It wasn't too long after I moved here that I wandered into the club known then as Havana Madrid, then several other names over the years. There was a band playing there called Small Mystery. The members were keyboardist Phil Sampson, singer Christine Naughton, Terry Keiv who played a variety of instruments, and Skipper Kripitz, all truly creative musicians. They played wonderful jazz, outdoors on the side of the building and had a good following. Phil hadn't been playing long, but his talent was obvious.
Sampson's technique and artistry have reached their potential with lots more to come. He plays divine solo piano on the beautiful Mason Hamlin grand at the fabulous Little Palm Island. I heard Phil on a recent Saturday night. He had guest artists, singer Cliff Sawyer and clarinetist Ralph Seymour. We heard standards like "My Funny Valentine" and "Send In the Clowns". Cliff Sawyers beautiful mellow tone is just what you want on tunes like "Misty" and "Don't Blame Me". Cliff sounds like a mixture of Nat 'King' Cole and Johnny Mathis with a touch of Torme thrown in. His lush sound has been a Key West staple for a long time.
Ralph Seymour's clarinet intonation is all you could ask. He lays lead lines in softly between the phrases like a session player would He is never overbearing, obviously caring more about the total group sound than making an impression on the audience. That's what music is supposed to be all about. Cliff's voice is flexible and expressive, especially on seldom heard classics like "Deep Purple" It's Phil who sets the mood for this fine song. He plays an artistic, easy tempoed sound behind Ralph's beautiful interpretation.
This combo is as classy as Little Palm itself. That's what makes the island so special. Cyril Armeni and his fine staff have created an oasis of class in the Keys, an often rowdy environment. It's such a beautiful and romantic spot, definitely enhanced by the smooth elegant music.
"Unchained Melody" shows off Ralph's low tones superbly in Phil's bossa nova arrangement. Patrons are delighted with the song choices. A touch of nostalgia from Elvis' "Can't Help Falling In Love With You" lets Mr. Sawyer really shine. Ralph and Phil are fine. You'll find Phil at Little Palm nightly except Monday, and Cliff Sawyer usually joins him on Saturdays. There's a Full Moon Cabaret performance monthly with jazz stars shining along. Your visit to Little Palm Island begins with a soothing boat ride to a gorgeous peice of paradise. Continue it with gourmet cuisine and some very special music. You're welcom