01/11/2026
01-01-2026
New Year’s Day House Concert- The Bass Place, Ridgefield Park, NJ
Earl Gandharva Sauls, Bass
Steve Ash, Piano
Anais Reno, Vocalist.
Highlights :
Waters of March( Antonio Carlos Jobim)- a steady stream of imagery originally written in
Portuguese, and deftly translated into English. Piano and bass created a beautiful and
hypnotic samba canvas for this charming tune.
I’m Beginning to See the Light (Duke Ellington) - Ms. Reno admitted to the audience that it
took her some time to appreciate this tune, as her younger self gravitated towards sad jazz
tunes that were filled with pain and suffering. As an adult, she now recognizes the
importance of happy, uplifting songs, and remarked that Navy Seals were known to have it
playing to keep up their morale.
Squeeze Me - Duke Ellington
Passion Flower- perhaps a little less known, it was a gorgeous ballad was enhanced with
the masterful vocal control, dynamics, and carefully executed vibrato.
Lush Life - Billy Strayhorn. A brief intro by Ms. Reno reminded the listeners that many
vocalists consider this piece not fitting for a younger artist, that one “had to have been
through a couple of divorces” to have this perspective. However, she observed that
Strayhorn, himself, wrote this when he was in his teens, and that she could infer that fact,
from between the lines. Her performance, with sensitive accompaniment and piano and
bass solos left the entire audience (and band members) emotionally transported.
Don’t You Go Away Mad (music by Illinois Jacquet/Jimmy Mundy, Lyrics by Al Stillman). If
this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s based on Jacquet’s earlier tune, “Black Velvet”. Before
starting this tune, Ms. Reno wryly suggested that it seemed that every set needed one tune
about a low-life cheater. She then aptly got into character, as she sang the story of a person
who had no misgivings, remorse or guilt about cheating on their partner. The bouncy swing
and clever solos supplied by Ash and Sauls gave this number its gas-lighting, no-regrets
feeling.
An unassuming older home, transformed into an intimate jazz club. Dim lighting, with
lights strung up on walls, pictures of famous musicians, carefully collated LPS in original
jackets in various corners. When guests arrive – early, if they hope to get the best seat—
they will get a warm and friendly greeting from Earl Sauls, bassist and owner of the Bass
Place. Guests will see the piano tuner, completing the finishing touches on the tuning, (
done before each concert) as well as notice a brief, relaxed “huddle” of the musicians as
they map out the details of each piece in the set.
Grab your seat and prepare to have your mood elevated, your heart lightened and
imagination ignited with the captivating jazz improvisations which emerge the outstanding,
talented musicians on the tiny stag
