Live Jazz: A Busy Friday Night at Vitello’s and the Out Take Bistro

By Don Heckman

Studio City, CA.  Sometimes a music reviewer just has to do a lot in a single night – often unexpectedly.  As I did on Friday.  Even though it hadn’t actually started out that way.

My schedule for the evening originally included a stop at Vitello’s  to hear the Bill Cunliffe big band in action.  I”d written about the band fairly recently, but with Cunliffe nominated for a Grammy in today’s 2013 Awards (after winning a statuette in the 2012 Grammys), it seemed a good time to give another listen to his richly textured big band writing.  Add that the fact that he’d promised to include more selections from his jazz interpretation of J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and it was a performance that clearly offered some fascinating musical attractions.

The most gripping big band arrangements and compositions are usually well crafted combinations of inspired writing and inventive soloing.  And Cunliffe’s composing and arranging have always blended those qualities into irresistibly appealing musical banquets, enhanced by the playing of a world class assemblage of Southland players.

The Bill Cunliffe Big Band

On this night, as always, the Cunliffe band was overflowing with fine artists.  All deserve mention for their ensemble and solo playing.  But I have to highlight the especially impressive work of Bob Sheppard, playing lead alto (and lead soprano) in the saxophone section, the strong tenor saxophone soloing of Rob Lockart and Jeff Ellwood, the always superb trumpeting of Bob Summers and Carl Saunders, the equally sterling trombone work of Bob McChesney and Andy Martin, and the propulsive rhythm section work of drummer Joe LaBarbera, bassist Jonathan Richards and guitarist Larry Koonse.

Bill Cunliffe

The first part of the set was mostly dedicated to Cunliffe’s originals, which roamed freely across a gamut of styles, delivering them with convincing jazz authenticity.   Next, a pair of vocals added a different perspective: first, Dawn Bishop soaring through “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”; next, April Williams – who, as Vitello’s jazz producer, has transformed the club into a major jazz venue – sang a delightfully evocative version of “You Can Always Count On Me” from the musical City of Angels.  Listening to her, one couldn’t help but wish that she would make more singing appearances in the room, especially with the musical theatre material she does so well.

There was also an unexpected, but welcome performance by a guest artist – trombonist/composer Chris Brubeck.  Nominated (with his late father, Dave Brubeck) for a Grammy in the same category as Cunliffe, Chris was invited to share the stage the day before the Awards.  Chris responded with a warmly ingratiating trombone solo on the lovely ballad written by his father and mother, “In Your Own Sweet Way.”

The Cunliffe Band’s set closed with his re-imagining of the Bach Goldberg Variations, which he has re-titled The Goldberg Contraption.  But it was far more than a “Contraption” – more like a smoothly functioning Swiss watch, with Cunliffe’s transformation of Bach’s flowing harmonies and shifting counterpoint into an utterly believable jazz framework.

And there was more on the Vitello’s agenda before we could leave.  When the Cunliffe Band set concluded in the upstairs room, more jazz sounds were heard downstairs, where pianist John Campbell was playing for late diners and bar-hoppers in the club’s just-added musical setting, “Downstairs Piano Nights.”  No one interprets the Great American Songbook with more imaginative readings than Campbell.  And, even in a room filled with chatting listeners, he easily managed the demanding task of entertaining his audience, while approaching each song with fascinating creativity.

Cat Conner

But we had another stop to make before our evening was over.  Leaving Vitello’s, heading straight down Tujunga to a right on Ventura Blvd., we quickly arrived for the last few tunes at the Out Take Bistro.    It’s a Friday night gig usually featuring “Cat & Cip” — the vocals of Cat Conner and the saxophone and clarinet of Gene “Cip” Cipriano.

On this night, however, they were joined by a stellar array of players in a virtual jam session format.  The group included trombonist Dick Nash and guitarist John Chiodini (frequent partners of Cat and Cip), as well as clarinetist Alex Budman, soprano saxophonist John Altman and trumpeter Brian Swartz.

Gene Cipriano and John Chiodini

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We arrived just in time for an all-join-in jam on “Take the A Train” allowing plenty of space for the talented crew to stretch out.  And the final wrap up reached out to feature Cat’s warm, engaging vocal in a jaunty song reaching back more than a hundred years – “Hello, Ma Baby.” It was the perfect ending to a musical evening embracing everything from big band jazz and the music of J.S. Bach to the Great American Songbook, ragtime, and beyond.

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Photos by Faith Frenz.

Here, There and Everywhere: Halloween Jam with Bob Sheppard and Friends

By Don Heckman

I can never recall trick or treating having much connection with jazz.  So when Vitello’s announced a “Halloween Costume Party and Jam” featuring saxophonist Bob Sheppard with a stellar band, it sounded like the potential for an unusual and entertaining evening.

As it was.  Sheppard’s band included guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Dave Robaire and drummer Charles Ruggiero.  And the word was out that some sitting in would be taking place, as well.  Add to that the  audience costumes that arrived over the course of the evening, and the atmosphere of communal jazz sharing that made the performance feel like a long musical party among friends.

It’s worth noting, too, that the Halloween costuming, so to speak, wasn’t limited to the colorful members of the audience.  Several times during the evening, Sheppard and Koonse added their own offbeat appearances, proudly wearing the wigs of ‘60s hippydom.

