Picks of the Week: Mar. 19 – 24

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Dorothy Dale Kloss

- Mar. 20. (Wed.)  “Three For the Show.”  A trio of veteran performers celebrate the music of Broadway, cabaret and beyond: Dorothy Dale Kloss, at 89, is described as the world’s oldest, still performing show girl; Suzy Cadham was a Golddigger on the Dean Martin Show, and Ken Prescott starred on Broadway in 42^nd St. Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- Mar. 20. (Wed.)  Amanda Brecker. Singer/songwriter Brecker has an impressive lineage – her mother is Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias, her father is jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker.  But Amanda has her own unique musicality, as well.  Her current project is Blossom, a new CD honoring the 40^th anniversary of Carole King’s Tapestry. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

- Mar. 22 & 23. (Fri. & Sat.)  Julie Esposito.  She’s a rare hyphenate – attorney/singer, but she manages to fulfill both roles impressively.  Julie’s current show, “Open Your Window,” is a musical celebration of life—through the songs of Sondheim, Bernstein and more – delivered with the stylish, story-telling qualities that are the essence of her art.  The Gardenia.  (323) 467-7444.

Savion Glover

- Mar. 22. (Fri.)  Savion Glover.  Watching, and hearing, tap dancer Glover is like experiencing a world class drummer in tap shoes.  There’s no one quite like him, so don’t miss one of his rare Southland appearances. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.    (562) 916-8501

- Mar. 23. (Sat.)  Frank Stallone.  Vitello’s. Grammy and Golden Globe-nominated actor/singer Stallone follows convincingly in the classic styles of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and others.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Mar. 24. (Sun.)  Yuja Wang.  Pianist Wang makes her Disney Hall recital debut with a challenging program reaching from Mendelssohn and Ravel to Debussy, Scriabin and Rachmaninoff.   Disney Hall.   (323) 850-2000.

- Mar. 24. (Sun.)  The Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  “Mostly Baroque.”  The title is right on target for a LACO program encompassing Bach, Handel, Mozart and Stravinsky.  Music Director Jeffrey Kahane will conduct from the keyboard, with soloists Margaret Batjer, violin, and David Shostac, flute.  A CAP UCLA concert at Royce Hall.  (310) 825-2101.

San Francisco

Sheila E.

- Mar. 20 – 22. (Wed, – Fri.)  Sheila E.  She comes from a high visibility music world family, but she’s learned how to dominate a stage with her magnetic skills as a percussionist, singer, vocalist, songwriter and a lot more, while looking sensational.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

New York City

- Mar. 19 – 23. (Tues. – Sat.)  The Tierney Sutton Band.  Grammy-nominated Sutton approaches every song she sings with an imaginative overview, superbly aided by the Band that is an essential element in her deeply expressive musical story telling.  Birdland.    (212) 581-3080.

Madeleine Peyroux

- Mar. 22 – 24. (Fri. – Sun.)  Madeleine Peyroux.  Always an unusual vocal talent, Peyroux has moved well beyond the Billie Holiday influences in her early recordings, into a versatile singer with the skill and the imagination to embrace everything from classic standards to Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman, John Hartford and beyond.  Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.    (212) 258-9800.

London

Mar. 20. (Wed.)  Kai Hoffman.  The glamorous vocalist Hoffman celebrates the release of her new CD, Do It While You Can.  Click HERE to read an iRoM review of the album.    Ronnie Scott’s.    +44 20 7439 0747

Copenhagen

- Mar. 22. (Fri.) Marilyn Mazur.  Percussionist Mazur was American-born, but she’s lived in Denmark since the age of 6.  She performs here with Celestial Circle — a group of stellar European jazz artists that includes vocalist Josefine Cronholm, pianist John Taylor and bassist Anders Jormin. Jazzhus Montmarte.   +45 31 72 34 94.

Stockholm

- Mar. 21. (Thurs.)  Frank Gambale Natural High Trio.  Australian fusion guitarist Gambale moves comfortably across genre lines, from rock shredding to straight ahead jazz.  He’s joined in his Natural High Trio by pianist Otmaro Ruiz and bassist Alain Caron.  Fasching.    08-534 829 60.

Berlin

Sandro Albert

- Mar. 24. (Sun.)  The Sandro Albert Quartet.  Guitarist Albert is one of Brazil’s most convincing jazz artists.  He’s backed here by a prime American rhythm section – keyboardist James Weidman, bassist Michael O’Brian and drummer Tom Brechtlein.  A-Trane.   +49 30 3132 ext. 550.

 Milan

- Mar. 23. (Sat.)  The Ron Carter Trio.  Iconic bassist Carter has spent his life playing for world class artists.  And he continues to do so here with his own group, featuring pianist Donald Vega and guitarist Russell Malone.  Click HERE to read a recent iRom review of Carter.  Blue Note Milano.   +39 02 6901 6888

Qatar

- Mar. 19 – 24. (Tues. – Sun.)  Ulysses Owens Jr. Quintet. Grammy-winning drummer Owens has already established himself – in his ‘20s – as first call player whose resume is already filled with world-class performances.  Jazz at Lincoln Center Doha.    +974.4446.0000.

Tokyo

Hiromi

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- Mar. 22 – 24. (Fri. – Sun.)  Hiromi Uehara Solo.  Performing in a solo setting, the gifted Hiromi finds ways to transform her keyboards – from acoustic to electric – into a virtual orchestra for the fullest expression of her improvisational ingenuity.  Blue Note Tokyo.  +81 3-5485-0088.

Live Jazz: Denny Seiwell, John Chiodini and Joe Bagg at Vitello’s

By Don Heckman

Drummer Denny Seiwell, who made a rare appearance at Vitello’s Friday night, has a resume reaching from Zoot Sims and Al Cohn to Joe Cocker, the Who, Art Garfunkel, James Brown and many other jazz and rock luminaries.  But his most significant musical association may have been the time he spent as a founding member of Paul McCartney’s Wings.

The trio he brought to Vitello’s – with guitarist John Chiodini and organist Joe Bagg – had little to do with rock.  But recollections of his days with McCartney dominated the first part of the trio’s opening set via instrumental jazz versions of such familiar Sir Paul tunes as “Comin’ Up” and “Dear Friend.”  Some worked well, others had the feeling of a shotgun marriage.

Denny Seiwell Trio

Seiwell’s muscular drumming added an appropriate rock-orientation to the McCartney works.  The balance of the set – which included pieces ranging from originals by Bagg and Russell Malone to Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Favela” – demanded (and received) a more appealing, straight-ahead jazz approach.  At their best, the results had the intimate, musically interactive qualities of a trio of players completely at creative ease with each other.

With Seiwell seated in the center, functioning as the trio’s propulsive rhythmic engine,   Chiodini and Bagg provided most of the set’s improvisational adventuring.

John Chiodini

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Chiodini is one of the Southland’s first call guitarists, and the diversity of his playing made it clear why he is in such demand.  Moving comfortably from the McCartney pop/rock tunes to the samba rhythms of “Favela” and the crisp swing of the jazz oriented numbers, he was always imaginative in his solos and solidly supportive in his rhythm section work.

