An Intimate Evening of Classic Jazz & Bossa Nova at Reckless Steamy Nights
by Tom Baldino
A small but attentive crowd was treated to one of the finest nights of jazz ever heard at the Woman’s Club on this Halloween eve. Yvonne Martinez was in fine voice and her “friends,” Brad Mandigo on piano, Jerry D’Anna on upright bass, and Bobby Boyd on drums showed why they are some of the best players on their instruments here at the Jersey Shore, or anywhere else. Their two sets of a dozen songs each ran the gamut of the jazz spectrum, from the Great American Songbook, to the Bossa Nova, to Mexican Bolero, and more.
They led off with a song made famous by Billy Holiday, “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” an up-tempo number, including a fine solo on the upright bass from Jerry. The Burt Bacharach/Hal David classic, “The Look of Love,” came to life with Yvonne’s sensuous vocals washing over the room. Duke Ellington’s “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore,” reminded me of the feel of Dr. John’s version, but the vocals were miles apart, with Yvonne’s velvety smooth delivery, and a superb piano solo from Brad. The 1967 hit from Harry Nilsson, “Everybody’s Talkin’ at Me,” was given a pleasant twist, with a decidedly Bossa Nova feel.
The band then took the “Way Back” machine to 1940 for “You Stepped Out of a Dream,” a song written for the movie “Ziegfield Girl.” It was a great choice to showcase Yvonne’s vocal talents, and she did just that. Another smart choice, the ballad “The Nearness of You,” by Hoagy Carmichael was given that lush arrangement that made it a perfect choice for this intimate setting. It was followed, Antonio Carlos Jobim’s Bossa Nova, “Chega de Saudade,” or in this case known by its English title, “No More Blues.” Jerry again shown brightly on his bass solo, backed up by some wonderful percussion, courtesy of Yvonne.
Another great balled, Jerome Kern’s “All the Things You Are,” featured Jerry on bass, backed by Bobby’s expressive beat. A song that needed no introduction, Astrid Gilberto & Stan Getz’s “Girl from Ipanema,” was right in the wheelhouse of this group of stellar musician’s, who really made it come alive. Dionne Warwick’s signature song, “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” was another terrific choice, led by Bobby’s distinctive beat, and Brad’s piano. A song associated with the late great Nat “King” Cole, “Route 66,” took me back to the Nelson Riddle Orchestra and the TV show of the early sixties, where my love of Corvette’s began. Each year Martin Milner started the season with a new “Vette,” and as teenager who couldn’t wait to get his license, I yearned to hit the open road, with the wind in my hair, and that song on the radio. It took a while, but I’ve now been a Corvette owner for many years.
The first set ended with that signature bass line ushering in a stirring version of Dizzy Gillepie’s “Night in Tunisia.” It was a great way to end a set which was over so quickly, I couldn’t believe the time.
Set two began with another song popularized by Nat ‘King” Cole, “Orange Colored Sky.” After a dozen songs behind her, Yvonne’s voice was the equivalent of vocal butter over the easy going sound the band provided and, for those of you astute enough to catch it, Brad’s solo included a nod to “Cheek to Cheek.” “Over Joyed,” a deep cut from Stevie Wonder’s catalogue, was a pleasant surprise, especially in the hands of these masters.
Yvonne prefaced the classic Mexican Bolero, “Besame Mucho,” with how this song was taught to her by her mother in the original Spanish, and it sounded right at home here. Included, was a fine piano solo from Brad, a solo from Jerry on which bowed his instrument, and all backed by the fiery Latin beat Bob laid down beside Yvonne’s percussion. “Fly Me to the Moon,” another song associated with Frank Sinatra, was originally titled “In Other Words.” Yvonne’s strong vocals helped to make this another fine addition to the set. The 1984 mega hit “Smooth Operator,” by Sade Adu, was a faithful recreation, but for the Latin flavor, which was a nice touch.
They then went back 100 years for the jazz standard “Deed I Do,” made famous in the 50’s by Peggy Lee and, gained another generation of listeners 41 years later with Diana Krall’s version on her tribute to Nat “King” Cole. Here it sounded timeless, with Yvonne’s vocals featured on this arrangement. Another Bossa Nova, “Corcovado (Quiet Nights of Quiet Stars)” by Joao Gilberto & Stan Getz, is lesser known to the casual listener, but was just as enjoyable to hear on this evening. It was followed a song known by all, Irving Berlin’s “Blue Skies,” which had everyone swaying along. The show stopper of the evening was Oleta Adams “Get Here,” with Brad’s soulful piano and Yvonne’s heart felt vocals.
“Walk Between the Raindrops,” is one of the many great tunes on Donald Fagan’s first solo effort, “The Nightfly,” and included a fine bass solo from Jerry. Up next was a tune from the Great American Songbook, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Jerome Kern, which won the 1936 Academy Award for best song from the film “Swing Time.” Here the arrangement made it sound fresh and vibrant. The finale, “Lets Get Lost,” was made famous by Chet Baker, and it certainly was a fitting title for a night where the audience got lost inside some wonderful music.
A Message from JSJF President Tom Baldino:
“As we close out an incredible year of live music, I hope you’ll join us for our final Reckless Steamy Nights concert of 2026 on Friday, November 20, featuring the amazing Goldenseal! Every dollar from your admission and donations goes directly to the JSJBF Scholarship Funds, helping us nurture and support the next generation of talented jazz and blues musicians right here on the Jersey Shore. Let’s pack the room one last time this year to keep the music alive and give back to our community—we can’t wait to see you there!”