- June 5. (Tues.) “And Then She Wrote.”Peter Marshall, Carol Welsman, Calabria Foti. Five time Emmy Award-winning Marshall (Yes, he sings, too) is joined by the lovely singer/instrumentalists Welsman and Foti in an evening of great standards written by women. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- June 5. (Tues.) Corliss Dale and Lou Forestieri. Pianist/arranger Forestieri’s impressive resume reaches from Stanley Clarke to Mel Torme and beyond. He and his singing wife Dale have released a pair of impressive albums of standards; Fascinating Rhythms and Crazy Rhythm. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- June 6. (Wed.) The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. The music from one of the most popular video games of all time is performed by a full orchestra. The program features music based on story lines from “Ocarina of Time,” “The Wind Waker,” “Twilight Princess” and “A Link to the Past.” The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
Fabiana Passoni
- June 7. (Thurs.) Fabiana Passoni. Her sultry vocals have earned Passoni the title of Best Brazilian Singer Living in the U.S. from the Brazilian International Press. Despite the difficult interruptions of a three year battle with cancer, her musical journey has continued to discover new areas of creativity. She’ll be backed by a ten piece band featuring the stellar presence of, among others, pianist Bill Cantos and guitarist Kleber Jorge. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. Also at Yoshi’s San Francisco on Sun. (See below.)
- June 7 – 9. (Thurs. – Sat.) Freddy Cole Quartet. If the voice sounds familiar, don’t be surprised. He’s Nat Cole’s younger brother, and he’s fashioned those memorable vocal timbres into an appealing style all his own. At a time when engaging male jazz singers are in short supply, don’t miss the chance to hear Cole in action. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
- June 7 – 9. (Thurs. – Sat.) Peter Cetera. If the name doesn’t instantly ring a bell, think “Chicago.” And, no, not the city, the great rock group of the ‘70s that rode to fame on Cetera’s memorable vocals. Segerstrom Center for the Arts. (714) 556-2787.
- June 8. (Fri.) Primus. For nearly three decades Primus has been stretching the envelope in the style of Frank Zappa and Pink Floyd. Also on the bill, Fishbone, a high visibility presence in L.A.’s alternative rock scene since the ‘80s. Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
Ernie Watts
- June 8. (Fri.) Ernie Watts. Grammy-winner Watts’ versatile saxophone playing has been heard over the past four decades on more than 500 recordings in the company of artists reaching from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. And he’s still going strong. LACMA. (323) 857-6000.
- June 8. (Fri.) Big Phat Band. Gordon Goodwin’s collection of L.A. all-stars perform selections from his always-swinging book of originals and re-invented standards. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- June 10. (Sun.) Los Angeles Master Chorale. Tribute to Gorecki. The superb voices of the LAMC close the season with a trio of sonically mesmerizing works by the great Polish composer, as well as the Brahms motet for chorus, Schaffe in mir, Gott, ein rein Herz. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
- June 10. (Sun.) Chickenfoot. All-star rock group Chickenfoot – Joe Satriani, Kenny Aronoff, Michael Anthony and Sammy Hagar – arrive in support of their latest album, Chickenfoot III. Also on the bill – Black Stone Cherry. Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
San Francisco
Rick Braun
- June 8 – 10. (Fri. – Sun.) Rick Braun. Trumpeter/vocalist Braun, following in the Chet Baker footsteps, combining his warm and amiable vocals with an appealingly melodic trumpet style. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
June 10. (Sun.) Fabiana Passoni. Brazilian singer Passoni makes her second California appearance this week. See above L.A. entry for more details. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
Washington D.C.
- June 8 – 10. (Fri. – Sun.) Kenny Garrett. Cutting edge alto saxophonist Garrett’s early roots trace to a five year stint with Miles Davis’ electric bands. But he’s traveled his own path since then, fully apparent in his latest album, Seeds From the Underground. Blues Alley. http://bluesalley.com/events.cfm (202) 337-4141.
New York
Karrin Allyson
- June 5 – 9. (Tues. – Sat.) Karrin Allyson. Twenty years after her debut album, I Didn’t Know About You, was released, Allyson continues to set standards for what great jazz singing can and should be – via her superb musicality, rich sense of swing and her utterly engrossing storytelling abilities. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
- June 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.) Renee Rosnes Quartet. Pianist Rosnes, always a jazz adventurer, checks out fascinating territories with the world class companionship of Steve Nelson, vibes, Peter Washington, bass and Lewis Nash, drums. Village Vanguard. (212) 929-4589.
- June 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.) Dudka Da Fonseca & Helio Alves. “Samba, Jazz and the Music of Jobim” An evening revealing, in delightfully rhythmic fashion, the creatively compelling links between jazz and the music of Brazil. With Anat Cohen, Claudio Roditi, George Mraz and Maucha Adnet. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9800.
- June 7 – 10. (Thurs. – Sun.) Charles McPherson. Alto saxophonist McPherson has been convincingly carrying the torch for bebop since he performed on the soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s 1988 Charlie Parker film, Bird.Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.
London
Danilo Perez
- June 6 (Wed.) Danilo Perez. Panama-born pianist/composer/educator Perez’s career arc reaches from intimate musical relationships with Dizzy Gillespie to Wayne Shorter. With a lot of stops in between, thoroughly establishing himself as one of the influential jazz voices of his generation. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747.