Joe Bagg

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Bagg’s contributions were equally valuable.  The Hammond B-3 can dominate bands larger than the Seiwell trio.  But in Bagg’s articulate expressiveness the instrument came alive, bringing surprisingly large orchestral textures to the trio environment.  Crisp and hard driving in some of the groove-oriented pieces, he balanced his probing solos and rich back-up textures with provocative exchanges with Chiodini’s guitar lines.

Add it all up – Seiwell’s rhythmic leadership combined with the prime ensemble  work and solo improvising of Chiodini and Bagg – and the result was an intriguing evening of first rate jazz occasionally spiced with some rock-oriented musical flavors.

Photos by Faith Frenz. 

Picks of the Week: Jan. 24 – 29

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

The Jazz & Blules Review: Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo, Dianne Wright, George Kahn

- Jan. 25. (Wed.) The Jazz and Blues Review.  Featuring Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo and Dianne Wright.  Backed by the George Kahn Quintet.  They’ve been called “a journey through blues and jazz, from New York to Los Angeles, from the Andrews Sisters to the Pointer Sisters at the intersection of Jump St. and Boogaloo Ave.”  Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- Jan. 25. (Wed.)  The London Handel Players.  The English ensemble makes its West Coast debut performing the music of Handel (of course), J.S. Bach and C.P.E. Bach in one of the Southland’s grand locations.  Chamber Music in Historic Sites.  The Grand Salon at the Ebell of Los Angeles.     (213) 477-2929.

- Jan. 25 – 29. (Wed. – Sun.)  Roy Hargrove Quintet.  The versatile, pocket rocket trumpeter gets into a straight ahead grove with his dynamic quintet.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Jan. 26. (Thurs.)  Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  “Baroque Conversations 1”  The first of the LACO’s performances of Baroque music – mostly Bach in this case – with music introduced from the stage by the artists, and open questioning from the audience to conclude the evening.  Oboist Alan Vogel leads the 14 piece ensemble of singers and instrumentalists.  Zipper Concert Hall.    (213) 622-7001 ext. 1.

- Jan. 26. (Thurs.)  Frank Potenza Quartet.  Guitarist Potenza has assembled an intriguing international ensemble, with the versatile Doug Webb, saxophones, ever-swinging Paul Kreibich, drums and – from New Caledonia – Michel Benebig, Hammond organ and Shem Benebig, vocals.  Brasserie Jazz Lounge, Crowne Plaza Hotel.  (310) 258-1333.

Lucinda Williams

- Jan. 27. (Fri.)  Lucinda Williams and Blake Mills. Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Williams – named “America’s best songwriter” in 2002 – shares the stage, in solo and duo sets, with young guitarist Mills.  UCLA Live.  Royce Hall.  (310) 825-2101.

- Jan. 27. (Fri.)  Chuck Manning . Tenor saxophonist Manning’s versatility is always on display.  “No matter what the context, his mix of smarts and heart will get two you,” wrote Brick Wahl in the L.A. Weekly.  He’s backed by Theo Saunders, piano, Pat Senatore, bass and Jimmy Branley, drums.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.  (310) 474-9400.

- Jan. 28. (Sat.)  Simplexity.  What is Simplexity?  An assemblage of all-star, first-call jazz players, led by bassist John von Seggern, coming together in a project that blends electronic ambient sounds and textures, contemporary dance beats and the soul of jazz improvisation.  Should be an evening to remember. Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.

- Jan. 28. (Sat.)  They Might Be Giants.  The pioneering alternative rock band celebrates its 30^th anniversary with a pair of Royce Hall appearances.  The family show, at 3 p.m. will draw on award-winning kids’ albums.  The evening program, at 8 p.m. will be highlighted by their latest album, Join Us.  Folk singer/songwriter Jonathan Coulter opens the show.  UCLA Live.  Royce Hall.  (310) 825-2101.

San Francisco

Wesla Whitfield

- Jan. 26. (Thurs.)  Wesla Whitfield with the Mike Greensil Trio.  Cabaret singer Whitfield and her husband, pianist Greensil have been offering definitive interpretations of classics from the Great American Songbook for decades.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

- Jan. 26 – 28. (Thurs. – Sat.)  The Stanley Clarke Band.  Always adventuring into new combinations, the current Clarke band includes regulars Ruslan Sirota, keyboards and Ronald Bruner, drums, with the added contributions of the eclectic young violinist, Zach Brock.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.    (415) 655-5600.

New York

- Jan. 24 – 28. (Tues. – Sat.)  The Tierney Sutton Band.  There’s nothing quite like the combination of Sutton’s airy vocals with the ever-compatible musical embrace of the players – pianist Christian Jacob, bassists Kevin Axt and Trey Henry and drummer Ray Brinker — she has been performing with for two decades. Birdland.   (212) 581-3080.

- Jan. 26 – 29. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Billy Childs Quartet.  Pianist/composer Childs takes a break from his jazz chamber ensemble to groove hard with Steve Wilson, alto saxophone, Hans Glawischnig, bass and Eric Harland, drums.  Jazz Standard.  (212) 576-2232.

- Jan. 27. (Fri.)  Manhattan School of Music Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra.  Conducted by Justin DiCioccio.  A celebration the Stan Kenton Centennial, featuring the music of Kenton’s Innovations Orchestra.  Among the works that will be featured are Bill Russo’s “Improvisation,” Pete Rugolo’s “Interlude,” Robert Graettinger’s “City of Glass” and Stan Kenton’s “Artistry in Rhythm.”  RoBorden Auditorium at the Manhattan School of Music.  (917) 493-4428.

Boston

Ron Carter

- Jan. 27 – 28. (Fri. & Sat.)  The Ron Carter Trio. Every version of the Carter Trio is classy, and none more so than this high flying combination of bassist Carter, Russell Malone, guitar and Donald Vega, piano.  Regatta Bar.

Paris

- Jan. 28. (Sat.)  Renaud Garcia-Fons.  The brilliant bassist has created one of the unique sounds and styles in contemporary music, playing his five stringed acoustic instrument in works that blend, jazz, flamenco, folk music, classical and “new musette.”  New Morning.  01 45 23 51 41.

Copenhagen

- Jan. 26 & 27. (Thurs. & Fri.)  Jacky Terrasson.  French pianist Terrasson leads a stellar European jazz piano trio, with Thomas Fonnesbaek, bass and Alex Riel, drums.  Jazzhus Montmartre.    (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Jazz & Blues Review photo by Mara Zaslove.

Ron Carter photo by Tony Gieske. 

Picks of the Week: Oct. 24 – 30

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Goran Bregovic

- Oct. 26. (Wed.)  Goran Bregovic Wedding and Funeral Orchestra.  Sarajevo’s wildly eclectic bandleader Bregovic leads an orchestra that combines Roma gypsy music, a brass band, strings, a male choir, Bulgarian back-up singers and traces of rock into an inimitable evening of mind-bending music.   Disney Hall.   (323) 8502000.

