Combo de Luxe: News

We just saw this posted online: a photo of us (at a moment of relaxation between the hot tunes and tempos we were playing) at the Remodeling Excellence Awards Banquet for the Master Builders Association of King County. The banquet took place on June 21, 2008, in Renton WA, and what a great time that was. They had a Prohibition era theme and of course Combo de Luxe was the perfect choice for live music. You will see Steve Wright on cornet and special guest Carl Majeau on reeds, plus Dave Brown on bass and Candace Brown on banjo. Please click here to read about the event:

http://www.situseattle.com/REX%20Awards.htm

The members of Combo de Luxe are proud to note yet another review of our CD, this time in the Mississippi Rag, the premier newspaper for fans of classic jazz. Please click on this link to read it.
http://www.mississippirag.com/ragonline_august08/reviews_cd.html

Dear Candace and the Combo de Luxe jazz band,

Thank you so much for performing for the Tri-City Jazz Society on Sunday. We were really fortunate to have you here. I have gotten many positive comments from our Jazz Socity members and guests.

As a would-be musician myself, I appreciate most the selection of songs that you do. Most everything takes us back to a kinder era, when songs could reach us a little bit, and in a pleasant way. You played so many really pretty songs, and I had to stretch quite a bit to remember the names of several of them before the vocals started.

I overheard one of our members talking about the depression, when the family sat together close to the radio. He talked about his late father's favorite song, by Walter Donaldson. Although this gentleman clearly enjoyed dancing and visiting with his friends, I believe the memories that were envoked when you played that song, "My Buddy," were more important to him than just an afternoon of good friends and good music.

As you know, the jazz society members have distinct musical tastes; some are in favor of traditional jazz, some are there to dance, some folks favor slightly more modern tastes. Interestingly, though, I didn't hear a single complaint on Sunday; I think it was one happy event start to finish. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us.

Also, I've observed that many people believe that Washington state is wider traveling West to East than from East to West. Those from the Western part of the state can be reticent to embark on a journey to the barren East side. I'm glad you made the journey, and now that you realize it's not all that far, I hope to see you back soon.

Sincerely,

Stan Pitman
President Recalcitrant
Tri City Jazz Society
www.tricityjazz.org Admin@tricityjazz.org

Combo de Luxe entertained an enthusiastic crowd at Forest Park in Everett, under sunny skies. (See Photo Gallery) Many thanks to the City of Everett's Parks and Recreation. Representing them, Michelle Hankes writes, "Thank you so much for a great performance on Sunday! Everyone had a great time and the music was wonderful!"

With unbelievably good luck, Combo de Luxe has been joined by yet another amazingly talented, experienced and versatile multi-instrumentalist. As of July 2006 STEVE WRIGHT became a member of the band, playing several reeds as well as trumpet. Along with cornetist Chris Tyle, who also excels on clarinet, Steve will help weave some magical harmonies as these two blend their skills on different combinations of horns, adding variety and excitement to the quartet.
Steve's complete biography will be appearing on this site soon, but just to give you a glimpse, he is a veteran of well known bands on both the east and west ends of Interstate 90, including the Paramount Jazz Band in Boston and the Evergreen Classic Jazz Band in Washington State. Welcome Steve!

The story of Combo de Luxe... how the band was formed, the members, and the music... is the feature article of the February issue of this great publication. Please click on our "Buy" page to learn how you can subscribe by mail or FREE online.

The new Combo de Luxe CD,
"Some Sunny Day" is now for sale at the Tacoma Border's Books and Music, on 38th, near the Tacoma Mall. The general manager says if you visit Borders you may hear it playing in the store!

A fun and festive Grand Opening event and wine tasting at the new WineStyles wine and gift store in Tacoma, WA was made even better with live classic jazz performed by Combo de Luxe. Guests had the opportunity to experience the best reds, whites, champagnes and sparkling wines from representatives of six different distributors. Please see our links page to learn more about WineStyles and the franchise opportunities available

"WRAP YOUR TROUBLES IN DREAMS", a tune from our new CD is being featured as the REAL AUDIO CUT OF THE MONTH, on the website of our recording engineer, Scott Colburn. Please see SCOTT COLBURN'S AUDIO WIZARDRY home page @ www.scottcolburn.com

Our brand new CD, "Some Sunny Day" is now available. The big golden sunflower on the cover is a hint at the cheerful and "feel good" music inside. For only $15.00 you get fourteen swinging tracks, including five vocals, and WE PAY THE POSTAGE!

To order, please send your name and address along with a check or money order for $15 (made payable to Candace J. Brown), to:
Candace J. Brown, P.O. Box 6887, Tacoma, WA 98406

Thank you!