- May 10 & 11. (Thurs. & Fri.) Peter Eldridge: Foolish Hearts. Grammy winning pianist/vocalist Eldridge is joined by bassist Matt Aronoff for an intimate musical excursion through originals and standards. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
Gustavo Dudamel
- May 10 – 12. (Thurs. – Sat.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic. Gustavo Dudamel conducts a sparkling evening of Mozart (the Overture to Le Nozze di Figaro and the Posthorn Serenade), and a featured appearance by young virtuoso violinist Alina Pogostkina performing Distant Light by Latvian composer Peteris Vasks. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
- May 10 – 13. (Thurs. – Sun.) Kenny Garrett Quintet. Cutting edge alto saxophonist Garrett makes his musical intentions clear when he says, “Don’t look for me to sound like my last record.” Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
- May 11. (Fri.) Danny Janklow. Rapidly rising jazz alto saxophonist Janklow is backed by solid support from the trio of pianist Theo Saunders, bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Jimmy Branley. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- May 12. (Sat.) Kristin Chenowith. Emmy and Tony Award winner Chenowith, a Broadway star of the highest voltage, launches her debut world tour with a stop at the Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
John Pizzarelli and Jane Monheit
- May 12 (Sat.) John Pizzarelli Quartet with Jane Monheit. What a great pairing – the loose, swinging guitar playing and jaunty vocals of Pizzarelli combining perfectly with the gorgeous sound and soaring intimacy of Monheit’s singing. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-3000.
New York
- May 9 – 12. (Wed. – Sat.) Steve Kuhn, Steve Swallow and Joey Baron. There’s a lot of musical history between pianist Kuhn and bassist Swallow, and it all pays off musically with the dynamic addition of drummer Baron. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
- May 9 – 13. (Wed. – Sun.) The Dizzy Gillespie All-Star Big Band. Paquito Rivera conducts an assemblage of the Big Apple’s finest jazz talent in a program celebrating the memory and the music of the incomparable Gillespie. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
Paula West
- May 10 – 13. (Thurs. – Sun.) Paula West. “A Tribute To George Mesterhazy.” The superb San Francisco-based jazz singer, never fully appreciated for her extraordinary talents, performs in honor of her late accompanist, musical director and close friend. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.
London
- May 9 – 12. (Wed. – Sat.) The Kyle Eastwood Band. Bassist Eastwood, an impressive talent who seems to improve with every outing, bringing some tough, straight ahead qualities to a listenable contemporary sound. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747.
Milan
Ernie Watts
- May 10. (Thurs.) Ernie Watts Quartet. The saxophone playing jazz pride of Los Angeles displays his considerable talents – on tenor and soprano – with a trio of first rate European players. The Blue Note Milano. 02.69.01.68.88.
Tokyo
- May 10 – 12. (Thurs. – Sat.) STAX!. The incomparable groove of the famous Stax sound is alive and well in the gifted hands of veterans Steve Cropper, guitar, Duck Dunn, bass and Eddie Floyd, drums. Blue Note Tokyo. 03-5485-0088.
In 1970, when I started collecting jazz albums, one of my first was Quincy Jones’ Walking In Space. I’d heard the title tune from the show Hair on the radio, along with the killer version of Benny Golson’s “Killer Joe.” I’d recognized many of the soloists: Hubert Laws, Freddie Hubbard, Toots Thielemans. But who was this Quincy Jones guy? I thought I’d discovered someone. Of course, he’d already had a career most people would envy by that time. The big bands, the film and TV scores, the work with Sinatra and Basie. And he was just getting started.
Quincy Jones
When the opening notes of Quincy’s still-fresh arrangement of “Killer Joe” introduced his six-decade retrospective at the Hollywood Bowl Wednesday night, it was clear that Q’s jazz roots would be well represented. The All-Star big band behind him included Tom Scott and Ernie Watts on saxophones, Gary Grant and Jumaane Smith on trumpets, Andy Martin and Bill Reichbach on trombones, Nathan East, the musical director, on bass. There was also a lively performance of Q’s first recorded composition, “Kingfish.”
But it was the diversity and continued vitality of his life that dominated the evening. His Global Gumbo All-Stars ranged from nine year old pianist Emily Bear and seventeen year old jazz vocalist Nikki Yanofsky to veteran Brazilian percussionist Paulinho Da Costa. The sounds were Brazilian and Cuban and Japanese; jazz, blues, rhythm and funk. ”Fly Me To The Moon” to “Moonwalk.” All of them brought together by the man who has seemingly been everywhere and done everything in music, with an unerring sense of what will touch the public consciousness.
Alfredo Rodriguez
It would be hard to pick out one star, but Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodriguez showed he was ready to break out on his own. Those of us who’d seen him before were familiar with his dazzling technique, but in his one solo, “El Guije,” he showed his ability to weave in classical themes while sensitively alternating tempos, capturing the large Bowl crowd in uncharacteristic silence. Later, he teamed up with bassist/vocalist Richard Bona and percussionist Francisco Mela on Bona’s “O Sen Sen.” Although Bona’s vocals were a bit over-amped, these were three dynamic artists you would love to see record together.
An impressive group of female vocalists assembled to perform “Miss Celie’s Blues” from The Color Purple. Gloria Estefan, Patti Austin, Siedah Garrett, Nikki Yanofsky (with Emily Bear on piano) were spirited as a group, then shone individually throughout the program. Seiko Matsuda performed “Sukiyaki” in lovely fashion.
Patti Austin
The second half of the program was largely devoted to the rhythm and funk of the last few decades, with James Ingram singing “Just Once” and teaming up with Patti Austin for a soulful “Baby Come To Me.” The Brothers Johnson rocked the house with three numbers, then gave way to an extended Michael Jackson tribute.
Throughout the evening, Quincy Jones lent his own observations to the proceedings. He noted poignantly that when Jackson passed away, he was the same age as Quincy was when he produced Thriller. Jones then left the Thriller tribute in the hands of the songwriters. Steve Porcaro, assisted by old friends and bandmates David Paitch and Steve Lukather performed a rousing “Human Nature” and Siedah Garrett shone in her rendition of “Man In The Mirror.”
From a jazz standpoint, Quincy saved the best for last. He led the band in the Dizzy Gillespie/Chano Pozo classic “Manteca,” with special guest stars Arturo Sandoval providing ear-shattering trumpet cadenzas and Andy Garcia sitting in on bongos. Andy Martin contributed a rousing trombone solo and Alfredo Rodriquez gave another demonstration of his fireworks. It reminded one of how much Quincy Jones’ heart and soul remains in the large jazz ensembles.