- Oct. 26. (Wed.)  Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette.  Three decades together and Jarrett, Peacock and DeJohnette are still going strong, still bringing stunning improvisational illumination to everything they play.  Firmly established as one of the iconic groups of the post-bop era, they should be heard at every opportunity.  Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.    (310) 825-2101.

- Oct. 26. (Wed.)  The Thom Rotella Quartet. Guitarist Rotella has a resume covering virtually every area of the music world — from performances with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Luciano Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra, to composing for shows such as Sex and the City and China Beach and performances on the sound tracks of The Simpsons,Family Guy and much more.  Here’s a chance to hear him in an up close setting, backed by the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato Jazz Grill…etc.    (310) 474-9400.

- Oct. 26. (Wed.)  Celtic Thunder.  The five dynamic singers of Celtic Thunder are the male version of Celtic Woman, their immense popularity triggered by the blend of powerful solo work, engaging collective ensembles combined with a program of memorable Irish song.  The Greek Theatre.   (323) 665-5857.

- Oct. 26. (Wed.)  Rob Mullins Quartet.  He started out as a drummer, picked up several other instruments along the way during his prodigal career as a young professional, and wound up as a versatile pianist, composer and educator, with multiple accomplishments in all those areas.  This time out, he’s joined by a stellar ensemble: Doug Webb, reeds, Brian Bromberg, bass and Bernie Dresel, drums.  Vitello’s.     (818) 769-0905.

Inga Swearingen

- Oct. 28. (Fri.)  Inga Swearingen. You’ve probably heard Swearingen singing her uniquely personal song interpretations on the Prairie Home Companion. But her imaginative view of jazz still hasn’t received the audience her rare talent deserves.  Here’s a good chance to sample it.  LACMA.    (323) 857-6000.

- Oct. 28. (Fri.)  Apollo’s Fire Baroque Orchestra featuring Phillippe Jaroussky.  “Handel and Vivaldi Fireworks.”  At 33, Jaroussky – a French sopranist countertenor –has firmly established himself as one of the star performers of the Baroque repertoire composed for the extraordinary male soprano voices.  He sings with the highly praised, period instrument ensemble, Apollo’s Fire.  UCLA Live.

- Oct. 28 – 30. (Fri. – Sun.)  Riverdance.  Nearly two decades since it made its first appearance at a Eurovision song contest, the spectacular step dances and enchanting Irish music of Riverdance continue to delight audiences in appearances around the world.  Segerstrom center for the Arts.    (714) 556-2787.

- Oct. 28 – 30. (Fri. – Sun.)  Soka Blueport Jazz Festival.  The first festival at Soka University in Orange County has all the looks of a major jazz event.  The three days of programming are loaded with many of the Southland’s major artists as well as a healthy sampling of players from the East Coast and other parts of the world.  Fri.: The Geoffrey Keezer/Peter Sprague Band; Trio Da Paz starring singer Maucha Adnet.  Sat.: The Bert Turetzsky- Chuck Perrin Dynamic Duo; singer Tierney Sutton with pianist Mike Garson; The Charles McPherson Quintet with Gilbert Castellanos; Trio Da Paz starring clarinetist/saxophonist Anat Cohen. Sun.: The Ron Eschete Trio; The Mike Garson Sextet starring Komel Fekete-Kovac.  Soka Blueport Jazz Festival, Aliso Viejo.  (949) 480-4278.

Tinariwen

- Oct. 29. (Sat.) Tinariwen. The musical collective from Northern Mali has been blending the sounds, the rhythms and the instruments of their Taureg roots with the energy and dynamism of Western rock music for more than a decade.  Luckman Fine Arts Complex.   (323) 343-6600.

- Oct. 29. (Sat.) “We Four: Celebrating Coltrane”  Javon Jackson, tenor saxophone, Mulgrew Miller, piano, Nat Reeves, bass, Jimmy Cobb, drums.  John Coltrane’s music should always be celebrated, of course.  But it’s a very special celebration, indeed, when it’s handled by four players with the credentials to do it full justice.  A Jazz Bakery Movable Feast at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center.

- Oct. 30 (Sun.) Linda Eder with Tom Wopat.  Broadway and cabaret singer Eder joins her scintillating soprano with the rich baritone of actor/singer Wopat.  Valley Performing Arts Center.    (818) 677-3000.

San Francisco

- Oct. 27. (Thurs.)  Mose Allison.  The one and only musical philosopher of the bayou always has a message worth hearing.  Returning to the studio last year for The Way of the World, his first album in a decade, he was good as ever – which is very good indeed. YBCA Forum.  SFJAZZ  Festival.    (866) 920-5299.

- Oct. 28. (Fri.)   Goran Bregovic Wedding and Funeral Orchestra.  See above.  Paramount Theatre.  SFJAZZ Festival. (866) 920-5299.

Oct. 28. (Fri.)  “We Four: Celebrating Coltrane”  Javon Jackson, tenor saxophone, Mulgrew Miller, piano, Nat Reeves, bass, Jimmy Cobb, drums.  See above.  SFJAZZ Festival.  (866) 920-5299.

- Oct. 29. (Sat.) Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, Jack DeJohnette.  See above.  Zellerbach Hall at U.C. Berkley.  (510) 642-9988.

Chicago

Russell Malone

- Oct. 27 – 30. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Russell Malone Trio.  Guitarist Malone has devoted a good portion of his career to making other performers sound great.  But on his own, he’s even better.  Check him out and you’ll see.   Jazz Showcase.    (312) 360-0234.

New York

- Oct. 25 – 30.  (Tues. – Sun.)  Jimmy Heath’s 85^th birthday celebration.  The veteran saxophonist shares a milestone birthday with a string of celebratory musical encounters.    Featuring Roy Hargrove, Antonio Hart, Steve Davis, Peter Washington, Lewis Nash and many others.  Special guest Bill Cosby appears on Tues. at the early show.  The Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592.

- Oct. 25 – 30. (Tues. – Sun.)  The Wycliffe Gordon Quintet & Friends.  “Hello Pops!  The Music of Louis Armstrong.”  Trombonist Gordon’s enthusiastic playing style combines with his convincing vocals to create a musically entertaining tribute to Sachmo.  Special guest Anat Cohen (Tues. & Wed.) adds her clarinet delights.  Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola.  (212) 259-9800.

Boston

- Oct. 27 & 28. (Thurs. & Fri.)  The Bad Plus.  Pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer David King have been transforming the familiar jazz piano trio into a vehicle for genre-busting musical excitement for more than a decade. Regatta Bar.    (617) 395-7757.

Berlin

THeo Bleckmann

- Oct. 27. (Thurs.)  Theo Bleckmann.  “Hello Earth: The Music of Kate Bush.”  A major figure in contemporary avant-garde music, singer/composer Bleckmann has performed with everyone from Laurie Anderson and Anthony Braxton to Meredith Monk and Phillip Glass.  Here he presents selections from his recently released album exploring the songs of eclectic singer/songwriter Kate Bush.  A-Trane.    030 / 313 25 50.

