Live Jazz: A Tribute to Bill Henderson at Catalina Bar & Grill

By Don Heckman

Hollywood, CA.  The line waiting to get in to Catalina Bar & Grill at 7:30 Thursday night stretched all the way back to the jazz venue’s nearby garage.  And it was moving slowly.  But there was no sign of anyone leaving.  Not for this performance.  Not with a stellar assemblage of talented performers awaiting their turns to celebrate the remarkable life and musical accomplishments of veteran singer/actor Bill Henderson.

Bill Henderson

And the anticipation was enhanced by the awareness that the 87 year old Henderson was already in the club, surrounded by friends, waiting for the music to begin.

Before the live entertainment began, however, the full house audience was treated to a video documentary.  Produced by Merle Kreibich, the video chronicled the remarkable Henderson career – as a singer and an actor whose impressive talents were apparent even in the black and white images of his youthful appearances on film and recordings.

But the live show was the heart of the evening, a  procession of singers and musicians, all eager to offer their own unique tributes to Henderson. Here’s the line up:

Melissa Morgan

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First up: singer Melissa Morgan offering soul styled renditions of ‘Sleeping Bee” and “Accentuate the Positive.”  Filled with energy and spunk, she got the evening underway with a hard driving take off.

Denise Donatelli

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Next: Denise Donatelli applied her warm, embracing  voice and intimate story-telling to a contrasting pair of appealing tunes, “Social Call” and “Skylark.” Donatelli can do no wrong as an interpretive vocalist.  And her reading of the Mercer/Carmichael standard was one of the evening’s memorable highlights.

Billy Valentine’s two songs – “I’ve Got A Woman” and “You Don’t Know Me” – delivered with convincing intensity – were reminders of the blues roots in Henderson’s music.

The musical emphasis shifted dramatically with the arrival on stage of Finis Henderson, Bill Henderson’s nephew.  Offering a soaring, musically dramatic interpretation of Puccini’s tenor aria “Nessun Dorma” from the opera Turandot, he affirmed the diverse musical talent in the Henderson genes.

Janis Mann

Jazz singer Janis Mann added her soaring, Sarah Vaughan influenced style to a diverse pair of tunes, moving from the rhythmic groove of “Old Devil Moon” to the lyricism of  “You Taught My Heart To Sing.”  She was backed by Eric Reed, ably replacing Mike Lang in the piano chair.

Mark Winkler was up next, enjoying every minute of his delightful encounter with Bobby Troup’s “I’m Such A Hungry Man,” and wrapping his solo set with a selection from his new album of Laura Nyro songs.

Mark Winkler and Cheryl Bentyne

Before he left the stage, however, he was joined by Cheryl Bentyne, pairing up on a joyous romp through Paul Desmond’s “Take Five.”

Kenny Burrell

Next, in the evening’s highlight instrumental set, veteran guitarist Kenny Burrell showcased his always appealing blend of rhythmic swing and melodic tenderness with a .  warm take on “It Might As Well Be Spring.”

Ernie Andrews

Appropriately, the non-stop music reached a climax with the arrival on stage of the inimitable Ernie Andrews.  Two years younger than Henderson, but very much the same generation, Andrews recalled an era in which jazz artists were not embarrassed to reach out to their audiences in entertaining fashion.  His jaunty versions of “Time After Time” and “All Blues” were the perfect climax for a memorable musical tribute.

Live performance photos by Faith Frenz.

Picks of the Week: April 17 – 21

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Corky Hale plays for Billie Holiday

- April 17. (Wed.)  Corky Hale and special guest Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge perform selections from the Billie Holiday songbook. Pianist/harpist Hale, who accompanied Holiday in the ‘50s, is well qualified for the job.  Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

April 17. (Wed.)  Julian Coryell.  The son of fine veteran guitarist Larry Coryell, Julian – an impressive guitarist in his own right, as well as a singer – is carving out a prime career. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- April 17. (Wed.)  Andras Schiff.  The Bach Keyboard Cycle.  Schiff performs the French Suites and the French Overture as part of his survey of the complete solo keyboard works of J.S. Bach.  Disney Hall.    (323) 850-2000.

- April 18. (Thurs.)  Judi Wexler Birthday Bash.  The critically praised Wexler displays the far ranging, richly interpretive qualities that are at the heart of her singing.  Mambo’s Café.   (818) 545-8613.

Bill Henderson

- April 18. (Thurs.)  A Tribute to Bill Henderson.  A celebration of the music and life of the creative versatility of 87 year old singer/actor Henderson.  The program features the Eric Reed Trio, with special guests Denise Donatelli, Kenny Burrell, Janis Mann, Ernie Andrews, Mark Winkler, Cheryl Bentyne  and others.  Bubba Jackson hosts the performance.  Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- April 20. (Sat.)  Jimmy Cobb and the So What Band.  Drummer Cobb is the last surviving member of the Miles Davis band that created the best selling album, Kind of Blue.  Here, leading a world class band, he revisits the classic numbers from that iconic jazz recording.  Valley Performing Arts Center.    (818) 677-8800.

- April 21. (Sun.)  Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  Music Director Jeffrey Kahane conducts and performs the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22. The program also includes Handel’s Concerto Grosso in A Major, Ginastera’s Variaciones Cncertantes and a newly commissioned work by Andrew Norman.  CAP UCLA at Royce Hall.   (310) 825-2101.

Catalina Popescu

- April 21. (Sun.)  The Arturo Sandoval Big Band is the centerpiece in the California Jazz Foundation’s annual Benefit Concert, this time honoring the decades of jazz support from Catalina Popescu, the owner of Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- April 21. (Sun.)  Sherry Williams. With a voice as smooth and sweet as honey, Williams is always a pleasure to hear in her blues-tinged interpretations.  She’ll be backed by Joe Bagg, piano, Pat Senatore, bass, Mark Ferber, drums.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

San Francisco

- April 19. (Fri.)  Raquel Bitton. With special guest Rebeca Mauleon. Paris Meets Havana is the subtitle of a program featuring Bitton’s French and Mauleon’s Cuban classics, performed with full orchestra. Yoshi’s San Francisco.    (415) 655-5600.

- April 20. (Sat.)  Bill Frisell.  The ever-adventurous guitarist/composer Frisell provides original music for a reading of Hunter S. Thompson’s The Kentucky Derby.  An SFJAZZ program at Miner Auditorium.    (866) 920-5299.

Chicago

Diane Schuur

- April 18 – 21. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Diane Schuur.  “Deedles,” as she is known to friends and fans alike, still possesses one of the most musically malleable voices in jazz – always a pleasure to hear. Jazz Showcase.    (312) 360-0234.

Washington D.C.

- April 17. (Wed.)  The Stan Kenton Alumni Band.  Mike Fax conducts a program of music ranging across the full musical panorama of Kenton’s remarkable big band history.  Blues Alley.    (202) 337-4141.

New York City

- April 17 – 20. (Wed. – Sat.)  The John Scofield “Hollow Body Band” is an aptly titled musical exchange with special guest guitarist Mike Stern.  Birdland.      (212) 581-3080.

Steve Wilson

- April 18 – 21. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Steve Wilson Quintet.  Alto saxophonist Wilson’s resume includes recordings and performances ranging from Chick Corea and Lionel Hampton to Joe Henderson, Ron Carter and beyond.  But it’s always great to hear him on his own.  In this case he’s backed by Alex Sipiagin, trumpet, George Cables, piano, Larry Grenadier, bass and Ulysses Owens, Jr., drums.  The Jazz Standard.    (212) 576-2232.

- April 19. (Fri.)  Ana Popovic.  A blues guitarist and singer from Serbia may seem unlikely, but Popovic has been solidly proving her skills in both those areas.  The Iridium.    (212) 582-2121.

London

- April 21 (Sunday)  Joyce.  Described by Antonio Carlos Jobim as “one of the greatest singers of all times” Brazil’s Joyce has convincingly blended jazz and Brazilian music in her far-reaching recordings and performances.  Ronnie Scott’s.   +44 20 7439 0747.