To close the show, Q led the audience in a type of benediction, the crowd holding hands and repeating pledges to care for each other, strive to make the world a better place – the biggest applause came from his plea to halt the “dumbing down of the culture” and the biggest laugh his plea for others to “stop stealing music.” It uplifted the entire crowd. For a few moments everyone could feel like ingredients in the Quincy Jones Global Gumbo, a singular achievement in today’s fractured world.
To read more reviews and posts by Michael Katz click HERE.
- Aug. 17. (Wed.) Joni’s Jazz. With Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Kurt Elling,Wayne Shorter, Tom Scott, Cassandra Wilson, etc. Hancock’s fascination with Joni Mitchell’s music resulted in the 2008 Grammy winning Album of the Year, River. Here he goes again, with a stellar line up to illuminate Mitchell’s compelling songs. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
- Aug. 17. (Wed.) The Go-Go’s. Thirty years after Beauty and the Beast, the Go Go’s return, proving in bright, living color that their ‘80s successes were more than just a passing California fancy. The Greek Theatre. ts (323) 665-5857.
- Aug. 18. (Thurs.) Jeff Colella/Pat Senatore/Kendall Kay Trio. Three veteran players — who spend most of their time as sidemen, making other leaders sound great – join together to display their impressive individual and collective skills. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Aug. 18. (Thurs.) Thomas Mapfumo and the Blacks Unlimited. He’s called the “Lion of Zimbabwe” with good reason. Mapfumo’s remarkable voice and his hook-oriented songs transcend boundaries, resulting in a truly global musical expression. The Skirball Center. (31) 440-4500.
Barbara Morrison
- Aug. 18. (Thurs.) Friends of Barbara. Dana Bronson presents a benefit concert in support of the great jazz/blues vocalist Barbara Morrison, who is experiencing serious health problems.Call the club for the line-up of performers. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
- Aug. 18 & 19. (Thurs. & Fri.) Death Cab For Cutie. They may have initially been best known for their cutting edge videos, but DCFC also provide that a good band can actually break through as an indy, even before being signed by a major label. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
- Aug. 19. (Fri.) Anthony Wilson Quintet. Guitarist Wilson has worked a lot with Diana Krall. But he’s even more impressive, with his own group, playing his own break-out compositions. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
Wilson Phillips
- Aug. 19. (Fri.) Wilson Phillips. They’ve been together only intermittently since they burst on the scene in 1990 with a parade of hit songs. But now the offspring of Brian Wilson and John and Michelle Phillips are getting together again, displaying their impressive, inherited musical skills. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501.
- Aug. 20. (Sat.) Rique Pantoja & Friends. With friends like Abraham Laboriel, Ernie Watts, Alex Acuna and Mitchell Long on stage with him, Pantoja will no offer an evening of definitive Latin jazz with a distinctly Brazilian slant. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
San Francisco
- Aug. 16 & 17. (Tues. & Wed.) Sophie Milman. Russian-born, Canadian singer Milman made an impressive debut in 2004 with her first album. Expect to hear some selections from her upcoming new release, In the Moonlight. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
Seattle
- Aug. 18 – 21. (Thurs. – Sun.) Spyro Gyra. Before there was smooth jazz, there was Spyro Gyra. The band’s 25 albums, reaching back to the ‘70s, defined the blend of r&b, flunk and instrumental pop that has come to be known as the smooth jazz genre. Jazz Alley. (206) 441-9729.
New York
Steve Kuhn
- Aug. 16 – 20. (Tues. – Sat.) The Masters Quartet: Steve Kuhn, Dave Liebman, Steve Swallow and Billy Drummond. One couldn’t find a more appropriate label for this quartet of extraordinary veteran players. To make it even better, they’ve performed together often in the past in many musical settings, so expect musical magic. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
- Aug. 16 – 21. (Tues. – Sun.) “Tribute To Ray Brown.”Christian McBride and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Bassist McBride and singer Bridgewater honor Brown’s extraordinary skills as a bassist and as an astute accompanist to some of the great jazz vocalists. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
- Aug. 16 – 21. (Tues. – Sun.) “The Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim and Stan Getz.” With Trio Da Paz, Joe Locke, Harry Allen and Maucha Adnet. It’s an unusual assemblage – the Brazilian authenticity of Trio Da Paz and singer Maucha Adnet with the straight ahead jazz chops of Locke and Allen. Should make for an intriguing musical evening. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. (212) 258-9800.
London
- Aug. 16 – 20. (Tues. – Sat.) The Wynton Marsalis Quintet. The chances to hear the Marsalis Quintet in a club setting are rare – in London and elsewhere. Tickets may be hard to come by, but it’s worth doing whatever you can to experience Wynton in an intimate performance arena. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747.
The only thing wrong with I’m Back is that the release date is so far into summer, August 16. because this is truly the best hottest fun of the season. Sly went into the studio with some great sidemen and guests and just nailed it. The first seven cuts of the CD alone, all classic Family Stone songs, are enough to lift world spirits if the album only gets enough play. Start if you will with Ray Manzarek doing an organ underlay throughout the first cut, “Dance to the Music”, which combines with Sly’s fresh but familiar vocal to create a sound clear as a summer sky. Orchestral at times, my notes say. Smile.
What follows is the highest crest of the album, “Everyday People” with Ann Wilson’s just-right assist on vocals. This version is not just authentic. It may be (that’s right folks) better than the original. The harmonies are so fine and lines like “different strokes for different folks” and talking about this “(every)one who won’t accept the (any)one” seems somehow more poignant when we can’t seem to stop screaming at one another.
Sly and the Family Stone was always cited to be what would today be called very PC because of its gender and race mix. But no one seemed to ever think that just maybe Sly was so without prejudice that he just wanted band mates because of what they could help him do with his art. Now wouldn’t that be a real lack of prejudice? However the band came together, it couldn’t be misogynistic or racist or intolerant at all. Everyone can feel good.
