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.

Picks of the Week: Feb. 12 – 17

By The iRoM Staff

Los Angeles

Valentine’s Day

- Feb. 13 – 17. (Wed. – Sun.)  Steve Tyrell.  Vocalist Tyrell applies his appealing, jazz-driven style, enhanced by his warm Texas roots, to five evenings of memorable Valentine’s Day celebrating.  Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- Feb. 14 (Thurs.)  Dream Street & Bobbi Page.  The combination of guitarist Stan Ayeroff, the amiable acoustic chamber music of Dream Street, and the tender, evocative singing of Page is a welcome choice for another celebration of the day of love.   Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 14. (Thurs.)  Carol Robbins.  Tony Gala.  Harpist Robbins sets the Valentine’s Day mood in the first set, followed by the romantic vocals of Gala.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.  (310) 474-9400.

- Feb. 14. (Thurs.) Nancy Sanchez.  Award-winning jazz vocalist Sanchez displays her many impressive talents.  Steamers.     (714) 871-8800.

Denise Donatelli

- Feb. 14. (Thurs.)  Denise Donatelli.  She was nominated again, but Denise didn’t win a Grammy this year, although she should have.  And here’s a great opportunity to hear why her singing is so special, as she applies her lustrous sound and intimate interpretations to a program of Valentine love songs.  Prestons at the Loew’s Hotel Hollywood.   (323) 491-1000.

- Feb. 14. (Thurs.)  Taylor Eigsti.  Once a youthful piano prodigy, Eigsti is now a fully matured jazz artist.  He’s joined by Dayna Stephens, saxophone, Harish Raghavan, bass and Eric Harland, drums.  Blue Whale.    (213) 620-0908.

Sue Raney

- Feb. 14. (Thurs.)  “A Gershwin Valentine.”  And a colorful Valentine at that, enhanced by a full spectrum of musical vocalizing from Sue Raney, Michael Dees, Kurt Reichenbach and Pinky Winters.  A Jazz Bakery Movable Feast at the Kirk Douglas Theatre.    (310) 271-9039.

- Feb. 14 – 16. (Thurs. – Sat.)  “Romance at the Phil”  Celebrate a classical music Valentine’s week with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Charles Dutoit, with soloists Gautier Capucon, cello, and Carrie Dennis, viola, in a program of romantic classics from Mendelssohn, Mozart and Strauss.  Disney Hall.    (323) 850-2000.

- Feb. 14 – 17. (Thurs. – Sun.)  The 13^th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party. It would take much more space than we have to mention all the world-class jazz talent at the annual Newport event.  But trust that – as always – the four engaging days of the Party will offer non-stop jazz at its finest.  The Newport Beach Jazz Party at the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel and Spa.  For details, check the web site.    (949) 759-5003.

And More

Tierney Sutton and the Turtle Island Quartet

- Feb. 15. (Fri.)   Tierney Sutton and the Turtle Island Quartet. “Poets and Prayers.” The unique combination of vocalist Sutton and the Turtle Island players finds inspiration in the music of Joni Mitchell and John Coltrane, and the poetry of Hafiz and Rumi.  A Jazz Bakery Movable Feast at Zipper Hall.    (310) 271-9039.

- Feb. 17. (Sun.)  The Chieftains. The irresistible playing and singing of the Chieftains remind us of the many pleasures of Irish music.  Disney Hall. http://www.laphil.com/tickets/calendar  (323) 850-2000.

- Feb. 17. (Sun.)  Tim Weisberg Band.  Vitello’s.  Flutist Weisberg leads the fine musical collective of keyboardist Barnaby Finch,  bassist David Hughes, drummer David Derge and guitarist/vocalist Chuck Alvarez.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 17. (Sun.)  Pat Senatore Trio with Josh Nelson.  Jazz crosses the generations via the well-crafted, veteran bass work of Senatore and the adventurous piano playing of the youthful Nelson.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

- Feb. 15 & 16. (Fri. & Sat.)  Paco Pena “Flamenco Vivo” The brilliant Flamenco guitarist Pena is joined by a dynamic band of guitarists, singers and dancers.   Fri.: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.      Sat.: Valley Performing Arts Center. (562) 916-8501.     (818) 677-3000.

San Francisco

The Manhattan Transfer

- Feb. 15 – 17.  (Fri. – Sun.)  The Manhattan Transfer.  No one does jazz vocal ensemble singing better than the Transfer.  And they’re back to their best with the welcome return (from an illness hiatus) of the superb singing of Cheryl Bentyne.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 128-9200.