London

- Oct. 27 – 29. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Ramsey Lewis Electric Band. Multiple Grammy winner Lewis has been leading high visibility trios since the mid-‘50s.  This time out, he revives the electric sounds of his classic, top charting Sun Goddess album of the ‘70s.  Ronnie Scott’s.   020 7439 0747.

Picks of the Week: Aug. 30 – Sept. 4

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

MIchael Wolff

- Aug. 30 & 31. (Tues. & Wed.)  Michael Wolff Quartet.  Pianist and television personality Wolff does a live recording with the stellar ensemble of trumpeter/film composer Mark Isham, bassist John B. Williams and drummer Mike Clark.  Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- Aug. 31. (Wed.)  George Benson, George Duke, Marcus Miller and David Sanborn.   It’s an evening of blues, funk, crossover and smooth jazz.  But straight ahead jazz fans can rest assured that all of these high visibility artists are also firmly rooted in traditional jazz skills.  The Hollywood Bowl.  (323) 850-2040.

Janis Mann

- Aug. 31. (Wed.)  Janis Mann Quartet.  Versatile singer Mann’s soaring vocals are underscored by solid musicality and a masterful story-telling skills.  She performs with pianist Andy Langham, bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Roy McCurdy.  Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

- Sept. 1. (Thurs.)  Pat Tuzzolino.  Watching Tuzzolino in action is to marvel at his eclectic skills, as he plays a synth keyboard with one hand, a bass synth with the other, while delivering warm, engaging, hard swinging vocals.  He performs with guitarist Barry Zweig and drummer Billy Paul.  Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905

- Sept. 1. (Thurs.)  The Ron Eschete Trio.  Seven string guitarist Eschete manages to generate the sort of rich, harmonic textures and flowing rhythms that would seem to only be possible on a keyboard instrument. And he does so with far reaching creative imagination. Keyboardist Joe Bagg and drummer Kendall Kay will back him.  Steamer’s.    (714) 871-8800.

Charlie Haden's Quartet West

- Sept. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Charlie Haden’s Quartet West.  Haden’s veteran, all-star band, one of the West Coast’s great jazz ensembles, celebrates their 25^th anniversary.  And it comes at an appropriate time, with pianist/arranger Alan Broadbent moving to the New York area in the near future.  Hopefully Haden will find a way to keep the Quartet together, from time to time.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Sept. 2 – 5. ) Fri. – Mon.  Sweet & Hot Music Festival.  The 16^th annual celebration of the timeless pleasures of classic jazz.  The names are too numerous to mention.  But suffice to say there’ll be over 200 musicians, 20 bands, 8 venues, 180 scheduled events and 4 dance floors – all sizzling with everything from New Orleans jazz to Swing and Bebop.  The LAX Marriott Hotel.  http://www.sweethot.org

- Sept. 3. (Sat.)  Steve Huffsteter.  Trumpeter Huffsteter’s extensive resume includes appearances with a complete lexicon of jazz and pop artists.  Much honored by his musical associates, he’s too rarely heard on his own, in the spotlight.  Here’s a great opportunity to experience the articulate subtlety of his playing.  He’s backed by the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato.

San Francisco

- Sept. 1 – 3. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Ivan Lins Quartet.  Singer/songwriter/pianist Lins has been one of Brazil’s – and the world’s – great musical treasures for decades.  Like all iconic artists, he should be heard at every opportunity – especially in a musically compatible setting such as Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600.

New York

Ron Carter

- Aug. 30 – Sept. 4 (Tues. – Sun.)  Ron Carter Big Band.  At the pinnacle of a career that has embraced every imaginable musical setting, bassist Ron Carter celebrates the release of an album expressing his affection for classic big band jazz: Ron Carter’s Great Big Band.  His assemblage of horn-playing all stars will be backed by the solid rhythm team of Carter, guitarist Russell Malone, pianist Mulgrew Miller and drummer Willie Jones III.   Jazz Standard.    (212) 576-2232.

- Sept. 1. (Thurs.)  Roseanna Vitro.  The Music of Randy Newman.  Vitro’s jazz-driven exploration of the emotionally multi-layered songs of Newman has been one of the headline items of 2011’s vocal CDs.  Hopefully the Recording Academy voters will have the good sense to give it a Grammy nomination.  Here, she offers her interpretations up close and live.  The Iridium.    (212) 582-2121.

Picks of the Week: Aug. 3 – 8

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Gustavo Dudamel

- Aug. 3. (Tues.)  The Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Gustavo Dudamel conducts a stunning program of Bernstein and Gershwin. Gabriela Montero solos in the Rhapsody In Blue.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 3. (Tues.)  Wayne Bergeron’s Big Band.  Trumpeter Bergeron steps down from the trumpet section to lead own large jazz ensemble.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.  www.vibratogrilljazz.com.

- Aug. 4. (Wed.)  Denise Donatelli.  With a warm, embracing voice, a solid sense of swing and an intuitive gift for interpretation, Donatelli has all the right stuff for engaging jazz vocalizing. Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

Rickie Lee Jones

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.) Rickie Lee Jones. The quirky, singer-songwriter star of the ‘70s and ‘80s still knows how to put it all together.  She makes a rare Southland appearance.  Twilight Dance at the Santa Monica Pier. (310) 458-8900.

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  The Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Gustavo Dudamel adds another stirring Bowl appearance, conducting Ravel’s Bolero, Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras and more.  Soprano Isabel Leonard is featured.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  Elliott Cane Quintet. Trumpeter/optometrist Cane showcases his bebop chops in one of L.A.’s most amiable settings.  The Descanso Gardens.   (818) 949-4200

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. The Grammy-nominated Playboys should bring the crowd to their feet with an irrepressible collection of Cajun dance rhythms.  The Skirball Center.  http://www.skirball.org (310) 440-4500.

- Aug. 5 – 7. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Kenny Burrell.  Master guitarist Burrell takes a break from his academic duties in the UCLA jazz program.  He’s backed by the solid ensemble of Tom Ranier, Roberto Miranda, Clayton Cameron and Tivon Pennicott.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- Aug. 6. (Fri.)  Henry Franklin.  Bassist Franklin, affectionately known as The Skipper, recalls some of the superb sounds he made with the likes of Hugh Masekela, the Three Sounds and Freddie Hubbard.  LACMA.  (323) 857-6000.

- Aug. 6 – 8. (Fri – sun.) Rent. The Tony-winning, Pulitzer Prize-winning, long-run Broadway hit is this Summer’s choice for the Bowl’s annual fully staged musical. The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 7. (Sat.)  The Mike Melvoin Trio.  Melvoin has done so many things so well for so many years — compose, conduct, produce, arrange — that his finely honed skills as a jazz pianist don’t always receive the accolades they deserve.  He’s at his best when he works, as he does here,  in a virtually symbiotic musical partnership with bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Ralph Penland.  Keyboard Concepts L.A. 3:30 – 5 p.m.  Reservation required.  (323) 651-3060.