This CD’s first version of “Family Affair” (bonus track later) is so good it hurts good somewhere inside. Sly’s singing is so smooth and melodic. He’s learned understatement and felt the bite of experience. Is there such a thing as a blues funk tenor. Or is it funky blues tenor? There is now.
Ernie Watts’ sax work on “Stand” typifies the excellence of the well- and lesser-knowns who play and sing on this CD. Johnny Winters adds a harder rock element to the wall of funk in “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” where Sly’s vocal is maybe not quite the “sly” Sly of the original. But really, no nitpicking. Backing vocals by Ava Cherry and Eugene Henderson are good throughout the album.
You know, folks, I’ve heard all the carping about the erratic behavior of Sly as the ‘70s progressed and he disappeared from the pop music scene and did some pretty weird recordings (I’m told) as time went by. But I feel like a lot of the crap some put on him is a bit like a lit crit saying: “Yes, it’s great but it’s only one novel.”
To which I say, have you done it? Do you have one body of work that is so good you can reprise it decades later and have it just be there? Be right there? Critics and some audiences are only interested in what’s next. Some called Derek and the Dominos an “unfulfilled promise.” Did they listen? The work is all that’s promised and there’s not always more.
But back to the album.
In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s Sly and the Family Stone doing “Dance to the Music” in concert could almost lift a civic center arena foundation. Not just with volume, like so many — although you could hear it down the block — but by rhythm and tempo that could tempt even the comatose to shake a little. No studio version can do that to such a level but the “higher” chorus here is like a gospel choir in an elevated state.
A sweet version of “Hot Fun in the Summertime” says regular life can be just fine; that some good, good moments are as good as it gets. The singing is like a summer breeze. Good enough to make you smile. Or cry.
There is a non-patronizing, non-ideological, non-political, only-people-count populism to Sly’s work that is endearing and close to profound. D.H. Lawrence would have liked his stuff, I think.
Get this CD when it comes out. Buy it. Download it. Whatever technology of the day that gets the artist a few bucks. This guy may be timeless. Not many of those.
Sly Stone Family and Friends: Dance To The Music
To read more reviews by Brian Arsenault click HERE.
- Mar. 22. (Tues.) Lisa McClowry. Eclectic singer McClowry –nominated for International Vocalist of the Year in the 2011 Wave Awards — ranges freely across pop, rock, jazz and folk boundary lines. She’ll be backed by a group that features guitarist/singer/Grammy winning songwriter Jim Peterik. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- Mar. 22. (Tues.) Alfredo Rodriguez Trio. The brilliant young Cuban pianist, a protégé of Quincy Jones, returns to Vibrato a year after he made his first impressive debut at the Bel Air club. Click HERE to read an iRoM review of that performance. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Mar. 22. (Tues.) Barry Manilow in Concert. Singer/pianist/songwriter Manilow, one of the icons of American pop, performs on a program supporting the work of the Reprise Theatre Company. Royce Hall. http://www.uclalive.org/calendar/event_detail.asp?id=111 (310) 825-2101.
Andre Watts
- Mar. 23. (Wed.) Andre Watts. A prodigy at the age of nine, pianist Watts has matured into a gifted artist, especially adept at interpreting the dramatic piano repertoire of Franz Liszt. In this performance, he concentrates completely upon Liszt compositions. Performing a program of Liszt. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501.
- Mar. 23. (Wed.) Chuck Berghofer’s Midnight Jazz Band. Bergohofer could easily have included “All-Star” in the name of this stellar ensemble. With Berghofer, bass, Gary Foster, saxophones, Terry Trotter, piano, and Joe LaBarbera, drums, expect to hear imaginative jazz improvising at its best. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.
- Mar. 24. (Thurs.) The Lori Bell Quartet. Flutist Bell leads her group in a celebration of pianist Dave MacKay’s birthday. They’re backed by the solid rhythm team of Bob Magnussen, bass and Paul Kreibich, drums. LAX Jazz Club at the Crown Plaza LAX. (310) 258-1333.
- Mar. 24 – 27. (Thurs. – Sun.) Christian McBride Quartet. The versatile, musically imaginative bassist makes one of his rare L.A. club appearances in the company of Steve Wilson, alto saxophone, Warren Wolf, vibes, Peter Martin, piano and Carl Allen, drums. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
Sarah Chang
- Mar. 24 – 27. (Thurs. – Sun.) Kurt Masur, Sarah Chang and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Masur’s sturdy, dependable baton leads the L.A. Phil in a program of 19th century classics by Mendelssohn, Brahms and Dvorak. The gifted young violinist Sarah Chang performs the Brahms Violin Concerto. Disney Concert Hall. (213) 972-7211.
- Mar. 25. (Fri.) Michael Wolff Quartet. Pianist Wolff’s adventurous career resume includes a long run as the bandleader on the Arsenio Hall Show, a co-starring role with his two sons on The Naked Brothers television series and the leadership of his musically eclectic Impure Thoughts group. This time out, he displays his solid, straight ahead jazz talents in the solid company of Bob Sheppard, saxophones, John B. Williams, bass and Mike Clark, drums. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- Mar. 25. (Fri.) Tord Gustavsen Ensemble. Norwegian pianist Gustavsen, bassist Mats Eilertsen and drummer Jarle Vespestad illuminate the piano trio lineage reaching through Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett with a unique blend of European subtleties and classic improvisational drive. The Skirball Center. (310) 440-4500.
- Mar. 25. (Fri.) David Crosby and Graham Nash. The classic sounds of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young simmer with strikingly engaging authenticity in the still enchanting singing and playing of two iconic musical figures of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Long Beach Terrace Theatre. (562) 436-3636.
