Ghalib Ghallab

Ghallib now performs Thursday-Saturday at the Range Steakhouse on the second level of this busy casino with his two sons, Jihad on the drums and Khalid plucking the bass. And he's enjoying this new gig emensly since he now can share the spotlight with two of his sons. This has to be a thrill for all of them to work together in one of the busiest casinos on the strip.

Ghallib plays a diverse array of jazz influenced sounds, often using a synthesizer on top of his eloquent white piano. He used this instrument to simulate the sound of a lead guitar when the trio jammed away on Graver Washington's "Mr.Magic". This is a selection often played by contemporary jazz artists and is a nice tribute to the late Grover Washington, who paved the way for this genre of jazz.

Other numbers performed during the set included "People Make The World Go Round", Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", "Fly Me to the Moon", and one of this writer all time favorites', Horace Silver's "Song for My Father". Ghallib not only is an exceptional pianist, he also sings with the best.

As one can see from the above selections, his playbook ranges from R&B to straight ahead jazz. He's been at this since the 70s and always seems to be enjoying every moment he's in front of a crowd. And by the way, Jihad and Khalid, having learned from the master, are excellent musicians in their own right.

What a nice way to spend a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the lights and casinos, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of former Chicagoan Ghallib Ghallab and his sons. Jazz afficionados, when you visit Vegas, save some time (and money) and relax in the in the beautiful surroundings of the Range Resturant at Harrah's and tell Ghalib 'JDub' sent you.