Ringo Starr

Aug. 7. (Sat.)  Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band.  There’s usually a Beatles vibe when Ringo’s around.  But for this appearance, celebrating his latest album, Y Not, he shifts gears with a stellar ensemble that includes Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Gary Wright, Greg Bissonette and others. The Greek Theatre.   (323) 665-3125.

- Aug. 7. (Sat.)  Mitch Forman Trio.  Versatile keyboardist Forman displays his impressive musical wares in the intimacy of a trio setting.   Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Aug. 8. (Sun.) The Music of Scott LaFaro.  A musical and literary tribute to the late great bassists.  Alan Pasqua, Pat Senatore and Joe La Barbera perform.  And LaFaro’s sister, Helene LaFaro-Fernandez will be present to sign her book, Jade Visions: The Music and Life of Scott Lafaro.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.  .

- Aug. 8. (Sun.) The Four Freshmen and the George Kahn Trio. The current edition of the jazz vocal and instrumental quartet display their lush harmonies in a fund raiser for the California Jazz Foundation. Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- Aug. 8. (Sun.)  Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad.  Multi-instrumentalist Polanco cranks up his Latin jazz rhythms in the laid-back setting of KJAZ’s Sunday Champagne Brunch.  The inimitable Bubba Jackson is the host.  The Twist Restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel & Spa.

- Aug. 8. (Sun.)  Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.  Cinema Judaica.  The LAJS, conducted by Noreen Green performs the film music of such Jewish composers as Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Steven Schwartz and others.  The Ford Amphitheatre.   (323) 461-3673.

San Diego

Aug. 6. (Fri.)  Joyce Cooling.  Smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist Cooling brings style, substance and swing to everything she does.  Anthology San Diego.   (619) 595-0300.

San Francisco

- Aug. 3 – 4.  (Tues. & Wed.)  Alfredo Rodriguez. Young Cuban expatriate pianist Rodriguez has everything he needs to surface as a major talent for years to come. Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

New York

- Aug. 3 – 7. (Tues. – Sat.)  The Heath Brothers.  Saxophonist Jimmy and drummer Tootie keep the proud Heath family jazz banner flying.  Birdland.  (212) 581-3080.

Greg Osby

- Aug. 3 – 8 (Tues. – Sun.)  Greg Osby Quintet.  Alto saxophonist Osby stretches the boundaries of contemporary improvisation with the dynamic backing of guitarist Nir Felder, pianist Marc Copland, bassist Joseph Lepore and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.  Village Vanguard.   (212) 255-4037.

- Aug. 3 – 8. (Tues. – Sun.) Ron Carter Trio.  Combine bassist Carter with the piano work of Mulgrew Miller and the guitar of Russell Malone and you can expect (and receive) world class jazz results.  The Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592.

Rhode Island

Aug. 6 – 8 (Fri. – Sat.)  The Newport Jazz Festival.  Actually, the current, sponsored title is the CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival. But whatever the title, George Wein’s remarkable summer weekend of jazz has been both the model and the leader of jazz festival events since its inception in the ’50s.  And this weekend once again is filled with superlatives.  Among the highlights: On Friday — Jamie Cullum and Grace Kelly.  On Saturday — the Chick Corea Freedom Band, Ahmad Jamal, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Anat Cohan, Darcy James Argue, the Newport All Stars, Trio Da Paz, Rez Abbasi, Fly, JD Allen.  On Sunday – Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Wynton Marsalis, Amina Figerova, John Faddis, Dave Douglas, Ben Allison, Jason Moran, David Binney, Gretchen Parlato.  And much, much more.  The CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival.  (401) 848-5055.

Live Jazz: The Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars at Royce Hall

By Michael Katz

When I last saw the Monterey Jazz Festival All-Stars, they were opening the 52^nd MJF before a raucous Friday night crowd, the hour allotted to them not nearly enough to hold all their collective talents. Seven months later, in the more restrained environment of UCLA’s Royce Hall, I caught up with them again. Though the atmosphere is different, their current extended tour has given them the chance to explore the nuances of their  interconnected skills, a prevailing theme at Friday’s performance presented by UCLA Live.

As super groups go, this version of the Monterey All-Stars is pretty impressive. You could make a strong argument for Russell Malone, Regina Carter and Kurt Elling to be in the top handful of performers on their instruments (or voice), and when you add Kenny Barron’s compositional skills to his piano artistry, the combination is hard to beat. Kiyoshi Kitagowa provided steady bass work with some fine soloing, and Johnathan Blake nearly stole the show in several places with some inventive brushwork.

Kurt Elling

The group led off with McCoy Tyner’s “Effendi,” with lyrics supplied by Kurt Elling. As expected, the opening gave each member a chance to stretch out with extended solos, followed by an energetic trading of 8-bar riffs by all four headliners. From that point, the group began to splinter off into various permutations. Regina Carter, providing a sense of decorum, introduced “When I Get Too Old To Dream,” deferring to Elling on a softly swinging vocal while she and Malone provided lilting counterpoints to the melody.

Kenny Barron took over, raising the temperature with the first of his several compositions for the evening, “NY Attitude,” a straight trio number ably abetted by Kitagowa and Blake. Barron and Blake, though separated in years, both have large physiques that belie the dexterity of their playing. Watching Barron in this trio setting, you sometimes have to pinch yourself that the complex chordal riffs you are hearing match up with the seemingly effortless playing reported by your eyes.

Russell Malone

Russell Malone returned with a tribute to the late Herb Ellis, a soft, sweet version of Harry Warren’s “An Affair To Remember.” I’ve remarked on these pages before about the magical effect Malone has on a ballad. He explores the choral aspects of the guitar, circling around to the melody and then back out, like a stream meandering around a bend before finding its main current.

Kurt Elling returned, and this time the trio alignment was Malone and bassist Kitagowa, for the Horace Silver/Jon Hendricks tune “Home Cookin’.”  They had performed this at Monterey, but now it highlighted the teamwork between the players.  They brought home the tune’s sense of humor, both in Elling’s delightful reading and Malone’s nuanced accompaniment.

Kenny Barron

The first set ended with Kenny Barron’s catchy “Calypso,” another number they performed last September and honed over for months on tour. Regina Carter started out with some staccato riffs, matched by Russell Malone, but it was Kenny Barron taking over on his Caribbean composition, and Johnathan Blake demanding recognition with the first of his startling drum solos.

Kurt Elling brought the group back after intermission with “And We Will Fly,” an Alan Pasqua composition from his Night Moves CD. It had a light, samba-like feel to it, and was delightful in this version,  with Russell Malone and Regina Carter adding dimension. Elling, the de facto leader of this group, then introduced the opening line of Thelonious Monk’s “Rhythm-N-Ing,” and the group took off on its most impressive jazz exploration of the night. Elling, fresh off his Grammy, is at the point of his career where he seems to be able to seize the audience almost at will. He then handed the baton to Carter, who let it all hang out with an extended solo that ranged from a quote of “Lady Be Good” to “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead.”  Malone followed, showing off his bluesy side, and Barron did his best to one-up him, the group smoking through this entire piece. Finally, Kitagowa and Blake had an extended interlude, with Blake providing some terrific brush and stick work.

