Hi hip cats – Happy New Year to you all- thanks for following my blog- the last blog of 2015 is the ten albums I loved best and admired most this year: This was a real task – to narrow it down to just 10- so many amazing artist out there – love to you all .

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that’s it hip cats

Peace Perez see you all in 2016

London is calling – and it was last week- and I was hanging with the top British vocal talent Anita Wardell!
there was no foggy day in London Town – the London Jazz Festival – was the place to be last week – Sheila Jordan – Anita Wardell- James Pearson – Alan Harris with Robin Aspland – Noemi Nuti with Quentin Collins- just to name a few.

The Pheasantry is a great room and has perfect acoustics – Noemi’s face lit up when Anita and I walked into the room.  She then asked Anita to do a song with her and BAM! Magic-

Noemi a fantastic artist here she is with Quentin singing and swinging.

Allan Harris vocal talent is a friend from NYC. He was hitting it at Crazy Cogs and to my surprise London hip cat and friend phenomenal piano player Robin Aspland was accompanying him- this duet performance was moving – many of the songs – My Foolish Heart, The Touch Of Your Lips, But Beautiful – came from the Bennett/Evans canon and were given loving and effective treatments. Just sayin home run.

Here is a review from that evening’s performance–

The last night of my time in London was legend- NEA JAZZ MASTER Sheila Jordan was at the Pizza Express – Both Shows sold out! Jordan was joined by frequent collaborator pianist Brian Kellock and his trio. Brian Kellock a master as well – the stars were out GRAMMY® NOMINATED Theo Bleckmann was at her first set. The second set and the last night of the festival was magical – Better than Anything- Peace by Horace Silver – the Moon is a Harsh Mistress and the Crossing – only to name a few of delightful treats that she presented- Then she called up Gill Manly and Anita Wardell holy hip chick alert ! GREAT JAZZ MOMENTS! I ran up close to capture images – the image above is fantastic-Sheila , Anita and Gill! – then I hear WHERE IS PEREZ ? – yes I was invited to hit it with these amazing artist and I did.  I have been floating on air since – thank you Sheila and Anita thank you to all the kind musicians that I sat in with – great to see Robin- Tristin- GREAT HANG! Jonh – Andre, Janet great TO SEE YOU AGAIN! lovely to meet new friends James Pearson – Gill Manly, Trudy Kerr- Zena James – Quentin Collins – Alex Garnett – Alex Webb – Emiliano Caroselli – Marta Capponi – Noemi Nuti, Jo Hanna – Sam Leak – LOVE YOU – still feeling that GREAT VIBE OF LONDON NIGHTS.

Peace Perez

Hip chick alert puts the spot light on Sopranos Olanna Goudeau (Port Arthur, TX) and Ashley Renée Watkins (New Orleans, LA) are southern belles who currently make their home in New York City.  The pair first met while studying voice performance at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA.  They later attended graduate school together at the University of Oklahoma where they first shared the spotlight together in an exhilarating production of Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. I just met Ashley, as I am taking a week off to focus on music-and visit friends abroad- she is covering my day gig for a week.  She is charming, strong and talented. A REAL HIP CHICK as is Olanna , her partner in music  ! What a pleasure to stumble upon some other great artist here in NYC! JUST SAYIN!

Throughout their studies both Ashley Renée and Olanna received high honors in national and international vocal competitions within the United States, Europe and South America.  They have also been selected as young artist by some of the classical arena’s most prestigious programs including Music Academy of the West, Taos Opera Institute, AIMS in Graz and Opera New Jersey’s Victoria J. Mastrobuono Emerging Artist Program.

ACTE II, was suddenly launched into the national spotlight after delivering a captivating performance on NBC’s #1 summer show America’s Got Talent.  The duo received a standing ovation by the celebrity judges who then selected the duo as one of 10 acts to perform live at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.  Since their time on America’s Got Talent the ladies have performed to high acclaim in some of America’s largest cities and internationally.

Please check them out! Go see them live!  I dig them you will too!

http://www.acteii.com/

They are perfect for your holiday party, book them ! A treat for all!

Peace Perez

Fantastic news – Playboy and 007 both looking at women differently.

On October 16^th Playboy announced that the magazine is getting a PG-13 revamp next year and will no longer print fully nude images of women. YAYAYAYAY

( See Money.cnn, New York CBS, and more )

“This isn’t a story about nudity; it’s a story about disruption and innovation. Times, tastes and technology have changed everything. Even at 89, Hugh Hefner understands a simple fact: In today’s rapidly evolving world you innovate or you become irrelevant. It’s the biggest challenge facing businesses around the world.  Once you understand the disruption that’s taken place in the media and publishing world and the power of social networks as a publishing platform, you’ll understand that Playboy simply had no choice. Nudity was sinking its Web and magazine business.