Larry Koonse, Dave Robaire and Bob Sheppard

The opening set featured the front line of Sheppard and Koonse at their best.  Always among the first-call choices on their instruments, both players are best heard in a wide open setting like this one, stretching out on some standards and a jazz classic or two, interacting spontaneously in a relaxed environment.

Whether playing tenor or soprano, Sheppard is always adventurous, applying his considerable technique to the expression of his equally imaginative soloing.  And so, too, is Koonse, whose subtle accompaniment touches produce virtually instantaneous arrangements, countered by his own inventive solo efforts.

Backing Sheppard and Koonse, the rhythm team of Robaire and Ruggiero were flawless, matching a propulsive sense of swing with an equally supportive framework of rhythm and timbre.

Billy Childs

As the evening progressed, other players joined the Halloween Jam.  Among them, there were some especially compelling contributions from the ever-impressive pianists Billy Childs and John Beasley.

Call it a Halloween full of musical treats, without the distraction of a single trick. And credit April Williams, Vitello’s jazz impresario, with yet another imaginative musical evening.  Be sure to check her November Vitello’s calendar for a month-long schedule of equally appealing jazz events.

Photos by Faith Frenz

Live Jazz: April Williams with Alan Pasqua, Bob Sheppard, Darek Oles and Peter Erskine at Vitello’s.

By Don Heckman

April Williams spends a lot of nights – and a few afternoons, too – at Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City.  Under her guidance, Upstairs at Vitello’s has become one of L.A.’s best new jazz venues.

She was there on Saturday night, as well.  But not for her usual routine of cruising the room to make sure everything’s working the way it should, while occasionally darting backstage to be certain that the performers are ready to go with everything they need.

That’s not to say that she didn’t do a few of those chores on Saturday, too.  But her real focus was with the evening’s performers, who included pianist Alan Pasqua, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Peter Erskine.

Along with the featured singer: April Williams.

April Williams with Alan Pasqua and Bob Sheppard

That’s right, April took a break from booking and supervising the music to have a little fun with something she loves to do: sing.  She does so with a substantial background in musical theatre, and a weekly exposure to some of the Southland’s finest vocal artists in action.

But what quickly became apparent was the fact that April has a unique style of her own, based upon a quest to illuminate the story within every song she sings.

After her stellar musicians romped through a jaunty rendering of “How Much Do I Love You?” April began her set with an atmospheric take on “Love For Sale.” Followed by a sparkling arrangement of “Baubles, Bangles and Beads.”

April Williams

She sang “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” in harmonized phrasing with Sheppard’s soprano saxophone – accomplishing the demanding task while capturing the song’s tricky lyrics.  Her jazz phrasing was front and center in the classic “Honeysuckle Rose,” which also featured a stunning, full-chorus solo from Erskine.

Another jazz classic, “Angel Eyes,” was on shakier ground.  But April more than made up for it with a delightfully raucous “Don Juan” from the musical Smokey Joe’s Café.  In the mood for more humor, she followed with a whimsical take on Dave Frishberg’s “Peel Me A Grape.”

Still displaying her versatility, she then sang a warm and intimate “We’ll Be Togrther Again,” her musical narrative enhanced by a lovely solo from bassist Oles.  And she wrapped up her far-ranging set of songs with a pair of classic Jobim bossa novas: “Sad” (“Triste”) and “No More Blues” (“Chega De Saudade).  Neither song has an English translation as touching as the original Portuguese.  But to April’s credit, she delivered the English version of both with convincing believability.

Tonight, April Williams will no doubt be back at her task of keeping  Upstairs at Vitello’s jazz programming alive and cooking.  And she can be pleased that on Saturday night, she accomplished that task superbly – not just as a music room manager, but as a featured artist, and a good one. Let’s hope she steps on stage again, and soon.

Performance photo by Bob Barry.

Picks of the Week: July 18 – 22

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- July 18. (Wed.) The  Chris Walden Big Band with special guest Tierney Sutton. Walden takes a break from his busy schedule of studio arranging and composing to lead his always dynamic big band.  And it will be especially fascinating to hear the versatile Ms. Sutton singing in a setting very different – but no doubt equally compelling — from that of her own band.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

John Pizzarelli

- July 18 – 21. (Wed. – Sat.)  John Pizzarelli Quartet.  He plays the guitar, he sings, he’s as witty and humorous as a stand-up comic.  And he does it all with warm amiability.  If all that isn’t enough, check out his ear-grabbing scatting in unison with his fast-fingered guitar soloing.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- July 19. (Thurs.)  Joshua Bell and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.  The gifted violinist performs the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto and joins up with Edgar Meyer to perform the bassists Double Concerto for Violin and Double Bass. The Philharmonic, under Ludovic Morlot, also plays Weber’s Der Freischutz and Oberon overtures. The Hollywood Bowl.    (323) 850-2000.

- July 19. (Thurs.) Nick Mancini.  Vibes artist Mancini, one of L.A.’s busiest studio players, takes a break to showcase his own Mancini Collective.  And what better way to hear first rate  jazz than in Descanso Gardens.  Bring a blanket, picnic food and friends for a laid-back, relaxed musical evening.  Seating on a first come basis.  Descanso Gardens.  (818) 949-4200.

- July 19. (Thurs.)  Judi Silvano.  One never knows what to expect from singer/composer Silvano other than the certainty that she will offer an evening of music that constantly intrigues and entertains.  She’ll be working with pianist Theo Saunders, bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Kendall Kay. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.     (310) 474-9400.

