Alyssa Jacey
When I was invited to see Ambrosia at The Coach House, I’ll admit that I recognized the name but couldn’t place the band. My friend Tammy Taylor who has worked with a long list of bands for over 30 years said “Oh, you’ll know the songs once you hear them, they have a lot of hits.” She was right. Upon listening, I immediately remembered the songs, “How Much I Feel”. “You’re the Only Woman” and “Biggest Part of Me”. These were huge radio hits back in the late 70’s and early 80’s and still get airplay today. I texted her right back to let her know, I’d love to go.
Opening for Ambrosia was San Diego homegrown Singer / Songwriter, Alyssa Jacey. No stranger to The Coach House, her infectious smile combined with her self styled pop, country, acoustic set set the mood for the evening. She has an ambitious goal to release a new single every month and no doubt will achieve that goal. Her commanding vocals will demand your attention! You can follow her on FB and most other social platforms. (@AlyssaJaceyMusic)
This show took place on December 21, 2019. It was the first day of winter, The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night. Looking at numerology, the date 12-21-2019 equals 333. Nice, Nice, Very Nice!
It was a night to celebrate; after all, we have 5 billion more years until the sun is projected to fade away for good. So let the good times roll.
Ambrosia formed in 1971 with four members, but now they have six members and at this show two additional guest stars making for as many as eight performers on stage at a time. Current members are Joe Puerta, Burleigh Drummond, Christopher North, Doug Jackson, Ken Stacey and Mary Harris. All members looking and sounding sharp!
A guest appearance was made by Royce Jones, a past member of the band who is also known for working with Steely Dan and The Platters. Another guest performer and former member David Cutler Lewis joined the band on keyboards for a couple songs making for 3 keyboard players all playing together at the same time. This was a special treat for all who attended and was not pre announced. These guests added an extra layer of love to an already solid set.
The amount of talent on the stage and the music they make is so immense that it takes you to a magical place so when they played “Magical Mystery Tour” the Coach House turned into our own private magic carpet traveling through paradise. The band originally covered this Beatle tune in 1977 scoring them another hit.
In ancient Greek myths, ambrosia is considered the food and drink of the Greek Gods. It was believed to be heavenly and consuming it brought longevity. Music is a gift and those who attended this show received a delicious gift of music.
Ambrosia has done a Nice, Nice, Very Nice job of Holding on to Yesterday and keeping their music alive, these songs still mean something today. The deepness of the music could be felt in every inch of the venue. It was an entertaining show with a room full of love and a truly excellent way to spend the evening.
Song List
Still Not Satisfied
Nice, Nice Very Nice
You’re the Only Woman
Kamikaze
Shape I’m In (with Royce Jones and David Cutler Lewis)
Somewhere I’ve Never Travelled (with Royce Jones and David Cutler Lewis)
World Leave Me Alone / Higher Ground
How Much I Feel
Harvey
I wanna Know
The Way it is
Magical Mystery Tour
Holding on to Yesterday
Life Beyond L.A. (with Royce Jones and David Cutler Lewis)
Biggest Part of Me (with Royce Jones and David Cutler Lewis)
I’m Crying/ Rock and Roll with Royce Jones and David Cutler Lewis)
Ambrosia at the Coach House Nice!