Berlin

Judy Niemack

- April 18. (Thurs.)  Judy Niemack.  She has been praised for the beauty of her voice, but Niemack is also a superb interpretive singer, who blends technical skill and far-reaching imagination.  A-Trane.   030 / 313 25 50.

Milan 

- April 20. (Sat.)  Dave Holland with the Pepe Habichuela Flamenco Quintet. Always in search of new areas of musical expression, bassist Holland dips into the pleasures of flamenco.  The Blue Note Milano.    +39 02 6901 6888.

Buenos Aires

Maria Puga Lareo

- April 18. (Thurs.)  Maria Puga Lareo and Bob Telson.  Argentine singer Lareo, highly regarded for her jazz skills, performs every Thursday night in April with American jazz and film composer/pianist Telson.   Clasica Y Moderna.   +54 11 4813-9517.

Tokyo

- April 19 & 20.  (Fri. & Sat.)  Karen Souza.  Latin American singer Souza’s fascination with the jazz swing era is an essential element in her music.  Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of Karen Souza.   Tokyo Blue Note.   +81 3-5485-0088.

Picks of the Week: July 25 – 31.

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Justo Almario

- July 26. (Tues.)  Justo Almario Quartet.  Saxophonist/flutist Almario is one of the Southland’s great jazz treasures, a player who moves convincingly across every jazz arena. Vibrato.  (310) 474-9400.

- July 27. (Wed.)  Gladys Knight and James Ingram.  The one and only Grammy-winning Empress of Soul shares the stage with the smooth sounds of balladeer Ingram.   Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2040.

- July 28. (Thurs.)  David Angel’s Saxtet.  Angel continues his quest to showcase the jazz saxophone in all its glories.   Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

- July 28. (Thurs.)  Red Baraat.  The band that has convincingly married the Punjabi bhangra percussion rhythms with spunky New Orleans brass makes its West Coast premiere appearance.  The Skirball Cultural Center.   Free.  Seating on first come basis.  (310) 440-4500.

Ann Hampton Callaway

- July 28 – July 30.  (Thurs. – Sun.) Ann Hampton Callaway.  Blessed with one of the jazz vocal world’s most gorgeous, emotionally pliant voices, Callaway is also a convincing pianist and a masterful musical storyteller. Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- July 29. (Fri.)  Los Lonely Boys and Los Lobos.  One of the major pop music breakthroughs of the past decade, the Grammy winning, platinum producing Lonely Boys share the stage with the older, more established, but no less compelling Los Lobos. The Greek Theatre.  (323) 665-5857.

- July 29. (Fri.)  John Proulx, Kristin Korb and Dave Tull. Trio’s like this don’t come along very often.  Pianist Proulx, bassist Korb and drummer Tull are all first rate instrumentalists  But each of them is also an appealing jazz vocalist.   Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- July 29 & 30. (Fri. & Sat.) Michael Feinstein and the Singing Stars of Television.  Pianist/singer Feinstein, who matches his musical adroitness with a dedication to the glories of American song, performs with Wayne Brady, Florence Henderson, Cheyenne Jackson and Dick Van Dyke.   Hollywood Bowl.    (323) 850-2040.

- July 30. (Sat.)  Trouble in Tahiti. The too-rarely seen Leonard Bernstein one-act opera receives a rare and unusual performance in a night club setting.  Jessica Marney and Phil Meyer star.   Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- July 30. (Sat.)  Shoghaken Ensemble and Tigran.  An evening overflowing with the colorful, far-reaching melodies and rhythms of Armenia.  Grand Performances.

(213) 687-2159.

- July 30. (Sat.)  Chuck Manning Quartet.  Versatile tenor saxophonist Manning brings an inventive point of view to his bop-influenced, straight ahead style.  His stellar backing includes Jay Daversa, trumpet, Pat Senatore, bass and Jimmy Branley, drums.  At 6:30 and 10:30, the Otmaro Ruiz duo.   Vibrato.  (310) 474-9400.

Peter Frampton

- July 30. (Sat.)  Peter Frampton.  One of the icons of classic rock, Frampton was a co-founder of the group Humble Pie when he was only eighteen.  Still a star, this time out he performs his multi-platinum album Frampton Comes Alive! in its entirety.  Greek Theatre.   (323) 665-5857.

- July 30 & 31. (Sat. & Sun.)  The Central Avenue Jazz Festival.  The 16^th annual festival, always a showcase for the Southland’s finest, takes place in one of the founding places of Los Angeles jazz.  This year’s line up includes: on Saturday: Pete Escovedo, Kamasi Washington, the Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra, Karen A. Clark Project, Ashley Siris, Dorian Holley, The LAUSD All-City High School Jazz Band.  On Sunday: The Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Katia Moraes and Sambaguru, Deacon Jones with Ray Goren, Ernie Andrews, Jazz America tribute to Buddy Collette.  The Central Avenue Jazz Festival takes place on Central Ave. between 42^nd and 43^rd streets.  Free.  (213) 473-2309.

San Francisco

New West Guitar Group

- July 27. (Wed.)  New West Guitar Group. A trio of gifted young guitarists – John Storie, Perry Smith and Jeff Stein, the New West players have thoroughly authenticated their ability to move freely and imaginatively across jazz, rock, folk and beyond.  Freight & Salvage.   http://www.thefreight.org  (510) 644-2020.

- July 29. (Fri.)  Lavay Smith’s Crazy in Love with Patsy Cline.  The one and only sultry siren finds entertaining common ground between jazz, blues and country.  Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.   (510) 644-2020.

- July 31 – 31. (Sat. & Sun.)  The Fab Four.  Tribute bands seem to be proliferating in every direction.  But none do a more entertaining job of it than the Fab Four’s ear and eye catching versions of the Beatrles. Yoshi’s San Francisco.    (415) 655-5600.

New York

- July 26 – 30. (Tues. – Sat.)  Leny Andrade.  “From Rio With Love.”  The title is great, but it doesn’t say it all.  Andrade, in fact, has for years been one of Brazil’s most proficient jazz vocal artists, combining her deep understanding of Brazilian rhythms with an equally inventive jazz style.  Birdland.     (212) 581-3080.

- July 26 – 31. (Tues. – Sun.)  Fourplay. Guitarist Chuck Loeb joined founding Fourplay members Bob James, keyboards, Nathan East, bass and Harvey Mason, drums in 2010.  The result has been a further musical enhancement of a group that has always had the ability to find the creative heart of whatever style they elect to play.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Claudia Acuna

- July 26 – 31. (Tues. – Sun.)  Claudia Acuna.  In a jazz world overflowing with talented female vocal artists, Acuna continues to soar freely at the highest levels of the art.  Chilean born, she mastered the basics quickly, but what makes her special is the way she has shaped her version of those basics into her own mesmerizing musical story telling. (212) 258-9800.   Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.

Paris

- July 29. (Fri.)  Ravi Coltrane Quartet.  Tenor and soprano saxophonist Coltrane has successfully accomplished the difficult task of creating his own convincing musical identity, expanding inventively from year to year, inspired but undistracted by the greatness of his father.  New Morning.    01 45 23 51 41.

Justo Amario photo by Tony Gieske.

Picks of the Week: July 5 – 10

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Ernie Andrews

- July 6. (Wed.)  The Ernie Andrews Quartet. The stylish, versatile Andrews – as convincing with a ballad standard as he is with the blues — performs with the bebop-driven alto saxophone of Richie Cole, and the stellar rhythm section of Art Hllary, piano, Richard Simon, bass and Ralph Penland, drums.  “Sunset Jazz at Newport.”   The Rose Garden of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa.  (949) 759-5003.

- July 6. (Wed.)  Chieli Minucci.  Guitarist/composer/producer divides his time between his Grammy nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX and his busy schedule as an A-list sideman and composer for television and film.  He makes his first Special EFX appearance at the Baked Potato with special guest, keyboardist Lao Tizer.  Baked Potato.    (818) 980-1615.

