JAZZ’N AT THE GAMBIT

LAS VEGAS’ NEWEST “HOT SPOT”

By Joan S. Peck

Jazz doesn’t get any better than Lisa Gay with the Uli Geissendoerfer Trio at the Gambit—the newest “HOT SPOT” in Vegas. What a night it was with special guest John Wedemeyer on the guitar and featuring RJ Reyes (bass) and Peppe Merolla (drums)! And, of course, Uli Geissendoerfer on the piano with all his energy and good humor.

It was exciting to be seated in the new room at Gambit, where the Uli Geissendoerfer Trio and guest singers perform Friday and Saturday nights (8-10:30 p.m.). The room is arranged to accommodate the guests with an excellent view of the stage yet small enough to make the performance intimate. The camaraderie between the performers was compatible and entertaining that night, allowing the audience to become a part of the evening.

Well known for her extensive singing career, Lisa Gay, with her musical notes, shone as only someone with her soulfulness can. She energizes her audience with her love of music, adhering to her wish to be remembered as spreading the “Gift Of Love” with music, laughter, and joy to all.

Look for Lisa returning to the Gambit in January and February with the Uli Geissendoerfer Trio. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll find her performing along with Woody Woods, Amanda King, Bob Sachs, and Michael Tramontana at the Mob Museum. Lisa also has her own shows, “Lisa’s Living Room” and “The Songbook of Phyllis Hyman,” where you can enjoy her musical magic.

German-American pianist, composer, and educator Uli Geissendoerfer moved in 2009 from New York to Las Vegas as bandleader for Cirque du Soleil’s “Viva Elvis.” In 2012 he founded the Jazz Club at the Dispensary Lounge (winning Best of Las Vegas), serves as curator for the Steinway Concert Series, and teaches at UNLV and NSA. In 2018 he founded Vegas Records to promote the local Jazz scene.

It’s always fun hearing Uli play the keys or listening to his CD Long Way Home with his current Trio featuring Angelo Stokes and Dave Ostrem (formed in 2014). The next album coming out this week arranged and produced by Uli is Michelle Johnson‘s Merry Christmas on Vegas Records (his label).

Uli’s students gave a surprise presentation as part of the Latin Jazz Ensemble he has been conducting since 2010 (5 downbeat awards including 1^st place, featured performer at 2022 JENN Convention Dallas). It included: Ed Sarabia – sax; Kirby Gailbraith – trombone; Keegan Carter – bass; Lara Vivian Smith – vocals; Zach Guzman-Meija – drums; Kennedy James – guitar; Micah Smith – piano.

Are you a singer looking for an avenue to get out there and perform. Uli said he’s always looking for great singers, especially Jazz and World. You can reach him at ulimusic@gmail.com.

It was such fun to be out listening to wonderful music again in a dinner club atmosphere! If you are looking for a great place to gather, listen to music, and enjoy fabulous food and drinks—Gambit and its Gatsby’s Jazz Club is the place to be!

Gambit
2031 Sunset Drive
Henderson, NV 89014
(702) 984-7277