Robin Zucker is the senior vice president of digital marketing at Playboy. She understands the fact that Playboy is a publisher and if you want people to read your content, you better make it Web and work friendly.”

( http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/13/opinions/robbins-playboy-no-more-nudity/ )

Yayay for Playboy now for the 007 franchise!

Meet the new Bond Women – Strong – Women -I love it!

A cryptic message from the past leads James Bond (Daniel Craig) to Mexico City and Rome, where he meets the beautiful widow (Monica Bellucci) of an infamous criminal. After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organization SPECTRE. Just saying modern – fresh – cool-LOVE IT AND ALSO LOVE THAT YOU WONT SEE THE LADIES POPING OUT OF THE OCEAN in skimpy bathing suits NOR LADIES WITH THE NAME PUSSYGALLORE – the new direction that the franchise has taken is putting Monica Bellucci in as the female lead – Monica who I met when I worked at Dolce Gabbana when she launched the fragrance Sicily – Monica is over 50 years old – powerful sexy and hurray for the producers for taking 007 INTO OUR CENTURY –

007 Spectre Trailer here –

Just sayin – this is great – Peace Perez

Sylvia Plachy is a Hungarian/American photographer.  Plachy’s work has been featured in many New York City magazines and newspapers and she “was an influential staff photographer for the Village Voice. She is hip –exceptional photographer and a nice person- I love her!

Plachy was born in Budapest, Hungary. Her Hungarian Jewish mother was in hiding in fear of Nazi persecution during World War II. Her father was a Hungarian Roman Catholic of aristocratic descent and she was raised in his faith. Plachy’s family moved to New York City in 1958, after the Hungarian revolution and two years after they had crossed into Austria for safety, hidden in a horse-drawn cart There she met the photographer André Kertész, who became her lifelong friend.

Plachy’s photo essays and portraits have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, The Village Voice, The New Yorker, Granta, Artforum, Fortune, and other publications. They have been exhibited in galleries and museums in Berlin, Budapest, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, Paris and Tokyo, and are in collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She started working at The Village Voice in 1974

Plachy’s first book, Sylvia Plachy’s Unguided Tour, won the Infinity Award from the International Center of Photography for best publication in 1991. Her book Self Portrait with Cows Going Home (2005), a personal history of Central Europe with photographs and text, received a Golden Light Award for best book in 2004.

Her other books are Red Light: Inside the Sex Industry with James Ridgeway (1996), Signs & Relics (2000), Out of the Corner of My Eye (2008) and Goings On About Town: Photographs for The New Yorker (2007). Plachy has been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship (1977), a Lucie Award (2004), and the Dr. Erich Salomon Award (2009). She has taught and lectured widely.

Plachy lives in New York City with her husband, and is the mother of Academy Award-winning actor Adrien Brody.Just Sayin!

Adrien Brody is an Academy Award-winning American actor and producer. Brody grew up in Woodhaven Queens, New York City- yes that was my hood from the age 10 till 17- but I met Sylvia in LA and then again in NYC – My dear friend Donna Agajanian introduced me to her- Brody credits his Mother Sylvia with making him comfortable being in front of the camera. Brody remained on the cusp of stardom for many years until he was launched into recognition with Roman Polanski’s 2002 film, The Pianist, a biopic of Władysław Szpilman during World War II which earned Brody much critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as nominations for a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA award. Brody holds the distinction of being the youngest ever winner of the Best Actor Oscar and the only American to ever win a Cesar, the French equivalent to an Oscar- dig it Lovely Family! Just sayin!

Here is a link to buy her book- it’s great to have – it’s full of fantastic images –going somewhere for the holidays – this is THE ITEM TO GET- get out that credit card!

Sylvia Plachy on Amazon.com
Peace Perez!

Hip Chick Alert puts the spotlight on the Sunday Jam Session RUE-B 188 Avenue B New York, NY, 10009- hosted by Jocelyn Medina – the session starts at 8:30 the first set Features an artist followed by a jam till 11:30 – Some of NYC top musicians in the house-dig it!

If you’re a New Yorker – or if you’re visiting this great city – the Sunday Jam Session RUE-B is the THING to do on Sunday nights-

Jocelyn is the host and she always gets NYC finest musicians to come and do the first set- talented Artist like Jane Irving –Emily Braden and Brenda Earle Stokes and more then a fantastic Jam session starts- the food is great – drinks are as well- this cozy bar in the East Village has an amazing vibe and the images on the wall feature amazing artist of the present and past- and Super Hip owner of the bar Michael Camacho sings as well – and he is the top.

here is a site to this hip hang  – check them out!
Rue B on Foursquare

So please support Live Music – go have a great hang at RUE B- Peace Perez

Ok let’s stay in shape! I can feel the thanksgiving and holiday meals pounds on my body already so Hip Chick Alert puts the spotlight on SoulCycle co-founders Elizabeth Cutler and Julie Rice.  These two are also branding geniuses.

