Jazz, a language field where he felt a deep compassion and freedom. He then further developed his skills in live performance, Jazz and Big Band arranging achieving 4 professional majors in Music. Currently, Tumalan performs actively in the United States, where he has shared the stage with numerous professional musicians including John Santos, Giovani Hidalgo, Pete Escobedo, Los adolecentes Orchestra, Eddie Santiago, Tony Vega, Johnny Rivera, Johnny Polanco, Rub Blades, Tony Perez, Eddie Marshall, Chucho Valdez jr, Bill Watrous, Danny Lozada & La charanga Habanera, Louie Romero, Orestes Vilato, Benny Velarde, Ray de la Paz, Chino Espinoza, Poncho Sanchez Band among many other local and international artists. His most recent participations as a Leader includes two very successful Latin Projects in the Bay area such as Montuno Swing and Pacific Mambo Orchestra.
STEFFEN KUEHN, TRUMPET was born and raised in Germany and began playing the trumpet at the age of eight. Twenty years later he received his Bachelor of Music from the prestigious University of North Texas in 1993, majoring in Jazz Trumpet and Jazz Studies. Being interested in Straight Ahead Jazz, Smooth Jazz as well as in Latin Jazz and Salsa, Steffen scored big in 2002 with the CD release ‘Now or Later” of his Jazz Nonet, that featured 2001 Grammy Nominee Tim Hagans. That year also marked the inception of his own record label ‘stefrecords’.?Fast forward to 2005: Having joined the Latin Jazz orchestra of legendary timbalero Louie Romero, the band recorded its first album ‘Timbalero’ and released it on ‘stefrecords’ in 2006 to rave reviews. His 2008 release ‘trumpop’ was in the running for a Grammy nomination for ‘Best Contemporary Jazz Album’ and has been receiving national & international airplay & recognition. He has shared music moments with Jazz greats such as: Tim Hagans, Brian Lynch, Claudio Roditi, The Temptations, Brian Culbertson, Jose Lugo Latin Orchestra, Issac Delgado, Marilyn McCoo, John Handy, Mark Levine, Chico Freeman, Tim Hagans, Ray Obiedo, Kenny Werner, Ray DeLa Paz, The 4 Tops, Ray Sepulveda, The Platters, Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, In Europe, he played as a sideman for: Dusko Gojkovich Big Band, Al Porcino Big Band, Conexion Latina and others.
KARL PERAZZO, TIMBALES 14 times Grammy Award Winner, Karl Perazzo has played with Cal Tjader, Malo, Ray Obiedo, Prince and Andy Narell by the time he was 12. His life-long dream was realized in 1991 when he joined Santana to play Timbales. Perazzo has also performed and recorded with Mariah Carey, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Phish, The United Nations Orchestra and John Lee Hooker among many other international Celebrities.In addition to performing and recording, Perazzo teaches percussion. Along with Santana conguero and LP endorser Raul Rekow, Perazzo starred in LP’s popular instructional video From Afro-Cuban to Rock, which breaks down the complex musical rhythms of Cuban percussion.
OMAR LEDEZMA JR., TIMBALES from Caracas, Venezuela, GRAMMY Award Winner Omar Ledezma Jr. has been playing professionally since the age of 13. At the age of 17, he found him performing in every corner of his native country. National musical acclaim rested light on the shoulders of Ledezma as 1995 found him a graduate of one of the most prestigious Law Schools in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1998 Omar packed one bag and one drum to begin his move to Boston, Massachusetts after making a passionate commitment to study at Berklee College of Music, Boston and then New York City held many challenges and provided many opportunities. Moving to the Bay Area in 2005, Omar has committed himself not to “bring the music back” or “take the music forward” but thrive upon embracing “the existing”.
There are so many more amazing artists find out more on www.pacificmambo.com
Rolando Morales has performed throughout Spain, England, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, and Hawaii. In Los Angeles, he largely played electric guitars. Just out of college, he played with a 9 piece casual band comprised of members who backed such stars as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Poncho Sanchez. He regularly plays with world-class musicians who work with luminaries as Airto, Flora Purim, Steve Winwood, Tower of Power, Spearhead, Ruben Blades, Carlos Santana, Pete Escovedo, and performed with Dizzy Gillespie and many others. Rolando Morales studied law and graduated. He decided for Music his first love and we all thank him.
Carlos Reyes learned to play many different instruments including Guitar, Bass, Mandolin, Keyboards, as well as mastering the use of a variety of electronic devices and special effects. He made his debut on harp with the Oakland Symphony and his debut on the violin with the Oakland Youth Symphony at just fourteen years of age. He has worked in the professional recording industry for commercials, solo artist and instrumental background music for the acclaimed children’s shows “Sesame Street” and “Villa Alegre” when he was still in his teens. He has backed such artist as Chuck Mangione, Bill Evans, Clark Terry, Pat Travers, MC Hammer, Craig Chaquico, The Crusaders, The Rippingtons, Roy Rogers to Charlie Daniels, Wynona Judd, Clint Black, Willie Nelson, John Handy, The Doobie Brothers, Rocker Steve Miller and many more.