- Mar. 26. (Sat.) Jim Hall Quartet. The veteran guitarist celebrates his 80th birthday (a few months late) in a far too rare appearance in Los Angeles. He’ll be backed by a generation crossing ensemble: alto saxophonist Greg Osby, bassist Steve Laspina and drummer Joey Baron. A Jazz Bakery Movable Feast concert at Musicians Institute Concert Center. (310) 271-9039.
Leni Stern
- Mar. 26. (Sat.) Leni Stern. Singer guitarist Stern has been described as “Marlene Dietrich borrowing Billie Holiday’s phrasing.” And that doesn’t begin to fully portray the far-reaching musical interests of Stern, who also brings a rich affection for African roots music to her own inventive vocal and instrumental explorations. The Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.
- Mar. 26. (Sat.) Tom Peterson and Don Rader Quartet. Saxophonist Peterson and trumpeter Rader are first call players for every kind of jazz setting, from small groups to big bands. But here they step to the front of the stage to stretch out in their own musical setting. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
Oliver Mtukudzi
- Mar. 26. (Sat.) Acoustic Africa. Habib Koite, Oliver Mtukudzi. Afel Bocoum. The return of Acoustic Africa in a second incarnation showcases the imaginative sounds of the guitar in African music. Koite, a superstar from Mali, Mtukudzi, the best-selling artist in Zimbabwe, and Bocoum, a Malian traditionalist perform with the companionship of a traditional African band. A UCLA Live concert at Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.
- Mar. 27. (Sun.) “Awakening: Spring and Otherwise.” Singer Susan Krebs hosts an afternoon of music & song, poetry & spoken word. With Rich Eames, Jerry Kalaf, Ken Wild and special guests Chuck Manning, Cory O’Brien and projectionist Marc Rosenthal. The Skylight Theatre. 3 p.m. (702) 582-8587.
New York
- May 22 – 27. (Tues. – Sun.) The Bill Charlap Trio. Scion of a musical family, pianist Charlap has taken his family’s creative torch and carried it into ever-fascinating new musical territories. He performs with Peter Washington and Kenny Washington. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9800.
- May 22 – 27. (Tues. – Sun.) Charlie Haden’s Quartet West with Haden, bass, Ernie Watts, saxophones, Alan Broadbent, piano and Rodney Green, drums, celebrates its 25th anniversary, as well as the release of their new CD, Sophisticated Ladies.Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
Jeff Lorber
- Mar. 23 & 24. (Wed. & Thurs.) Jeff Lorber Fusion. When keyboardist Lorber formed his group Fusion in the late seventies, he created a model that eventually led to contemporary jazz and smooth jazz. But Lorber himself has always retained his connection with the solid jazz skills at the heart of his music. Iridium. (212) 582-2121.
- Mar. 25. (Fri.) Jon Irabagon. Saxophonist Irabagon, winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition has been fully authenticating that achievement in the past two years, forging an impressive personal musical pathway. He performs in the demanding bass and drum format, backed by bassist John Hebert and drummer Mike Pride. Cornelia St. Café. (212) 989-9319.
- Mar. 27. (Sun.) Jazz Guitars Meet Hendrix. Jimmy Hendrix has always been an inspiration and a challenge to jazz guitarists. Here, a pair of guitarists deeply inspired by Hendrix — Sheryl Bailey and Vic Juris – take on the incendiary challenges of his music. They’re backed by Lincoln Goines, bass and Anthony Pinciotti, drums. 55 Bar. (212) 929-9883.
San Francisco
- Mar. 24. (Thurs.) “How Sweet the Sound” With Jane Siberry, Barbara Higbie and Linda Tillery. “Sweet” will only begin to describe the sounds, rhythms and emotions produced by this extraordinary trio of musicians: Siberry, the hit-making (“Calling All Angels”) singer/songwriter; Grammy-nominated pianist and long-time Windham Hill star Higbie; and Tillery, leader of the Cultural Heritage Choir, percussionist and a masterful blender of soul, blues, gospel and jazz. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
- Jan. 25. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night features the always compelling playing of Anthony Wilson in the downstairs lounge. Upstairs, the jazz voices take over, with the Peter Eldridge Group and Dollison & Marsh’s Vertical Voices. Grammy nominated pianist Geoff Keezer provides his usual scintillating accompaniment. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- Jan. 25. (Tues.) Itzhak Perlman in Recital. The masterful veteran violinist is accompanied by pianist Rohan de Silva in a program of music by Leclair, Saint-Saens and Beethoven. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
Hair
- Jan. 25 – Feb. 6. (Tues. – Sat.(6)). “Hair” The definitive musical theatre work of the counter-culture sixties, filled with memorable songs, from “Aquarius” and “Easy to Be Hard” to “Frank Mills” and “Good Morning Starshine.” Segerstrom Concert Hall. OCPAC. (714) 556-2787.
- Jan. 27. (Thurs.) Jorge Drexler. Oscar-winning (for “Al Otro Lado del Rio” in The Motorcycle Diaries) Uruguayan singer/songwriter Drexler makes his first L.A. appearance since his sold out concert at Disney Hall three years ago. Skirball. (310) 440-4500.
- Jan. 27. (Thurs.) The Frank Marocco Quartet. Accordionist Marocco affirms, in every performance, the tonal warmth, harmonic richness and articulate swing that he can generate from his too often maligned instrument.Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Jan. 27. (Thurs.) Luther Hughes & the Cannonball Coltrane Project. Bassist Hughes and his companions revive the music from one of great jazz classic albums. LAX Jazz Club at the Crown Plaza LAX. (310) 258-1333.
Julie Kelly
- Jan. 28. (Fri.) Julie Kelly with the John Heard Trio. Kelly singing is one of the Southland’s vocal jazz blessings, whether she’s tip-toeing through bossa nova or applying her rich sound to an intimate ballad. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.
- Jan. 28. (Fri.) Ernie Watts. Everyone’s a-list, number one saxophonist, Watts delivers on all counts – tone, imagination, drive and the utter uniqueness that all great jazz players possess. Steamers (714) 871-8800.
