Jacque Vilmain

Zee is for Zesty...Chez Zee, that is!

9/10/2012

Wow, what a great night of fun I had playing piano Saturday night at one of my favorite restaurants! Sharon Watkins, restaurateur extraordinaire, has put together just the right recipe for a fun night out. An extensive wine list, fabulous fare, and to really top it all off -- piano favorites for your musical palate! So enjoyed meeting the regulars, as well as those who slipped in apres symphony for one of Chez' award-winning desserts.
How 'bout that UT game? I felt so proud as all the orange passed by proclaiming a Longhorn victory.
And, at the center of all the fun, Chez Zee's beautiful red grand piano. Let's do it again soon.

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Last day to wear white?

9/3/2012

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Happy Labor Day! It's supposed to mark the end of summer, but I'm not ready for that just yet. I have a fun party coming up today at Querencia/Barton Creek, and we're still wearing white and celebrating sun, fun, and song.
Here's a picture of dear friends Charles and Angela at Green Pastures yesterday. They've been listening to me play there for many years. Great to see you two -- you look Labor Day fab!

Labor Day also marks the beginning of NFL and college football -- that's some pretty good consolation.
Enjoy your grill, enjoy your thrill, enjoy your family and friends!

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Largo...Key Largo

9/2/2012

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Largo is an Italian musical term meaning, "to play a piece in a very slow tempo." As in Key Largo, a little island where the residents take life at a much slower pace. And who can forget the timeless cinematic delight, "La Dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life). Another Italian musical term for interpreting a piece sweetly. In this case, life itself.
Let's all head to Key Largo, knock on Jimmy Buffet's door, and take life slowly and sweetly. Relax and enjoy your Labor Day Holiday. Maybe we won't be in Key Largo, but we can still make it La Dolce Vita.

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More Love at the Elephant

9/1/2012

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Speaking of love at The Elephant Room, I once spent half an hour there talking with Clint Eastwood. Would it surprise you to know that Clint Eastwood is a musician and composer? If you get a chance, give him a google.
Sometimes collaborating with Lennie Niehaus, Mr. Eastwood is best known for his lilting, haunting melodies. His musical credits include scores for the films The Changeling and Mystic River.
Keeping it in the family, his son wrote the theme song for Gran Torino.
My favorite Clint Eastwood composition? Clara's Theme from the film Unforgiven.

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Jazz-love at the Elephant

8/28/2012

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Just a shout-out to Bob Meyer -- I heard him play the other night at The Elephant Room. His solo, A Time for Love, was killer!
If you love jazz, and you've never been to The Elephant, you must go and hear legendary horn section Meyer, Mills and Mordecai, with Rich on the keys.

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St. Croix -- Island fun!

8/24/2012

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In a place like St. Croix, work and play are indistinguishable. Here I am with San Francisco-based pianist, Kent Strand, singing the night away at Frank's Restaurant.
We spent every night helping the sun-loving tourists complete their fun-loving day.

I hope your work is your playground.

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Yoga, Peacocks, and Birthdays

8/15/2012

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Had fun entertaining a group of yoga enthusiasts last Friday at Barton Creek Country Club!
My friend, Sherri, from Baldwin Beauty School administration, was in celebrating her birthday with friends this past Sunday at Green Pastures. They enjoyed the pastoral setting on the sun porch as they watched the peacocks stroll by with babies in tow.

Ahhh.....so relaxing.