Regina Carter

Having shown off one side of her virtuosity, Carter turned to her gospel roots, teaming up with Barron in a stirring duet of “Georgia On My Mind.”  Though she hails from Detroit and Barron from Philly, you wouldn’t know it from this achingly beautiful rendition of a tune most associated with Ray Charles.

The group finished with two numbers that had them all involved, another outstanding Barron theme from an unnamed movie, and the familiar “Nature Boy,” which had the audience on its feet through terrific riffs by everyone, and another knockout Blake drum solo. It will be sad to see this tour come to an end, and here’s hoping that MJF Records will be releasing some of their material on CD in the near future.

To read more posts by Michael Katz click here.

Picks of the Week: April 19 – 25

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Pat Metheny

- April 19. (Mon.)  Pat Metheny.  The ever-adventurous, all-star guitarist has put together a computerized, remote control ensemble that allows him to play all the instruments in his band. The Orchestrion Tour.  Disney Hall.   (323) 850-2000.

- April 19. (Mon.) Larry Goldings.  Organ Night.  The B-3 rules on Monday nights at Vitellos, and Goldings is the guy who takes it to the limit..  Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- April 19. (Mon.)  The Ed Vodicka Big Band. Multi musical hyphenate Vodicka takes a night off from composing, arranging, conducting and producing to lead his own big jazz band.  Vocal chores will be handled by the versatile cabaret jazz singer, Marlene VerPlanck.  Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- April 20. (Tues.)  Strunz and Farah. The guitar duo were among the first artists to fit into the emerging world music genre, via the musical encounters between Costa Rican Strunz and Iranian Farah.  Vibrato.   (310) 474-9400.

- April 20.  (Tues.)  RATT. The Southland’s own hard rock, glam metal band is back again, ready to release a new CD, Infestation, and a new video.  The Key Club.  (310) 274-5800.

- April 21. (Wed.)  Suezenne Fordham Jazz Trio.  Veteran pianist/composer Fordham continues to find creative potential in the 3^rd Stream concept, blending classical and jazz into a unique musical entity.  Glendale Noon Concerts.  First Baptist Church of Glendale.   (818) 242-2113.

Regina Carter

- April 22.  (Thurs.)Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour.  The MJF’s own all-star jazz band – Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, Russell Malone, Johnathan Blake and Kiyoshi Kitagawa – display some of  the world class musicality that’s always present every September in Monterey.  UCLA Live. Royce Hall.    (310) 825-2101.   Also April 24 at Orange County Performing Arts Center .  (714) 556-2787.

- April 22. (Thurs.) Ana Moura. Portugal’s young, gifted fado singer has been bringing passionate, new perspective to the classic song form.  Skirball Center. g (310) 440-4500.

- April 22. (Thurs.)  Lizzy Williams Band.  The multi-talented singer/songwriter/actress performs with virtuoso guitarist David Williams, drummer Laura Bilobeau, bassist Chief and iRoM’s very own Devon “Doc” Wendell on harmonica.  The Green Room Lounge at the Viper Room.  (310) 358-1881.

- April 22 – 24. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Dick Gregory. Still one of the world’s great humorists, Gregory has an unerring eye and ear for detecting cant, pretentiousness, hubris and arrogance in public figures, nailing them with a sardonic phrase or an imaginative story. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- April 23 & 24. (Fri. & Sat.)  World premiere of Dice Thrown, a contemporary opera composed by John King using aleatoric techniques pioneered by John Cage.  Musical direction by Marc Lowenstein.  CalArts Walt Disney Modular Theatre.

- April 24. (Sat.)  Ron King. The versatile trumpeter, a mainstay with almost every big band in town, takes a break to display his chops as a fine jazz soloists.  Backing him — the John Heard Trio.  Charlie O’s. (919) 994-3058.

Benny Golson

- April 24. (Sat.)  Benny Golson. Tenor saxophonist Golson has composed some memorable jazz standards.  But he’s an equally convincing an improviser with a personal sound and an adventurous imagination.  Jazz Bakery Moveable Feast.  Grammy Museum Sound Stage.   (310) 271-9039.  He’s also at Anthology in San Diego on Friday (see below).

- April. 24. (Sat.)  Christine Ebersole. Tony Award-winning Broadway musical star Ebersole has had an equally stellar career in film, television and cabaret.  She brings all that, and more, to her far-ranging collection of songs and stories.   CSUN Performing Arts Center.  (818) 677-1200.

- April 25. (Sun.)  Sing! Sing! Sing! Remembering Jerome Kern. Judy Wolman’s entertaining Sunday singalong celebrates the richly diverse songbook by the legendary composer of Show Boat – and much, much more. The Victorian Mansion.  Sing! Sing! Sing! (310) 990-2405.

- April 25. (Sun.)  Shelly Berg – Greg Abate Quartet. Pianist Berg takes time off from his teaching and administrative duties at the University of Miami to get together with saxophonist Abate, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Peter Erskine in the intimate setting of a home in the Hollywood Hills.   A-Frame Jazz. (310) 659-9169.  By reservation only.

Gail Pettis

- April 25. (Sun.)  Gail Pettis.  An impressive new jazz singer from out of the Northwest is drawing a lot of attention.  And there’s no better place to hear her special way with a song than at the KJAZZ Sunday Champagne Brunch hosted by the inimitable Bubba Jackson at Twist Restaurant in the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.  (562) 985-2999.

San Diego

- April 23. (Fri.) Benny Golson.  The day before his gig in the Jazz Bakery’s Moveable Feast series, Golson brings his muscular tenor saxophone and memorable song book to Anthology in San Diego.   (619) 595-0300.

- April 24. (Sat.)  Ronnie Laws.  Smooth jazz comes alive with soul whenever Laws picks up his horn.  No wonder he’s had a long string of Top 40 albums and and singles.  Anthology San Diego.  (619) 595-0300.

San Francisco

James Moody

- April 22 – 25. (Thurs. – Sun.)  In the Mood For Moody: A Tribute to James Moody.  Moody’s been recovering from health problems and won’t be able to make this stellar tribute.  But there’ll be plenty of all stars to fill in the gaps: including Frank Wess, Joey DeFrancesco, Nnenna Freelon, Randy Brecker, Jon Faddis and others.  Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

- April 25. (Sun.)  Charles Lloyd New Quartet.  Tale of a Cloud.  Lloyd always surrounds himself with extraordinary players, and his New Quartet is no exception, eoyj Jason Moran, piano, Reuben Rogers, bass and Eric Harland, drums.  SFJAZZ at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.  (866) 920-5299.

New York

-April 20 – 21. (Tues. & Wed.) Rudresh Mahanthappa and Bunky Green. A pair of alto saxophonists from different generations and different styles get together.  Expect to see and hear musical sparks.  Jazz Standard.   (212) 576-2232.

