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Speakeasy Jazz Pasadena, California

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1920s Jazz Covers of Contemporary Music and “Jazz Age” Standards.

 

On this recording amongst the din of several spirited card games hear Guitar Piano String Bass perform excerpts of these songs:

“Ena Gotta Da Vida” by Doug Ingle, Iron Butterfly

“Honeysuckle Rose” 1928 Fats Waller & Andy Razaf

“Bad Romance” 2009 Lady Gaga & RedOne

“There Is a Mountain” by Donovan

“Doxy” 1954 Sonny Rollins

“Five Foot Two Eyes of Blue” (Has anybody seen my gal?)

“Seven Nation Army” 2002 Jack White, White Stripes

Definition:

“torcedor”

A person who rolls cigars for events is called a torcedor. 
Torcedors are skilled artisans trained in the art of hand-rolling cigars. This term comes from the Spanish word “torcer,” meaning “to twist”. 

For me, the only thing missing from this event was a thick haze of cigar smoke; they did have a torcedor rolling cigars but the smoking of cigars was enjoyed out side.

 

More Jazz Trios

 

2 words – “speak-easy”

Studying a subject is made easy by understanding the vocabulary of that subject. One’s understanding of a word is enhanced by knowing the “etymology” of the word; “where the word comes from” and “its original meaning.”

 

More Definitions:

“prohibition”

noun:

Definition #2. the prevention by law of the manufacture and sale of alcohol, especially in the US between 1920 and 1933
Derivation: late Middle English: from Old French, from Latin prohibitio(n-), from prohibere ‘keep in check’.

“speakeasy”

noun:

1. (during Prohibition) an illicit liquor store or nightclub
Derivation: “…so called because of the practice of speaking quietly about such a place in public…” Wikipedia

“86”

verb:

Definition #1. To remove. To end usage. Or take something out or away.
Derivation: Chumley’s, a famous and OLD New York speakeasy, is located at 86 Bedford Street. During Prohibition the “entrance” was through an interior adjoining courtyard “Pamela Court” used to provide privacy and discretion for customers. A New York tradition at the time “the cops” were on the payroll of the bar and would give a ring to the bar that they were coming for a raid. The bartender would then give the command “86 everybody!” which meant that everyone should hightail it out the 86 Bedford entrance because the cops were coming in through the Pamela Court entrance. Urban Dictionary.

Speakeasy Password

I can not confirm or deny the existence of a speakeasy somewhere in Pasadena. If it did exist it of course would be secret. One would have to know the password for entry…

“Psst!” try “Sword Fish”.

Here’s to great parties where no one has to 86!

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

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Guitar Jazz Trios

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Piano Jazz Trio & Guitar Jazz Trios

 

Spanish Guitar and Jazz Piano Duo

 

 

This is having fun!

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

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Spanish Guitar & Piano Duo

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This duo by Elegant Music 323-270-3650 plays a variety of Jazz and Covers of Popular Music:

– Fragile
– When We Dance
– Shape of My Heart
– Fields of Gold
– Europa
– Oye Como Va
– Sway
– You’ve Got To Have Heart
– Light My Fire
– Tequila
– Do It Again
– Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White
– Stand by Me
– Perfida
– Love The One Your With
– Bésame Mucho
– Quiet Nights Corcovado

Classic Solo Spanish Guitar

– Samson and Delilah, Camille Saint-Saëns
– Samba with some BBQ
– Jitterbug Waltz
– Brazil
– One note Samba
– Softly as a Morning Sunrise
– I Dream Of Genie
– Black Orpheus Am
– Blue Bossa Cm
– Never Can Say Goodbye

We look forward to receiving your requests :-)

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

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Spanish Guitar and Piano Duo @ The Langham

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Elegant Music Spanish Guitar and Piano Duo @ The Langham Huntington Hotel
 

Just as each person is unique, instruments have qualities that are also unique. The sound of each instrument lends variety to the ensemble inspiring exploration and expression in a performance.

Spanish Guitar and Jazz Piano playing a wide variety of Latin music, Classic Rock and standard Jazz favorites:

Party Music

Cocktail Hour Music

Dinner Music

Spanish Guitar & Piano Duo @ The Langham

Elegant Music provides:

Live Music

DJ Dance Music

Professional Announcing

 

See: Weddings and Events @ The Langham by Elegant Music

 

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music Los Angeles, Southern California 323-270-3650

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Classic Instrumental Duos. Music for Two

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Classic Instrumental Duos

Music for Two by Elegant Music

Here are 10 interesting instrument combinations (duos) in beautiful Southern California locations.