- July 20. (Fri.)  The Josh Nelson Group. Pianist Nelson is in the vanguard of the Southland’s most gifted young jazz artists, releasing  his first recording at 19.  This time out he’s stretching the envelope in the company of guitarist Larry Koonse, trumpeter John Daversa and live sci-fi video art.  The Blue Whale.     (213) 620-0908.

Smokey Robinson

- July 20 & 21. (Fri. & Sat.)  Smokey Robinson.  Blessed with superb songwriting skills and one of the most warm and soothing voices in all of pop music, it’s no wonder Robinson has long been called the King of Motown. The Hollywood Bowl.    (323) 850-2000.

- July 21. (Sat.)  The Gift: the stellar assemblage of pianist Alan Pasqua, saxophonist Bob Sheppard, drummer Peter Erskine and bassist Darek Oles offer the gift of their world class accompaniment as a belated birthday present to singer April Williams, in the room she has established as one of L.A.’s best jazz venues.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- July 21. (Sat.)  The Pasadena POPS with Marvin Hamlisch and Michael Feinstein.  Conductor Hamlisch and the POPS open the summer season with a program featuring the master of the Great American Songbook.  The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden.  The Pasadena Symphony and Pops.   (626) 793-7172.

San Francisco

Leo Kottke

- July 22. (Sun.)  Leo Kottke.  Veteran guitarist Kottke is an entertaining artist, illuminating his vocals with humorous monologues.  But it is his impressive, finger-picking guitar playing that is the centerpiece of his performances.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

New York

- July 17 – 22. (Tues. – Sun.)  Igor Butman & the Moscow State Jazz Orchestra.  Saxophonist/bandleader Butman is the Wynton Marsalis of Russia, using his connections with the power elite to support the growing presence of jazz in his country.  His Orchestra includes some of Russia’s finest players. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.    (212) 258-9800.

- July 18. (Wed.)  A CIM Faculty Concert.  Four cutting edge improvisational artists from the Center for Improvisational Music — pianist Andy Milne, trumpeter Ralph Alessi, bassist Michael Formanek and drummer Tom Rainey – will perform works by all members of the group.  The Cornelia St. Café.   (212) 989-9319.

- July 19. (Thurs.)  An Enchanted Evening: The Songs of Richard Rodgers. “Enchanted” is the right word to describe an evening of Rodgers performed by the ensemble of Bill Charlap, piano / Barbara Carroll, piano & vocals / Sachal Vasandani, vocals / Warren Vaché, cornet /Jon Gordon, alto sax / John Allred, trombone / Jay Leonhart, bass / Sean Smith, bass / Tim Horner, drums.  The 92^nd St. Y.   (212) 415-5500.

London

Stanley Clarke

- July 20 & 21.  (Fri. &.  Sat.)  The Stanley Clarke/Stewart Copeland Band.  A pair of world class jazz individualists – bassist Clarke and drummer Copeland – combine their unique visions into an irresistible blend of jazz, fusion and rock with an occasional tinge of classical.  They’re joined by keyboardist Ruslan Sirota and guitarist Brady Cohen.    Ronnie Scott’s.

Paris

- July 21. (Sat.)  The Christian Scott Quintet. Trumpeter Scott has been a vital new figure on the jazz scene since his first album, Rewind That, was released in 2006.  He’ll no doubt feature pieces from his latest album, Christian aTunde Adjua. arrival in   New Morning.    01 45 23 51 41.

Milan

- July 21. (Sat.) Esperanza Spalding. Winner of the Best New Artist award in the 2011 Grammys, bassist/singer Spalding has been crossing genres ever since.  She has modeled her career, she says, on those of Madonna and Ornette Colema.  Blue Note Milan.    02.69.01.68.88.

Tokyo

Dionne Warwick

- July 19 – 21. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Dionne Warwick. Iconic pop singer Warwick was one of the big hit-makers of the rock era.  Best known for association with songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David, she is a five-time Grammy winner (plus seven other nominations). And she’s still going strong. Blue Note Tokyo.   03.5485.0088.

Live Jazz: Bonnie Bowden at Vitello’s

By Norton Wright

It was such a class act, it reminded me of those sophisticated nights long ago at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City where the ballroom shows were graced by the likes of Lena Horne and Peggy Lee.

So it was no surprise that jazz songstress Bonnie Bowden’s date on Sunday afternoon at Vitello’s was sold out a week in advance and the waiting list went on forever.  Elegant, sexy, and engaging, Bowden dished up a clinic on how to present a musically delicious show. Here were some of the ingredients:

How to achieve a compelling start?  Enlist a great quartet like Llew Matthews (piano and arranger), Ricky Woodard (tenor sax), Luther Hughes (acoustic bass), and Ralph Penland (drums) and then turn them loose all by themselves to hot up the audience with an opening seven-minute, up-tempo take on the standard “Day By Day.”  And have Ricky Woodard do some great and serious blowing so all in the jam-packed room know it’s time to stop lunching and talking and do some serious listening. This opener was so good, we thought we could have just listened to the band for the rest of the afternoon. I mean, could things get any better? YOU BET!