Washington D.C.

- Feb. 14 – 17. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Jerry “The Iceman” Butler.  Once the lead singer of the Impressions, soul singer Butler – at 73 – is still out there, fully justifying his entry into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Blues Alley.    (202) 337-4141.

New York City

- Feb. 12 – 18. (Tues. – Mon.)  The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.  Monday night big band jazz was a favorite, for years, on the Vanguard stage.  This time, the swinging ensemble is in residency for a week.   The Village Vanguard.    (212) 255-4037.

- Feb. 14 – 17. )Thurs. – Sun.)  Rachelle Ferrell. With a remarkable vocal range and a simmering, blues-driven style, Ferrell knows how to apply it all to her intriguing jazz interpretations.  The Blue Note.    (212) 475-8592.

London

Eliane Elias

- Feb. 17. (Sun.)  Eliane Elias, Marc Johnson and Joe LaBarbera.  A world class jazz trio, with Elias’ imaginative piano lines backed by the dynamic rhythm of bassist Johnson and drummer LaBarbera.  Ronnie Scott’s.   +44 (0)20 7439 0747.

Berlin

- Feb. 17. (Sun.)  Cedar Walton Trio.  Pianist Walton, everyone’s favorite rhythm section player, steps out in front, backed by bassist David Williams and drummer Willie Jones III.  A-Trane.  030/313 25 50.

Tokyo

- Feb. 13 – 16. (Wed. – Sat.)  Nicola Conte and Till Bronner.  Versatile Italian guitarist Conte teams up with the equally eclectic German trumpeter Bronner.  The Tokyo Blue Note.     03-5485 0088.

Steve Tyrell photo by Bob Barry. 

Denise Donatelli and Sue Raney photos by Faith Frenz.

Live Jazz: Mike Katz’s Monterey Jazz Festival Top Ten

By Mike Katz

Every year the Monterey Jazz Festival program features a Top Ten list from Artistic Director Tim Jackson, and I always think that’s interesting, but what does he tell everybody else? And how can he not mention (your favorite here). So I figured I’d take a stab at my own Top Ten, but with a slightly different angle, for this year’s Festival, which begins Fri. Sept. 21.  Here in LA we get to see a good deal of the major touring names (Trombone Shorty, Esperanza Spalding, Eddie Palmieri) as well as others who live or have lived here (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Tierney Sutton, Gerald Clayton, among others.)

I always look forward to new configurations of talent, and introductions to new players, as well as a few familiar names that we don’t see too often on the Left Coast. So here’s my list, in order of appearance, with a special effort to highlight most of the festival’s venues.

1. Mulgrew Miller,  Coffee House.  8, 9:30, 11, Friday night.   Every year I promise myself I will get to see at least one set in the cozy Coffee House, which features small groups playing before appreciatively quiet audiences. What better way to start off  the festival than with Mulgrew Miller, whose bright, swinging touch belies his impressively large physique.

Jack DeJohnette

2. Jack DeJohnette, Dizzy’s Den. 8:30 Friday night; Arena w/ Pat Metheny and Christian McBride, 9:20 Sat. night; Dizzy’s Den, Sunday night, 7:30 with Bill Frisell. The Festival’s Showcase artist, DeJohnette’s multi-faceted talents are reflected in these three different settings. I don’t know yet who the personnel will be in the Friday night  group but it is bound to be interesting; the Metheny trio can’t help but be great and I hope to catch at least part of the duet with guitarist Frisell on Sunday.

3. Gregoire Maret Quartet, Night Club, 9:30 Friday night. When you think about the harmonica in jazz, Toots Thielemans comes to mind, and then there is a long pause. Maret, from Geneva, Switzerland, has been getting some attention as Toots’ heir apparent, so here’s a chance to check him out.

Ali Ryerson and Mimi Fox

4. Ali Ryerson-Mimi Fox Duo, Night Club, 2:30 Saturday Afternoon. Take a break from the raucous atmosphere at the Arena and check out flutist Ali Ryerson and guitarist Mimi Fox, both of them notable for exquisite phrasing. You’ll still have time to get back for most of Trombone Shorty’s set.

5. Tribute To Cal Tjader, Dizzy’s Den, 8  Saturday night.  Pianist Michael Wolff, who played with Tjader in the ‘70s, has assembled an all-star group that features Warren Wolf on vibes, along with Pete Escovedo, John Santos, Robb Fisher and Vince Lateano.