- July 6. (Wed.)  Quattro.  With four skilled player/singers – Giovanna Clayton, cello, Lisa Dondlinger, violin, Kayta Matsuno, guitar and Jorge Villanueva, percussion – and an unusual instrumentation, Quattro is all set to produce an evening of fascinating sounds. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- July 7. (Thurs.)  The Fred Horn Quintet.  “A Tribute to Horace Silver.”  The inimitable Brick Wahl describes saxophonist Horn’s Silver tribute with a single, laudatory word: Cool.  And Brick, as usual, is right on target.  LAX Jazz Club in the Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel.    (310) 642-7500.

- July 7. (Thurs.) Bobbi Page & Dream Street.  Singer Page receives beautifully textured support from the lush timbres and subtle swing of Dream Street.  It’s a great combination.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- July 8. (Fri.)  The 18th Annual Brazilian Summer Festival.  Call it Carnaval in the Summertime.  A celebration of the irresistible rhythms of Brazil — samba, frevo, bossa nova, batucada.  Headlining the festivities — Grammy winner Diogo Nogueira, the singing offspring of a family of samba artists.  Also on the program, the dynamic music of Chalo Eduaro’s “Brazilian Beat” band and the shimmering costumes and energetic choreography of the Brazilian Nites Samba Dancers.  A Brazilian Nites production at the Roxy Theatre.  (818) 566-1111.

- July 8 & 9. (Fri. & Sat.)  Steely Dan.  The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers perform two separate, but equally compelling programs.  On Friday night they perform Aja and their greatest hits.  On Saturday, a fan-voted set list.  Greek Theatre.  Special guest Sam Yahel.    (323) 665-5857.

Nellie McKay

- July 9. (Sat.)  Nellie McKay.  The seemingly limitless talents of McKay – singer, pianist, songwriter, actress, satirist and more – are currently focused on an inventive musical reconstruction of the 1958 film, I Want To Live. Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- July 9. (Sat.)  Gary Foster/Alan Broadbent Quartet. It’s a combination that’s guaranteed to produce jazz at its finest.  Foster’s saxophone playing and Broadbent’s piano come from the same imaginative perspective.  And, with Broadbent planning to move to New York, he should be heard at every opportunity.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

- July 9 & 10. (Sat. & Sun.)  The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.  “Totally: Our ‘80s Show”  The vocally adept, musically eclectic singers of the GMCLA call up plenty of memories with a program of songs by Cindy Lauper, Michael Jackson,  Depeche Mode, Pat Benatar and more.   The Avalon Hollywood.    (424) 239-6514.

San Francisco

- July 8 – 10 (Fri. –Sun.)  Michael Franks. It’s been more than three decades since Franks’ “Popsicle Toes” and “Lady Wants To Know” announced the arrival of a skilled new singer/songwriter witj a distinct jazz orientation.  And he’s still going strong. Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

New York

- July 5. (Tues.)  Leni Stern.  Guitarist Stern showcases her fascination with African rhythms with an ensemble that comfortably crosses the boundaries between jazz and Africa.  55 Bar.   (212) 929-9883.

Carmen Lundy

- July 8 – 10.  (Fri. – Sun.)  Carmen Lundy.  The many musical gifts of Lundy have been apparent for years.  But she’s never put them quite as prominently up front as she does on her latest album, Solamente, on which she plays all the instruments, sings all the songs and has written most of the music.  She is truly one of a kind. The Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592.

Seattle

- July 7 – 10. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Mose Allison. The bayou philosopher manages to sneak a bit of home grown wisdom into most of his songs.  And he does so with memorable melodies, buoyant swing and an ever present sense of humor.  Jazz Alley.  (206) 441-9729.  (206) 441-9729.

Chicago

- July 7 – 10. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Judy Roberts Trio.  Chicago’s favorite female jazz singer/pianist  gets together with frequent musical companion, saxophonist/flutist Greg Fishman.  Jazz Showcase  (312) 360-0234.

London

Jeff Lorber

- July 6. (Wed.)  Jeff Lorber Fusion. Keyboardist Lorber’s pioneering Fusion group of the ‘70s and ’80 set the pattern for many of the contemporary jazz groups to follow.  But none did it any better than the music Lorber has produced, then and now.  Ronnie Scott’s  020 7439 0747.

Paris

- July 6 & 7. (Wed. & Thurs.)  Bitches Brew Beyond.   Trumpeter Wallace Roney’s mastery of the Miles Davis trumpet style makes him the ideal candidate for this re-imagining of the classic Bitches Brew material.  Further enhancing the authenticity, Vince Wilburn, Jr. (Davis’ nephew) is in the drum chair.   New Morning. 

Tokyo

- July 8 – 10. )Fri. – Sun.)  Bob James Trio.  Keyboardist James takes a break from his heavy schedule with Fourplay to dig into a straight ahead, piano jazz trio set.  He’ll also feature bassist Shadu Shah.  Blue Note Tokyo.  03 5485 0088.

Picks of the Week: Dec. 28 – Jan. 2

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Gerald Clayton

- Dec. 28. (Tues.)  Gerald Clayton Trio. Grammy nominated pianist Clayton has moved rapidly from being an upcoming L.A. prodigy to an emerging new jazz star.  He’s based in New York City now, so don’t miss this fairly rare opportunity to hear him back in the Southland.  Steamers. (714) 871-8800

- Dec. 28. (Tues.)  Mitchel Forman Quartet. Versatile keyboardist Forman’s credits reach from the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Wayne Shorter to Manhattan Transfer, Pat Metheny and beyond.  But it’s always fascinating to hear him leading his own musical aggregation. Vibrato.  (310)  474-9400.

- Dec. 28 – Jan. 2. (Tues. – Sun.)  Jane Monheit.  What better time to hear the gorgeous voice of Monheit than during the holiday season, especially when she’ll be singing songs from her lovely new album, Home. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- Dec. 30. (Thurs.)  Joe La Barbera Quintet. The drummer everyone likes to hear in the rhythm section, LaBabera steps out front to lead the stellar ensemble of Bob Sheppard, Clay Jenkins, Tom Warrington and John Campbell.   Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- Dec. 30. (Thurs.) Janis Mann Quartet.  Mann’s latest album, Blow Away, is a compelling display of classic standards sung in richly atmospheric interpretations.  Here’s a chance to hear them performed live.  Charlie O’s. (818)  994-3058.

San Francisco

Fee Waybill

- Dec. 29. (Wed.)  The Tubes.  The wildly theatrical band of the ‘70s and ‘80s is still breaking out of the envelope, with the unique voice of Fee Waybill leading the way.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600.

- Dec. 29. (Wed.)  Roberta Donnay Jazz Trio.  Singer Donnay takes a break from her gig  as a member of Dan Hicks’ Hot Licks to showcase her impressive jazz vocal skills.  The Union Room at Biscuits and Blues.   (415) 292-2583.

New York.

- Dec. 27 – Jan. 2. Chris Botti.  Trumpeter Botti’s holiday month musical marathon continues.  The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.

Dec. 28 – 31. (Tues. – Fri.)  The Bad Plus.  Contemporary, cutting edge piano jazz is alive in the hands of this musically vibrant trio.  Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

(Fri., Dec. 31)

Los Angeles

Baked Potato. Don Randi & Quest bring in the New Year at their home base with a line up of special guests.  (818) 980-1615.

Jane Monheit (Photo by Tony Gieske)

 

Catalina Bar & Grill.  Jane Monheit. Continuing her week-long run (through Sunday) with a holiday celebration.  (323) 466-2210.

Charlie O’s. Don Menza, Tom Ranier, John Heard and Roy McCurdy.  Saxophonist Menza fronts a stellar ensemble of L.A. jazz veterans.   (818) 994-3059.

Chateau Ballroom.   Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band. Hansen’s electric violin and rhythm happy ensemble provide the perfect setting to salsa in the New Year. 213-746-4490

Chaya Brasserie. “Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve.” John Reynolds and the Blue Four, featuring singer Molly Ryan.   (310) 859-8833.

Culver Club Radisson Hotel. Ernie Andrews struts his inimitable musical way into the New Year.  (310) 649-1776.  Ext. 4137.

Steamers. The Chris Williams Sextet.  Canadian-born singer/percussionist Williams leads his rhythmically energized sextet in a holiday celebration.  (714) 871-8800.