The star’s entrance:  Quickly and from the very back of the house so everyone in an instant caught the flash of her dramatic crimson blouse, black slacks, and blonde hair pulled back into a diamond clip, Bowden made her way through the audience, up onto the stage, and into her first number. The lyrics told the audience exactly what the ebullient Ms. Bowden wanted them to know, “I Love Being Here With You!”

What’s the show about? Bowden’s easygoing intros to her songs are brief and tell her listeners something about the composers and lyricists and why the songs are special to her. We’re amazed that she’s self-taught in a broad range of music from coloratura opera to country to Broadway, but she loves jazz best, and we’re going to be treated this afternoon to The Great American – and sometimes Great Brazilian — Songbook  by composer/lyricist icons like Jimmy McHugh, Frank Loesser, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Gus Kahn, Hal David/Burt Bachrach, Edu Lobo, Alan & Marilyn Bergman, and the list was to go beautifully on and on as the afternoon progressed.

Variety: Bowden has the rare capacity to convincingly turn her song renditions on an emotional dime, and so she paces the running order of her tunes so the moods do change quickly and with lots of surprises. “You Are So Beautiful” by Billy Preston & Bruce Fisher was given a soulful jazz treatment, and the audience figured Bowden was talking directly to them. Her take on “Ain’t We Got Fun” was humorous and satiric, the lyric, ‘The rich get rich and the poor get children’ as biting today as it was when penned by Gus Kahn back in 1922. And in a hot, hip-swivelin’, honkey-tonkin’ surprise, the lissome Ms. Bowden laid a jazz take on Willie Nelson’s country tune, “Crazy,” and risked prompting all the males in the audience to immediately lust after her — and this on a Sunday afternoon!

What can a singer do during the instrumental breaks in the songs she’s singing? Sometimes singers today seem to forget they’re still on stage, and during their band’s instrumental breaks they often search for something to do — like reaching down for a water bottle, publicly gurgling the H20, and then awkwardly regarding their surroundings until it’s time to resume singing… Bonnie Bowden answers the problem by turning to listen intently to each member of her band, genuinely enjoying them and in doing so, becoming at one with her audience. There’s something outright communal in a group of listeners sharing their appreciation of a band’s grooving, and Bowden doesn’t hide the fact that she digs listening to her guys.

Spontaneity: Finally, if the opportunity is there, go for it! Bowden’s affection for Brazilian jazz springs from her singing with Sergio Mendes’ Brazil ’77, and at Vitello’s by mid-set she got into an Ipanema groove singing Edu Lobo’s haunting ballad “Adeus” (“To Say Goodbye”) in perfect Portuguese and then in English. Maybe it was time then to return to the American Songbook, but spotting in the audience the legendary percussionists Paulinho Da Costa from Brazil and Mexican-American Pete Escovedo, she invited them to join with her on stage for composer Jorge Ben’s high-energy, bossa nova song, “Mais Que Nada.” The result was a gas! These two gents can play at least 200 different percussive instruments but with only shakers in Escovedo’s hands and a tambourine in those of Da Costa, they tagged Bowden’s song with such a feast of polyrhythmic accents that she and the audience just loved the fun and surprise of it. Good guys, Bowden gave them kisses, and her band and the audience gave them a great big hand.

Closing out the show were the love songs: “Why Did I Choose You” during which Bowden found a warm and beautifully textured timbre almost indistinguishable from that of Doris Day.  Then a quick change of pace to Jimmy McHugh & Harold Adamson’s  “I Just Found Out About Love”  which Bowden ended on a stratospheric note toward the top of her amazing four-octave range.  And for a finale, Jerome Kern &  Otto Harbach’s  “Yesterdays” in an unconventional and swinging tempo that gave the audience something happy to end on and propelled them to their feet. To see a crowd of 120 people of all ages spontaneously erupt into a standing and joyous ovation was enough to make you believe that Dionysus lives!

Given that competing with Bowden’s show for afternoon attention were the NBA playoffs, various Cinco de Mayo weekend celebrations, a host of tentpole movies, and a Dodger home game, Vitello’s jazz entrepreneur April Williams deserves plaudits for courageously expanding her jazz programs into daytime hours.  And on this particular Sunday afternoon, the sunshine outside Vitello’s was niftily matched inside by the bright glow of Bonnie Bowden, a jazz artist and consummate entertainer whom we’ll be seeing a lot more of.

Congratulations to both Bowden and Williams for trying something new and succeeding. Encore, encore!

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Photos by Bob Barry.

To read more reviews and posts by Norton Wright click HERE.

Here, There & Everywhere: Jazz at the Federal

This post is part of the Jazz Journalists Association’s international “Blogathon.”

By Don Heckman

It’s always a significant event when a new room for jazz opens. Whether it’s small or large, daily or weekly, it’s still something to acknowledge, at a time when existing music venues are struggling to survive and new arrivals are in short supply.

So I was glad to be part of an enthusiastic crowd at the Federal Bar and Restaurant in North Hollywood’s NoHo district last Wednesday, when April Williams kicked off her Jazz at the Federal. In its beginning stages, it will only be scheduled for Wednesday nights, But given the success that hard-working April has had with her Upstairs at Vitello’s jazz programs, it’s a fair expectation that she’ll do similarly well with her Federal programs. At least one hopes so.