- Jan. 28. (Fri.) Ron Stout. Bearded Ron Stout, whose easy transitions from jazz soloing to adept section playing have made him one of the Southland’s most in-demand trumpeters, shows up for an infrequent appearance in the spotlight. He’ll be backed by the sterling trio of pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Kevin Kanner. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Jan. 28 – 30. (Fri. – Sun.) “A Chorus Line.” Winner of nine Tony awards and a Pulitzer Prize, A Chorus Line, with its memorable music and stellar dancing, is one of the great musical theatre pieces. If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss this rare opportunity. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501.
- Jan. 28 – 30. (Fri. – Sun.) Robben Ford/Roger Kellaway Band. Guitarist Ford and pianist Kellaway, each a unique and very different jazz stylist, get together for what should be a fascinating musical encounter. Vocalist Anne Kerry Ford adds her richly personal way with a song. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
- Jan. 29. (Sat.) Karsh Kale & MIDIval Punditz. Indian music goes strikingly contemporary with the electronic fusion of tabla artist Kale. He’ll be joined by his frequent collaborators MIDIval Punditz, guitarist Chris Buono, ghazal master Vishal Vaid and electric violinist Dorian Cheah. Royce Hall. (310) 825-4401.
- Jan. 29. (Sat.) Alan Paul. Manhattan Transfer’s Paul takes a break from his ensemble responsibilities for a solo turn. He follows his partners Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne onto the stage at Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
Ed Shaughnessy
- Jan. 30. (Sun.) Ed Shaughnessy Quintet. Veteran drummer has demonstrated his versatility with everything from avant-garde jazz to a long stint in the Tonight Show band. This time out he applies his two bass drum percussion magic to his own quintet. The inimitable Bubba Jackson Hosts. KJAZZ Sunday Champagne Brunch. The Twist Restaurant in the Renaissance Hollywood \Hotel. (562) 985-2999.
- Jan. 30. (Sun.) Los Angeles Master Chorale: London Bridges. L.A.’s always adventurous voices reach into the deep, centuries old English choral music tradition. They’ll sing works by William Byrd, John Tavener, Benjamin Britten and more. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
- Jan. 30. (Sun.) Mozart Classical Orchestra. A Happy Birthday tribute to the MCO’s namesake. Ami Porat conducts the Mozart Symphony No. 36 (“Linz”), Il Re Pastore Overture and the Violin Concerto No. 4. (with violinist Roberto Cani). Irvine Barclay.
- Jan. 30. (Sun.) Sing! Sing! Sing!“Let’s Face the Music of Irving Berlin. Judy Wolman leads an all-join-in celebration of the extraordinarily rich Berlin musical catalog. Sing! Sing! Sing!. Keyboard Concepts.
Bill Holman
- Jan. 31. (Mon.) The Bill Holman Big Band. Holman’s arranging and composing have stamped him as one of the true poets of big band jazz. His too rare appearances leading his own group are as fascinating to the musicians who play his charts as they are to the audiences fortunate enough to hear them. Don’t miss this one. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
San Francisco
- Jan. 27 & 28. (Thurs. & Fri.) Bobby Hutcherson celebrates his 70th anniversary with his quartet and the unique sounds of special guest Anthony Wilson on guitar. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
- Jan. 29. (Sat.) Lizz Wright. The singing of Wright is deeply rooted in gospel, and she moves freely across blues and rock, as well, adding spice and substance drawn from her affection for, and skill with jazz. Yoshi’s Oakland.
(510) 238-9200.
New York
Randy Weston
- Jan. 25 – 30 (Tues. – Sun.) Jacky Terrasson Trio. French pianist Terrasson applies his crisply swinging style in a trio setting with bassist Ben Williams and drummer Jamire Williams. Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.
- Jan. 25 – 30. (Tues. – Sun.) Randy Weston and African Rhythms. At eighty four, pianist/composer Weston continues to explore (and discover) the rich connections between jazz and it African roots. He’s accompanied by bassist Alex Blake, percussionist Neil Clarke, drummer Lewis Nash, (Tues. – Fri.) and saxophonist Billy Harper (Sat. & Sun). Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9800.
- Jan. 25 – 29. (Tues. – Sat.) “Hub Art: The Music of Freddie Hubbard.” The late, great trumpeters music is performed in authentic fashion by Nicholas Payton, trumpet, Javon Jackson, tenor saxophone, George Cables, piano, Dwayne Burno, bass and Lenny White, drums. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
- Jan. 27 – 30. (Thurs. – Sun.) Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute. Jack Bruce, bass and vocals, Vernon Reid, guitar, John Medeski, keyboards/organ and Cindy Blackman, drums get together once again to revive the extraordinary fusion sounds of the Lifetime. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
- Jan. 28. (Fri.) “Girls Gone Mild” With Rebecca Martin, Gretchen Parlato and Becca Stevens. Three gifted jazz canaries introduce their new trio. Backed by Chris Tordini and Larry Grenadier on basses, with Martin and Stevens playing guitar, ukulele, etc. and Parlato doubling on percussion, they’re explore everything from standards and originals to brand new material. Cornelia St. Café. (212) 989-9319.
- Oct. 6. (Wed.) Josh Nelson. The Music of the 60s’ Blue Note Albums. Pianist Nelson takes on some of the classic themes from the great Blue Note catalog. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- Oct. 6. (Wed.) Carol Robbins Quartet. It’s an evening with many strings attached – from the rare jazz sounds of Robbins’ harp to the always swinging guitar of Larry Koonse. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Oct. 6. (Wed.) Emil Richards-Joe Porcaro Quartet. The jazz heat gets turned up high whenever vibist Richards and drummer Porcaro get together with dynamic pianist Mike Lang and the rhythmic drive of bassist Abraham Laboriel. Charlie O’s. (81) 994-3058.
