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Al Chez

Al was born in Jersey city, New Jersey in 1961. His father a country and western singer and his mother always had a love for music. When Alan was three his parents took him and his two older brothers Michael and Peter to a drum and bugle corps contest in Jersey city. Alan loved it. When the family moved to Edison N.J. his father help start up a local drum corps called THE SAINTS. Alan being to young at the time had to wait until he was 9 yrs old to join. Hearing his two brothers practice all the time Alan got horn playing in his blood. Alan stayed in the corps , eventually being one of the corps soloists until 1977 when the corps disbanded.

Looking for another venue to play the horn Alan stayed with drum corps. Joining the GARFIELD CADETS 1978-1982. Traveling all over the country with the corps in the summer months Alan looked for places to play during the winter. He joined up with JON BON JOVI in 1979 starting the band THE ATLANTIC CITY EXPRESSWAY. The band played all the Jersey shore clubs (although no member of the band was over 17) for about 5 years.

After high school Alan got a offer to go on the road with another local band, LA BAMBA and the HUBCAPS. His mom told him to quit his job at a electrical supply store and off he went.

Alan met up with Paul Shaffer and Will Lee in a club in New York in 1986 and was asked along with his horn partner Bruce Kapler to do some touring with the Worlds most Dangerous band . They performed for about two years at such venues as the Jacksonville jazz festival and the Summerfest festival in Wisconsin.

After a few years of playing clubs in the New Jersey / New York area. Alan ventured out playing with the California based bands TOWER OF POWER 1988- 1992 and the ROBERT CRAY BAND 1994-1995.

After years of sitting in with PAUL SHAFFER on the LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN. Alan was asked to join the band full time in February 1997.

ALAN currently gives back to his roots working with young musicians across the county. He is a Brass staff member of the 9 time drum corps International champion "THE CADETS ". ALAN is also on brass staff with the 22 time DCI finalist corps "THE CROSSMEN ' from San Antonio Texas. as well of "THE university of VIRGINIA Cavalier marching band.

"Ma Nuit Chez En Enfer. Or, a Night at the Movies" by Steve Provizer

Source: Brilliant Corners, a Boston Jazz Blog
March 5, 2011

Hollywood movies suck. Not only that, going to a multiplex theatre is one of the most dispiriting, depressing and irritating experiences imaginable. Yet, it's one to which Americans are sado-masochistically drawn by the millions. It's especially piquant to plunge in just after you've seen the Oscars; like turning over a beautiful moss-covered log in the forest and having your hand covered with slimy larvae. I had submitted to watching the Oscars only because I actually know a couple who made ...
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Obituary

Jay Fiondella Flamboyant Owner of Chez Jay Santa Monica Landmark Dies

Source: Michael Ricci
November 13, 2008

Jay Fiondella, the flamboyant owner of Chez Jay, the scruffy restaurant-bar he opened almost 50 years ago that became a Santa Monica landmark and something of a shrine to his exploits as an adventurer, has died. He was 82.

Fiondella died Nov. 6 at a Santa Monica care facility after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, his family said.

In 1959, he was hustling for small acting parts and tending bar on the Santa Monica Pier when he heard about ...
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Performance / Tour

Emme Kemp on Piano & Vocals at Chez Josephine - July 29th - Last night!

Source: All About Jazz
July 29, 2005

Emme Kemp brings her tender touch to the piano keys at Chez Josephine! If you missed her performance last week, you have another chance! Chez Josephine is a wonderful restaurant, owned and operated by the adopted son of Josephine Baker. The decor is a tribute to the memory of Josephine Baker in the style of a French Bistro! Delicious food and great atmosphere, come down with friends and be delighted. Emme's has been keeping it real!! Last Performance for this ...
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Performance / Tour

Chez Suzette May 2003 Calendar

Source: All About Jazz
May 5, 2003

Chez Suzette 675 Ninth Avenue (Between 46th /47th Streets) New York, NY 10036

212-974-9002 http://www.chezsuzettenyc.com

May 2003 Date Performer 1. Patti Wicks 2. Jay Clayton 3. Giacomo Gates 5. Alexis Cole 6. TBA 7. Nicole Pasternack 8. Teri Roiger 9. Melody Breyer-Grell 10. Judi Marie-Canterino 11. Kerry Polizter 12. Adam James 13. Ondine Oppel 14. Vicky Smith 15. Rita Selby 16. Barbara Lea 17. Mary Foster-Conklin 19. Amy Cervini ...
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Performance / Tour

Jazz Vocalist Michelle Walker appears at Chez Suzette April 26th 8:30pm

Source: All About Jazz

JG Productions is pleased to announce that this Saturday, April 26th at 8:30pm Jazz Vocalist Michelle Walker willing be performing an intimate show at New York City's CHEZ SUZETTE (675B 9TH AVE. in Midtown). Michelle's debut CD release “Slow Down" was nominated for both 2002 Best Independant Jazz Vocal recording and Best Debut Album of the year by the Washington Area Music Association.

Mike Joyce music critic for the Washington Post says that Michelle has “...a captivating and soul-comforting voice..." ...
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Performance / Tour

Katie Bull at Chez Suzette Thurs., March 13, 2003 8:30 pm

Source: All About Jazz

Katie Bull at Chez Suzette 675 9th Ave. (Btw 46th & 47th Sts.) 212-974-9002 www.chezsuzettenyc.com

Delightful French Cuisine & Bar 8:30 pm

“She changes styles as the tracks change, from torch to cool to bop to Latin -- which makes Conversations with the Jokers a vaired debut)...Bull does not insist on one specific sound or vocal style...unique use of scat, moans, groans and other sounds...Chopping left, right and center, Bull ...
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