Bill Frisell

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6. Bill Frisell Big Sur Quintet, Arena, 8  Saturday night.  Night Club, 10:30 p.m. I know, you can’t be two places at once. Frisell’s commissioned piece promises to be a highlight. Visit the special Cloning Tent right next to the funnel cake stand.7.

Pat Metheny

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7. Pat Metheny, Arena, 9:20 Saturday night (See above) and 7 Sunday night. Unity Band with Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez, Ben Williams. Two arena appearances for Metheny. The trio appeals to me the most, but you can’t lose with either one.

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8. Tony Bennett, Arena, 10:50 Saturday night. Need we say more?

9. Next Generation Band, Arena, 1:10 Sunday Afternoon. Yes, you have tickets for Esperanza Spalding. Don’t think it’s cool to skip the opening student groups. Last year’s NGB knocked everybody out. Artist-in-Residence trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire sits in.

10.  Mads Tolling Quartet. Garden Stage, 4 Sunday afternoon. The mid-afternoon sets at the Garden Stage are always great fun. Turtle Island Quartet violinist Tolling fronts his own group.

Dee Dee Bridgewater

11.  MJF ALL-STARS w/ Dee Dee Bridgewater, Chris Potter. Bennie Green, Christian McBride, Ambrose Akinmusire, Lewis Nash, Arena, 9  Sunday night and Dizzy’s Den, 11 Saturday Night. This super group closes out the festival at the Arena, but you might have just as much fun seeing them Saturday night at Dizzy’s Den.

Okay, that’s 11. And I didn’t even mention Judy Roberts and Greg Fishman at the Courtyard Stage throughout the Festival.

But…but…what about…Melody Gardot, Christian Scott, Robert Randolph?….excuse me, I’ve got to run. See ya next week.

To read more iRoM reviews and posts by Michael Katz, click HERE.

To visit Michael Katz’s personal blog, “Katz of the Day,” click HERE.

Live Jazz: Sara Gazarek at Vitello’s

By Don Heckman

Sara Gazarek’s performance at Vitello’s Saturday night called up recollections of the first time I heard her in action.  That was six years ago at The Vic in Santa Monica.  In my Los Angeles Times review I wrote that “she may well turn out to be the next important jazz singer.”

That quote has been reprinted many times since 2006, almost always in  misleading fashion as “the next important jazz singer” — without my qualifying phrase “she may well turn out to be…”  Which is probably just as well, since Gazarek still hasn’t reached that exalted level of accomplishment.

Sara Gazarek

Some of her show at Vitello’s repeated material from Gazarek’s appearance at The Vic – most notably a deeply swinging “You Are My Sunshine,” and a medley of the Beatles’ “Blackbird” with the ‘20s standard ‘Bye Bye Blackbird.”  Once again, both songs benefited from the side by side musical positioning.

Gazarek has said that she is more intrigued by the interpretation of lyrics than she is by melodic paraphrase.  And that overview was ever present in a two set performance reaching from such familiar standards as “Every Time We Say Goodbye,” “I’m Old Fashioned,” “So Lucky To Be Me” and “Everything I’ve Got Belongs To You” – to Billy Joel’s “And So It Goes” and originals by Gazarek and pianist Josh Nelson.

Every number – slow, fast, medium – was delivered by Gazarek with dynamic enthusiasm.  Rarely standing still, her lithe movements were sometimes directly responsive to the words she was singing, sometimes grooving with instrumental solos, and always an expression of her close relationship to a song.

Among the standout numbers: an intense rendering of the Gershwins’ “My Man’s Gone Now”; a quirky, unexpected but entertaining tribute to the legendary Sophie Tucker in “Some of These Days”; “O Pato,”  the obligatory boss nova (sung in Portuguese); and a pair of songs – including “And So It Goes” – sung with the sole accompaniment of Nelson’s empathetic piano.

Like several other musically adventurous singers – including Tierney Sutton and Gretchen Parlato – Gazarek’s arrangements often position her vocals in an intimate, almost instrumental-like relationship with the musicians in her ensemble.  And with players such as Nelson, bassist Hamilton Price, drummer Zach Harmon and special guest Larry Goldings on organ, the creative interplay that resulted had much to offer.