From Caracas, Venezuela, GRAMMY Award Winner Omar Ledezma Jr. has been playing professionally since the age of 13. At the age of 17, he found him performing in every corner of his native country. National musical acclaim rested light on the shoulders of Ledezma as 1995 found him a graduate of one of the most prestigious Law Schools in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1998 Omar packed one bag and one drum to begin his move to Boston, Massachusetts after making a passionate commitment to study at Berklee College of Music, Boston and then New York City held many challenges and provided many opportunities. Moving to the Bay Area in 2005, Omar has committed himself not to “bring the music back” or “take the music forward” but thrive upon embracing “the existing”.
Three men, three world class talents we are so spoiled in the Bay Area
CNN wrote in an article covering that the Trump/Putin joint effort to influence the US election was normal. We agree with the fact that every country always wants to influence as many other countries as possible. Of course to keep a country safe and for its economic advantage politicians in the foreign office promote the countries values. However CNN provides examples that are factually incorrect or at minimum slanted and actually seem to spread misinformation. Full Article
For example the article claims that UK intelligence “spread rumors” about Charles Lindbergh. However, in fact the rumors were factually correct as the actual Autobiography of Charles Lindbergh shows.
The US government was not correctly informed about the rise of Hitler by Charles Lindbergh. The UK government did not spread rumors it corrected the point of view that was based on false information, by Hitler fans, Charles Lindbergh and his Nazi admiring wife. Here is a quote from a PBS article :
Charles Lindbergh was convinced that no other power in Europe could stand up to Germany in the event of war. "The organized vitality of Germany was what most impressed me: the unceasing activity of the people, and the convinced dictatorial direction to create the new factories, airfields, and research laboratories...," Lindbergh recalled in "Autobiography of Values." His wife drew similar conclusions. "...I have never in my life been so conscious of such a directed force. It is thrilling when seen manifested in the energy, pride, and morale of the people--especially the young people," she wrote in "The Flower and the Nettle." By 1938, the Lindberghs were making plans to move to Berlin.
The public’s cry for authenticity shows that there is a world wide trend of people being tired of being misled. While it is natural that every person wants to present their best possible public image, as they should, ideally people’s expressions and assertions are backed up by facts.
Particularly in the “new GOP” the Trump led GOP in contrast of the previous economically conservative GOP, the concept of facts being replaced by feelings that have nothing to do with facts is widely used and accepted.
Media, particularly the most prominent media companies, should return to fact based reporting. CNN has more people watching than any other media company. CNN recently hired Corey Lewandowski despite his rather questionable behavior toward women to tap deeper into the Fox TV audience. People who like history know that CNN was started by the successful advertising executive, Ted Turner in 1980. His business philosophy was so flexible it was aptly described by Eric Guthey (2001). Ted Turner’s Corporate Cross-Dressing and the Shifting Images of American Business Leadership. Enterprise and Society, 2, pp 111-142. doi:10.1093/es/2.1.111. Until media companies like CNN who hold the largest audiences and therefore influence the majority of the people returns to seeking truths and spreading fact. We each need to take responsibility of getting out of the emotionally based echo chambers that erode out grasp on reality.
Today when even the top media companies are using feelings and opinions inter changeable with facts every intelligent person is required to fact check before choosing to be influenced. Let’s to keep civilization alive.
Hola, Mi Gente!
I’ve had some splendid experiences this past week at some lovely private events. One was up high in the clouds with a panoramic view of the Bay Area. They flew in a magical chef from northern Italy and her husband as sommelier providing the amazing Italian wines. I blended some Italian music into my international flavors and it went over so well, I’ll be returning soon.
My Trio’s debut last Saturday at Pairings Cellars was also a hit, so another version of my Trio, will be returning there in about 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted.
This week I wrap up our July Calendar with my buddy Danilo Paíz. This wonderful Latin percussionist/vocalist from Nicaragua has played with me from the very beginning when my first band Passion and Grace was newly formed. We’ll be doing a duet performance for you South Bay fans at the San Jose Fairmont in the Lobby Lounge this Thursday, July 28 from 9-Midnight.
I also have Don Pico’s on Friday and Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek on Saturday, with all the details below. I’ll see you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
Thursday July 28, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight. Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue. Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the Latin percussionist/vocalist from Dizzy Gillespie and Rubén Blades, Danilo Paíz; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board. Free! See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.
Friday July 29, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6-9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice, now in the intimate Restaurant Room. Call (650) 589-1163 and see www.donpicosbistro.com.
Sunday July 31, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx. 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. (Don’t worry, if it’s too hot he’ll be indoors.) He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.
Saturday July 23, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando debuts at this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar will feature fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Prince and George Benson, the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist Estaire Godinez; from Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, bassist David Belove; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.
Hola, Mi Gente!