Underscoring her desire to program first rate jazz – ranging from big bands and straight ahead jazz to funk and TK – the opening night headliner was the Bob Sheppard’s stellar quintet, with the leader on soprano and tenor saxophones, John Beasley on piano and keyboards, Tim Lefebvre on bass and Steve Hass on drums.

The program ranged from Sheppard originals to a line by Freddie Hubbard (once an employer of both Sheppard and Beasley), And the ensemble interaction during the more intricately arranged passages was first rate. But the musical focus of the evening had less to do with complex charts than with some prime, showcase playing from the two principal soloists, Sheppard and Beasley.  World class players with impressive resumes, both have enhanced the bands of leaders with far broader visibility. But each can stand on his own – as they did this night – as avid improvisational adventurers. And with the equally intrepid support of Lefebvre and Hass the musical expeditions journeyed through one fascinating musical territory after another.

All this took place in the Federal’s large, high ceilinged second floor – a space alternately recalling a Greenwich Village jazz club of the ’60s and a timeless French cellar bistro. Although the brick walls and exposed beams tended to muddy low tones somewhat, it was a problem that sound reinforcement can resolve. Otherwise, the room is an amiable audio location.

When April Williams begins to present her continuing shows in May, Jazz at the Federal will begin to establish itself as the jazz destination it has all potential for becoming. The schedule forecast includes Arturo Sandoval’s 20 piece big band, the jazz funk of Bernie Dressel’s supercharged instrumental/vocal band, Bern, and Grammy winning Gordon Goodwin’s 18 piece Big Phat Band.

Only time – and the audiences – will tell, of course, but the future of Jazz at the Federal looks promising. Let’s hope the room and its programs become well attended additions to the rich diversity of jazz in Los Angeles.

For more information about April Williams’ Jazz at the Federal, click HERE.

 

Picks of the Week: April 5 – 10

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Junko Onishi

- April 5. (Tues.)  Junko Onishi Trio.  Japanese pianist Onishi confirms her return to jazz action last year after a performance break of nearly a decade.  She kicks off her American tour tonight with the backing of the sterling rhythm team of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.   Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323)466-2210  (Also at Yoshi’s Oakland on April 6.)

- April 5. (Tues.)  Ostad Abbos Kosimov.  Traditional Uzbek and Tajik Percussion Music and Dance. Percussionist Kosimov is one of the world’s masters of the doyra frame drum.  He is joined by the CalArts Persian and World Music ensembles, as well as members of his own Abbos Ensemble in an exploration of the music of Uzbekistan.  Tara Pandeya adds the sensual movements of Central Asian dance.  REDCAT.  (213) 237-2800.

- April 5. (Tues.)  Lorenzo Lamas.  You may remember him as Jane Wyman’s evil stepson in Falcon Crest. But Lamas (yes, from that family) is also an effective musical purveyor of the romantic side of cabaret.  Vibrato Grill Jazz… (310) 474-9400. 

Kenny Burrell

- April 6. (Wed.) Kenny Burrell Jazz Heritage All Stars.  For once, the label “All-Stars” has real significance.  Veteran guitarist/educator Burrell puts it all together with trumpter (and also educator) Bobby Rodriguez, saxophonist Justo Almario, drummer Clayton Cameron and more.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- April 6. (Wed.)  The Kronos Quartet. The creatively eclectic, Grammy winning string quartet celebrates composer Steve Reich’s 75^th birthday with the performance of a newly commissioned work.   Segerstrom Center for the Arts.   (714) 556-2787.

Salif Keita

- April 6. (Wed.)  Salif Keita. The voice of Keita, with its soaring tones, penetrating sound and inspiring rhythms, is one of the great glories of African popular music.  The Conga Room.  (213) 745-0162.

- April 6. (Wed.) Blue Lou Marini.  Veteran New York saxophonist Marini makes one of his rare West Coast appearances, performing with trumpeter Walt Fowler, pianist John Campbell, bassist Chuck Berghofer, drummer Peter Erskine and special guests.  Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- April 7. (Thurs.)  Big Willie’s Burlesque.  Busy drummer Willie McNeil’s Quartet lays down some classic backbeat sounds to inspire the irresistible moves of dancer Carolina Cerisola.   They call it “old school burlesque with a cutting edge, Latin, new school vibe.”   The Edison Downtown.  (213) 613-0000.

- April 7. (Thurs.) V. R. Smith Sextet.  It’s a Smith Family Night.  With vocalist V.R. Smith backed by the band of her husband, bassist Putter Smith – with Gary Foster alto saxophone, Chuck Manning, tenor saxophone, Jim Szilagyi, piano and Tim Pleasant, drums.  Charlie O’s.   (818) 994-3058.

- April 7 – 10. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Rachelle Ferrell.  Blessed with one of the most impressive voices in the jazz vocal world, Ferrell is also a uniquely appealing song stylist.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

Arlo Guthrie

- April 8. (Fri.)  Arlo Guthrie and Friends.  Folk music patriarch returns to UCLA, this time with his “Journey On” tour, featuring his son, Abe Guthrie and the folk-rock trio The Burns Sisters.  UCLA Live.  Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.

