Picks of the Week: Mar. 20 – 25

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Zana Messia

- Mar. 21. (Wed.)  Zana Messia and the Balkan Soul Orchestra. Yugoslavian singer-songwriter Messia celebrates the release of her new album, Balkan Soul, featuring the arching melodies and gypsy rhythms of her songs.  Guest  performers will reportedly be in attendance as well.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Mar. 21. (Wed.)  Zakir Hussain’s “Masters of Percussion.”   Tabla master Hussain, whose resume reaches from classical Indian music to jazz and pop fusion, displays his virtuosic skills in a setting that embraces high energy percussion, meditative ragas and Indian dance. Walt Disney Hall.  (323) 850-2000.

- Mar. 22. (Thurs.)  Joe LaBarbera Quintet.  The veteran drummer steps into a leadership role with an all-star band: saxophonist Bob Sheppard, trumpter Clay Jenkins, pianist Bill Cunliffe and bassist Tom Warrington. That’s for the 8 p.m. set.  At 10 p.m. pianist Josh Nelson’s trio takes over, with Dave Robaire, bass, Dan Schnelle, drums.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

Mar. 22. (Thurs.)  The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  Westside Connections 2. Special guest: Food critic Jonathan Gold.  Why a food critic at an LACO concert?  Because the subject of the evening is food references in music.  And L.A. Weekly food critic Gold will discuss them as part of a program of music dedicated to food-related compositions by J.S. Bach, Bernstein, William Bolcom, Timothy Andres and Dohnanyi.  The Broad Stage.    (310) 434-3200.

- Mar. 22 – 25. (Thurs. – Sunday)  Rachelle Ferrell. The soulful, far-ranging voice of Ferrell has been one of the wonders of contemporary jazz and pop for more than two decades, still reaching well above high C.   Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- Mar. 23 & 24. (Fri. & Sat.)  SFJAZZ Collective.  The Music of Stevie Wonder.  The all-star members of the Collective take on the songs of Stevie Wonder, and add their original works – inspired by Wonder.  Samueli Theatre, Segerstrom Center for the Arts.    (714) 556-2787.

- Mar. 24. (Sat.)  Noa (Achinoam Nini).  Adept in a dozen languages, imaginatively expressive in music of every genre, Israeli singer Noa (as she is professionally known) will display the full range of her creative versatility, while emphasizing music from the Israeli songbook.  She’ll be accompanied by her long-time partner, guitarist/arranger/producer, Gil Dor.  Click HERE to read an iRoM Q & A with Noa.  A UCLA Live concert at Royce Hall.    (310) 825-2102.

Savion Glover

- Mar. 24. (Sat.) Savion Glover.  Always searching for new creative dance expressions, Glover – backed by his new “Bare Soundz” band – explores the fascinating connections between flamenco and tap dancing.  The Valley Performing Arts Center.  (818( 677-3000.

- Mar. 24. (Sat.) Tom Peterson Quartet.  Saxophonist Peterson, a versatile player who is on everyone’s first-call list, steps into the spotlight with the able support of bassist Pat Senatore, pianist Josh Nelson and drummer Kendall Kay.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.  (310) 474-9400.

Jackie Ryan

- Mar. 24. (Sat.) Jackie Ryan.  A standout in a crowded field of singers that seems to be growing larger by the day, Ryan is a uniquely appealing jazz vocal artist.  Always responsive to the inner heartbeat of the words and the music, she is a songwriter’s delight.  Ryan performs with the Tamir Hendelman Trio.  Pierre’s Fine Piano Salon.  (310) 216-5861.

Mumiy Troll

- Mar. 24. (Sat.) Mumiy Troll.  Russia’s best-known, most popular rock band makes a rare Southland appearance, celebrating the upcoming release of their first English language album, Vladivostok, recorded in Los Angeles.  The Viper Room.          (310) 358-1881.

- Mar. 25. (Sun.) Pat Martino and Eldar.  It’s a cross generational performance, with the superb, 67 year old veteran guitarist Martino exchanging musical ideas with former prodigy, now 25 year old pianist, Eldar.  A Jazz Bakery Movable Feast.  Musicians Institute.   (310) 271-9039.

San Francisco

- Mar. 23 – 25. (Fri. – Sun.)  The James Cotton Superharp Band featuring Elvin Bishop.  Cotton, the Grammy-winning master of the blues harmonica, leads a band featuring the similarly gifted blues singer/guitarist Bishop.   Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

Washington D.C.

- Mar. 22 – 25. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Kevin Eubanks.  He may have had his greatest visibility leading the Tonight Show band from 1995 – 2010, but guitarist Eubanks’ world class abilities reach far beyond the television screen.   Blues Alley.    (202) 337-4141.