Barbera Morrison

Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Barbara Morrison keeps the blues and everything else alive, this year and every year.  (310) 474-9400.

Vitellos. Nutty. An evening of classic Frank Sinatra Ratpack frivolity and jazz to bring in the New Year.    Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

Walt Disney Hall.  Kristin Chenoweth. Emmy and Tony award winner Chenowith celebrates the arrival of 2011 with a back up crew of singers, dancers and musicians, performing selections from Glee, Promises, Promises, Wicked and a lot more.  (323) 850-2000.

San Francisco

Yoshi’s Oakland. Lalah Hathaway. Soulful stylist Hathaway brings emotional life to everything she sings.  Hopefully she’ll include her Grammy-nominated “Forever, For Always, For Love.”  (510) 238-9200.

Yoshi’s San Francisco.  Dianne Reeves. Reeve’s sumptuous voice will be ably backed by the superb ensemble of Peter Martin, Romero Lubambo, Reginald Veal and Terreon Gully.   (415) 655-5600.

New York

Hilary Kole

Birdland.  The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe and featuring the warm-toned vocals of Hilary Kole top off a rare week-long run with a climactic, bring-in-the-New-Year set.   (212) 581-3080.

Blue Note. Chris Botti.  Trumpeter Botti heads toward the climax of his annual holiday run at the Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. “Celebration in Swing” It’s an apt title for a performance by the all-star ensemble of Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Jimmy Heath, Nicholas Payton, Dezron Douglas and Willie Jones, III.  (212) 258-9800.

Iridium. The Mike Stern Band with Victor Wooten, Dave Weckl and Bob Malach.  And here’s another all-star ensemble determined to celebrate the New Year in hard swinging fashion.  (212) 582-2121.

Jazz Standard.  Dr. Lonnie Smith Big Band.  Dr. Lonnie, who usually works in trio format, displays his dynamic style in a roaring, big band setting. Jazz Standard.   (212) 447-7733.

Village Vanguard. The Bad Plus.  The trio of Ethan Iverson, Reid Anderson and Dave King continue to expand the envelope of the jazz piano trio.   (212) 255-4037.

Picks of the Week: Aug. 30 – Sept. 5

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Karen Lovely

- Aug. 31. (Tues.)  The Karen Lovely Band. Rising vocal star Lovely is applying her powerful singing to classic blues, richly investing the  styles of the ’30s and ’40s — Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, etc. — with her uniquely contemporary perspective.   Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

- Aug. 31. (Tues.)  Lisa Hilton. Jazz pianist Hilton leads her quartet — saxophonist J.D. Allen, bassist Gregg August and drummer Rudy Royston –  focusing on her playing and her compositions in a performance that will no doubt include some selections from her recently released CD, Nuance. Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- Aug. 31. (Tues.)  John Altman. He’s been a visible factor in jazz and pop music for decades, as a composer, arranger, producer and conductor.  But Altman’s also an impressive alto saxophonist as well.  Hear him in one of the Southland’s most laid back jazz settings.  Charlie O’s.   (818) 994-3058.

- Aug. 31. (Tues.)  Yuval Ron Ensemble.  Seeker of the Truth. The Ron Ensemble performs ecstatic music of the Sufi and Jewish traditions, with the Whirling Dervish Aziz and sacred dance artist Maya Karasso.  Also on the program, the vocals of Maya Haddi and the qawwali singing of Pakistan’s Sukhawat Ali Khan.  Seeker of the Truth.  Morgan-Wixson Theatre, Santa Monica.    Info: (818) 505-1355.

- Aut. 31. (Tues.)  John Pisano’s Guitar Night.  With Howard Alden.  You may not recognize Alden by sight, but you’ve heard his playing if you saw Woody Allen’s Sweet and Lowdown, in which it was dubbed over Sean Penn’s air guitar.  Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

Herbie Hancock

- Sep. 1. (Wed.)  Herbie Hancock Seven Decades – The Birthday Celebration. The Hollywood Bowl’s jazz highlight of the summer season.  The program includes selections from Hancock’s new crossover album,  The Imagine Project.  Among his stellar companions for the night: Wayne Shorter, India.Arie, Jack DeJohnette, Zakir Hussain, Juanes, Esperanza Spalding, Lisa Hannigan, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and others.  The Hollywood Bowl.  (323) 850-2000.  Click HERE to read Herbie Hancock’s conversation with iRoM about the making of  “The Imagine Project.”

- Sept. 2. (Thurs.) Leonard Bernstein’s Candide.  A Los Angeles Philharmonic concert staging of Bernstein’s operetta featuring singers Anna Christy, Alek Shrader and Richard Suart with the LA Master Chorale.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Sept 2. (Thurs.)  Dr. John and the Lower 911.  New Orleans rhythms take over the Santa Monica Pier for a dynamic summer evening.  Dancing, if there’s room, is optional, but probably irresistible.  With Eddie Baytos and the Nervis Brothers.  Twilight Dance at the Santa Monica Pier.  (310) 458-8900.

- Sept. 2. (Thurs.)  Gail Pettis.  She spends most of her time in her Seattle orthodontist’s office, but Pettis has all the qualities of a breakout jazz vocalist.  She’s not here often, so don’t miss the opportunity to hear her.Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. 

Gaea Schell

- Sept. 1 & 2. (Wed, & Thurs.) Gaea Schell Quartet Pianist/singer Schell, whose vocals are intimately blended with her articulate piano work, makes a pair of appearances, backed by bassist Essiet Essiet at Vibrato , (310) 474-9400, on Wednesday, and with Essiet, saxophonist Chuck Manning and drummer Sylvia Cuenca at the Crowne Plaza Brasserie Jazz Lounge,  (310) 642-7500, on Thursday.

- Sept. 2 – 5. (Thurs. – Sun.) Mary Wilson You know her from her chart busting performances with the Supremes, and Wilson continues to honor that legacy.  But she’s also emerged as a talented, jazz and blues artist in her own right.  Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.  .

- Sept. 3 & 4. (Fri. & Sat.)  Earth, Wind & Fire celebrate their 40^th anniversary, performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Fireworks.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Sept. 3 – 6. (Fri. – Mon.)  Sweet & Hot Music Festival.  The 15^th installment of this annual event celebrates the great jazz mainstream – from up tempo swing to seductive blues and balladry.  Featured artists include  Ernestine Anderson, Herb Jeffires, Banu Gibson, Jack Sheldon Orchestra, The Mills Brothers, Harry Allen, Howard Alden and dozens of others.  Over 200 musicians performing at eight different locations in 180 events, with four dance floors encouraging fancy footwork. .  LAX Marriott Hotel.  Sweet & Hot Music Festival.   (909) 983-0106.

Louie Cruz Beltran

- Sept. 5. (Sun.)  La Vida Music Festival.   An evening of music celebrating L.A.’s rich array of Latin musical cultures.  With Louis Cruz Beltran, Poncho Sanchez.  Real Tango, the Mariachi Divas, Robert Kyle’s Brazilian Quartet and Chalo Eduardo’s Brazilian Beat.  Tommy Hawkins hosts.  Ford Amphitheatre. (323) 461-3673

- Sept. 6. (Mon.) Fantasea One Labor Day Yacht Party.  A mini-cruise and barbeque with four decks of live entertainment, DJs, games, free barbeque, cabanas and more.  Departing from Marina Del Rey at 4 p.m., returning at 8 p.m.  (310) 821-5371.   8^th Annual Labor Day Yacht Party.

San Francisco

- Aug. 31 – Sept. 1. (Tues. – Thurs.) Jacky Terrasson.  France’s Terrason burst onto the jazz stage in 1993 as the winner of the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition.  And he didn’t stop there, receiving a pair of Grammy nominations and a string of awards inhis native country.  Always compelling, he makes few West Coast appearances.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600. 

- Sept. 2 – 4 (Thurs. – Sat.)  Marlena Shaw. She’s been crossing genre boundaries – from jazz to soul, disco and beyond – since the mid-‘60s.  And she’s still in rare form.  The Rrazz Room.   (415) 394-1189.