- April 9. (Sat.)  Jazz Fundraiser for Japan.  Vitello’s April Williams has assembled an impressive collection of the Southland’s finest jazz artists for a 12 hour fundraiser for Japan.  Among the participants: Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Darek Oles, Alex Acuna, the Wayne Bergeron Big Band, Denise Donatelli, Joe La Barbera, Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington, Bob Sheppard and many more.  11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- April 9. (Sat.) Plas Johnson.  Although he’s been a vital member of the Southland jazz community for decades, Johnson is best known for his memorable solo work on “The Pink Panther” theme.  But he’s got a lot more than that to offer.  He’ll be playing with pianist Tom Ranier, bassist John Giannelli and drummer Fritz Wise.  Giannelli Square.  (818) 772-1722.

- April 9. (Sat. ) Wind Soloists of New York and Pedja Muzijevic. The superb wind instrumentalists of this much praised ensemble join with pianist Muzijevic to perform a dynamic program of works by Beethoven, Saint-Saens, Prokofiev and Poulenc.  And they’ll do so in the elegant Pompeian Room of the Doheny Mansion.  The Da Camera Society.  (213) 477-2929.

- April 10 (Sun.)  Greta Metassa.  Seattle-based singer Metassa is far less known than she should be.  In this rare Southland appearance, she’ll deliver her beautifully crafted vocals  in a plush, private mini concert hall in Beverly Hills.   Hopefully, she’ll include songs from her latest CD, I Wanna be Loved.” Backing her: the world class rhythm section of pianist Mike Garson, bassist Clipper Anderson and drummer Bob Leatherbarrow.  To book seats, click on Resonance Records.   Address will be given when the reservation is made.

San Francisco

- April 6. (Wed.)  Junko Onishi Trio.  Japanese pianist Onishi confirms her return to jazz action last year after a performance break of nearly a decade.  She’ll be backed by the sterling rhythm team of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.  Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

Madeleine Peyroux

- April 8. (Fri.)  Madeleine Peyroux.  Moving beyond the Billie Holiday musical frame that had narrowed her music for too long, Peyroux is now finding her own way, as unique musical persona and an intriguing songwriter.  SF Jazz Spring Season.  Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.   (415) 398-5655.

- April 9. (Sat.)  Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester.  The music of the twenties and thirties comes vividly back to life in the hands of Raabe and his extraordinarily versatile musicians.  Always as musically provocative as they are entertaining, they’re one of a kind. SFJAzz Spring Season.  Paramount Theatre, Oakland. .

- April 10. (Sun.)  The Asaad Brothers “Da Volta as Raizes” Offspring of a famouns musical family, the two guitar duo of the Asaad brothers play everything from Bach transcriptions and gypsy jazz to Brazilian samba and the music of the Middle East.  SFJAZZ Spring Season. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.  (415) 398-5655.

New York

Toshiko Akiyoshi

- April 4 (Mon.) Fund Raising Concert For Japan. The New York jazz community steps up to play a concert in support of the beleaguered people of Japan. Toshiko Akiyoshi; Cecil Bridgewater; Sam Burtis; Jerry Dodgion; Roy Hargrove; Tom Harrell; Barry Harris; Fred Hersch; Rene Manning; Earl McIntyre; Jimmy Owens; Rufus Reid; Marvin Stamm; Lew Tabackin; Kenny Werner and many others.  The Village Vanguard.  (212) 255-4037.

- April 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.)  Toots Thielemans with Kenny Werner and Oscar Castro-Neves.  As if that weren’t enough, Werner will also do a set each night with his Quintet featuring Lionel Loueke and Miguel Zenon.  The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.

- April 8. (Fri.)  Rudresh Mahanthappa’s “Gama.” With David Fiuczynski, guitar, Francois Moutin, bass and Dan Weiss, drums.  Altoist Mahanthappa and Fiuczynski have been working together lately in Jack DeJohnette’s band.  Here they dip into some of the fascinating improvisational territory between jazz and Indian music.  Cornelia St. Café.  (212) 989-9319.

Picks of the Week: Dec. 21 – 26

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Bob Mintzer

- Dec. 21. (Tues.)  Bob Mintzer Big Band.  Saxophonist Mintzer is also a masterful big band arranger and composer.  Expect fireworks from his assemblage of L.A.’s finest players.  Click HERE to read an earlier review of the Mintzer Big Band.   Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

- Dec. 21. (Tues.)  The Manhattan Transfer “Christmas Show.” The Transfer singers are a joy to hear, no matter the setting or the circumstances.  But when they’re doing holiday songs, it’s sheer musical magic.  Don’t miss this one.  Disney Hall.   (323) 850-2000.

- Dec. 21. (Tues.)  Jennifer York Quartet and Friends. Bassist and television personality York leads her solid contemporary jazz group in an evening of seasonal songs.  Special guest Jonathan Dane adds his soaring trumpet lines to the mix.  Baked Potato.  (818) 980-1615.

- Dec. 21. (Tues.) Chris Colangelo Quartet.  Bassist Colangelo’s group invests hard driving jazz improvisations with irresistible rhythmic swing.  Featuring Benn Clatworthy, tenor saxophone, Otmaro Ruiz, piano, Alex Acuna, drums.  Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.

- Dec. 22. (Wed.)  Tony Guerrero Quartet.  Trumpeter Guererro leads a stellar ensemble in an evening of holiday classics in a briskly swinging jazz setting.  With saxophonist Robert Kyle, drummer Matt Johnson and Dave Siebels on the B-3 organ.  Steamer’s. http://www.steamerscafe.com (714) 871-8800.