Yes these two moms moved to Manhattan from Los Angeles and Boulder, Colorado. Loved life in the city, but both had developed a passion for exercise and indoor cycling and they just couldn’t find a place in NY with the level of soul, intensity and community they longed for.  So, one day, over lunch, they hatched a plan.  If they couldn’t find what they wanted, they’d do it themselves. That day, on the back of a napkin, how hip is that?? SoulCycle was born. Check out this interview!

Starting in a little bare bones location on the Upper West Side, SoulCycle has now grown into a national brand. One that’s not only changing the lives of thousands of people, but innovating new business, philanthropic and service models and developing merchandise, apparel and more. I just love women of vision – women of passion and these 2 women have that!

Their mission is to bring Soul to the people. One of a kind, rock star instructors guide riders through an inspirational, meditative fitness experience that’s designed to benefit the body, mind and soul. Set in a dark candlelit room to high-energy music, riders move in unison as a pack to the beat and follow the signature choreography of our instructors. The experience is tribal.  It’s primal.  It’s fun.  It’s a cardio party. In that dark room, riders share a Soul experience. They laugh, we cry, they grow — and do it together, as a community.

Here check out their site!

https://www.soul-cycle.com/our-story/

ENJOY – Peace Perez

Hip Chick Alert Puts the spotlight  my American- Dutch- Buddy Deborah Carter as she shines a very new and personal light on known and unknown repertoire of Duke Ellington in a Metropolitan JAZZ STYLE!

Diggin ‘the Duke is a new CD on which Deborah Carter shines a very new and personal light on known and unknown repertoire of Duke Ellington. Deborah Mark Zandveld, and my dear friend Leo Bouwmeester and my other dear friend  Efraim Trujillo  on this disc! hip folks!

Deborah, Mark and Leo wrote new arrangements to his compositions,from a contemporary perspective, and Deborah composed original lyrics to a few of his instrumentals. They use a variety of swing, Latin and fusion rhythms and adventurous harmonies. She has tackled The Beatles before, so why not also dedicate an album to Duke Ellington? For the African-American singer Deborah J. Carter, who lives in the Netherlands, no challenge is too big for her, and so she decided, with husband Mark Zandveld on bass, Leo Bouwmeester on piano and Gunnar Graafmans on drums, to re-arrange thirteen titles of Duke. On top of that she added two originals: ‘Music is my mistress’ by Emiel Wienholts . Carter has become such a big name that she probably had little trouble finding five guests willing to contribute, including the phenomenal Hermine Deurloo on harmonica.

“On Diggin ‘the Duke [Deborah J. Carter] takes on the work of Duke Ellington. Using the high quality content of the original compositions as a foundation, Carter can express all facets of her personality in the material at hand. She possesses all the technique needed and she applies it, but it’s the treatment of the lyrics that draws you in. Her scats are creative and provocative. Carter has the musicians around her who she deserves.

Songs: Light and Low-Harlem Nocturne-The Gal from Joe’s-Do Nothing Til You Hear from Me-Satin Doll-Prelude to a Kill-Purple Gazelle-It Don’t Mean  a Thing-Melancholia-Solitude-Music is my Mistress-I Ain’t Got Nothing but the Blues-Don’t Get Around Much Anymore-The First Time I Heard Ellington

Carter fully respects the majestic work of Ellington, but she has no problem in presenting totally unique versions of classics like ‘Solitude’, ‘Satin Doll’, ‘It do not mean a thing’ and ‘Do not get around much anymore’.  It all sounds very natural and she swings like mad.

SPEND SOME MONEY – BUY SOME TRACKS just click here ; – ) https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/diggin-the-duke/id1022548872

DIG IT! Dig her! PEACE PEREZ

Iris Apfel is an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon.
Born in Astoria, Queens, New York, Apfel is the only child of Samuel Barrel, whose family owned a glass-and-mirror business, and his Russian-born wife, Sadye, who owned a fashion boutique.
There is a documentary abut this hip lady – if you have not seen it yet – well its time you did! Iris studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin.
As a young woman, Apfel worked for Women’s Wear Daily and for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also was an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman. HIP! Seriously hip! Love her!

In 1948, she married Carl Apfel. Two years later, they launched the textile firm Old World Weavers and ran it until they retired in 1992.