- Sept. 3 – 5. (Fri. – Sun.)  Kenny Burrell Quintet.  Veteran guitarist/educator Burrell leads the scintillating ensemble of saxophonist Tivon Pennicott, bassist Roberto Miranda, pianist Mike Wofford and drummer Clayton Cameron.  To read a recent iRoM review of the Burrell Quintet click HERE.  Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

Detroit

Roy Haynes

- Sept. 3 – 6. (Fri. – Mon.)  31^st Detroit International Jazz Festival.  This year’s event has as stellar a line up as any jazz festival of the year.  But the price is right for this one.  Here are some of the highlight performers: Roy Haynes and his Fountain of Youth Band, Maria Schneider, Branford Marsalis, Myra Melford, Freddy Cole, Ledisi, Mulgrew Miller & Kenny Barron Duo, Ray Brown Tribute, Danilo Perez, Tower of Power,  Ernie Andrews, Kurt Elling, Ernie Watts, Tower of Power, Gerald Wilson, The Manhattan Transfer and much more.   Free Event.  Detroit International Jazz Festival. At locations in downtown Detroit.

Chicago

- Sept. 2 – 5. (Fri.- Sun.)  The 32^nd Annual Chicago Jazz Festival, presented by CareFusion.  Another grat Midwest jazz festival, also priced for everyone’s pocketbook.  Here are some of the high points of a line up that also includes an array of Chicago-based talent of all ages.  Brad Mehldau, Henry Threadgill, Kurt Elling, Rene Marie, Ramsey Lewis, Chuchito Valdes, Brian Blade Fellowship Band, Charisma with a Lee Morgan Tribute, Ted Sirota.  Free Event.  At locations throughout Chicago.  Chicago Jazz Festival (312) 427-1676.   (313) 447-1248.

New York

- Aug. 31 – Sept. 1 (Tues. & Wed.) Jimmy Scott.  He’s been one of jazz, soul and r&b’s most unique stylists since he first arrived on the scene.  Still a master of interpretation, he performs here in the companly of jazz harmonica player Gregoire Maret.  The Blue Note (212) 475-8592.

Leny Andrade

- Aug. 31 – Sept. 4. (Tues. – Sat.)  Leny Andrade.  “Return to Birdland: Bossas, Boleros and Jazz.” Andrade’s ability to illuminate the natural jazz roots of bossa nova has made her one of Brazil’s finest jazz vocal artists.  Birdland.   (212) 581-3080.

- Aug. 31 – Sept. 5. (Tues. – Sun.)  Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell.  It’s as all-star as it gets, with three masters of their art working in spontaneous tandem.  Don’t miss this one.  Village Vanguard.   (212) 255-4037.

- Sept. 1. (Wed.)  “Endangered Species; The Music of Wayne Shorter” The Irididium opens Big Band Month with a performance by the Wayne Shorter Tribute Big Band.  David Weiss leads the ten piece ensemble in a program surveying music from the full breadth of Shorter’s remarkable catalog of compositions.  Iridium.   (212) 582-2121.

- Sept. 2 – 5. (Wed. – Sun.)  Tuck & Patti.  They started out as a definitive jazz voice and guitar duo, and they continue to bring imagination and musicality to everything they perform.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Picks of the Week: July 19 – 25

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- July 19. (Mon.)  Rachael Sage.  The music of New York singer/songwriter Sage has been described as “Elton John Meets Kate Bush,” but she’s a lot more unique than that – a musical happening in her own right.  Genghis Cohen.  (323) 653-0640.

- July 19. (Mon.) Elvis Schoenberg’s Orchestre Surreal.  With a stage name derived from Elvis Presley and Arnold Schoenberg, composer Ross Wright has assembled a 20+ piece ensemble for whom “eclectic” only begins to describe what they do. Typhoon Restaurant. (310) 390-6565.

The Labeque Sisters

- July 20. (Tues.) and July 22 (Thurs.)  Magnificent Mozart. Mozart is always “magnificent,” of course.  And especially so when Katia and Marielle Labèque are playing the Concerto for Two Pianos, K.365.  Nicholas McGegan also conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the Symphony No. 36. (Linz), K.425.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- July 20. (Tues.) James Taylor and Carole King.  For anyone who remembers the ‘70s, it doesn’t get any more nostalgic than this.  Taylor and King may be in their sixties, but they still know how to get to the heart of a song.  The Honda Center, Anaheim.   (714) 704-2500.

- July 20. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night.  Pisano and guitarist Federico Ramos bring a touch of Rio to Studio City, backed by bassist Jose Marino and drummer Enzo Todesco.  Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- July 20. (Tues.)  Johnny Crawford Orchestra.  Crawford and his line-up of veteran big band players celebrate the Artie Shaw centennial with “Begin the Beguine” and much more.  Typhoon Restaurant.   (310) 390-6565.

- July 21. (Wed.)  Melissa Sweeney and Bill Cunliffe. Singer Sweeney and pianist Cunliffe are both show biz hyphenates – Sweeney as a film producer (Split Ends), Cunliffe as a Grammy winning arranger/composer.  Performing together, their unique talents combine into an impressive musical blend. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

Jamie Cullum

- July 21. (Wed.)  Jamie Cullum.  Every Cullum performance is an adventure, enlivened by his intriguing vocals and his unpredictable piano work (sometimes on the keys, sometimes on the strings, sometimes elsewhere.  He’s a true original, quirky, but always musical and always a pleasure to hear.  Ford Amphitheatre.  (323) 461-3673.

- July 21. (Wed.)  Joe Bagg Organ Trio. Keyboardist Bagg displays his proficiency on the B-3, backed by guitarist Jamie Rosenn and drummer Ryan Doyle. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

- July 21. (Wed.)  Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin.  Jazz at the Bowl brings an impressive group of six-stringers to interact with Ritenour and Grusin: Keb Mo, Taj Mahal and John Scofield. Dianne Reeves adds her virtuosic vocal stylings.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- July 22. (Thurs.) Jovanotti.  One of Italy’s most charismatic performers brings his highly personal blend of song, funk, rapping and an occasional classical touch to Twilight Dance at the Santa Monica Pier.   (310) 458-8900.

- July 22. (Thurs.)  Pinky Winters.  With a career that reaches back to the ‘50s, Winters’ fine jazz singing has been in action only intermittently over the decades.  But she’s back in action and very much worth hearing.  Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

- July 22. (Thurs.)  Parno Graszt.  The Skirball’s Sunset Concert Series opens with a no doubt high spirited performance by a Hungarian Gypsy folk band that always manages to get a crowd to their feet.  The Skirball Center.   (310) 440-4500.

Billy Childs

- July 23. (Fri.)  Billy Childs Trio.  Taking a break from his globe-hopping gig with Chris Botti, Childs gets down to piano trio basics.  Expect the best.   Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- July 22 – 24. (Thurs. – Sat.) Joan Rivers Live! Yes, live, to be sure.  The one and only, as sardonic as ever, making an extremely rare Los Angeles club appearance.  Don’t miss this one.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- July 23. (Fri.)  Tom Peterson Quartet. Saxophonist Peterson is everyone’s first call player, fully capable of fitting into any setting.  But here we get to hear him in his own solidly swinging, ever-inventive mode, backed by the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

- July 23. (Fri.) “Music at the Zoo: Classic Rock Night” And classic rock it will be, with Eagles, Beatles, the Grateful Dead and Heart tribute bands, as well as the songs of The Doors, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Jimi Hendrix and more.  The Los Angeles Zoo.  6 p.m.   (323) 644-6042.

- July 23. (Fri.) Jackson Browne and special guest David Lindley.  Singer/songwriter Browne and guitarist Lindley have been making music together at various times for nearly 40 years.  Their current appearance celebrates the release of the dynamic duo’s Love Is Strange. a 2-CD live recording of their Spanish tour in 2006. The Greek Theatre.  (323) 665-3125.

Ernie Andrews

- July 23. (Fri.) Ernie Andrews.  The male jazz singer field may be relatively sparse these days, but we can always be thankful for the presence of Andrews, who sings anything and everything with style and substance.  The Culver Club in the Raddison. (310) 649-1776 ext. 4137.

