‘Tuscany Unplugged’: Clifford Bell, Tiffany Bailey bring Cabarabia to San Diego

Clifford Bell is a man on a mission, and that mission is to show audiences how cabaret entertainment and jazz vocals go together so well. He has coined his own term for the blend, called “Cabarabia,” and to pronounce it correctly, think “Lawrence of Cabaret (Arabia),” and then it flows. In the world that is Cabaret, you find Bell. And on Sunday night, you will find Clifford Bell, Tiffany Bailey, Marsha Bartenetti, and Errolyn Healy in concert in “Tuscany Unplugged,” Sunday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., at Tuscany Italian Restaurant, in Carlsbad, California. Tim Moore is producing the evening with Justin Gray on piano, serving as music director. In a recent interview for examiner.com, Bell shared more about the evening ahead. As a veteran producer of entertainment and music shows for California, Bell began his music journey in San Diego, before concentrating primarily on Los Angeles and New York venues, and all parts in between. In a recent conversation, Bell said he’s really looking forward to returning to his old college town, and he’s very excited that he’s sharing a stage with Tiffany Bailey, one of his newest friends and music.

Here's an example of one of Clifford Bell's Cabarabia evenings with Kiki Ebesn as guest, singing "You Don't Know What Love Is". Written by Don Raye (lyrics) and Gene de Paul (music) As featured in Kiki Ebsen's show, "To Dad, With Love: A Tribute to Buddy Ebsen")

Clifford’s credits include a host of quality entertainers he has either “directed, produced, or booked,” and of course it’s impressive. Many may remember Bell as a regular producer/director of shows at the famed Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt, Catalina Jazz Club, Café Carlyle, and The Oak Room at the Algonquin. Yet, one of his highest and best gifts is spotting extraordinary music talent in performers and finding showcases to introduce them to larger audiences.

And so it is with the lovely chanteuse, Tiffany Bailey. How the serendipitous world of jazz works, at least for Bell, is that one person is a catalyst and brings together complete strangers and in an evening of entertainment showcases, creates a group of new friends who share and bring out the best in each other by virtue of their association. How this evening began, then, was months ago, as Clifford joined forces with the acclaimed and respected singer and vocal workshop leader, Cathy Segal-Garcia, based in Los Angeles.

Bell said, “Cathy is so well respected for spotting singers with original styles, and she encourages them to continue to develop those styles as performance signatures.” Meeting Tiffany Bailey a few months back and hearing her sing, Bell knew immediately that this young lady had both stage presence, vocal chops, and a flair for performing that would take her far. The accompanying video here, of Bailey singing “Damn Your Eyes” shows the magic Bell heard during rehearsals.

Within the hearts and minds of many Los Angeles vocalists, there are many talented and philanthropic collectives, just one of which is a group of people who donate their time, usually monthly, to share their talents in a fund-raising event where the evening’s proceeds are dedicated to a particular nonprofit organization. So, when Bell met Tiffany through Cathy, he learned of Bailey’s devotion to the nonprofit, Autism Speaks. Instantly he decided that would be the beneficiary of their next event.

Thus was the genesis of a Thanksgiving 2015 benefit, “Giving Thanks 2015” at the trendy E Spot Lounge in Studio City, California, which Bell co-hosted with Cathy Segal-Garcia. Entertainers that evening included Tiffany Bailey; Gary Brumburgh; Chambers, Herbert & Ellis; Karen Benjamin, Alan Chapman and Molly Chapman; Mon David; Kiki Ebsen; Martha Taylor LaCroix; Mark Christian Miller; Dolores Scozzesi; and Gabriela Vahanian.

Bell also hosts a weekly podcast on the Global Voice Broadcasting Network. (Search Goole for Cabarabia and Gloval Voice Broadcasting Network) to watch Bell, Bailey, Segal-Garcia talk about the “Giving Thanks” event. From the outside looking in, the worlds of jazz and cabaret entertainment are both beloved and more often than not, rather separate audiences. Bell thinks that’s entirely wrong and insists they combine to form the perfect intersection when you bring together performers with backgrounds in each for a night of entertainment that lends itself to show flow.

Normally you can find the engaging raconteur and vocalist at the producer’s helm of engaging shows in Los Angeles, but this time, he’s agreed to be part of the talent lineup at Tim Moore’s “Tuscany Unplugged.” Tim was a regular viewer of Bell’s GVB podcast every week and Bell said, “Tim always had very interesting feedback and questions, and when he became a producing force down south with his creation of the San Diego Cabaret Awards, I have happily participated wherever I could, which I will do again this year on Monday, February 1, for the Third Annual Event.”

Bell is equally comfortable onstage as offstage, but it’s a rare treat to get to hear him sing. Bell has hosted showcase runs for well known actors who sing, or singers who are popular actor, Peter Gallagher, Katey Sagal. He's also featured his friend, composing talent Artie Butler, who wrote the music to Phyllis Molinary’s lyrics in “Here’s to Life,” but when Bell sings it, a very poignant performance results. (Ed. Note: Having heard him sing it in person, I was brought to tears by his poignant performance.)

