On Saturday, February 29th, 2020, on Leap Year, Kaylene Peoples performed a mind-blowing show “Romantic Bossa-Nova” at her official CD Release concert at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro, CA. The room was packed with jazz lovers who thoroughly enjoyed the two dynamic sets of music, surrounding herself with musicians who deliver seasoned performances every time. Kaylene’s band included Bassist/MD Bunny Brunel, guitarist Joe Calderon, pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, drummer Bryan Cabrera, and percussionist Monette Marino. (Photographed by Sheryl Aronson)
The audience was treated to the exotic and dreamy compositions of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius de Moraes, and others. Looking stunning in an electric blue jumpsuit, Peoples delighted everyone with her versatile vocals and exquisite flute playing.
The song list consisted of a wide range of Bossa-nova favorites, including one of my favorites, “Dindi.” Kaylene impressed as she sang in Portuguese “Berimbau,” a Vinicius de Moraes tune. She also sang in both English and Portuguese on “Corcovado/ Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars.” And another beautiful romantic Bossa-nova tune, uniquely interpreted and sung in French was the superbly rhythmic mid-tempo “Besame Mucho.” She ended the show with a special version of “Girl from Ipanema,” which featured Monette Moreno, who set the tone with her seductive heartbeat tempo on the congas. Much of the show included songs that evening from the new release Romantic Bossa-Nova.
One of the highlights of the evening was the duet with Bunny Brunel on “Agua de Março/ Waters of March.” Peoples sang in English and played flute while Brunel played bass and sang in Portuguese. It was a wonderful addition to the show, giving the element of surprise. Though it was publicized that Bunny would be singing a duet, I don’t think the audience, nor I was prepared for the superb vocal performance of the Grammy-nominated bassist. I guess talent is talent! And his vocal performance was very much like Joao Gilberto’s.
“Waters of March” was not the only tune in the concert where this band held us in the palm of their hands. The audience was entranced and engaged as Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova captivated us all. Alvas Showroom has an incredible sound system, which really added to the evening. Mahesh Balasooriya, who has played with Natalie Cole, Stanley Clarke, made that Steinway sing..
Joe Calderon locked with Bryan Cabrera, Monette Moreno, and Bunny Brunel for some real Latin grooves . . . and every musician onstage that evening performed on the CD.
Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova’s CD Release Concert was an incredible show of musicianship, filled with wonderful surprises and sexy vocals! The repertoire was melancholy, and we all left that evening humming our favorite “Romantic Bossa-Nova” tunes performed that night.
Immediately After the the concert, Bunny Brunel had a surprise birthday celebration and guests enjoyed cupcakes!
Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova is available for sale on Agendamag.com. And you can purchase the single “Corcovado” at https://kaylenepeoples1.bandcamp.com/releases
