By Daily Press staff
Concord recording artist Gary LeMel will make a rare Los Angeles singing appearance at The Vic, 1640 Main St. in Santa Monica, next week.
LeMel will perform on Thursday, Feb. 26, with sets at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
LeMel will be backed by Keith Piedmont on saxophone, and a rhythm section led by Jon Mayer on piano, with Chris Colangelo on bass, and Roy McCurdy on drums. LeMel’s repertoire of standards will be culled from the six albums he has recorded.
The “Great American Songbook” has recently been rediscovered through the success of Rod Stewart, Michael Buble and Peter Cincotti, among others. LeMel’s first album, on VeeJay Records, in 1966, was recorded at a time when standards were becoming extinct due to the onslaught of rock ‘n roll. Listening to LeMel’s singing, one becomes readily aware of the sincerity and conviction with which he approaches such timeless material.
Previous to his association with Concord Records, LeMel recorded for United Artists, Atlantic and other labels. Among the tunes contained on his Concord CD, The Best of Times, are “Call Me Irresponsible,” “Here’s to Life,” “When I Fall in Love,” and “My Foolish Heart.”
During the nealry 17 years as president of Worldwide Music at the Warner Bros. film studio, under LeMel’s supervision, Warner’s music department received 16 Oscar nominations. This year the studio is nominated in the “Best Song” category for “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow,” from “The Mighty Wind.” In 1986 the Oscar was awarded to Warner’s music department for the “Best Score” for “’Round Midnight,” the well-remembered drama of a fading jazz musician that starred the late Dexter Gordon. Coincidentally, the Oscar ceremony takes place three days after LeMel’s appearance at The Vic.
The cover charge is $20 per person and there is a two item minimum. For reservations, call (888) 367-5299.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 20, 2004. Read the original PDF.