From 1950 to 1992, Iris Apfel took part in several design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.

here is the clip to the Film IRIS – that all you Hip Chicks and Hip Cats should see!

At 90 years young in 2012, Apfel was a visiting professor at University of Texas at Austin- just a superstar!

Apfel consults and lectures about style and other fashion topics. In 2013, she was listed as one of the fifty best-dressed over 50s by The Guardian.
Here is a clip of the legendary decorator, textile designer, and fashion muse sharing her stories of life along with her thoughts on style and decorating.

Holy Lovely Person – Peace Perez!

“In the Wee Small Hours” from Perez’s CD, “Perez, It’s Happenin”

As my Brooklyn Duo House concert series 3 comes to an end – yes 2 more concerts left in season 3- first on Sunday September 13 a rare visit from Austria the amazing piano playing jazz singing – super educator Dena Derose doing a House concert and then NEA jazz master Sheila Jordan I can’t say enough about her *xo* on Sunday September 20th – I remembered this press that I got on my friend’s Kat Parra blog and she is a Latin and World Jazz Vocalist. And her blog is Musical Chefs. – please check it out. I just love the sense of community and how we artist all support each other – so this is what she wrote about me ; – )

Pérez – Vocal Artist, Producer, Photographer, Art Director, Educator
Born in Harlem, Peréz sang from early childhood. Drawn to music and art from an early age, it was said, that by age four, she would hear a song once and be able to recite the lyrics and melody. She attended High School of Art and Design at the age of 12 and majored in photography. Though photography was her first impulse towards self expression, she later focused her energy on vocals as a form of communication. She was in foster care from 9 months old for the first few years of her life. At the age of 17 she moved to Los Angeles. Inspired by the styles of Charlie Parker, Bill Evans, Shirley Horn, Abbey Lincoln, Carmen McRae and Nina Simone, she first sang publicly in Los Angeles, before relocating to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. There she polished her vocal and performance skills, playing club dates in Europe and leading a weekly session at Amsterdam’s Bimhus for a spell.  Perez currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.  Click over to her bio!

Pérez’ Comments
This recipe has saved my life. When I first came up with the idea to produce a monthly duet house concert series in my home, I was thinking guests will show up at different times. HOLY COW WHAT WILL I SERVE?! When visiting my sculptor friend’s home in the Hamptons, he and his wife served Salmon Nicoise and it was served room temperature. “Brilliant,” I thought!  So with a few tries I perfected this delightful dish. It’s healthy and fresh and it looks great with all the colors on the platter. All the guests have loved it. I serve a green salad on the side with a homemade olive oil and black pesto dressing.

Salmon Niçoise
Total Time:1 hr 5 min
Prep: 20 min
Inactive: 30 min
Cook: 15 min
12 -15 servings

Ingredients
4 lemons, zested and juiced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
5 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 pounds skin-on fresh salmon – I get one piece
3 pounds small Yukon potatoes white and Red – love to place colors on each corner of the platter
1 1/2 pounds haricots verts, stems removed
3 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (6 small tomatoes)
12 hard-cooked eggs, peeled and cut in 1/2
1 bunch watercress
1/2 pound large green and Black olives, pitted
And a dash of horseradish sauce

Directions
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.

The marinade (this goes on the top of the raw salmon):
Whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard, garlic, 1 1/2 tablespoons salt and 1/2 tablespoon pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
Place the salmon on a sheet pan that has been covered in aluminum foil, and drizzle the marinade over the salmon. Allow the salmon to sit for 15 minutes let those flavors mingle – yummy yummy.

Meanwhile, place the potatoes and 2 tablespoons salt in a large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife. Drain the potatoes in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot off the heat and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel. Leave the potatoes to steam for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender but firm. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them in thick slices – drip some Dijon mustard and horseradish on them. Salt and pepper and set aside.

Place the salmon in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it is almost cooked through. Remove to a plate and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Remove the skin and break into large pieces.

Blanch the haricots verts in a large pot of boiling salted water for 1 1/2 minutes only. Drain immediately and immerse in a bowl of ice water. Drain again and set aside to cool off – you don’t want to overcook them.

For the vinaigrette, combine the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Set aside.

Arrange the salmon, potatoes, haricots verts, tomatoes, eggs, watercress, olives and anchovies, if used, on a large flat platter. Drizzle some vinaigrette over the fish and vegetables and serve the rest in a pitcher on the side.
A yummy room temperature dish!

You can find Pérez’ music here:
It’s Happenin’ on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/album/its-happenin/id281417190
Zoho Music: http://www.zohomusic.com/cds_detail.php?cds_id=63