Singing at Sinatra’s Palm Springs Home
Come Swing With Me by Gordon Sapsed, October 22, 2010 (from the Sinatra Society Newsletter)
Yesterday, Wednesday October 21, three busloads of jazz and Sinatra fans went out to Palm Springs, in rainy weather, to visit “Twin Palms”, the house designed and built for Sinatra and Ava Gardner in the 1940′s. Although a relatively small property, it has a large piano shaped pool and outdoor space with tables and seating to easily accommodate the visitors. The house has been maintained and restored with furnishings of the period and Sinatra memorabilia.
As the twilight turned to evening a top-class trio of Sinatra-linked musicians played music (mostly requests from the audience). Don Shelton (clarinet on this occasion), Ron Anthony (guitar) and Jim Hughart (bass). They were joined for a few numbers by English singer Gary Williams, who was, in singing at the house, achieving a long-felt ambition. Attendees at Ken Poston’s event will hear the musicians again today (thursday) as part of an all-star big band with the Pied Pipers and will hear Gary with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra on Saturday.
Singing "Wee Small Hours of the Morning"
The rain held off throughout the concert – just a few sprinkles – and the balmy evening climate was suited to sipping a glass of wine and nibbling snacks. Other more personal experiences included seeing Herman Moreno at Sinatra’s piano and Betty Hoover lounging in front of the TV to see Sinatra again with Kim Novak in Pal Joey!
The piano shaped pool
In Sinatra's living room
Pictures of Frank in what was daughter Nancy's bedroom