New York City

Pharoah Sanders

- Mar. 20 – 24 (Tues. – Sat.)  Pharoah Sanders Quartet. Tenor saxophonist Sanders, one of the prime musical offspring of John Coltrane, has taken the style and shaped it into a uniquely personal creative expression. Birdland.    (212) 581-3080.

- Mar. 23. (Fri.)  “Bird Amongst the Blossom: A Tribute to the Blossom Dearie Songbook.”  Singer Jaye Maynard, fascinated by both the romance and the whimsy in Dearie’s repertoire, has shaped the songs into a fascinating musical tribute.  Cornelia St. Café.   (212) 989-9319.

Milan

- Mar. 21 & 22. (Wed. & Thurs.)  The Mike Stern Band.  He moves freely and imaginatively across the boundaries of jazz, blues, fusion and beyond.  And guitarist Stern is at his best when he’s surrounded by fine players.  As he is here, with French violinist Didier Lockwood, bassist Tom Kennedy and drummer Dave Weckl.  The Milan Blue Note. 

Berlin

Ambrose Akinmusire

- Mar. 21. (Wed.)  Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet. Not yet 30, trumpeter Akinmusire has already been chosen by a large number of critics as the cream of his generation, and potentially the next major jazz trumpeter.  He performs with Walter Smith III, saxophones, Sam Harris, piano, Harish Raghavan, bass, Justin Brown, drums.  A-Trane.    030/313 25 50.

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Ambrose Akinmusire photo by Tony Gieske.

02.69.01.68.88.

Picks of the Week: Feb. 6 – 12

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

- Feb. 7. (Tues.)  Misha Piatigorsky and Sketchy Black Dog.  Winner of the 2004 Thelonious Monk Composers’ Competition, Piatigorsky applies his adventurous composition and piano playing skills within the offbeat string quartet sounds of the Sketchy Black Dog. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com  (310) 474-9400.

- Feb. 7. (Tues.)  Guitar Night.  John Pisano and Barry Zweig.  The two veteran guitarists share a birthday celebration with a typical evening of Guitar night jamming. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 7. (Tues.)  Joshua Bell in Concert.  Versatile violinist Bell applies his rich interpretive skills to a program of Mendlssohn, Brahms, Ravel, Ysaye and Gershwin.  Pianist Sam Haywood accompanies.  Disney Hall.  (323) 850-2000.

Janis Siegel

- Feb. 9. (Thurs.)  Janis Siegel with the Elliot Deutsch Big Band.  “Love: Swinging From the Heart.”  The Manhattan Transfer’s eclectic singer takes a break from quartet life for an evening of love songs with Deutsch’s briskly swinging young band.  Old Town Temecula Community Theatre.    (866) 653-8696.

- Feb. 10. (Fri..)  Pete Christlieb.  Every bandleader loves to have tenor saxophonist Christlieb on stage with him (or her), knowing that – whatever the music demands – Christlieb will deliver it in world class style.  Here’s a chance to hear him up front, doing his own thing.  Expect the best.  He’ll be backed by the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

- Feb. 10. (Fri.)  Hugh Masekela. South African trumpeter and human rights activist Masekela and his South African band survey his far reaching career – from “Grazing in the Grass” to straight ahead jazz and Afro-pop. Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.    (310) 825-2101.

- Feb. 10. (Fri.)  The Glendale Pops Orchestra with Kenny Loggins.  “This Is Romance.” Hitmaker and pop superstar Loggins has been producing soft rock romantic tunes since the ’70s, and he’s still going strong.  He’ll be singing some of his classics with the Glendale Pops as the perfect lead-in to Valentine’s day.  Matt Catingub conducts.  The Glendale Pops Orchestra at the Alex Theatre.  (818) 552-2787.

- Feb. 10 – 12. (Fri. – Sun.) and Feb. 16. – 19. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Steve Tyrell.  The warm and fuzzy baritone of Steve Tyrell can always be counted on to add the right romantic touch to an evening of songs for Valentine’s Day.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  Jaye Maynard’s Blossom Dearie Songbook. Maynard explores the delightfully whimsical material favored by the one and only Dearie, without falling into the trap of imitating her inimitable singing style.  1 p.m. matinee show.  Also Mon., Feb. 13.  8 p.m.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

Judy Collins

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  Judy Collins. It’s been more than four decades since Grammy winning Collins was first thrilling boomers with songs such as “Both Sides Now,” “Someday Soon,” “Who Knows Where The Time Goes” and much more.  At 72, she continues to bring new life to everything she sings. Disney Hall.    (323) 850-2000.

