Babies-breath-lighting made the stroll along the second floor patio festive. Spazio Restaurant hummed with good spirits and conversation. Their wine list is extensive and the menu offers something for everyone, but I was there for the music. You can’t go wrong with Ralph Penland on drums, Karen Hernandez on grand piano, Michael Saucier pumpin’ the bass and Louis Thomas blowing saxophone. This powerful Jazz quartet opened the set with “Squeeze Me”. On his solos, Saucier worked the upper frets, making his double bass sing tenor. Michael always brings personality to the bandstand. I appreciate his showmanship. Ms Hernandez bobs and weaves, cupping the groove in nimble fingers and settling in to establish the rhythm on their second tune, “Dis Here,” along with master percussionist Ralph Penland. Although Penland was recently hospitalized, he sounded exceptionally strong and always makes the drum journey seem effortless. Thomas danced lightly on top of the music, tasty and complimentary on his saxophone. Marguaret Love, the featured vocalist, arrived glowing and sparkling in a white mini dress. She opened with “All of Me.” But Marguaret captured the audience’s attention with a rendition of “What a Difference A Day Makes”. This lady knows how to sell a song! Her distinctive Blues style lends itself more to Rhythm and Blues than Jazz. This is evident in song choices like “5-10-15 Hours” made memorable by the late, great Ruth Brown. With this song and other “oldies but goodies”, Ms. Love brings back the joy and danceable music prominent in the 1950’s when R&B was king. Songs like “Something You Got Baby” was another one I hadn’t heard in many years. A couple of people got up from dinner tables and began dancing in front of the stage. “Kansas City” encouraged this trend, and other couples got into the act. Someone in the audience asked for “This Bitter Earth”. I thought this was a great song for Marguaret Love’s style and range. I wish she had dug deeper into the poetry of the song, because it contains both melodic and lyrical passion. Marguaret seems more at home with up-tempo Blues and it suits her upbeat personality. Her smile is contagious. She had the audience clapping and enjoying themselves throughout her set. Ms. Love’s personality is warm and her patter between the songs engaging. You can also catch Marguaret Love Working regularly at Barone’s in Sherman Oaks, CA. Wherever she is, reservations are suggested.

Dee Dee McNeil
May 2, 2009

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