My mother was a terrific singer. We used to sing duets at the piano. Dad knew a little bit about the piano, so he’d show me basic chords. I sang first and learned how to accompany myself later. I finally asked for lessons, so they got me a wonderful teacher who used to play piano for Dezi Arnaz. He showed me right off the bat how chords were made, how they progressed, so I learned about theory and harmony before I learned about the rudiments, so I was able to love it right away; I was fourteen. I went to UCLA and majored in Music. They have a renowned vocal program, and I got into glee club, choral singing, and group singing of classical music. My first paying gig was in a church, I was around eleven, I played the drums. We did the Motown tune,”Money,” and people threw money at us. I always hoped I’d be a professional musician. I think of myself as a singer who plays piano, not the other way around. As I got older, I enjoyed jazz as a form more.
Sinatra: He was helped a lot by Tommy Dorsey, who’d say to Frank, “I’ll take care of the music; you take care of the lyrics.” He really instilled in Frank how to interpret a song; and it’s been helpful for me too. I owe my dad a lot about teaching me to sing … what to think about while singing. He used to say, let the song do the work. That’s how important the words are. I worked in a restaurant in Beverly Hills called Jimmy’s where Sinatra was a customer. He came in one night and sat right in front of me. He didn’t like people playing his material for him. I remember thinking while I was playing; better not play anything he’s famous for! He actually applauded. One time he came in with Sammy Davis, Gregory Peck and Ed McMahon. I couldn’t believe I was playing for those guys.
COVER CHARGES apply when Wilfs features live music in our dining room and bar area – Wednesday – Saturday, 7pm.
Quite simply, the cover charge is equity paid directly to the artists that you are enjoying each night at Wilfs. Our new policy includes a $5 charge to all dining in our main dining room. We thank you in advance for your support of insuring equity for all.
When you join us for drinks or dinner and plan on leaving before the 7pm music starts, we won’t ask for a cover charge. That does not mean you can come early and avoid paying the cover – we want to make sure our musicians are paid for their performance. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your host.