Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele, a high-energy act with electric visual impact and dynamic arrangements is exciting audiences everywhere. They powerfully perform many styles of jazz ranging from swing and standard ballads, Blues, Latin (including Brazilian), rhythm & blues, Cajun grooves, Broadway Show favorites and more. Depending on the venue and the concept, the pair can perform in various sizes ranging from a trio to a full seventeen-piece big band as evidenced on their recorded projects available on CD: Jazz Party, Havin’ A Ball (Music Unlimited Productions), You’re the Bop! A Jazz Tribute To Cole Porter (Summit Records), Hittin’ The Blue Notes, Volumes One and Two, The Jazz Spirit Of Christmas, Cookin’ At The Corner, Volumes One and Two, Gypsy Rendezvous, Volumes One and Two, Feelin’ Good, Comin' Home Baby and their newest release, Hot Night in Venice. (Origin Records)
Les DeMerle, world-renowned drummer, clinician, bandleader, Founder and Artistic Director of The Amelia Island Jazz Festival toured and recorded with the Harry James Big Band from 1970 to 1982. One of those recordings, The King James Version, won a Grammy Award. Les toured for three years and recorded with Wayne Newton, also toured and recorded with the Manhattan Transfer, and has appeared with many other musical greats including David Sanborn, Lou Rawls, Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Joe Williams.
In addition, Les and Bonnie have shared the stage with numerous stars including Diana Krall, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Tito Puente, The Neville Brothers and Grover Washington, Jr. Talented vocalist extraordinaire Bonnie Eisele’s diverse performing experience includes theatrical tours in the U.S. and Europe with the Chicago Free Street Theater, studio recording on TV and radio commercials, musical shows at the Chicago Playboy Club, Chicagofest, Drury Lane Theater, and Miami’s Fountainebleau as well as many jazz clubs, festivals and cruises with the Les DeMerle Band and a Rotary graduate fellowship studying music and dance in Brazil. In addition to singing many styles including Latin, swing, standards, and jazz, Bonnie speaks and sings fluently in Portuguese (language of Brazil) French and Spanish in her international repertoire.
“Les DeMerle is the best all-around drummer I’ve ever had, and that’s saying a lot when you remember that Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson manned that post before him. – Harry James, World famous trumpeter and bandleader
Extraordinary defines the talents of Bonnie Eisele who just illuminates…with her powerful voice…in some ways reminiscent of Keely Smith with a faint touch of Billie Holiday. – EJazzNews.com
Les DeMerle and Bonnie Eisele excite. They are truly a class act! – Wayne Newton, Las Vegas Superstar
Eisele and DeMerle are a hot combination. Her powerful voice and natural feel for rhythm come across in an explosive stage performance. His energy is absolutely contagious. – Florida Times-Union”
"Broadway, Blues, Brazil and Beyond"