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  Inner Voices Valentine Show. The Southland’s primo vocal collective brings their lush harmonies and soaring solos to a program of holiday-appropriate love songs. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  Pasatono Orquesta.  The first concert in this year’s “Sounds of L.A.” series showcases the indigenous music of Mexico performed on hand-crafted instruments.  The Getty Center. (310) 440-7300.

Ravi Coltrane

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  Christian McBride Trio and Ravi Coltrane Quartet. Two of the contemporary jazz scene’s most gifted artists share the Royce Hall stage, as well as their individual quests to explore new jazz territories. Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.    (310) 825-2101.

- Feb. 12 (Sun.)  Los Angeles Master Chorale. The LAMC take on a pair of compelling choral works: Bruckner’s lush textured Mass in E minor, performed with a wind orchestra, and Stravinsky’s three-movement, neo-classical Symphony of the Psalms.  Disney Hall.  (323) 850-2000.

- Feb. 12. (Sun.)  Marian Petrescu. Bucharest-born pianist Petrescu brings astonishing technical virtuosity to a jazz style blending mainstream elements with a free flying, fiercely rhythmic improvisational inventiveness. Pierre’s Fine Pianos.  (310) 247-0331.    

- Feb. 12. (Sun.)  Moscow Festival Ballet. Founded in 1989 by Bolshoi Ballet dancer Sergei Radchenko, the Moscow Festival Ballet offers their own version of the magical fairy tale, Cinderella.   Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.     (562) 916-8501.

San Francisco

- Feb. 10 – 12. (Fri. – Sun.)  The Manhattan Transfer.  “Valentine’s Weekend.” The Transfer offer their richly harmonized versions of songs for the holiday. Singer Margaret Dorn steps in for Cheryl Bentyne, who is recovering from a serious illness. Yoshi’s Oakland.    (510) 238-9200.

Miami

- Feb. 11. (Sat.)  The Jacky Terrasson Trio.    Born in Berlin to an American mother and a French father, pianist Terrasson has thoroughly established himself as a world-class jazz artist.  In his first Florida appearance he’s backed by the sturdy swing of bassist Ben Williams and drummer Jamire Williams.  The Miniaci Performing Arts Center.  (954) 462-0222.

Washington

- Feb. 10 – 12 (Fri. – Sun.)  Jerry “The Iceman” Butler. One of the original Impressions, Butler – and his smooth baritone — followed up with a string of solo hits. At 72, he’s still going strong, while also serving as a Cook County Board Commissioner.  Blues Alley.    (202) 237-4141.

New York

Roy Hargrove

- Feb. 7 – 12. (Tues. – Sun.)  Roy Hargrove Big Band with Special Guest Roberta Gambarini.  After a string of performances with his quintet, trumpeter Hargrove is back in front of his dynamic big band.  But many of the high points will also be provided by the superb jazz singing of Gambarini.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

- Feb. 9 – 12.  (Thurs. – Sun.) Benny Golson.  He’s written some of the great jazz standards, but tenor saxophonist Golson also has a lot to say through his horn.  Don’t miss this rare club appearance.  Jazz Standard.    (212) 576-2232.

- Feb. 10. (Fri.)  The American Symphony Orchestra.  “Orientalism in France”  The ASO takes a close look at the impact that the music of Asia had upon French composers of the late 19^th and early 20^th cenuries.  The program includes works by Saint-Saens, Franck, Delage, Ravel and Bizet’s rarely heard one act opera, Djamileh. Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium, Perelman Stage.   (212) 247-7800.

London

- Feb. 8 & 9. (Tues. & Wed.)  Gilad Atzmon.  “The Music of Charlie Parker.”  Alto saxophonist Atzmon takes on some of the familiar Parker works, including pieces from the classic Bird with Strings recordings.  Ronnie Scott’s.    020 7439 0747.

Berlin

- Feb. 10. (Fri.)  Gwilym Simcock.  Although he is best known in the U.K., Welsh jazz 30 year old Simcock is one of the most innovative pianists of his generation, applying many of his classical skills to his improvisational excursions.  He performs here on solo piano.   A-Trane.  030/313 25 50

Milan

Billy Cobham

- Feb. 9 – 11. (Thurs. – Sat.)  The Billy Cobham Band. Fusion, crossover, whatever one chooses to call it, drummer Cobham is one of the master chefs of the mixed musical stew of jazz, pop, rock and beyond. Blue Note Milano.     02.69.01.68.88.

Tokyo

Feb. 11 & 12. (Sat. & Sun.)  Take 6. The six a cappella singers of Take 6 have taken every element in the history of jazz vocal ensembles, added their own unique talents and created the best new jazz ensemble singing of the 21^st century. Blue Note Tokyo.   03.5485.0088.

Janis Siegel photo by Bob Barry.