- July 23 (Fri.)  Bern.  Drummer Bernie Dresel leads his wildly versatile band of singers and musicians in the first appearance at The Baked Potato.  (818) 980-1615.

- July 24. (Sat.)  Mercury Falls and painter Norton Wisdom. Mercury Falls – saxophonist Patrick Cress, guitarist Roger Riedlbauer, bassist Eric Perney and drummer Tim Bulkley – perform their ambient jazz textures, while Wisdom paints spontaneous images to capture the musical moment.  Royal-T.  (310) 559-6300.

- July 25. (Sun.) Louis Prima: Star on Hollywood Blvd. Trumpeter Prima, whose career reached from his mid-‘30s hit, “Sing, Sing, Sing” to his ‘50s trend-setting lounge act with Keely Smith, receives his star on the Walk of Fame.  Prima’s son, Louis Prima, Jr., performs some of the classics after the ceremony.  11617 Vine St., south of Hollywood Blvd.  11:30 a.m.

San Francisco

- July 19 & 20. (Mon. & Tues.)  Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca. Lemvo’s turbulent Congolese percussion rhythms are skillfully blended by his Makina Loca players into a tasty gumbo of salsa, rumba and soukous. Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

- July 21. (Wed.) Etran Finatawa. The trance-like grooves of Niger’s “Stars of Tradition” are as mesmerizing as ever in their new album, Tarkat Tajje/Let’s Go!.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

New York

Carol Welsman

- July 19. (Mon.)  Carol Welsman Quartet with Harry Allen.  Welsman’s velvety vocals, rich sense of swing and embracing balladry are backed by saxophonist Allen’s driving mainstream style.   Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.  (212) 258-9595.  

- July 20 – 24. (Tues. – Sat.)  The Maria Schneider Orchestra. Arguably among the most adventurous of the contemporary big bands, Schneider’s stellar players make the most of her atmospheric charts.  Birdland.  (212) 581-3080.

- July 20 – 25. (Tues. – Sun.)  The Barry Harris Trio. Bebop still lives, in every sense of the word, in Harris’ ineffable piano.  Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

- July 20 – 25. (Tues. – Sun.)  Monty Alexander: Harlem-Kingston Express. Jamaica’s Alexander finds common ground between uptown jazz and Caribbean rhythms. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.  (212) 258-9595.  

- July 22 – 25. (Thurs. – Sun.) Larry Willis Quintet.  Keyboardist Willis has proved his chops in every imaginable setting, from Jackie McLean and Stan Getz to Carmen McRae and Blood, Sweat & Tears.  This time out, he leads the quintet of saxophonist Joe Ford, trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Steve Novosel and drummer Billy Williams. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.

- July 21 & 22. (Wed. & Thurs.)  Jeff Lorber Fusion. Keyboardist Lorber led the way in the early years of fusion, and he continues to stretch the envelope, this time celebrating the appropriately titled new recording, Now is the Time, dipping into the jazz roots that have always been the foundation of his music.  Iridium.  (212) 582-2121.

- July 23 – 25. (Fri. – Sun.) Geri Allen and Timeline. Pianist Allen showcases selections from a pair of new albums – the tap dancing sounds of Live (Dig) and the solo piano excursions of Flying Toward the Sound. Iridium.  (212) 582-2121.

Picks of the Week: September 1 – 6

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- Sept. 1. (Tues.) Herb Alpert and Lani Hall. Trumpeter Alpert and vocalist Hall discuss their remarkable careers (individually and as a couple) and offer a few of the new slants on standards that make up the program in their impressive new live CD, “Anything Goes.” Grammy Museum.

- Sept. 1 & 2. (Tues. & Wed.) Tessa Souter. She’s not out on the West Coast very often, so fans of world class jazz vocalizing shouldn’t miss this opportunity to hear Souter’s unique ability to find new musical pleasures in familiar songs. Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Sept. 2. (Wed.) Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke & Lenny White. Chaka Khan, Jean Luc Ponty, Bill Connors. John Scofield and the Piety Street Band. Corea leads a trio that represents 3/4 of Return To Forever, but with a very different musical perspective. Khan, Ponty, Connors and Scofield add more diversity to one of the summer jazz series most intriguing events. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

- Sept. 3. (Thurs.) An Evening with Patti Smith. The Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier closes the 2009 season with an appearance by the pioneer poet of punk. Twilight Dance Series.  (310) 458-8901.

Highlight

- Sept. 3 – 6. (Thurs. – Sun.) The 15^th Annual West Coast Jazz Party. It’s always one of the don’t-miss musical events of the year, and this year is no exception. From the various indoor and outdoor venues at the Irvine Marriott to the delightful Sunday jazz cruise on the Hornblower Yacht Entertainer, it’s a great way to spend a holiday weekend. Featured performers include Ken Peplowski, the Four Freshmen and Five Trombones, Terry Gibbs, Ernie Andrews, Houston Person, Gary Foster, Peter Erskine, Larry Koonse, Tom Rainier, Byron Stripling, Paul Smith, Marilyn Maye, the Frank Capp Juggernaut Orchestra, and such special events as a Guitar Summitt (w. Mundell Lowe, Mimi Fox and Ron Eschete) and a Tribute to Rosemary Clooney with Debby Boone, Irvine Marriott Hotel and the Hornblower Yacht Entertainer. West Coast Jazz party. (949) 759-5003.

- Sept. 4 – 7. (Fri. – Mon.) The Sweet & Hot Music Festival. And here’s another don’t-miss holiday weekend jazz party. The title is right on target — tons of New Orleans, Swing, Mainstream and Straight Ahead jazz presented via virtually non-stop music in eight different venues. The performers include Yves Evans, Jack Sheldon, Gonzalo Bergara, Jennifer Leitham, Herb Jeffries, Banu Gibson, Night Blooming Jazzmen and Janet Klein (with many others), as well as as “Tribute to the King Sisters” (w. Marilyn King), “Prez Conference”, and “Tribute to Johnny Mandel,” plus nightly Midnight Jazz sets.   Too bad the West Coast Jazz Party and the Sweet & Hot Music Festival can’t scedule their equally fascinating productions on consecutive weekends.  The L.A.X. Marriott Hotel. Sweet & Hot Music Festival.   (909) 983-0106.

- Sept. 4. (Fri.) Gina Saputo. In a crowded field of young female jazz singers, Saputo’s soaring vocals and rhythmic lift suggest that she’s ready to step up from the pack. Steamers.  (714) 871-8800.

- Sept. 4. (Fri.) Denise Donatelli. A warm, seductive sound, the instincts of a true story teller, and the kind of swinging phrasing that stamps her as a true jazz artist — Donatelli’s the real deal. And no better place to hear her than in the laid back vibe of the Southland’s ultimate jazz bar and restaurant. Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058

- Sept. 4 – 6. (Fri. – Sun.) Mort Sahl and Dick Gregory. One of the most unusual bookings of this or any other season. But a jazz club’s the right place for them — Sahl and Gregory work with the sort of improvisatory spontaneity and rhythmic propulsion that are essential to the finest jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

Highlight

- Sept. 6 – 7. (Sun. & Mon.) Angel City Jazz Festival. The second installment of this adventurous Festival now takes place in the airy outdoor setting of the Ford Amphitheatre. And the line-up is an impressive collection of some of the contemporary jazz world’s most cutting edge artists and ensembles. The line up includes Dave Douglas & Brass Ecstasy, Bennie Maupin and Dolphyana, Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble, Alex Cline’s Band of the Moment, Larry Goldings Trio, Wayne Horvitz’s Gravitas Quartet. Larry Karush, Dwight Trible, Satoko Fuji and more. Ford Amphitheatre. Angel City Jazz Festival. (323) 461-3673.

San Diego

- Sept. 3. (Thurs.) Alponse Mouzon. Drummer Mouzon leads his Jazz Project (with Eric Marienthal, Byron Miller, Dean Brown and John Beasley) in a benefit concert for Doctors Without Borders. Anthology Club & Restaurant. (618) 595-0300.