Elaine Miles
- Oct. 6. (Wed.) Elaine Miles. A warm embracing voice and an intuitive way with a song are Miles’ special gifts. She sings with guitarist John Chiodini, bassist Jim Hughart and drummer Kendall Kay. Steamers. (714) 871-8800.
- Oct. 7. (Thurs.) Disney Hall Opening Night Concert and Gala. Gustavo Dudamel kicks off the new season with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the bel canto singing of Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez, the music of Rossini and a selection of works by South American composers. Disney Hall. (323) 8502000.
- Oct. 8. (Fri.) Ernie Watts Quartet. The Southland’s saxophone player for all seasons steps into the spotlight to display his extraordinary musical versatility. LACMA. (323) 857-6000.
- Oct. 8. (Fri.) An Evening with Judy Collins. One of the great songbirds of pop and folk music, At 71, she’s an honored icon and a persistent social activist. But her latest album, Paradise, affirms that she can also sing a song with the same mesmerizing intensity of her work in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Broad Stage. (310) 434-3200.
- Oct. 8. (Fri.) The Trio. If any three musicians deserve the all embracing title of “The Trio,” its Terry Trotter, Chuck Berghofer and Peter Erskine, whose togetherness defines what can happen when three gifted players get together to make music. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
- Oct. 8. (Fri.) The Canadian Tenors with Due Voci. The four Canadian tenors each bring a unique quality to the colorful mixture of classical and pop songs that is making them one of the concert world’s hottest acts. Opening for them – the equally dynamic voices of Due Voci – Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton. Club Nokia. (213) 765-7000.
Roslyn Kind
- Oct. 8 & 9. (Fr. & Sat.) Roslyn Kind. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Roslyn Kind may be Barbra Streisand’s kid sister, but she’s a stunning talent in her own right. Expect to be completely captivated by the stories she tells with her songs. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
- Oct. 8 – 10. (Fri. – Sun.) The Color Purple. It’s called “The Musical about Love,” and both the music and the script bring Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to vivid life. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. (562) 916-8501.
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) Jim Kweskin and the Jug Band. Here’s a troupe that reaches way back, redolent with echoes of the folk sounds that preceded the rock revolution of the ‘60s. McCabe’s. (310) 828-4497.
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) Gary Foster. In an era of busy-fingered saxophonists, altoist Foster sustains the tradition of finding the music inside the line, the swing inside the rhythm. He performs with the Pat Senatore Trio. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) Divas Simply Singing. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s annual presentation of the latest stars of diva-dom returns with a stirring line up of talent. Among this year’s divas: Teena Marie, Ledisi, Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, Gloria Loring, Jody Watley, Chaka Khan, Patti Austin and much more. The Saban Theatre. (323) 655-0111.
Reorge Kahumoku
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) George Kahumoku, Jr. and the Masters of Hawai’ian Music. Slack key guitarist Kahumoku celebrates the vibrant history of Hawaiian music in the company of guitarist Dennis Kamakahi, singer Uncle Richard Ho’opi’i and steel guitarist Bobby Ingano. Irvine Barclay Theatre. (914) 854-4646.
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) John Abercrombie Quartet. Breakout contemporary jazz guitarist Abercrombie is joined by violinist Mark Feldman, bassist Thomas Morgan and drummer Joey Baron as the Angel City Jazz Festival wraps its 2010 series with a Jazz Bakery Movable Feast. The Musicians Institute Theatre.
- Oct. 9. (Sat.) Shake, Rattle & Roll. Greatest Hits of Fifties and Sixties Celebration.The Cruisin’ Oldies Show Band, fronted by Mark Curran and Tom Haney revive memories reaching from Elvis Presley to Chubby Checker, songs embracing “Rock ‘Round the Clock,” “All Shook Up,” “The Twist” and much more. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Forum Theatre. (805) 449-2787.
- Oct. 9 & 10. (Sat. & Sun.) Peter Smith’s Live Recording Project. Pianist Smith leads the fine ensemble of Allen Mezquida, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, vibist Nick Mancini, singer Patrice Quinn, guitarist Jacques Lesure, bassist Trevor Ware, and drummer Clayton Cameron in a pair of intimate, live recording performances. Alvas Showroom. (800) 403-3447.
Nikki Yanofsky
- Oct. 10. (Sun.) Nikki Yanofsky. Teen-aged Canadian jazz vocalist Yanofksy has been attracting attention wherever she performs. Her musicality, charisma and jazz intuition display all the characteristics of a potentially major talent. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
San Francisco
- Oct. 5. (Tues.) Mel Martin Big Band. Saxophonist Martin, one of the Bay area’s most adventurous resident jazz artists, fronts a large ensemble performing his envelope-stretching music. Yoshi’s Oakland. = (510) 238-9200.
- Oct. 5 & 6. (Tues. & Wed.) Renee Rosnes. Canadian-born pianist has thoroughly established herself as one of the innovative artists of her generation, performing with everyone from Wayne Shorter to James Moody. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
Oct. 10. (Sun.) Third SF Filipino American Jazz Festival. The surprising compatibility between jazz and Fililpino musical culture is on full display in this annual event. Headliners include singer/pianist Primo Kim, vocalists Jo Canion, Charito and Sandra Lim Viray. Yoshi’s San Francisco. = (415) 655-5600.
New York
- Oct. 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.) Jason Moran and the Bandwagon. Pianist Moran showcases the skills that made him one of this week’s recipients of a McArthur “genius” award. Village Vanguard. (212) 929-4589.
- Oct. 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.) Kenny Barron Quintet. Everyone’s A-list jazz pianist steps out with his own ensemble. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. (212) 258-9595.
Gato Barbieri
- Oct. 8 – 10. (Fri. – Sun.) Gato Barbieri. Tenor saxophonist Barbieri’s long, checkered career has reached from the avant-garde years of the ‘60s through his Grammy-winning score for The Last Tango In Paris to more recent smooth jazz outings. But whichever of his musical persona’s turn up for this appearance, the results will be compelling.The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
- Oct. 7 – 9. (Thurs. – Sat.) Kenny Garrett Band. Versatile, musically probing alto saxophonist Garrett follows up on his live album, Sketches of MD with a performance at the venue where the CD was recorded. Iridium. (212) 582-2121.