Her performance, including tunes from Gazarek’s new CD, Blossom and Bee, suggested that the potential I saw in her 2006 performance continues to grow.  But moving up to the next level will call for her to pay attention to a need for a richer palette of vocal tone and timbre.  When her adventurous lyrical and musical interpretations are enhanced by a more fully expressive sound, the sky may well be the limit for Gazarek’s future possibilities.

Live Jazz: The Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Stan Centennial Orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl

By Don Heckman

It was big band night on Wednesday’s jazz program at the Hollywood Bowl.  And one couldn’t have chosen a more iconic pair of ensembles than the Duke Ellington Orchestra and the Stan Centennial Orchestra.

Just to clarify that last name, it refers to Stan Kenton, whose birth centennial was actually in December, 2011.

The histories of the two original Orchestras were vastly different.

Duke Ellington

Ellington’s lasted  as one of the jazz world’s most significant and influential large ensembles from the ‘20s until his death in 1974. It has continued into the present under the leadership of his son Mercer, grandson Paul and other family members.

The Kenton Orchestra, often controversial for the leader’s efforts to expand the musical palette of the big jazz band styles, was formed in 1941 and didn’t survive his death in 1979, even though the Kenton “style” – primarily the product of Pete Rugolo, Bill Holman, Johnny Richards, Bill Russo and others – has had a significant impact upon generations of young arrangers.

Those differences continued to be manifest in Wednesday’s performance.  The Ellington Orchestra that performed was an organized ensemble, the current and continuing installment of the Ellington legacy.  The Stan Centennial Orchestra was an assemblage of L.A.’s finest studio musicians, playing a selection of Kenton classics led by Bob Curnow, a former Kenton trombonist and arranger.

Stan Kenton

Given the quality of the players on stage and the significance of the music, there was a lot to praise.  Although the Kenton programming skipped over some areas of the Orchestra’s history, especially from the earliest years, what was present included such important items as Gerry Mulligan’s “Limelight,”  Bill Holman’s “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” Johnny Richards’ “Maria” from West Side Story and “Quien Sabe” from Cuban Fire and more.

The Kenton vocal segment featured the prime offerings of vocalist Tierney Sutton, whose singing was among the evening’s highlights.  Oddly, however, such major Kenton vocal hits as the June Christy version of “Tampico” and Anita O’Day’s “And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine” were not included.  Christy’s “Something Cool” – superbly done by Sutton – traces to a recording with Pete Rugolo, not Kenton.  And why in the world did Sutton sing “Day Dream,” and Ellington song, with the Kenton ensemble?

The Ellington segment, beginning appropriately with “Take the ‘A’ Train,” almost immediately offered a greater sense of authenticity, continuing to do so with “Black and Tan Fantasy, “Caravan,” “Satin Doll” and others. But here, too, the vocal portion of the program, featuring the multi-talented, pop singer/songwriter/musician Brian McKnight, veered away from the program’s focus.

McKnight’s singing with the Orchestra – especially on “Satin Doll” –  recalled the early Ellington vocal era with singers such as Herb Jeffries and Al Hibbler.  But that connection ended when McKnight sat at the piano, and played his own songs with the Ellington Orchestra simply watching.

It was a curious ending to a show filled with enough musical riches to have come to a more appropriate climax – a climax properly underscoring the production’s dedication to the Ellington and Kenton legacies.

Picks of the Week: Aug. 7 – 12

By Don Heckman

 Los Angeles

- Aug. 7. (Tues.) Yo Yo Ma and Gustavo Dudamel.  Two of the most charismatic figures in today’s classical music world join with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to perform the Schumann Cello Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s electrifying Symphony No. 4.  Hollywood Bowl.  (323) 850-2000.

Duke Ellington

- Aug. 8. (Wed.)  Duke Ellington Orchestra.  Kenton 100^th Anniversary. It’s an evening of classic big band music.  The still very active Ellington Orchestra is joined by vocalist Brian McKnight, and the Stan Kenton Centennial Orchestra revives some memorable Kenton items with singer Tierney Sutton.  Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 8. (Wed.)  Ron Jones and the Influence Jazz Orchestra.  Jones’ swinging arrangements performed by the Southland’s finest players make for a great musical evening.  To read an earlier iRoM review of the IFO, click HERE.     Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

Jackie Ryan

- Aug. 9. (Thurs.) Jackie Ryan.  She’s been delighting Bay area listeners for years with her gorgeous voice, story telling magic and gentle swing.  But Jackie doesn’t make many appearances in Los Angeles.  So don’t miss this chance to hear her up close and personal.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Aug. 10. (Fri.)  Nora Jones.  An impressive week of music at the Bowl continues with a solo appearance by singer/songwriter/pianist Jones.  It’ll be intriguing to hear how the intimate stylings of Jones fill the wide spaces of the Bowl. Opening the show: Corey Chisel and the wandering Sons. Hollywood Bowl.    (323) 850-2000.

