Cookin' At The Corner, Volume One

Les DeMerle's 4th recording for Origin is another swinging affair that further cements his reputation as one of the most dynamic drummers in jazz. Recorded live in front of an enthusiastic audience, the band sizzles on 15 tunes including classics such as "Cute," "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid," and the soul hit "Compared to What." With vocalist Bonnie Eisele, they caress standards "The Shadow of Your Smile," "The More I See You," and "Stardust," and they define future standards including the title cut "Cookin' at the Corner" by pianist Mike Levine.

This new collection of exciting, fresh arrangements on 16 holiday classics includes lush versions of The Christmas Song, and Snowfall featuring Bonnie Eisele plus a hot, wailing clarinet and drum duet on Sleigh Ride featuring Ken Peplowski and Les DeMerle. Among the many colors of this CD are the beautiful and warm Brazilian feels of I'll Be Home For Christmas and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, cookin' bluesy renditions of Winter Wonderland and Merry Christmas Baby, and a down and dirty New Orleans-style Santa Is Near.

"So solid, so sweet! The Jazz Spirit of Christmas is classic jazz, through and through!

The dynamic Les DeMerle (drums, vocals) is the moving force behind this project; his wife Bonnie Eisele (vocals, percussion) has been his sizzlin' musical partner for 17 years. The other three ensemble members are Ken Poplowski (tenor sax & clarinet), Thomas Snow (piano), and Bill McCrossen (bass).

The Jazz Spirit of Christmas absolutely cooks on so many levels! The vocals (by lovin' spouses Eisele and DeMerle) are technically crisp, yet warmly heartfelt. The instrumentation is also top notch. Second, the song selection is broad and gratifying -- jazzy gem favorites abound. Third, there is an excellent range of jazzy stylings encompassed here, everything from the sassily sexy ("Santa Baby" and "Baby, It's Cold Outside") to the gently elegant ("Christmas Song" and "Snowfall") to up-tempo, high-flyin', downright smokin' instrumentals ("Sleigh Ride" and "Little Bebop Drummer Boy"). There's even some brilliant Brazilian samba going on ("White Christmas" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," the latter sung partly in Portuguese!).

Those who are jazz-inclined will love this CD. Honestly, every cut is a diamond -- no lumps of coal in this stocking!"

Carol Swanson
christmasreviews.com

This is the second volume of The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band and its campaign for "Hittin' The Blue Notes." If perchance you have experienced the rewarding joys of Volume One's performances, you can expect to bubble and prance with this sequel's music performed with fire and finesse. Moreover, the performances fit the concept and vibe of DeMerle's irreducible values. As he emphasizes, " These classic tunes have stood the test of time and still carry freshness. The soloists show they can get down to the nitty-gritty and play bluesy on them like the Blue Noters or they can take the liberty to go outside." Together, Volumes One and Two represent a well-defined Les DeMerle statement of his jazz heart and soul.

"This disc reinforces the crispness and precision of the ensemble, achieving proper balance within the music and elaborated by inspired solos. Infinitely adaptable, DeMerle's power and rhythmic elasticity underlines his bold presence and command of modern jazz drumming."

Herb Wong
KJAZ Radio – San Francisco Alumnus

"The key to success of this or any CD lies with the concerted efforts of the Boss. He is a great drummer, marvelous singer, arranger and exciting bandleader. Les DeMerle has my vote. Congratulations on a wonderful album. Keep swingin'."

Louie Bellson
World-renowned jazz drummer

Long at the forefront of modern jazz drumming, DeMerle features arrangements of some of the great hits of the Blue Note record label and tunes that evoke the spirit of those recordings. All About Jazz said this about his last CD for Summit Records - "DeMerle plays with such power and grace as to make his quintet sound like a band three times that size...this disc is an embarrassment of riches..." "Hittin' the Blue Notes" is all of that and more!

"The Dynamic Les DeMerle Band is aptly named... His band is dynamic, in large part because of the irresistible beat that DeMerle sets up for each tune, but also because the other members of his band share DeMerle's unabashed love of the Blue Note classics." 

Don Williamson
JazzReview.com

This all-star recording features the vocals of Bonnie Eisele with special guests Richie "Alto Madness" Cole, saxophone, and legendary guitarist, Mundell Lowe, plus a stellar west coast rhythm section comprised of Smith Dobson, piano; Bruce Forman, guitar; Seward McCain, bass; and leader, Les DeMerle, drums and vocals.

"DeMerle plays with such power and grace as to make his quintet sound like a band three times that size. Cole Porter has rarely been played so boldly and over-the-top. This disc is an embarrassment of riches, all this with DeMerle and Eisele at the center of this creative tidal wave."

C. Michael Baily
AllAboutJazz.com

Les DeMerle's legendary 70's fusion band, Transfusion, captured on CD for the very first time performing creative, high-energy fusion music at its best.

"Five stars"

52ndStreet.com

"One of the most exciting fusion bands of all time!"

Lee Underwood, Downbeat Magazine 

The Dynamic Les DeMerle 17 Piece Orchestra featuring Bonnie Eisele is sheer joy, rockin' the house with Big Band classics, show tunes, Motown, Latin and rock 'n' roll.

"The sound quality is impeccable…very big band and very happenin'…hip and swingin' and loads of fun to listen to."

John Citrone
Editor, FolioWeekly

"This is definitely the jewel of Florida-based swing ensembles - really hot and cool."

Frank Foster
Former Leader, Count Basie Orchestra

This dynamic Les DeMerle recording documents the group's exciting engagements in Asia capturing the fiery rhythm section with pianist Keith Davis and bassist Paul Martin plus the soulful saxophone of Elder Patrick and, of course, the dynamic duo, Les DeMerle, drums and vocals and Bonnie Eisele, featured vocals.

"This band is really 'cooking' especially when Les DeMerle 'stirs the soup.' Bonnie Eisele, with her attractive looks and powerful vocals commands attention as she gives mesmerizing renditions of jazz classics."

Celin Teo
Singapore Straits Times

Spontaneous Combustion explodes with the tremendous positive energy and fiery intensity of The Les DeMerle Band featuring Bonnie Eisele. The quartet powerfully performs many styles of songs ranging from swing and standard ballads, bossa novas, blues and rock to current "top 40" numbers and jazz.

"With Les DeMerle's dynamic playing…(this band) is destined to make its mark in the history of great music."

Louis Bellson
World-renowned jazz drummer

Produced by noted jazz journalist and historian, Dr. Herb Wong, this incredibly swingin' all-star jazz recording features L.A.'s finest: Bobby Shew, trumpet; Don Menza, tenor saxophone; Lanny Morgan, alto saxophone; Jack Wilson, piano; and Bob Magnusson, bass. Les DeMerle's exciting drums are "on fire" with the hip, creative arrangements of Frank Foster to create this bebop masterpiece.

"Five stars"

Downbeat Magazine

"The godfather of fusion returns to his roots with a burning all-star jazz recording."

Dr. Herb Wong
Downbeat Magazine