- Oct. 10. (Sun.) Lionel Loueke Trio. Benin’s gift to contemporary jazz guitar matches his singular sound and style with an equally intriguing approach to jazz vocals. Iridium. (212) 582-2121.
- 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 40th 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 15th 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. 8th 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.) 31st 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 32nd 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.
The Picks of the Week are late this week — the result of last weekend’s busy coverage of the Playboy Jazz Festival. But better late than never, and here are my selections for at least the last part of the week.
Los Angeles
- June 17. (Thurs.) Braziliato. An evening of entertaining Brazilian sounds with the vocals of Frank Zattoli and Roberto Montero backed by the body-moving rhythms of bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Enzo Todesco. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
Janis Mann
- June 7. (Thurs.) Janis Mann Quartet. She’s a jazz singer in the classic sense, applying her own rich imagination to a style resonating with qualities of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.
- June 17 – 20. (Thurs. – Sun.) Keiko Matsui. Keyboardist Matsui was one of the pioneers of the smooth jazz movement. But she has always been more than that, her elegant playing enlivened by subtle traces of mainstream jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.
Donna Summer
- June 18. (Fri.) Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl. The 2010 summer season begins with a program honoring Donna Summer, the Carpenters and Jean-Yves Thibaudet. Herb Alpertand Angela Bassett will serve as presenters. Performances by the inductees (with Richard Carpenter ). Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
- June 8. (Fri.) Otmaro Ruiz Quartet. One of the Southland’s jazz treasures, Venezuelan pianist/composer Ruiz still hasn’t received the attention that his impressive talent deserves. Here’s a chance to hear him in action at one of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s free jazz events. LACMA. 6 p.m. (323) 857-6000.
- June 18 & 19. (Fri. & Sat.) Eddie Daniels. The jazz clarinet has been a sometime thing in recent decades. But not for Daniels, who has kept the instrument’s jazz presence very much alive. He’s not in town often, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear what he does with one of the music world’s most expressive instruments, backed by the inimitable trio of pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Tom Warrington and drummer Joe La Barbera. (And let’s hope Ranier brings his clarinet, as well, for a spontaneous duet with Daniels.) Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
Julio Iglesias
- June 19. (Sat.) Julio Iglesias. The “Starry Night” world tour of Iglesias — one of the world’s most popular entertainers — arrives in the Southland. Expect to hear a ton of hits from the man who has sold more records in more languages than any performer in history. The Grove of Anaheim. (714) 712-2700.
- June 19. (Sat.) Dakah Hip Hop Orchestra. The dyamic instrumentation and cross-over talents of the Dakah players are applied to a new work titled Gangsta Wagner. And, that’s right, it’s an acknowledgment of “the Ring‘s sinister side and marries it to L.A.” Grand Performances. (213) 687-2159.
- June 19. (Sat.) Ernie Watts. Last weekend, Watts’ performance with Kurt Elling was one of the highlights of the Playboy Jazz Festival. Here he is, fronting his own group, his inventive playing on full display as he celebrates the release of his new CD, Four Plus Four. Café Metropol. (213) 613-1537.
- June 19. (Sat.) Marian Petrescu with Kevin Axt and Bill Wysaske. Petrescu is a technical wizard, as virtuosic a pianist as jazz has seen since the salad years of Oscar Peterson. At his best, he reaches beyond the fast-fingered excursions into a stylistic identity that blends his Eastern European roots with a deep understanding of the jazz mainstream. Pierre’s Fine Pianos.
- June 20. (Sun.) Anna Mjoll. Iceland’s gift to jazz singing knows how to combine her solid sense of swing with an engaging way with a song. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400.
Baaba Maal
- June 20. (Sun.) KCRW World Festival. Baaba Maal, Playing For Change, Tinariwen, Fool’s Gold. The world music series at the Bowl begins with the sort of eclectic mix of acts that characterizes most of the series’ summer schedule. All are intriguing, with Maal and Tinariwen particularly worthy of musical attention. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
San Diego
- June 18. (Fri.) Tierney Sutton, Hubert Laws and Larry Koonse. Vocalist Sutton takes a break from her usual ensemble to explore some new territory with saxophonist Laws and guitarist Koonse. It should make for adventurous results. Anthology, San Diego. (619) 595-0300.
San Francisco
- June 16 & 17. (Wed. & Thurs.) James Carter Organ Trio. Saxophonist Carter reaches into his far-reaching familiarity with the full range of jazz styles and takes on the blues-drenched organ trio genre. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
- June 20 – 21. (Sun. & Mon.) Sharon McNight. Tony Award-winning McNight moves with utter ease from the musical theatre stage to the intimacy of cabaret. And she does it with wit and whimsy matched with superb vocal skills. Rrazz Room. (415) 394-1189.
New York
- June 16 – 20. (Wed. – Sun.) Fred Hersch Trio. Pianist Hersch has been impressively exploring new attitudes toward the classic jazz piano trio setting for most of his lengthy career. And as he does so, he keeps making fascinating new discoveries. Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.
Vijay Iyer
- June 16 – 20. (Wed. – Sun.) Dizzy Gillespie All Star Big Band. The Gillespie big band sound — virtually a jazz genre in itself — is alive and kicking in this stellar collection of players. Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
- June 16 – 19. (Wed. – Sat.) Vijay Iyer Trio. Pianist Iyer, who’s been receiving growing praise from audiences and critics alike, was chosen Musician of the Year in this week’s Jazz Journalists Association Awards. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
- June 6. (Wed.) The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. The music from one of the most popular video games of all time is performed by a full orchestra. The program features music based on story lines from “Ocarina of Time,” “The Wind Waker,” “Twilight Princess” and “A Link to the Past.” The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
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