San Francisco

- Sept. 3 & 4.. (Thurs. & Fri.) The Blind Boys of Alabama. The multiple Grammy winn ers continue to be one a gospel act that never fails to bring soulful enlightenment to everything they sing. Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

Chicago

- Sept. 3. (Thurs.) Chicago Jazz Ensemble. Jon Faddis leads this always-compelling repertory ensemble in a tribute celebrating the Benny Goodman Centennial. Guest artist is Buddy DeFranco. the clarinetist who took the instrument from Goodman’s swing into the realm of bebop. Pritzker Pavilion, Millenium Park, Chicago.

Detroit

- Sept. 4 – 7. (Fri. – Mon.) Detroit International Jazz Festival. Detroit’s often minimized reputation as a long-time center for world class jazz is affirmed in the superlative line-up for this year’s festival. One of the featured elements is the inclusion of jazz families: Hank Jones, remembering Thad and Elvin; the Clayton brothers; Dave Brubeck and Brubeck brothers; John and Bucky Pizzarelli; Larry and Julian Coryell; the Heath brothers; Pete and Juan Escovedo; Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express; and T.S. Monk with “Monk on Monk.” But there’s much more — Wayne Shorter, Sheila Jordan, Chick Corea, Stefon Harris, Christian McBride, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gretchen Parlato, Bennie Maupin, Alfredo Rodriguez, Charles McPherson, the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Geri Allen, Janis Siegel and others. The Detroit Jazz Festival.

New York

- Sept. 1 – 5. (Sat.) John Surman Quartet. With Jack DeJohnette, drums, Drew Gess, bass, John Abercrombie, guitar. Surman’s duo performances with DeJohnette have been extraordinary experiences. The addition of Gess and Abercrombie should make the encounters even more fascinating. Birdland.  (212) 581-3080

- Sept. 1 – 6. (Tues. – Sun.) Kenny Werner Quintet. Here’s an all-star ensemble if there ever was one: Randy Brecker, David Sanchez, Scott Colley and Antonio Sanchez, no doubt proving Werner’s principles about the value of spontaneity. The Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592

- Sept. 4 – 6. (Fri. – Sun.) Dr. Lonnie Smith. It’s always a blues and jazz organ bonanza when Dr. Lonnie plays. But it’ll be even better this time, with the backing he’ll get from guitarist Dave Stryker and drummer Bill Stewart. The Jazz Standard.  (212) 576-2232

- Sept. 5. (Sat.) Roberta Piket. “Improvised Chamber Music” is what pianist Piket calls her music, careful to avoid any genre limitations. She performs with veteran avant-gardist Perry Robinson on clarinet, Lisle Ellis, bass and Peter Nilson, drums. Ibeam. Brooklyn.

Picks of the Week: August 25 – 30

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- Aug. 25. (Tues.) Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma and the L.A. Philharmonic. What a combination. Domingo conducts Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Symphony No. 5 and Ma plays Dvorak’s controversial, but compelling, Cello Concerto. Hollywood Bowl (323) 850- 2000.

- Aug. 25. (Tues.) Dana Bronson. Singer/pianst Bronson usually performs in cabaret and hotel venues. Here’s a chance for him to open up his repertoire in the Southland’s premiere jazz setting. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210

- Aug. 25. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night continues to be one of the Southland’s most dependable jazz destinations. This week Pisano hosts guitarist John Chiodini, bassist John Hughart and drummer Enzo Tedesco, Spazio.

- Aug.. 25. (Tues.) The Sam Most Trio with organist Joe Bagg and drummer Mark Ferber. The veteran Most was one of the first jazz flutists, but he’s also an impressive exponent of the cool tenor saxophone style. Bar Melody. (310) 670-1994.

- Aug. 26. (Wed.) Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Here it is — one of the Bowl’s major jazz highlights of the summer. In addition to the sizzling Gillespie band, the evening also includes the irrepressible James Moody, the irresistible Roberta Gambarini, the Roy Hargrove Big Band and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000

- Aug. 27. (Thurs) An Evening with Terence Blanchard. The trumpeter/composer discusses his new CD, “Choices,” his film composing and his educational work with Robert Santelli, the Grammy Museum’s Executive Director, before playing selections from “Choices” with his full band. The Grammy Museum. (213) 765-6800.

- Aug. 27. (Thurs.) Theo Saunders Sextet. Pianist Saunders has assembled a sterling ensemble to perform selections emphasizing his belief that a musician should “Play what you hear, not what you think you hear.” The group includes Zane Musa, alto and soprano saxophones, Chuck Manning, tenor and soprano saxophones, David Dahlsten, trombone, Jeff Littleton, bass and Tony Austin, drums. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400.

- Aug. 27. (Thurs.) Dewey Ernie-Ron Eschete 4-Tet. Ernie, a songwriter’s singer, has been placing all of his considerable story-telling skills at the service of American songs for decades. He’s in particularly supportive circumstances whenever he works with his long time associate, the versatile guitarist, Eschete. Steamers. (714) 871-8800

- Aug. 27 – 29. (Thurs. – Sat.) Pharoah Sanders Quartet. Sanders keeps the adventurousness of the 60s alive in a tenor saxophone style that nonetheless always expresses itself in utterly contemporary fashion. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- August 28 – 29. (Fri. & Sat.) Liza Minnelli. The diva of divas makes her return to the Bowl after a recent induction into the venue’s Hall of Fame and the conclusion, in January, of her hit Broadway show. Expect the kind of entertainment fireworks that only Minnelli can trigger. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000

- Aug. 28 & 29. (Fri. & Sat.) Sara Gazarek. The ever-adventurous Gazarek displays her boundary-less vocal skills in a pair of performances with the German group triosence and guitarist Vitally Zolotov. On Friday at Cafe Metropole. (213) 613-1537. On Sat. at Irvine Barclay Theatre. (949) 854-4646-

- Aug. 28 & 29. (Fri. & Sat.) The Jazz All-Stars: Patrice Rushen, piano, John B. Williams, bass, Ralph Penland, drums. The label might seem a little presumptuous, but not when it’s applied to players like Rushen, WIlliams and Penland. On Saturday night’s special guest, Billy Valentine joins the Stars on vocals. Spazio. (818) 728-8400

- Aug. 29. (Sat.) Ernie Andrews and Dori Caymmi. The Grammy Museum Jazz Bakery show. It’s accurately described as “Blues to Bossa” and no one can illuminate those categories better than Andrews and Caymmi. The performance is also another reminder that the Jazz Bakery is still alive and well, looking forward to opening in a brand new venue. The Grammy Museum. (213) 765-6800.

San Diego

- Aug. 28 & 29. (Fri. & Sat.) Strunz and Farah. They’ve been around since world music was more a generalization than a category, and the two-guitar duo continue to combine their Costa Rican (Strunz) and Iranian (Farah) roots into a mesmerizing two-guitar musical blend. Anthology. (619) 595-0300.

San Francisco

August 28 – 30. Outside Lands Music & Art Festival. There’s a ton of musical action for every taste in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park this weekend. Among the highlights: on Friday — Pearl Jam, Thievery Corporation, Tom Jones, Zap Mama; on Saturday — the Dave Matthews Band, Black Eyed Peas, The Mars Volta, Jason Mraz, Os Mutantes, Trombone Shorty; on Sunday — Tenacious D, M.I.M., Ween, Modest Mouse, Lucinda Williams, Robert Randolph. And many, many more. San Francisco Golden Gate Park Outside Lands Music & Art Festival.

