07/04/2024
Guitarist, composer and producer Chance Hayden presents the Desert Room All Stars, a monthly series every Last Sunday at McMenamins Al’s Den evoking the venue’s storied past in the 50s and 60s as the Desert Room. Formerly a high-class hang for Portland’s underworld where anything desired was obtainable, burlesque and jazz were showcased nightly with a long-term house band led by New Orleans native saxophonist Charlie Gabriel who attracted notable guests such as Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Sammy Davis Jr. In a similar format, Hayden leads a trio plus various guests performing two sets of mid-century jazz, blues and original works inspired by that period. Hayden’s guitar stylings are rooted deeply at the intersection of these genres, yielding an "adventurous, no-holds-barred sensibility with both bluesy grit and modern-jazz finesse” (Jazz Society Of Oregon). Though the building has undergone numerous changes through the years and become more of a singer-songwriter hub under McMenamins ownership, vibes of the Desert Room era remain highly palpable and Hayden will reveal that Al’s Den stands as one of one of the city’s most iconic rooms for jazz.
—
Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 60’s, Michael was surrounded by an incredible music scene that offered such a diversity of musical genres that inspired him to want to play music and attempt to emulate some of his early heroes. His voice has been favorably compared to a host of
artists including, Chet Baker, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Sam Cooke and others. After over 40 years of performing, Michael has found his own voice and style that is really just a synthesis of everything that he has listened to,
absorbed and loved! “Just when you’re sure that the male of the species has virtually disappeared from the realm of quality jazz/pop singing, along comes Michael Winkle to set your mind at ease. He manages to straddle the line between pop and jazz
without ever losing his balance!” -Jazz Society Of Oregon
