Roberta Gambarini

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Tamir Hendelman, an outstanding pianist, sends me info all the time on where he will be playing. Tonight I received an email about a gig at Clancy’s Crab Shack with Roberta Gambarini and it was a great night to see them both!

I first met Roberta in Monterey. I was the Master of Ceremonies at the Dizzy’s Den stage a few years ago which featured Paula West, Liz Wright and of course the Italian princess of jazz Roberta Gambarini. I walked into Clancy’s for the first time and was greeted by some familiar faces. The hard core supporters of the music are always in the house. I saw Roberta and she was just getting ready for her set to begin. Within a few moments she hit the stage and the giant clear tones of her lovely voice rang through the room.

The sound is great at Clancy’s and Roberta orchestrated a great set of music. Songs from Diz, Benny Carter, Horace and Sweets filled the air. Old familiar standards with vocalese solos that the masters creative innovations to perfection. The crowd paid close attention to Roberta and enjoyed her interpretations and the sounds of an outstanding cast of stellar musicians. The great Tamir Hemdelman on Piano, Chuck Berghofer on Bass, Joe Labarbara on Drums with special guest Pete Christlieb on Tenor, Steve Hofstetter on Trumpet and Scott Whitfield on Trombone. Roberta refers to the cats as gentleman and you can tell that she is their lady with incredible octaves that reach the stars and descend down to sprinkle warm musical love on us all. A truly wonderful talent!

I don’t know how long she is playing at Clancy’s so try not to miss her!

LeRoy Downs