If there has ever been a time for us to collectively channel our inner Martin Luther King, that time is now. Too many times now, listening to the radio while driving to or from a gig, I’ve heard heart-rending, breaking news of the latest violence inflicted in another American city.
One of the songs I’ve added to my repertoire of late, sadly, has been Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.” One of the lines goes: “Hate’s goin’ round breaking many hearts. Stop it please before it’s gone too far.”
I’ve had some special moments performing these kinds of songs for receptive audiences at Wente Vineyard, The Vineand even Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek. Some spoke to me with tears in their eyes on the breaks of how they were moved by the songs or appreciated what I wrote in these newsletters. It seems we all want the madness to stop. But the few with the demented will and the means to act perpetuate the violence. Better to remember Dr. King’s words:
“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.” March on Washington-1964
If you’re looking for healing energy and a fun escape from the news, remember that my Trio debuts this Saturdaynight, July 23 at a brand new Wine Bar, Pairings Cellars on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton, as part of theirGrand Opening month. We’ll have a ball playing in this intimate space with my great trio featuring the percussionist/vocalist from Prince, Estaire Godinez; the great bassist from Pete Escovedo, David Belove; and I’ll be there on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Details below. Don’t miss it!
There’s still much more left in this second half of the calendar. Make your reservations and I’ll see you at the show!
Ciao,
Rolando
Born in the southern state of North Carolina, Mazella started playing piano as a natural gift for her youth choir at the local Baptist church she attended, until leaving North Carolina for a tour with the U.S. Army, Germany in 1977.
Returning to the U. S. in 1980, Mazella appeared in the Fort Hood production of “Purlie Victorious”.. At the close of the show, Mazella took on a dare to run for the title of “Ms. Fort Hood”, the largest military installation in the free world, where she won the talent competition and was crowned both “Ms. Fort Hood” and “Ms. Congeniality”. Mazella soon after moved to Houston, TX where she rediscovered her love and voice for singing.
During her tenure in Houston, Mazella sang on the worship team for churches such as; Lakewood, The Light Christian Center and New Covenant Praise. Also during this time, Mazella developed, initiated and launched a music movement called “music therapy” in the Christ-Centered nationally known in-hospital therapy program called, RAPHA. Mazella managed 32 teams of musicians who held weekly music therapy sessions in several different hospitals throughout the Houston area Moving to Southern California in the early nineties, Mazella was given the opportunity to further develop her program in various treatment centers in the Los Angles and Burbank areas.
Mazella wrote and produced her first EP album called “Windows of the Soul” released in the summer of 1999, with the popular tune “Let’s Talk About Life” and the powerful tune, “Potter and the Clay“. The project has six tunes all written by Mazella, and one co-written with, Jimmy Zeigler (Bill and Ted‘s Excellent Adventures).
Later that same year, Mazella returned to the studio co-producing with Larry Allen, (Stevie Wonder, Ricky Grundy, Ming Freeman, Doug Grisby, Tina Marie), to write and produce 6 more tunes for her next project, “The Fire of Life Itself”, released in the fall of 2000. Mazella toured Europe that same year, performing concerts in France and Belgium.
In the spring of the following year, Mazella recorded a live version of “The Fire of Life Itself with musicians, Dale Ockerman-on keys, (Doobie Brother’s), Tyran Porter, on bass (Doobie Brother’s), Donnie Balwdin on drums (Jefferson Starship), Johnny Gunn on guitar (Eddie Money), Rock Hendricks on horns, and various other talented music friends.
In 2007, Mazella launched “The Black Pearl Project”, along with Larrie Ray Noble, Sr., and for the next 7 years booked and performed an average of 150 gigs per year in the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. Performing at such venue as, “Biscuit and Blues, Carnelian Room, Presidio Golf Club, Piedmont Community Church, Lake Merritt Hotel, Scottish Rite Center, Oakland City of San Ramon, City of San Francisco as well as numerous fine dining restaurants.
Mazella has performed with Lou Rawls, Danced with “Prince”, Contra Costa Jazz Band, the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, with “Soundwave”, the Bob Enos (Julliard, Stan Kenton).
Mazella and her “World Class Pearl Big Band is currently performing at The California Theater in Pittsburg, California and other Bay Area theaters and venues. Keep up to date on her amazing musical career on Facebook.
Thursday July 14, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 7-10pm. After 2 months away, The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot for its only Thursday night appearance, coinciding with the Danville Car Show. Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet. Tonight Rolando reunites with the Latin percussionist/vocalist from Uruguay, the leader of Candela, Edgardo Cambón; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.
Saturday July 16, Wente Vineyards, Estate Winery and Tasting Room Patio, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore CA 94550, 1-5pm. Rolando’s first public Wente appearance was a hit, so he returns a second time. Enjoy a superb wine tasting experience on the lovely Wente Estate and enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice out on the patio among the lush grounds of the Estate Winery. www.wentevineyards.com/tasting-rooms/estate-winery-tasting-room.