So the story goes… Elvis bought a Convair 880 Jet, taken out of service by Delta Airlines, for $250,000 and laid down another $350,000 to slick it out and named her the Lisa Marie – modern function and Graceland style. He was jazzed that his design team previously customized the President’s plane Air Force One.

November 27th, 1975 Elvis takes his first flight to Vegas on the Lisa Marie.

Plush sleeping quarters
Custom penthouse bedroom with custom queen size bed
Executive bathroom with gold faucets and gold washbasin
Video tape system linked to 4 TVs
Stereo system linked to 52 speakers
Conference room finished in teak
Custom exterior paint job with the ‘TCB’ logo on the tail
Required crew of 4
Seating capacity of 28
Tower call name – 880 Echo Pappa
Nickname – Hound Dog One
Horsepower – 44,800 lbs. thrust
Weight – 87,000 lbs.
Cruising speed – 615 mph
Maximum altitude – 41,000 ft.
Fuel consumption – 1,700 gallons per hour — take off, 2,200 gallons

Everyone likes a good story.  Well, here’s one for you straight from the golden age of Las Vegas lore. The first group to play all night casino lounges was the Marry Kaye Trio.  Marry Kaye was a direct descendent of Queen Lili’uokalani, the last in a long line of Hawaiian Royalty. Mary observed that the gambling floor cleared out after hours even though the casino was open all night.  She persuaded the boys in charge to build a stage in the corner of the room and let her trio perform during the late night hours.  And so a gambling oasis climbed in bed with music entertainment and the Vegas lounge scene was born.

I hadn’t been in Vegas 20 minutes when I got word that the bookmakers were offering three to one that Frank wouldn’t show for my wedding.  – Sammy Davis Jr.

I think that people who have Vegas throat are people who sing from their throats only. – Robert Goulet

I’d love to do a show in Vegas with drag queens, the tackier the better. – Catherine Zeta-Jones

I’m probably one of the worst people with numbers you’ve ever met. My brothers always kid that they think I’m counting cards in Vegas, but I’m just trying to add things up. – Luke Wilson

Las Vegas without Wayne Newton is like Disneyland without Mickey Mouse. – Merv Griffin

Man, I really like Vegas. – Elvis Presley

Vegas means comedy, tragedy, happiness and sadness all at the same time. – Artie Lange

Vegas is everything that’s right with America. You can do whatever you want, 24 hours a day. They’ve effectively legalized everything there. – Drew Carey

For a loser, Vegas is the meanest town on earth.
- Hunter S. Thompson

Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money.
- Steve Wynn

Hunter S. Thompson – Vegas – 1971

So, by now you’ve heard.  There’s going to be the telethon of all telethons on Friday the 22^nd to raise money and lift the spirits of the people of Haiti.  It will be a two hour event not to miss – hosted by George Clooney in Los Angeles, Wyclef Jean in New York and Anderson Cooper in Haiti.

The line up of artists so far includes; Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Christina Aguilera, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Shakira, Alecia Keys, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kid Rock, Bono, The Edge, Coldplay, Jay-Z and Sheryl Crow.

This prolific assemblage of music heavies for a humanitarian cause got me thinking. Why music?  Well, for starters, music is a universal language that crosses all boarders and unites people.  If you want to get to the hearts of people there is no better way than through music.  Without getting too philosophical, music is a life affirming force.  In its personal enjoyment, sharing and creation, music reminds us we are all in this together.  Truly great songs have the ability to raise consciousness and spark change or in this case, help out those in need.  Music also has the unique ability to sooth the soul.  Music is our friend when the chips are down.

Be sure to watch and donate what you can.  When music and a righteous cause are coupled together – that is one powerful force.  If only musicians could get together more often… Together we can make a difference.

The following is a memorable song and the story of its creation – born out of the necessity to help out.

I’ve been getting a lot of requests from people asking what I want this holiday season.  I guess they feel a need to pay homage to the vocal gifts I’ve bestowed upon them in the course of this past year.  So, here’s my wish list.  And for those of you with an aspiring Jack Satin in your life, now you know exactly what to get them.