Another featured performer for Sunday's lineup, Errolyn Healy is a 2014 San Diego Cabaret Performer of the Year nominee, who is said to bring a gentle effervescence, somewhat akin to Kristin Chenoweth, to the program. Bell said, “I’m really looking forward to hearing her sing.”

Then, there's the "tremendous Marsha Bartenetti, who is well known for smooth jazz, the Great American Songbook." And as an adult contemporary artist, she really delivers classic tunes with a powerful, precise style that will find you swaying along to in your chairs as she sings.

As jazz and cabaret enthusiasts are often heard to say, the evening is going to be “Epic!” Although some tickets are reasonably prices at the door for Sunday’s “Tuscany Unplugged.” For more information, you might want to act sooner and visit the Facebook event page for Jan. 10. All things considered, if Clifford Bell is in the zip code, it’s going to be a grand glimpse into the world that is Cabarabia.

And now, here is Clifford Bell's latest discovery and ingenue, Tiffany Bailey, singing "lights out" on her signature tune, "Damn Your Eyes" with Mark Massey, piano, Al Garcia, bass, Tom Bowe, drums, Dori Amarilio, guitar. She's effervescent and delightful, isn't she? A real dynamo and one to watch for the future.

Performed Live on Dec. 20, 2015 at The E Spot Lounge at Vitello's in Studio City, California. Thanks to award-winning videographer/editor/director, Marc Saltarelli, for his usual magnificent job of filming all the Cabarabia productions.

Dawn Lee Wakefield

Houston Music Examiner Story First published January 8, 2016 on examiner.com

Clifford Bell Finds the Corner of Jazz and Cabaret is a Perfect Avenue for Philanthropy

Have you heard about “Season’s Greetings from the Corner of Jazz and Cabaret”? Set for Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7:00 p.m. in the popular E Spot Lounge in Studio City, California, all the buzz on Facebook promises an unforgettable evening of holiday music, jazz standards, and Broadway entertainment. Producers Tiffany Bailey and Clifford Bell are hosting a benefit in support of vocalist Kiki Ebsen’s nonprofit, The Healing Equine Ranch, in Agoura Hills. In an interview exclusively for examiner.com, Clifford Bell told us how plans for this incredible evening happened.

It was classic Hollywood kismet, where the universe reached out to a central LA jazz force, to begin a conversation with a cosmic Broadway and cabaret producer. Together they agreed that audiences love bringing jazz and cabaret together for an evening. Discussion ensued, and cosmic brilliance happened. Oh, and the elegant, talented actress and singer, Lee Meriwether, is the surprise angel, who floats down to top the beautiful musical Christmas tree they’re decorating for just one night. Only in Hollywood.

Cathy Segal-Garcia is known best as an acclaimed jazz performer, recording artist and international vocal leader and mentor, whose inspirational workshops have launched many career artists. There’s a reason she was nominated for the Jazz Del Corazon Award this year (“or Women Movers-and-Shakers of the L.A. Jazz scene”). Clifford Bell, replete with an impressive Broadway and cabaret producer, talent managing, and entertainment resume, brings all his talents to the discussion.

Then, Cathy immediately recommended Kiki Ebsen, whose recent concert evenings singing jazz in New York and Los Angeles have actually started to overarch her golden reputation as a first-call touring singer and musician. The conversation is then even more animated and exciting, exploring the possibilities.

Ultimately, the organizational plan for the event went safely into Bell’s hands, as his other credits include producing and directing beloved TV and film actors from Broadway stages and performing arts centers. If you’ve never heard Peter Gallagher (“The Good Wife,” “The O.C.,” “While You Were Sleeping”) sing, you’ve missed out. Actress, comedienne, and Golden Globe winner, Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy,” “Married with Children”), a powerful vocalist, and her band, toured the country under Bell’s direction.

Conversation continues as Bell brought in his newest friend to co-produce; Tiffany Bailey is a talented singer whose career work includes the nonprofit “Autism Speaks.” Bell staged his Thanksgiving-themed “Giving Thanks” concert in November for Bailey’s favorite cause. Now picture what happens when the conversation ramps up. These “discussions” resulted in what promises to be an unforgettable night of music at The E Spot Lounge, a popular intimate venue above Vitello’s in Studio City.

(Photo by Greg Spurlock: Tiffany Bailey, Al Garcia, Dori Amarilio)

So, when Clifford heard Kiki Ebsen’s album, “Scarecrow Sessions,” produced by David Mann, a comprehensive jazz tribute to the music of Buddy Ebsen’s (her father) career, he invited Kiki to join him in discussing her music career as well as her equal passion, The Healing Equine Ranch, and its mission. His interview with Kiki on his “Cabarabia” podcast on Global Voices Broadcasting with Dec. 14 can be heard here.

