Ain't it funny how time slips away....

Time is on our side, Time after Time, Where does the time go? It really does seem like yesterday we moved to Maui from Toronto with 89 boxes and a family of five. In our late 40's, in 1997, we started fresh in a new place, far from family, following our dear friend Patricia Watson. We thought we may live in a jungle with a dirt floor, and what could be so bad about living in paradise and playing music for tourists til we die? Curt and I got a gig right away at Kahale's, two nights a week. Two weeks after our arrival, I walked in there in khaki shorts carrying my grocery bags and got the gig. It was there Jose Ortiz started to jam with us and sparked the show enough to pay for himself with a share of the tips. I currently have a duo now with him - Louise & Ortiz. Through the years we always seem to come around to play music together again.  Like a brother. Curt is having health challenges, so he is not on the music scene right now. It was some of my most pleasurable times making music with Curt - since 1971. Our daughter Joie is here now helping her Dad and his wife Cathi. Curt says: "if I 'd have known I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of himself."

I sub for Curt now at Sargents Fine Art on the week-ends. It had been my gig, 22 years ago, then I gave it to Curt when I left for Vegas to help the girls in school. He has been there ever since! I have subbed for him occasionally, whenever he needed to take time off,  (read: when he is sick, because he never takes time off from a gig.)  I knew something was up, when Dick Sargent called me to play, saying Curt didn't show up for the gig. We pray for his recovery and vibrant health.

These past two years did not keep live music alive very well. Many of our musical peers have died or are retired from playing music. I can't imagine retiring. Music is my life. I am extremely grateful for students and gigs and the joy they bring!

 But, I do need some new younger musical contacts, for if and when I need a sub!

I'm looking forward to a fun gig at Stopwatch in Makawao next Friday night
with members of the Houseshakers and former members of Crazy Fingers!
It will be great to wail some Blues and get in to some good time Rock & Roll and Motown!

A Family Affair

Curt Lee and our daughter Joi  did a great family concert at Unity Church of Maui, last week. Isa Hansen and Linda Green took some beautiful photos and videos and put them up on Facebook. Joi just went back to New York City, she dances on the Big Piano at FAO Swartz! Thank you to all the wonderful people who came out to the show. Next gig is at Lulu's in Kihei Friday February 11th. Swing and Rhythm and Blues... Bring Your Dancing Shoes! The Louise Lambert Band is there ( a trio) every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Shea Argel plays guitar with us and sings some sweet soul music! Jose Ortiz percussionist sparks up the show! Waiting on Dennis Kim to return from Honolulu to play some much anticipated smooth jazz!

Stand Up and Sing!!

Jazz Pianist Joel Gold and Bassist Michael sat in at my gig last Saturday at Cary and Eddie's Hideaway Maui and what a high that was! We went over the top with a funky version of 'God Bless The Child.' We got together on Sunday get ready for me to stand up and sing...laying down the piano and putting on the high heels! It is very freeing for me to just stand up and SING! I've been playing piano since I was five...asked my Daddy and Aunt Madi to teach me how to play with two hands and got a good grasp on the Boogie Woogie!..accompanying myself at the piano from my teenage years. Playing and singing together has served me well to stay in the music business and it is such a treat to just do one thing at a time!

Tonight a did a great private gig at Launiopoko for a beautiful couple from Seattle, celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary, then went and sat in at Cool Cats in Lahaina, with Bob Harrison, Jesse Smith, Mark Johnston and Marv Blue.. It is so great to play with these Jazz musicians...This is music to my ears! I am High on Music! Trading riffs and being inspired to new heights with my voice, riding the beautiful waves we co-create! I love scat Jazzing on the spot being backed by some of Maui's finest musicians!

Friday Gig

I'm excited about this Friday's gig at Lulu's! Shea Argel has really come up powerfully, musically on Maui under the inspiring tutelage of his Dad, Gene.  I love trading licks with him on our gigs and sitting in with them at Kiwi Road House in Kihei on Wednesday nights with the Blues. James Somera joins us on Drums! I love his funky grooves!

Swing and Jazzy Blues Friday at Lulu's

LOUISE LAMBERT BAND 

               Acclaimed Vocalist / Pianist 

            with Shea Argel  on  Guitar

             James Somera on  Drums

                and Special Guests

     Friday November 19th 

     Lulu’s 7:30 PM to 10:30 

 Swing ‘n’ Jazzy Blues ~ 

                         Bring Your Dancing Shoes!

 1945 S. Kihei Rd. (Behind Kihei Caffe)

                        879-9944

   Suggested Band Support Donation $5. or more

        $2. or more donation gets drink specials

Louise Lambert Band Gigs

Lulu's Kihei 7:30 PM  - 10:30 ..It's always a fun time! Bring your dancing shoes!  Maui Swing, Lindy and Blues dancers often come out and dance up a storm and give spontaneous lessons for willing swing dancers-to-be! 1945 South Kihei Rd.

Louise Lambert Band Plays Cary and Eddie's Hideaway
Dancing by the sea....ah... if there were two of me, one would always be dancing! I play boogie piano and sing i.e. wail jazzy blues songs, with influences by Bonnie Raitt, Diana Krall and Aretha. Joining me  this past Saturday was Gilbert Garcia on guitar, Mike Finkiewicz on Bass and Gerry Davis on drums. Kahului, Maui was sparked by the sounds of the swing and jazzy blues band. Michael Anthony and Joel Gold  sat in and freed me up to stand and sing God Bless the Child. Isa Hansen sang back ups on my new song 'It's Just A Wave.' We play East and West Coast Swing and good old R&B. Many dancers from Frank and Sandy's class at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center (MACC) were on the floor as well as Paul Janes-Brown, Maury King, Stani and Shahido Piva. Keep your ears open for our next date and dance the night away!