Happy Holidays,

-Jack Satin

1.  Cadillac Convertible - Nat Cole, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, President Gerald Ford, Clark Gabel, Bruce Lee and Elvis…  A real man’s car, for a man of style, who likes to cruise the strip with the top down, to see and be seen… bring a coat, Vegas is chilly this time of year.

2. Elvis belt buckle watch – A timepiece like this never goes out of fashion.  One could be buried with a collector’s item such as this.

3.  Piano with built in “Music Man” player – Musicians are flakey and carry a ton of baggage.  Self-reliance is the cornerstone to success.

4.  Cutty Sark Gift Bag - Nothing says “Holiday Spirit” like Scotch named after a clipper ship that roamed the high seas.

5.  Karaoke Machine – Guaranteed to turn any holiday office party into a work of art.  And if you film the performances, you can use the footage to blackmail coworkers in 2010.

6.  First Class Ticket to Waikiki - Don Ho calls this magical place home for a reason.

7.  Switchblade comb – Without words, it says a lot about the man that carries one of these bad boys – perfect stocking stuffer.  Fashion can be dangerous.

8.  Bengal Tiger – Why should my Vegas magician friends get to have all the fun with this loyal companion?

9.  Box Set of Bing Crosby – Lock yourself in a room for five years with this gift and you just might get to know the true meaning of rhythmic intensity.

10. Mr. Microphone – Helped many a man become the life of the party and you won’t blow yourself up in the process.

I was in the mood for some new holiday music but didn’t want the standard versions everyone plays over and over…  On my hunt for rare sonic gems, I’ve come across these striking album covers.  I can’t vouch for the music or recording quality…  If you know anything, I’d sure like to hear the story behind them.

Not only can he sing but he can drive a sleigh.

If you trust the Colonel with chicken do you trust him with music?

This is what too much eggnog will do.

Is it just me or does it look like the rain deer is about to cry?

I had a dream about this girl last night and she wanted me.

Can robots really feel the warmth of a fire?

Where do I get a jacket like this?

There’s usually something very wrong when everyone is having this much fun.

Is it me or does this Santa look like he’s on something besides Moog music?

Something about his smile, just a little forced.  Reminds me, I’m due for teeth whitening.

They just can’t get away with having alcohol in the bottom right corner like they used to.

Which one is the mom?

I’ve been wondering what the original uncut version of Afroman’s A Colt 45 Christmas sounds like.

I was introduced to singer/songwriter/piano man extraordinaire Jamie Cullum a few years back.  It was apparent this young talent had come into his own and was shooting for the stars.  Although he’s gained a sizeable following around the rest of the World, in the good old US of A he’s not as celebrated as he should be.  Just maybe his latest album “The Pursuit” will change that.  So, here’s some quick Cullum info for those interested, or those that like to arm themselves with music trivia to dazzle the ladies at swanky cocktail parties.

• The biggest selling British jazz artist of all time
• Hardly the traditional jazz musician – he’s covered Radiohead, Pharrell, Rihanna, The Doves…
• His latest album  “The Pursuit” starts with a track featuring the Count Basie Orchestra recorded live at Tony Bennett’s studio in New York and ends with a dance track and a jazz standard combined with trip-hop beats
• In recording “The Persuit” members of Beck’s band joined the sessions as well as the horn section featured on Michael Jackson’s Thriller
• Collaborated with director and jazz man Clint Eastwood on the film Gran Torino
• Has been named the Billy Joel of his generation

Jamie Cullum quotes-

“In life, we pursue everything. Life is one long pursuit.”

“People who have seen me play live and read things I’ve written will already know that I’ve got a very eclectic taste.  But the average person will just think of “What A Difference A Day Makes”. I’ve never had a problem with that though.  Singing a song like that and doing it well is one of the hardest things you can do.”

“When you concentrate on making music, the whole point is that you never stop and are always trying to move on.”

I could go on, but this talent has cool covered.  You get a chance to catch him doing his thing, take it.  Support live music, or else… it’s time to cover up the keys.

Former frontman for the Stray Cats and three-time Grammy winner, Brian Setzer, has a new album called “Songs From Lonely Avenue.”   For this one he took inspiration from classic noir films of the 50’s – stories about drifters, hustlers and double-crossing femme fatales.