And now a few words about the surprise. One of Buddy Ebsen’s premiere television roles was his show, “Barnaby Jones,” co-starring the lovely and talented Lee Meriwether. From the day she earned the title of Miss America, until present day, Meriwether has remained a consummate talent and beauty, still very active in films. A colleague of Bell’s had worked with Lee in an independent film that garnered close to 20 Film Festival awards. And, she’d been a recent guest on Clifford Cabarabia podcast. Said Bell, “She’s every bit as lovely as she always was, sweet as she can be.” So, with the upcoming event in the works, Clifford was determined to surprise Kiki. He invited Meriwether to the event in support Kiki’s The Healing Equine Ranch, she immediately accepted, saying, “Absolutely, I’d love to join you all.” The chance for Kiki to be reunited with Lee, such a dear friend and respected colleague of Buddy’s —in support of The Healing Equine Ranch—was destined to be the brightest package under Kiki’s Christmas tree this season. Thus, it’s appropriate for Clifford to be wearing that Santa hat you see in the profile photo!

(Photo: Kiki Ebsen and Lee Meriwether, Photo by Greg Spurlock)

Bell also shared about the talented singers assembled for the evening: “Francesca Amari is a very celebrated cabaret performer, who just had a very successful engagement in New York, with her tribute show about Gilda Radner, celebrating the 40th year since Gilda began her career on “Saturday Night Live.”

Valerie Swift Bird has had a career in musical theatre and dance, played Cassie in “A Chorus Line” and she’s transitioning into a career in jazz. “She’s very beautiful and she’s going to do a really fun set.” L. Aviva Diamond is “a newcomer to the jazz scene and she’s fascinating, because she has a background as an award-winning network TV journalist. She was an on-air reporter, tracking down amazing stories, and she’s had a lot of success as a fine artist. About a year ago, Aviva began classes with Cathy, and this show will be her very first jazz debut. She will be wonderful!”

(Photo Right: Greg Spurlock Photo, Tiffany Bailey and Valerie Swift Bird.)

Daniel Friedman is a friend of Tiffany Bailey’s, Bell explained. “He is a talented cantor who has this gorgeous voice. And, he spent 20 years on Broadway with a wonderful musical career, including “Cats” and “Les Miserables.” He is an amazing singer.”

“Cathy also invited the lovely and talent vocalist, Karen Celeste Kruz to join us; Karen and Al Garcia (our bass player for the evening) are a very popular musical duo here; they will both get raves!”

David Lucky is a “very celebrated singer/songwriter who is coming up the ranks. Virtually every review of his performances reflects his style as being a very young Randy Newman in many ways. He plays the piano and writes really brilliant, funny, moving songs; he’s a really hot property in the cabaret world,” Clifford allows.

Bell said, “What’s so exciting to me is the hybrid of the theatrical, lyric-driven cabaret people and the jazz people, where the emphasis is most on the musicianship , compared to the lyrical aspect, while focused on the tempos and the rhythms. That’s a very broad distinction, but I’m always a big proponent of mixing it up, because the two forms really do belong together, and many will appreciate the chemistry among the group of people we’ve gathered for the evening.”

Bryan Miller is one of the “kings of the piano bar world in Los Angeles and has been so for many years here. He and his partner, singer Gilmore Rizzo, are fantastic together and have a lot of fun, crowd-pleasing entertainment-oriented shows that are vastly popular here!”

Alexandra Theodora Spurlock, at age 18, has just completed her first semester at the Boston Conservatory of Music. “She’s a young woman who I’ve had the privilege of working with since she was 14 years old. An exceptional talent, the best way to describe her is as a powerhouse belter. That says it all.” “This ingénue will raise the roof,” Bell assures.

Of Kiki Ebsen, Bell shared on his Facebook page, “Her CD, ‘Scarecrow Sessions’ is so exquisite and heartwarming that I spent the evening wrapped in its spell…beautifully conceived and executed; first class vocals, arrangements, and production.”

Photo by Greg Spurlock: Clifford Bell, Kiki Ebsen, Lee Meriwether

Now, making all the great music happen behind this vocal collective, the band for the evening includes musical directors Mark Massey and Steve Rawlins on piano. Bell said, “Both are extraordinary guys with big jazz chops. Rawlins tours a lot with Steve March-Tormé, Mel’s son, and he’s written several books on jazz arranging; he’s very accomplished.” Mark Massey, I met through Karen about six months ago, and he is unbelievable, jaw-dropping great.” Dori Amarilio on guitar is truly outstanding; and we’re delighted to welcome Al Garcia on bass for the first time this evening.” “Tom Bowe has been on drums on virtually every show I produce; he’s just the best,” allowed Bell, who will direct the entire evening.

Set for Sunday, Dec. 20, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at The E Spot Lounge in Studio City, upstairs in Vitello’s Restaurant. Click here for VIP and general admission ticket info. If you don’t have tickets yet, you’re going to want to move quickly. The mission of The Healing Equine Ranch, “to educate, empower, and enlighten people through the natural interaction with horses,” is definitely in good hands, and can be located in Studio City, California on Sunday night, at the corner of jazz and cabaret.