Geri Allen

- April 20 – 25. (Tues. – Sun.)  The Geri Allen Quartet.  The superb, and too little acknowledged pianist challenges her skills by leading a quartet overflowing with talent and imagination: Ravi Coltrane, saxophones, Joe Sanders, bass, Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums.  Village Vanguard.   (212) 255-4037.

April 20 – 25. (Tues. – Sun.) Michel Camilo Trio.  With Charles Flores, bass, Cliff Almond, drums.  The Blue Note.  Pianist Camilo has released eighteen recordings, garnering a Grammy Award, two Latin Grammy Awards, two Grammy nominations and an Emmy Award.  He obviously should be heard at every opportunity.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-0049.

- April 20 25. (Tues. – Sun.) George Coleman Quintet.  Veteran saxophonist Coleman leads a group that positions him in the front line with the fast-fingered young saxophonist Eric Alexander and the crisp, articulate piano work of Harold Mabern. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.  (212) 258-9595.

Picks of the Week: Mar. 15 – 21

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Keith Jarrett

- Mar. 15. (Mon.) Keith Jarrett Solo.  Jarrett’s solo performances — revelatory journeys through his ever imaginative musical mind — don’t take place very often.  So don’t miss this rare opportunity.  Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000

- Mar. 16. (Tues.)  John Pisano’s Guitar Night.  Every Guitar Night is a winner, and this one’s a highlight, featuring 7-string master Ron Eschete with the solid backing of bassist Chris Conner.  Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- Mar. 17.  (Wed.)  The Anonymous 4.  “A Medieval Ladymass.” The Grammy-winning quartet perform the richly atmospheric polyphony and chant of the 13th and 14th centuries.Disney Hall.

- Mar. 18. (Thurs.)  Stephen Stills.  Going strong at sixty-five, Stills has a deep catalog of music — from Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash to his own solo outings — from which to choose.  As well, no doubt, as his still vibrant new songs.  The Music Box at the Fonda.  (323) 464-0808.

- Mar. 18. (Thurs.) Ashley Maher.  Singer/songwriter/dancer Maher celebrates the release of her new album, Amina, with a concert and party.  Her songs and her singing find creative ground between jazz, African music and pop via simmering rhythms, arching melodies and lyrics reminiscent of the intimacy of Joni Mitchell.  She’s backed by pianist Otmaro Ruiz, drummer Walter Rodriguez, saxophonist Katisse Buckingham, guitarist Marcelo Caseras, bassist Dante Pascuzzo and percussionist Magatte Sow.  The Talking Stick in Venice.   (310) 450-6052.

- Mar. 18. (Thurs.)  Julie Newsome.  Vocalist Newsome brings jazz to the far west suburbs, backed by Karen Hammack, keyboard, Chris Colangelo, bass, Jack Le Compte, drums.   Famous Sports Bar,  Thousand Oaks.  (805) 497-4669.

- Mar. 18 – 21.  (Thurs. – Sun.)  Rachelle Ferrell.  With octaves of range and a voice as pliable as warm taffy, Ferrell’s vocal excursions across the boundaries of pop and rock are fascinating to hear.   Catalina Bar & Grills.  (323) 466-2210.

Chris Bennett

- Mar. 19. (Fri.)  Chris Bennett‘s versatile, genre-leaping style conjurs up musical magic with her “Girl Talk” Band. Featuring Sarah Underwood, saxophone, Sacha DuPont, piano, Jennifer York, bass and Suzanne Morissette, drums.  Jazz at the Radisson.  (310) 649-1776.

- Mar. 19. (Fri.)  Bern.  Drummer Bernie Dresel’s played with just about everyone.  But he seems to have most fun when he’s propulsively driving his own eclectic, three-singers, four-horns band, Bern.
Spazio.  (818) 728-8400.

- Mar. 19. (Fri.)  Don Rader with the John Heard Trio.  Veteran trumpeter Rader’s resume embraces gigs with Woody Herman, Count Basie, Maynard Ferguson, Ella Fitzgerald and dozens of others.  Here, he’s out in front, doing it his own way.  Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

- Mar. 19. (Fri.)  Donovan. The folk/rock/pop troubadour performs with his daughter, Astrella Celeste in a benefit concert for the David Lynch Foundation.  Also on the program: Jack Maness (Sublime), Z (The Like), The Global Sound Lodge, Amrita Sen, Danny Saber and others.  Mathew St. Patrick (of Six Feet Under) hosts.   El Rey.   (323) 936-5657

- Mar. 20. (Sat.) Jeff Elliot All-Stars.  Trumpeter Elliot has assembled a group fully deserving the “All-Star” label, featuring pianist Les McCann and percussionist Airto Moreira.  Spazio.  (818) 728-8400.

- Mar. 20. (Sat.)  Gilberto Gil.  “The String Concert.” The great Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist appears with a sterling ensemble featuring his son, guitarist Bem Gil and the gifted cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. Brazilian Nites at Royce Hall.  Tickets from Ticketmaster.

Al Jarreau

- Mar. 21. (Sun.) Al Jarreau and Dee Dee Bridgewater.   A pairing to remember: two singers who blend irresistibly entertaining vocal styles with authentic jazz chops.   Disney Hall.  (323) 850-2000.

- Mar. 21. (Sun.) Willie Jones III.  With Donald Vega, Gilbert Castellanos & Hamilton Price.  Drummer Jones steps to the front of the stage to lead an impressive ensemble of Southland talent,  performing in an amiable, Hollywood hills setting.  A-Frame Jazz.  (310) 659-9169

- Mar. 21. (Sun.) Josh Nelson & Pat Senatore.  The generation-crossing duo of pianist Nelson and bassist Senatore always has something musically fascinating to say.  Their appearances are relatively rare, so don’t miss this one.   Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

Sacramento

Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh

- Mar. 16. (Tues.)  Julia Dollison and Kerry Marsh CD Release Concert.    The Music of Maria Schneider.  Dollison and Marsh have accomplished the remarkable task of creating vocal renderings of Schneider’s mesmerizing instrumental music.  With Sacramento State Vocal Jazz. Music Recital Hall, Capistrano Hall, Sacramento State Campus.   Click here for more information (916) 278-5155.

San Francisco

- Mar. 16 & 17. (Wed. & Thurs.)  Gil Scott-Heron and Friends.   Before there was rap and hip hop, there was Scott-Heron’s spontaneous poetry.  And few of his successors have come close to the depth and the innate musicality of his work.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600.

- Mar. 17. (Wed.)  Rrazz Room Second Anniversary and Benefit for Haiti.  A long line up of stellar performers give their all for a worthwhile cause.  Including  Lucie Arnaz, Sarah Dash, Marilou Henner, Thelma Houston, Miki Howard, Stefanie Powers. Linda Purl, Paula West, Wesla Whitfield and more.  Rrazz Room.  (415) 394-1189.

