Summer is in full swing.  Surf music keeps me cool when it's super hot in Texas. We have one of the best surf music bands right here in San Antonio, 

King Pelican.  Take a listen here: 

And see them live coming up on First Friday, July 6th at the Brick.   

King Pelican Website

Portishead is an English band formed in 1991 in Bristol. They are often considered one of the pioneers of trip hop music.  I remember being inspired as I listened to their music in the late 90's.  Such a beautiful composition of jazz, electronic and strings.  I have watched their video many times over the years of a special show they performed in Roseland NYC in '97. I have always dreamed of mixing jazz with some form of electronic music.  As I listen to this again today, through this new frame of mind a thousand flowers could bloom...

Summer is quickly making its way to Texas. It is already into the 90's on a regular basis. To start easing my way in to summer, I have been listening to one of my favorite records; Getz/Gilberto (1963).  These dreamy bossa novas are the perfect summer soundtrack.  So grab a cocktail, sit back,  relax and click play...  

Track listing

1. "The Girl from Ipanema" (Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinicius de Moraes / Norman Gimbel) 0:00

2. "Doralice" (Antônio Almeida / Dorival Caymmi) 5:24

3. "Para Machucar Meu Coração" (Ary Barroso) 8:10

4. "Desafinado" (Jobim / Newton Mendonça) 13:15

5. "Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)" (Jobim) 17:30

6. "Só Danço Samba" (Jobim / de Moraes) 21:48

7. "O Grande Amor" (Jobim / de Moraes) 25:34

8. "Vivo Sonhando" (Jobim) 31:00

9. "The Girl From Ipanema" (45 RPM Issue) (Jobim / de Moraes / Gimbel) 34:05

10."Corcovado" (Quiet Night Of Quiet Stars) (45 RPM Issue) 37:00

Personnel Stan Getz – tenor saxophone

João Gilberto – guitar, vocals

Antônio Carlos Jobim – piano

Sebastião Neto – double bass

Milton Banana – drums, pandeiro

Astrud Gilberto – vocals (in "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Corcovado")

Getz/Gilberto is a 1964 jazz-bossa nova album by American saxophonist Stan Getz and Brazilian guitarist João Gilberto, featuring composer and pianist Antônio Carlos Jobim. Its release helped fuel the bossa nova craze in the United States and internationally, becoming the first Grammy Award-winning album from non-American artists. It brought together Stan Getz, who had already performed the genre on his LP Jazz Samba, João Gilberto (one of the creators of the style), and Jobim, a celebrated Brazilian composer (and also one of the main creators of the genre), who wrote most of the songs in the album. It became one of the best-selling jazz albums of all time, and turned Astrud Gilberto, who sang on the tracks "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Corcovado", into an internationally celebrated musician. The painting on the cover is by Olga Albizu.

The sun is shining in San Antonio.  It's beautiful outside.  Everything is green and blossoming.  I am in the midst of learning some new songs in French.  Expanding my repertoire.   C'est si bon is one of the first songs I am working on.  Of course, I had to choose my favorite from Eartha Kitt .  The way she commands your attention and purrs in your ear.  It's magical. You will be hearing this one soon in my upcoming shows. Until then enjoy Miss Eartha Kitt's performance...

Yma Sumac was a beautiful and talented performer from the 1950's. She was a Peruvian- American soprano.  I truly enjoy her work on the Mambo No. 1 Album.  She was so theatrical in her appearance and performance.  Such a style inspiration to me.

Ever since I was a young girl singing jazz I have always admired Eartha Kitt.  Not only was she a beautiful dancer , but also a dynamic actress and charismatic singer.  One of my favorite songs is C'est Si Bon.  When she sings in French, it is magic!   earthakitt.com    Enjoy!

With the Dirty River Dixie Band. What did you think I meant?  They just released their new album and  I can't wait to check it out!   They have been one of my favorite swing bands here in town for a few years now. Check out their Facebook page or their website dirtyriverdixieband.com to see when they are performing next.  I will be going to see them at Sam's Burger Joint this evening.  Maybe I will see you there!

Julie London has always been a big influence on me.  Her rendition of Bye Bye Blackbird with upright bass player Don Bagley is amazing.  The energy between them is mesmerizing... 

I love all my jazzy friends in the local music scene.  I'm so grateful for the support my musical friends in this community give to me.  When you're feeling like having a special night wth good music and a few laughs, Johnny P. is the  wise guy you're looking for.  If you can't make it out to my show, check out Johnny's Facebook page here to see where the good times are being had this month!