April Williams

- Dec. 23. (Thurs.) Eileen Ivers  ”An Noillag: An Irish Christmas”.  Ivers and her blue fiddle celebrate the holiday in true Irish fashion with a stageful of musicians, singers and dancers.  Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.

- Dec. 23. (Thurs.)  “Holiday Hang” with the Williams – Williams & Berghofer Group.  Singer April Williams joins Don Williams, drums, Chuck Berghofer, bass, Larry Koonse, guitar, Bob Sheppard, saxophones and flute, and various guests in a laid-back, jam session evening of holiday jazz. Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Dec. 24. (Fri.)  Christmas Eve at Vibrato is a non-stop banquet of solid jazz.  From 6:30 to 8:30, pianist/singer Gaea Schell leads her trio in an engaging blend of vocals and instrumentals.  At 9p.m., veteran saxophonist Don Menza takes the stage for a straight ahead jazz romp, backed by the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

San Francisco

- Dec. 22. (Wed.)  Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks. The unique Hicks musical gumbo of  jazz, pop, rock, blues and musical fun has been entertaining audiences for several decades.  To read a recent iRoM review of Hicks and the Licks, click HERE.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

- Dec. 22 – 24. (Wed. – Fri.)  Pharoah Sanders.  Tenor saxophonist Sanders is viewed by many as an inheritor of the envelope-stretching John Coltrane style of the mid-‘60s.  But Sanders offers much more, as well, amplifying the style with his own adventurous musical ideas. Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

New York

- Dec. 21 – 25. (Tues. – Sat.) It’s “A Swinging Birdland Christmas” with the delightful voice of Hilary Cole, the stylings of  Jim Caruso, and the backing of pianist Billy Stritch and violinist Aaron Weinstein enlivening a program of traditional holiday songs.  Birdland. (212) 581-3080.  To read a recent iRoM review of a Hilary Cole performance click HERE.

- Dec.. 21 – 26. (Tues. – Sun.)  Chris Botti.  Hard working, musically imaginative, always entertaining trumpeter Botti continues his marathon, 21-straight day run at the Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592.

- Dec. 22 – 26. (Wed. – Sun.)  4 Generations of Miles.  A quartet of players, all of whom have been with Miles Davis in past decades, get together to celebrate their musical legacy.  Featuring Mike Stern, Sonny Fortune, Buster Williams, Jimmy Cobb.  Iridium.   (212) 582-2121.

- Dec. 23. (Thurs.) Matt Wilson’s Christmas Tree-O.  Drummer Wilson leads his trio in a performance of selections from their new Palmetto album of the same title.  Wilson is joined by Jeff Lederer, saxophones and Paul Sikivie, bass.  Cornelia Street Café.  (212) 989-9319

Bob Mintzer photo by Tony Gieske.

Jazz Live: The Bob Sheppard Quartet Upstairs at Vitello’s

By Don Heckman

When saxophonist Bob Sheppard was offered a gig at Vitello’s upstairs room in Studio City Wednesday night, his first reaction was to pass on it.  “Who shows up at a jazz supper club a couple of nights before Christmas?” he thought.  But he took the gig anyhow, and was pleasantly surprised – not just by the turn out, but by the enthusiasm of the response from a crowd  peppered with fellow musicians, a few of whom agreed to sit in during the second set.

Sheppard’s group included a pair of veteran Southland jazz artists in guitarist Larry Koonse and bassist Darek Oles, with Steve Hass — a relatively new arrival from the East Coast — on drums.  And the great pleasure of the night was hearing how these solid professionals allowed themselves to unwind and dig into the sheer spontaneity of making music.

At times, there was some confusion over what tune was coming next.  At other times, Sheppard had to give head nods and body language  signals to move the music from section to another.  But all that was simply a reflection of the sort of improvisational energies that were present in a set that simmered with high spirited inventiveness.  Sheppard set the pace throughout.  His versatility as an improviser is well-known, but he receives less credit than he should for his individuality, for his ability to infuse the contemporary jazz saxophone style with the special qualities of his own unique creative imagination.

Although the evening had been given the whimsical title, “The Feliz Hanukah Show,” the first few tunes made it clear that Sheppard intended to move beyond even that inclusive title.  Starting with an off-center line based on ‘How Deep Is the Ocean?” he led the quartet through Kenny Barron’s mysterious “Phantoms,” a gorgeous rendering of Duke Ellington’s “Prelude To A Kiss” – featuring a stunning Sheppard cadenza at the close – and a loose swinging take on a Polish carol provided by Poland-born bassist Oles (Oleszkiewicz).  In each number, Koonse was the perfect front-line companion, matching Sheppard’s solo excursions with romps of his own, filling a strong, comping role when that was required.  Oles, as always, was a sturdy, swinging foundation.  And Hass, despite a tendency to fill too many beats with busyness, added dynamic vitality to the rhythm.

Other selections included a truly off the cuff version of “Carol of the Bells,” with a fiery set of exchanges between Sheppard’s soprano sax and Hass’ drums.   In the second set, the far-reaching choice of material continued, embracing everything from Tom Jobim’s “A Felicidade” to Wayne Shorter’s “Toro.”  And when, at various times, pianists Rich Eames and John Campbell, and bassist Tom Warrington sat in, the quality of the music remained at peak level, enhanced by the added stylistic variations that each of these fine players brought to the mix.