Setzer hopes Hollywood’s ears are open because he thinks there is a movie in this album.  “I’d love Quentin Tarantino to take a crack at it,” Setzer told Billboard.com. 
To give “Songs From Lonely Avenue” its authentic cinematic style, Setzer brought legendary arranger Frank Comstock into the fold.  The 87-year-old arranger worked with Judy Garland, Stan Kenton, Benny Carter and the list goes on… Comstock said Setzer’s only instruction when he lured Comstock out of semiretirement was, “I just want you to write that way you did in 1950.”

This got me thinking about inspiration from the past.  I look around this town and sometimes I don’t recognize her, the change is so fast.  Sometimes it’s nice to be reminded where you come from – especially in a song.  The old neon signs and vintage buildings of Vegas’ past are almost all long gone.  But the beauty of a song is — it lives on forever.

Always swingin’ good times at The Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks!  Extravaganza – holiday classics with his signature big band sound.  Yes, the holidays are here.  I’ll see you there.

The son of a Tijuana mariachi now resides supremely in Vegas.  Yes, music legend Carlos Santana is back for more shows.  What a combo, the new Joint and Santana.  Sure to win a knockout with live music fans.

Over the last few years, from intimate downtown lounges, to DJs spinning at pool parties, to the latest venue to serve up an unforgettable live music experience – The Joint – I’ve noticed a resurgence of music in Vegas.  It’s back, baby.  Hard Rock’s concert hall has had many talented performers grace the stage over the years including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Coldplay, The Killers, Duran Duran, David Bowie and now the man who gave us Black Magic Woman, Oye Como Va, Smooth… is bringing the heat with his signature sound.

Santana, a guitar virtuoso, rips riffs with the same passion, skill and showmanship that defined his Woodstock gig almost 40 years ago.  Since many of us, including me, weren’t even conceived at the time, we will have to be content watching Santana’s 11min. version of Soul Sacrifice from the documentary film Woodstock.

In speaking to the press about headlining Vegas, Santana said-

“To me where I am playing is no different: a parking lot or Istanbul or Woodstock.  Las Vegas to me is where I am offering my heart.  And, hopefully, the music will resonate with them and change them.  I utilize music the same way Bob Marley or Coltrane used music, to give people a different dimension about their lives.”

On partaking in all that Vegas has to offer, Santana said-

“I got my fill of strippers from when I was 9 to 14 in Tijuana.  So, I know what that is about.  I never got the bug for gambling.  I’ve already taken the ride.  I am here to just touch people’s hearts.  I am not distracted.  I am not tempted…In my own vision, I feel like we’re bringing the Trojan horse to Las Vegas.””

Well, the horse is here.  So, Jack Satin saddled it up and rode all night.  In his blazing set Santana prowls the stage like a jungle panther, the percussion heavy band was cookin’ — Santana delivers.  Think it’s time I dust-off Black Magic Woman.

There are those songs that tap into something deeper and Light My Fire is certainly one of them.  That is why it remains a staple on my set list.  It’s a timeless classic that audiences young and old request night after night.  — And I love to give it to them.

The song was originally preformed by The Doors and released in 1967.  It spent three weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.  Robby Krieger was the primary writer of the song (the chord progression based on John Coltrane’s version of My Favorite Things).

Legend goes, when performing Light My Fire on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1967, Jim Morrison was asked by the show’s producer to change the line “Girl, we couldn’t get much higher,” due to its reference to drug use.  Morrison agreed to make the change, but then in the live performance, on national TV, Morrison sang the original lyric.  Ed Sullivan refused to shake Morrison’s hand as he left the stage.

So, what is it about this song that scares people?  Is it the lyrics, the notes, Morrison’s stage presence?  From my own experience performing Light My Fire, I find the song to be both liberating and empowering – and at its core it’s a primal song.  Without fire, man would not exist.  Great artists, like Morrison, tap into this sense of survival and allow the song to overtake them – and the audience feels it.  It’s always exciting when you don’t know what’s coming next.

Though there is a structure to Light My Fire, there’s plenty of room for improvisation.  It is in this space and freedom that each performer has the liberty to put their stamp on the song and make it their own.  Enjoy.