For those of you who always wish you were born early enough into the 20th Century so that you are able to experience the thrill, excitement and glamour of the 1950s and 1960s classic Rat Pack shows with Frank, Dean, Sammy and all the other boys, here’s your chance. Picking up where they left off in the 60s, Douglas Roegiers, Dave Cox and a variety of performers transform the Pasadena Jazz Institute (in Pasadena, California) into a swingin’ lounge on the first Thursday of every month. Far from a show full of impersonators, these guys (and dames) pay homage to the great American crooners by bringing their own brand of style and entertainment to the stage monthly. The first show kicks off at 8:30 p.m. on June 4th, don’t miss it baby!

Although based in London, pianist and composer Ian Williams and singer Claudia Barton outputs music that instantly transports you to a smoky, noir jazz club in 1960′s Paris. One of those clubs with a sole spotlight focusing on the elegant and voluptuous female singer. Gamine’s music is not something you would listen to on a sunny and warm day – if you would, everything that is Gamine would be out of context.

The music rather craves for a moody, rainy day with a cocktail or two, starch contrasts and film noir shadows to be fully appreciated. Ian’s floating dramatic piano chords and arpeggios with Claudia’s incredibly sensual voice makes even the most hard heartened and unromantic person to melt into a mixed puddle of french perfume and wine. I feel like I am in a movie where I have just met the femme fatale.

I am in love.

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