This utterly entertaining evening hit its most engaging point when singer April Williams, who also books the music for Vitello’s, sat in to sing her brief, timely and funny lyrics to “Feliz Hanukah” – based, of course on “Feliz Navidad.”  It was the perfect climax to an irresistibly entertaining jazz program.

A program of the sort that has been echoing almost nightly Upstairs at Vitello’s since Ms. Williams took over the booking management.  That connection – between a manager with an ear for talent and a room with the right receptivity — has to be considered one of the great gifts of 2009 for Southland jazz fans.  And the appearance of Sheppard, Koonse, Oles and Hass Wednesday was an affirmation of the fact that first rate jazz, performed in a relaxed and amiable setting, will always find an enthusiastic audience.

Picks of the Week. Nov. 24 – 29

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Bob Mintzer

- Nov. 24. (Tues.)  Bob Mintzer’s Big Band.  Mintzer’s a high visibility saxophonist with the Yellowjackets, but he’s also a first rate big band arranger and composer.  All those skills will be on display in this rare appearance with a full ensemble.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

- Nov. 24. (Tues.)  John Pisano.  “Brazil Night” — with Federico Ramos, guitar, Jose Marino, bass, Enzo Todesco, drums — offers an entertaining variation on Pisano’s weekly Guitar Night programs.  Spazio. (818) 728-8400.

- Nov. 24. (Tues.)  Jon Mayer Trio and Pete Christlieb.  Pianist Mayer and saxophonist Christlieb are stellar members of the Southland’s world class array of jazz artists.  They perform with Chris Connor, bass, Roy McCurdy, drums.  Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110.

April Williams

- Nov. 25. (Wed.)  April Williams & Friends.  “The Night Before Thanksgiving Hang” – a laid-back evening of briskly swinging jazz to kick off the holiday weekend.  With April Williams, vocals, Andy Langham, piano, Dave Stone, bass, Don Williams, drums and Bob Sheppard, reeds. Upstairs at Vitellos.   (818) 769-0905.

- Nov. 25. (Wed.)  The Banda Brothers. Latin jazz meets Thanksgiving at the Brothers’ 10^th Annual Turkey Bash. Steamers. (714) 871-8800.

- Nov. 27 & 28. (Fri. & Sat.)  Jack Sheldon Big Band.  Sheldon celebrates his birthday with an evening of his inimitable trumpet and vocals, backed by his swinging collection of big band all-stars.  Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- Nov. 28. (Sat.)  Dr. Richard Allen Williams Quintet.  A physician and a college professor, Williams nonetheless finds time to play the trumpet with probing musical inventiveness. (818) 728-8400.  Spazio.

- Nov. 29. (Sun.)  Alan Broadbent and Pat Senatore Duo. Broadbent’s piano playing, with its rich compositional foundation and lyrical touch blend superbly with the steady foundation and solid swing of bassist Senatore.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

San Francisco

Tuck & Patti

- Nov. 27 – 29. (Fri. – Sun.)  Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway. The veteran pianist and founder of the Jazz Crusaders reaches across the generations to musically blend with singer/songwriter (and daughter of Donny Hathaway) Lalah Hathaway. Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

- Nov. 27 – 29. (Fri. – Sun.)  Tuck & Patti. The guitar and vocal duo’s deep musical intimacy has been producing irresistible sounds for decades. Yoshi’s  San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600.

- Nov. 27 -  29.  (Fri. – Sun.)  Loretta Devine:” Night Devine.” One of the original stars of Dreamgirls, Devine’s acting career has embraced a wide array of films (among them, Waiting To Exhale, Crash) and television roles (including Grey’s Anatomy and Boston Public).  Here’s a rare chance to hear this dynaimc singer in an up close club setting.   The Rrazz Room at the Hotel Nikko.  (415) 394-1189.

New York

- Nov. 24. (Tues.)  Terese Genecco and Her Little Big Band.  Genecco’s quest to keep the jaunty rhythms of swing alive is enhanced by the guest star presence of veteran trumpeter Lew Soloff.  Iridium.   (212) 582.2121.

- Nov. 24 – 28. (Tues. – Sat.)  The New York Voices celebrate their 20^th anniversary with a collection of lush vocal harmonies and upbeat swing.  Birdland.   (212) 581-3080.

Renee Rosnes

- Nov. 24 – 29. (Tues. – Sun.)  Renee Rosnes Quartet. A musicians’ musician, pianist Rosnes has played with almost everybody over the past twenty years.  But she still doesn’t receive the acknowledgement her impressive talents deserve  She performs with Jimmy Green, sax, Sean Smith, bass, Lewis Nash, drums.  Village Vanguard.  (212) 255-4037.

- Nov. 24, 25 and 26 – 29. (Tues, Wed. and Fri. – Sun.)  Maria Schneider Orchestra. Schneider’s compositions continue to expand the palette of the large jazz ensemble, and they’re performed by an A-list musical aggregation.  The Jazz Standard.  (212) 447-7733.

Dave Brubeck

- Nov. 24 – 28. (Tues. – Sat.) Bucky Pizzarelli/Ken Peplowski Quintet.  Mainsream jazz at its best, with the master of the seven string guitar and the guy who’s helping keep the jazz clarinet alive.  Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.  (212) 258-9595.

- Nov. 27 – 29. (Fri. – Sun.)  Dave Brubeck Quartet. A rare opportunity to hear one of jazz’s iconic figures, in action in a club setting.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.