Pete Escovedo

- Mar. 18 – 20. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Pete Escovedo and his Orchestra.  The Latin jazz percussionist and bandleader has been defining the music for decades.   On this lively outing he features his sons, Juan and Peter Michael Escovedo. Rrazz Room.   (415) 394-1189

- Mar. 19. (Fri.) Altan.  The Irish supergroup’s performances provide convincing evidence of the rich, emotional timelessness of traditional Celtic music.    Zellerbach Auditorium at U.C. Berkeley.  (510) 642-9988

New York

Mar. 16 – 21. (Tues. – Sun.)  Paul Motian, Jason Moran and Greg Osby.  Decades of musical experience, much of it on the cutting edge, come together in this fascinating musical encounter.  Village Vanguard.   (212) 255-4037.

Roy Haynes

- Mar. 17 – 21. (Wed. – Sun.)  Roy Haynes 85^th Birthday Celebration.  W. Kenny Garrett & Bill Cosby (17), Roy Hargrove & Christian McBride (3/18), Chick Corea (3/19 & 3/20) TBA (3/21). A great week of music, celebrating the continuing vitality (musically and otherwise) of the man who seems to know the secret to the Fountain of Youth.   The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

- Mar. 18 – 21. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Russell Malone Quartet. Malone’s eclectic skills have played a significant role in building a number of musical careers other than his own.  But he’s a major talent in his own right.   He performs here with pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Tassili Bond and drummer Johnathan Blake.   Jazz Standard.  (212) 576-2232.

- Mar. 20.  (Sat.)  Daughters of Cybele. Dancer/musician Alessandra Belloni leads a “Celebration of  Women’s History Month and the Spring Equinox” St. James Chapel.  Cathedral of St. John the Divine.  (212) 316-7540.

Detroit

Mar. 19 – 21. (Fri. – Sun.)  Seventh Annual Detroit Django Reinhardt Festival.  With the Hot Club of Detroit adding their musical tribute to the Reinhardt centennial year   Special guests: guitarist Howard Roberts and clarinetist/saxophonist Anat Cohen.  Hot Club of Detroit.

Picks of the Week: Oct. 26 – Nov. 1

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

Oct. 26. (Mon.)  Charito.  Japanese singer Charito performs convincingly in areas reaching from jazz to r&b and soul music.  She also appears at Yoshi’s Oakland on Oct. 27 (see below).   Catalina Bar & Grill  (323) 466-2210.

Oct. 27. (Tues.)    John Pisano’s  Guitar Night is always one of the Southland’s most enjoyable jazz events.  And this week it’s even better, with Pisano swapping riffs with the veteran guiratist Gene Bertoncini.(who’s played with everyone from Benny Goodman to Wayne Shorter).  Spazio. (818) 728-8400.

- Oct. 28. (Wed.)  Sony Holland.  One of the most interesting members of northern California’s prolific crop of first rate jazz singers, Holland has now moved to Los Angeles.  Here’s the first local opportunity to see and hear this adventurous new addition to the Southland’s own gallery of world class jazz performers.   Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- Oct. 29. (Thurs.)  The Diva Den.  With Kristen Korb, Kathleen Grace and Inga Swearingen. Divas they may be, but Korb, Grace and Swearingen are far more focused on the impressive musicality of their singing than their status as young prima donnas.   Vitellos Restaurant.  (818) 769-0905.

- Oct. 29. (Thurs.)  Lew Soloff Quintet Veteran trumpeter Soloff, once a stalwart with Blood, Sweat & Tears, has also been a first call player for every imaginable musical style.  THis time out, catch Lewie doing his own thing.    Charlie O’s.   (818) 989-3110.

- Oct. 29. (Thurs.)  William Galison  Quintet.  Harmonica virtuoso Galison – who’s worked with Sting, Barbra Streisand and Jaco Pastorious, among others, makes a rare Southland appearance.  Toots Thielemans calls him “The most original and individual of the new generation of harmonica players.”  The L.A. Modern Jazz Series at the Whitefire Theatre, Sherman Oaks.   323.251.0748.

- Oct. 29 – Nov. 1. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Eldar. He’s been an adventurous pianist since he was fourteen.  Now a more mature player, he’s finding a way to balance his enviable virtuosity with  Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- Oct. 30. (Fri.)  Inga Swearingen.  In addition to her participation in the Diva Den (see above), Swearingen is a compellingly original singer in her own right.  A frequent guest on A Prairie Home Companion, she brings diverse musicality – from jazz to Swedish folk songs – to everything she sings. In this performance, she celebrates the songs of Johnny Mercer.  LACMA (323) 857-6000.

- Oct. 30. (Fri.)  Bill Cunliffe.  “The Blues & the Abstract Truth, Take 2.” Pianist/composer Cunliffe, always exploring intriguing creative areas, does his own interpretation of the Oliver Nelson classic.   The Culver Club in the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside. (310) 649-1776.  .

- Oct. 30 (Fri.)  Dengue Fever.  Lead singer Chhom Nimo provides offbeat element in Dengue Fever’s Cambodian power rock sound.  The Broad Stage.

- Oct. 30 & 31. (Fri. & Sat.)  Sandra Booker.  Her New Orleans roots are the fundamental source of Booker’s singing, which also blossoms into straight ahead jazz, r&b, soul, Brazilian and beyond.  No wonder she has a resume that reaches from Wynton Marsalis to Billy Higgins.  Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-9917.

- Nov. 1. (Sun.)  First Annual Asian-American Jazz Festival. Any doubts about either the quality or the quantity of jazz taking place in Asia will be completely dispelled by this all-star line of talent.  Among the headliners:  Hiromi. Charmaine Clamor. Prelude. Mon David. Gary Fukushima.   Japanese America National Museum Forum.  Asian-American Jazz Festival (617) 281-7285.

San Francisco

- Oct. 27. (Tues.)  Charito.  Japanese jazz singer makes her second California appearance in two nights (see above).  She performs in collaboration with the San Francisco American Jazz Festival.  Yoshi’s Oakland (510) 236-9200.

- Oct. 29. (Thurs.)  Mads Tollings Quartet. Violinist Tollings, a two-time Grammy Award winner takes some time off from his work with the Turtle Island Quartet to front his own group.    Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

Nov. 1. (Sun.)  Pamela Rose. Adventurous singer Rose presents “Wild Women of Song: Great Gal Composers of the Jazz Era.”  It’s a multi-media production with music, narrative and visuals.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600

New York

- Oct. 27 – 31. (Tues. – Sat.)  Pat Martino Organ Quartet.  Guitarist Martino, always an exciting player on his own, leads an especially fiery band, with Eric Alexander, sax, Jeff “Tain” Watts, drums, Tony Monaco, organ.  Birdland.   (212) 581-3080.

- Oct. 27 – Nov. 1. (Tues. – Sun.)  Ron Carter Trio with Mulgrew Miller and Russell Malone.  A stellar trio if there ever was one, with Carter’s magnificently creative bass playing leading the way.  Opening act is the trio of drummer Francesca Mela. The Blue Note.    (212) 475-8592.

Click here to check out Mike Katz’s iRoM review of the Carter trio during their recent  Los Angeles appearance.