By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Apri. 3. (Wed.) Bobby McFerrin. One of the music world’s most uniquely gifted vocal talents, applying his startling skills to a celebration of his father’s gospel singing in a program titled Spirit You All. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
– April 3. (Wed.) Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy Orchestra. Singer Damiani revives the music of Sinatra and the Rat Pack in an introduction of his latest CD, Watch What Happens. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210.
– April 3. (Wed.) Sara Gazarek/Josh Nelson Duo. A promising musical encounter between singer Gazarek and pianist Nelson, two of the current jazz generation’s most gifted talents. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– April 5 (Fri.) Vadim Repin in recital. Russian-Born (now a Belgian citizen) violinist Repin was described by Yehudi Menuhin as the “best and most perfect violinist that I ever had a chance to hear.” He performs Brahms, Janacek, Grieg and Ravel with the accompaniment of pianist Andrei Korobeinikov. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-8800.
– April. 5. (Fri.) Cheryl Bentyne. Up Close and Personal. Back in action after surviving a life threatening illness, Bentyne – a valued member of the Manhattan Transfer — illustrates the irresistible appeal of her captivating solo skills. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– April 5 & 6. (Fri. & Sat.) Helen Reddy. One of the great pop vocal stars of the ‘70s, Australian Reddy makes one of her extremely rare performances. Hopefully we’ll hear her revisit “I Am Woman” among her many other hits. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210.
– April. 6. (Sat.) The Wolff and Clark Expedition. Veteran pianist Michael Wolff and drummer Mike Clark, long time musical companions, team up with L.A. jazz stars Bob Sheppard, saxophones and Tony Dumas, bass. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– April 6. (Sat.) Katia Moraes and Brazilian Heart Music. “Clara Nunes, A Celebration.” One of the Southland’s most consistently fascinating Brazilian artists, Moraes visits the memorable music of ‘70s Brazilian hit-maker Clara Nunes. As always, Moraes’ interpretations will simmer with the dynamic energy of her own, unique expressiveness. Brasil Brasil Cultural Center. 11928 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. (310) 397-3667
– April 7. (Sun.) Mark Winkler CD Release party. The Laura Nyro Project. Always in search of adventurous territory for his jazz-based vocals, Winkler celebrates the release of a new CD featuring his imaginative takes on the Laura Nyro songbook. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210.
San Francisco
– April 5 – 7 (Fri. – Sun.) The Stanley Clarke Band. Bassist Clarke always follows his own pathways, accompanied by stellar musical aggregations. This time, he’s traveling with John Beasley, piano, Kamasi Washington, saxophone and Ronald Bruner, Jr., drums. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
Washington D.C.
– April 6 & 7. (Sat. & Sun.) James Carter Organ Trio. Multiple reed and woodwind player Carter focuses his wide angle musical perspective on hard driving timbres of the classic jazz organ trio instrumentation. Blues Alley. (202) 337-4141.
New York City
– April 2 – 7. (Tues. – Sun.) Enrico Pieranunzi. Pianist Pieranunzi has been, since the ‘70s, one of the European jazz pianist most favored by touring American musicians. Here he’s in the leader’s role himself, backed by Marc Johnson, bass and Joe La Barbera, drums. The Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.
– April 4 – 7. (Thurs. – Sun.) Randy Weston African Rhythms Quintet 87th Birthday Celebration. Pianist/composer Weston’s fascination with African musical culture continues to produce some of the most fascinating revisits to the deepest jazz roots. And, at 87, he still does so convincingly. Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232 .
London
– April 6. (Sat.) The London Supersax Project. Alto saxophonist Med Flory was the first to assemble a saxophone section and rhythm section to play harmonized versions of Charlie Parker solos. Here’s the U.K. version, delivered with the same love of bebop. Ronnie Scott’s. r +44 20 7439 0747.
Copenhagen
– April 3 & 4. (Wed. & Thurs.) Diego Figueiredo and Cyrille Aimee. The imaginative duo of guitarist Figueiredo and singer Aimee have already released two albums displaying their far-reaching musical interests, from jazz and bossa nova to looping electronica. Jazzhus Montmartre. +45 31 72 34 94.
Milan
– April 3 & 4. (Wed. & Thurs.) Steve Lukather. Multiple Grammy-winning guitarist has recorded tracks on more than 1,500 albums, and continues to contrast first-call gigs as a sideman with leadership of his own bands. The Blue Note Milano. +39 02 6901 6888
Tokyo
– April 6 & 7. (Sat. & Sun.) Clementine. The French singer and song writer Clementine lives in Japan, where her richly diverse style, blending cabaret, jazz, bossa nova and pop has generated a large, enthusiastic following. The Blue Note Tokyo. +81 3-5485-0088.
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Bobby McFerrin photo by Carol Friedman.
The International Review of Music 