Each of these combinations have a unique sound and repertoire. Have fun exploring the possibilities.

Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music

323-270-3650

Piano and Flute Duo

Piano - Flute - Violin - Cello Elegant Music Quartet @Vibiana
Piano – Flute – Violin – Cello – Elegant Music Quartet @Vibiana

 

Flute and Piano Duo Sheila and Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music started in 1990 with Sheila and I performing Flute and Piano Music for weddings and parties.

It was from this group that Elegant Music expanded to providing a wide variety of Live Music ensembles, DJ Dance Music and Master of Ceremonies.

See: The Story of Elegant Music

Piano and Cello Duo

Cello & Piano Duo by Elegant Music @ Villa del Sol d'Oro
Location: Villa del Sol d’Oro. What made this wedding such a success? See video interview: Covid Wedding Triumph! Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 69.

 

Throughout the years Sheila and I have had the pleasure of meeting and performing with some of the finest musicians in Los Angeles.

 

Mandolin and Accordion Duo

Mandolin and Accordion
This event was an Italian Themed birthday party at a private residence in Arcadia designed and coordinated by Peggy Kelly Timeless Celebrations.

 

The musicians of Elegant Music are not only talented artists but are also very nice people. We look for these qualities in the musicians we choose to perform with.

 

Spanish Guitar and Piano Duo

 

 

Just as each person is unique, instruments have qualities that are also unique. The sound of each instrument lends variety to the ensemble inspiring exploration and expression in a performance.

 

Harp and Flute Duo

Harp and Flute Duo
Harp and Flute Duo performing everything from Classical Music & Motion Picture Themes to Japanese Anime Themes. See: Weddings & Events @ The Langham by Elegant Music 

 

It is a lot of fun to talk with someone about music they like; it’s an adventure of discovery.

I have found it is always productive to speak directly to the host/client. The value of a telephone conversation can not be over stated.

During the course of the conversation the clients ideas, comments and concerns are very important in determining the style of music and the ensemble for the event.

 

Piano and String Bass Duo

Piano and String Bass Duo
Piano and String Bass Duo. Jazz Standards and Latin Music of course! Classic Rock – Popular Contemporary Music. Just add a drummer and anything is possible.

So, the client is consulted. Their vision is discovered.  Their desires and concerns are understood.

Their requests serve as artistic representation of the mood and style of the event.

With these facts established I am confident I can guide the event to success…

 

 

Guitar and Flute Duo

Guitar and Flute Duo
Perfect portable Pasadena proposal performance Duo.

…Now add to this the “Occasion” or “Theme” of the event.

Also, the “Location” and its existing decor may impose a design and suggest a theme or even a style of music.

It is a lot of fun to discover these factors and to consider the possibilities.

 

 

Harp and Piano Duo

Harp & Piano Duo
Everything you like about the sound of a Harp and everything you like about the sound of a Piano rolled up into one ensemble. Lush! Location: Descanso Gardens

 

A lot goes on at a special event requiring coordination. Start with:

 

  • An event itinerary beautifully written to flow from one activity to the next.

 

  • Allow each contributing element to shine and be appreciated.

 

  • Coordination creates a distraction free environment.

 

  • The Culinary Arts,

 

  • Decor,

 

  • Music, 

 

  • High level of service.

 

With all the above working together; magic!

 

Piano and Sax Duo

Piano & Sax Duo
Jazz – Blues – Swing – Latin – Popular Contemporary Music

Classical Duo Violin & Cello

 

Talk about music…

You can learn a lot by talking to someone about music:

  • Their favorite artists,
  • their favorite songs,
  • performances they have attended,
  • songs from movies they like,
  • instruments they like,
  • style of music they like.

Talking about music is one of my favorite parts of planning an event.

Also see: Quartets of Elegant Music

For more on this concept of combining instruments please see: Piano and…

 

Planning music for a special event is very creative and a lot of fun. Each part of your celebration can have its own music. I look forward to hearing your ideas.

 

Flutist Sheila Zimmermann & Pianist Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

WM Contact Form

Beautiful, Successful Weddings & Events

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