Carolena and Randy, our jazz version of the "Dynamic Duo." :O)
My primary pianist and music partner, Randy Halberstadt is both delightful and exceptionally talented.
Some days, you've just got to get your silly on!
This photo of Randy was taken by our friend, Rhonda Stewart. It's become one of my favorites.
Randy doing what I call "Piano Kissy Face."
Carolena Matus - Seattle JaZz Singer 2018 - Photo Credit: Steve Korn
Young Randy Halberstadt. Yes, girls, I know that he's extremely handsome, but the point here is that Randy is one of Seattle's finest pianists. Scheesh! Let's keep our eye on the ball, shall we? ;O)
The hazard of doing an outdoor gig is that my hair is tousled. But both the clients and guests were happy, and the guys and I had fun. Overall, a very good day!
A good laugh is one of the things that makes life worth living.
I always used to say that my best friend, Bobby, looked like an over-grown elf.
The JaZzCanary in her natural habitat ... in front of the mic, crooning for all she's worth at the Renaissance Hotel in Seattle.
My bassist, Osama Afifi. Along with being a talented, solid bass player, Osama is an absolute delight with whom to share a stage.
The perspective of this photo makes me a little crazy. Joe's superlative playing is not to be missed!
Frank Sinatra, Jr., Circa 1980s My old friend and inspiration Frank, Jr. He gave me this wonderful publicity still when I first met him and invited him to be a guest on my radio show in Vegas, "Spotlight on the Arts." He was a very gracious guest and is indeed a very gracious friend.
A more recent shot of my friend Frank Sinatra, Jr. doing what he did best! RIP, my friend.
Sporting my new hair do, and having fun in a photobooth at Melrose Market Studios in Seattle.
My best bud and first jazz teacher, Bobby Scann. He was my dearest long-time friend. I miss you, Bobby; RIP.
Young Bobby Scann Bobby in his early years. He was such a great talent and played for everyone from both Sinatra Senior and Junior to Tony Bennett. What a resume!
Brilliant bassist, Jeff. Quite frankly, Jeff's playing completely entrances me. And dig that exquisite smile!
Bill Anschell, one of the other sublime pianists with whom I occasionallly work. This was a private party for the Bellevue Hilton.
Young Jeff Johnson Jeff as a youngin! Both then and now, so very handsome!
My former beau, Archie LeCoque. Archie used to play lead trombone for Stan Kenton. And as you can tell from the silly pose, he can always make me laugh!
Carl Fontana - Denver - '79 Carl, so brilliant, so sweet. I miss him still!
Seattle has a plethora of really fine bass players and I've been blessed to perform with a number of them. Chris Symer is one of my favorites!
My friend Jeremy Bacon. Jeremy is an NYC transplant, gifting Seattle with his talent at the keys. Plus, he's a super sweet guy!
Gigging Jeff concentrating and seriously working at his craft.
Guitarist John Stowell My recording partner John Stowell. Exquisite, intricate harmonics; an amazing, inspired guitarist. Check out the soulful blue eyes, ladies!
Ulf Bandgren Swedish guitarist Ulf Bandgren. Ulf is talented, super sweet and so much fun! I feel blessed to call him friend.
Ulf and John Ulf and John clowing and having fun!
My old friend Bert Wilson. b. October 15, 1939 d. June 6, 2013 Rest in peace my friend.
Another photo of my friend Bert Wilson with New York-based saxophonist, composer and arranger Arun Luthra.
D'Vonne Lewis catches my attention with his percussive style of playing. And what a sweetie pie! He's a real darling to work with, too!
D'Vonne - Workin' it!
Bruce Brown - Composer A most insightful lyricist and his changes are out there in the best way possible! Bruce has honored me by asking me to sing his compositions and it has been my pleasure and honor to do so!
Modern pianist Dave Peck. Man do I love listening to this cat play! And he's a sweetheart, to boot!
John Bishop is a wonderful drummer and the owner of the Origin Records label.
Herbie Phillips, Circa 1964 My sweet old friend Herbie Phillips. He played trumpet and flugel horn for Frank, Jr., among others and wrote brilliant arrangements. He's gone these many years, but certainly not forgotten.
A great photo of composer, pianist, vocalist Bruce Brown - no doubt singing one of his own wonderful tunes.
My old, sweet-as-pie friend Paulie Rostock. He is a truly excellent bass player who never fails to impress. And he plays bass for Frank, Sinatra, Jr., so need I say more about his skills?
Paulie Rostock, Circa 1980s Paulie Rostock when I first met him back in the day in Vegas.
Here's a more recent shot of my friend Paulie. Still a darling, as well as an uber talented musician, to boot!
My old buddy Sid. We spent many nights palling around after Frank, Jr. gigs in Vegas. Great musician and heck of a fun guy!
Young Sid Jacobs Sid when I first met him. Oh, my goodness! With the premature grey hair and the baby blues he drove the girls wild!
My student Mike Rose, aka "The Blues Sheriff," layin' down the law at the Westport Blues Festival.
My student Mike Rose's first album cover. I'm really proud of this guy!
Voice Student CJ Dixon, performing at a Coffee House in N. Carolina. I get proud to bursting when my students make it to the stage!
Randy and bassist Clipper Anderson at a gig we did in Bellevue, WA.