New York

- Aug. 25. (Tues.) Sachal Vasandani, Billboard praised the young singer’s first CD as “a superb debut of distinctive originals and intelligent makeovers that teem with a fresh vitality.” His second Mack Avenue CD is due out in September. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2252

- Aug. 25 – 29. (Tues. – Sat.) Hank Jones Trio + Special Guests. The ninety-something Jones, still playing like a veteran youngster, demonstrates that he can trade riffs with anyone. He’ll be performing with Armand Hirsch (guitar 8/25-29), Terrell Stafford (trumpet, 8/25) Eric Alexander (tenor saxophone, 8/26) Joe Wilder (trumpet (8/27), Ravi Coltrane (tenor saxophone (8/28), Frank Wess (tenor saxophone/flute (8/29), George Mraz, bass. Willie Jones III or Quincy Davis, drums. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

- Aug. 25 – 30. (Tues. – Sun.) Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell. It doesn’t get much more stellar than this combination, and it will be fascinating to hear how these three creative individualists find improvisational common ground. (Their booking — for two weeks — also includes Sept. 1 – Sept. 6.) The Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

- Aug. 26. (Wed.) Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh: “The Music of Maria Schneider.” When Dollison and Marsh told Schneider they were planning to do vocal versions of her big band music, she thought they were crazy. But they persuaded her otherwise, and here’s an opportunity to hear their remarkable vocal transformations live. Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2252

- Aug. 28 (Fri.) Kendra Shank. With a talent that can find the beating heart of any song — whether it comes from the pop or jazz worlds or elsewhere — Shank is a singer who reveals something special in every performance. 55 Bar. (212) 929-9883.

Washington, D.C.

- Aug. 27 – 29. (Thurs. – Sat.) John Surman Quartet. With Jack DeJohnette, drums, Drew Gess, bass, John Abercrombie, guitar. Surman’s duo performances with DeJohnette have been extraordinary experiences. The addition of Gess and Abercrombie should make the encounters even more fascinating. Blues Alley. (202) 337-4141.

Picks of the Week: July 6 – 12

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- July 8. (Wed.) Sergio Mendes, Eddie Palmieri, Poncho Sanchez. Three views of the colorful spectrum of Latin jazz – from samba and bossa nova to Afro-Cuban and salsa –are featured in the first entry in the Hollywood Bowl’s summer jazz programming. The Hollywood Bowl.

Luba Mason

- July 8 & 9. (Wed. & Thurs.) Luba Mason. Singer/actress Mason applies her impressive voice to selections from her “Krazy Love” CD, backed by bassist Jimmy Haslip, drummer Marco Costa and pianist Sandro Albert, as well as her husband, actor/musician Ruben Blades. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- July 9. (Thurs.) Chris Botti w. special guest Renee Olstead. Trumpeter Botti’s accomplishing the rare task of gathering large audiences while continuing to expand his creative horizons. Olstead, just turned 20, is already a veteran songstress with a style all her own. The Greek Theatre.

- July 9. (Thurs.) Bern. It’s drummer Bernie Dressel’s “12-piece, supercharged horn funk band.” With four vocalists, horns and rhythm doing the music of Tower of Power, Funkadelic, the Beatles, Miles Davis and beyond. Café Cordial. (818) 7891985.

- July 9. (Thurs.) Joan Baez. The one and only, still performing with the power, the magic and the musicality that have been essential to her art for nearly five decades. The Santa Monica Twilight Dance Series. (310) 458-8901.

Teka

- July 9. (Thurs.) Teka and the NewBossa Trio. (w. Otmaro Ruiz, Tony Dumas and Ami Molinelli.) Singer/guitarist Teka’s “NewBossa” applies her lyrical voice and irresistible rhythms to songs rooted in classic bossa, blossoming in the new century. She spends most of her time around Santa Barbara, so hear her while you can. The Crowne Plaza Hotel. (310) 642-7500.

- July 10. (Fri.) Heart. The summer’s Golden Oldies series kicks off with Heart and the Wilson sisters But that’s just the beginning. Saturday features Duran Duran, followed by Rick Springfield on Sunday. And if that’s not enough, the following week showcases Smokey Robinson, Joan Jett, Tears For Fears, Anita Baker and the B-52s. The Pacific Amphitheatre. (714) 708-1500.

- July 10. (Fri.) The Rickey Woodard Quartet with special guest Jasmyn Roe. The always-engaging saxophonist Woodard leads a sterling ensemble –- pianist Joel Scott, bassist Luther Hughes, drummer Roy McCurdy – in a set brightened by the intimate vocalizing of the rapidly rising jazz star Jasmyn Roe. The Culver Club at the Radisson. (310) 649-1776.

- July 10. (Fri.) Dr. Richard Allen Williams. How in the world does Dr. Williams maintain his position as a highly regarded professor of medicine at U.C.L.A. while keeping his chops together as a prime jazz trumpeter? Hard to say; but he does it. This time out he’ll be laying down his articulate trumpet and flugelhorn lines with the solid backing of tenor saxophonist George Harper, Jr., pianist Harold Land, Jr., bassist Jeff Littleton and drummer Lorca Hart. Spazio. (818) 728-8400.

Barbara Morrison

- July 10 & 11. (Fri. & Sat.) Barbara Morrison. She’s a consummate blues singer, but that’s just the beginning for the magnificent Ms. Morrison, who convincingly covers all the other areas of the jazz vocal art. Steamers. (714) 871-8800

- July 10 – 12. (Fr. – Sun.) Oleta Adams. Everything Adams touches – from ballads to covers to high spirited rhythm tunes — is illuminated by the soulful qualities at the heart of her singing. She’s right on target when she says she “tries to allow the righteousness to shine forth through the music. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- July 11. (Sat.) Buika and Perla Batalla. It’s one of the Southland’s best summer bargains: more than two months of free performances by artists from around the world, presented in the atmospheric, open air setting of the California Water Court. This week; the passionate jazz/bolero/funk sounds of Spanish singer Buika, and the extraordinary ballads, blues and traditional mestiza of Perla Batalla (let’s hope she sings her stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne.”). Grand Performances. (213) 687-2159.

- July 12. (Sun.) Bruce Eskovitz, Charlie Shoemake, Luther Hughes and Pul Kreibich. A Southern California all-star quartet, performing at the ocean view setting of the Hamlet at Moonstone Gardens in the beautiful central coast village of Cambria. Moonstone Gardens. (805) 927-3535.

Ernie Andrews

- July 12. (Sun.) Jazz Explosion III A Fundraiser to Benefit California Jazz Musicians in Need. The all-star line-up includes Ernie Andrews, Llew Matthews, Richard Simon, Roy McCurdy, Bill Cunliffe, Bennie Maupin and his 20 piece Ikeda Kings Orchestra, Janis Mann, Gerry Gibbs and others. 2 – 6 p.m. The California Jazz Foundation. All Saints Church, Pasadena.

San Francisco

- July 9 – 12. (Thurs. – Sun.) Kurt Elling with Ernie Watts and Laurence Hobgood revive songs from the iconic recording match-up of John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600

- July 10 – 12. (Fri. – Sun.) Ladysmith Black Mambazo. A chance to hear South Africa’s inimitable, high spirited vocalizing in a club setting. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200

New York City

- July 7. (Tues.) Steve Kuhn, with saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist David Finck and drummer Billy Drummond celebrates the release of new CD, “Mostly Coltrane” (ECM Records). Pianist Kuhn has assembled an all-star band to revisit his early playing years, when – at 21 – he performed with the player was already beginning to transform the future of the jazz saxophone. Birdland. 581-3080

Ron Carter

- July 7 – 12. (Tues. – Sun.) The Ron Carter Nonet. Bassist Carter’s musical curiosity has always had unlimited horizons. And his Nonet – which features a rhythm section, a cello quartet and his own piccolo bass is one of his more adventurous musical explorations. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear it. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8502.

- July 9 – 12. (Thurs. – Sun.) Generations: a band that reaches across four decades to seek – and find — generational common ground. Including saxophonists Frank Wess, Eric Alexander and Andrew Speight, trumpeter Jim Rotundi, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Ray Drummond, drummer Kenny Washington. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2252

Butte, Montana

- July 10 – 12. (Fri. – Sun.) The 71st Annual National Folk Festival. It’s the oldest multi-cultural festival in the nation, and it’s free. Expect to experience music, dance, workshops, crafts, ethnic foods, children’s activities and more. The long colorful list of performers includes Thomas Mapfumo, Michael Doucet, Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Melody of China, Bob French’s Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Texas Shorty and numerous others. The 71st Annual Folk Festival. Butte Montana.