Cheryl Bentyne

- Aug. 10 & 11. (Fri. & Sat.)  Cheryl Bentyne City of Hope Benefit.  The stylish voice of Bentyne has been a primary element in the sound of the Manhattan Transfer for decades.  She returns to action now from a life-threatening illness in an all-star performance benefiting the City of Hope.  Contact the club for the full line-up.  Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- Aug. 11. (Sat.)  Liza Minelli  ”Confessions.”  The one and only Liza, star of stage, screen and cabaret, winner of a wide array of awards – from Oscars to Grammys – makes one of her rare Southland appearances in the only venue big enough to contain her talents.  Hollywood Bowl.  (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 11. (Sat.)  Helen Reddy.  Yes, it’s that Helen Reddy — the’70s  hitmaker of “I Am Woman” and “I Don’t Know How To Love Him.”  She’s returning to action after a ten year hiatus, with a show that has “handpicked stories and songs from her heart.”  She may or may not, however, sing some of her classics.  Either way, here’s a rare opportunity to see and hear an iconic music world figure.  The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills.  (818) 879-5016.

- Aug. 11. (Sat.)  Danny Janklow Quartet. Alto saxophonist Janklow – acknowledged as an “outstanding soloist” by Wynton Marsalis when he was still in high school.  Check out this fast rising young talent at an early stage in his career.  With the Pat Senatore Trio.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com  (310) 474-9400.

Gustavo Dudamel

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- Aug. 12. (Sun.) Gustavo Dudamel conducts “Rigoletto.” A week filled with an amazingly diverse array of music at the Bowl winds up with a staged concert performance of the great Verdi opera, starring the Serbian baritone Zeljko Lucic in the starring role.  The  Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 12. (Sun.)  Julie Kelly Celebrates Los Angeles Arrangers.  Julie gets together with the Bill Cunliffe Quartet to sing tunes arranged by LA.’s finest – among them, Cunliffe, Otmaro Ruiz, Sara Lieb, Tom Garvin, Rich Ruttenberg and others.  Vitello’s.  http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com  (818) 769-0905.

Russ Garcia

- Aug. 12. (Sun.)  A Free Concert Celebrating Russ Garcia.  “To Build A Better World.”  Arranger/composer Garcia, who died last year at 95, had a career encompassing everything from numerous film and television scores to collaborations with stars reaching from Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to Walt Disney and Charlie Chaplin.  His instruction book, The Professional Arranger Composer,  has been used by arrangers young and old for decades.  The Canyon Club.  2 – 5 p.m.  RSVP to kristy4wellness@me.com

 San Francisco

- Aug. 9. (Thurs.)  Rebecca Mauleon plays Eddie Palmieri.  Pianist/arranger Mauleon applies her wide experience and deep understanding of Latin jazz to an evening dedicated to the legendary Palmierie.  An SFJAZZ concert at Amnesia.    (866) 920-5299.

 Seattle

- Aug. 7 & 8. (Tues. & Wed.)  Tracy Nelson. With her band, Mother Earth, Nelson was one of the stars of the San Francisco ‘60s scene, followed by a series of country and soul albums.  At 67, Nelson is still gpmg strong.  Jazz Alley.  http://www.jazzalley.com/artist.asp?artistid=1141   (206) 441-9729.

 Chicago

- Aug. 9 – 12. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Charles McPherson Quartet.  Alto saxophonist McPherson is a convincing advocate of classic bebop.  But his skills also reach beyond that genre into an expressive improvisational style of his own. Jazz Showcase.    (312) 360-0234.

 New York

Melissa Stylianou

- Aug. 7. (Tues.)  Melissa Stylianou.  Still not well enough known beyond the New York City jazz scene, Stylianou is demonstrating all the characteristics of a potentially important jazz vocal artist.  Check out her latest album, Silent Movie, then check her out in this live appearance.  The Jazz Standard.  (212)  576-2232.

- Aug. 11. (Sat.)  Thumbscrew. It’s a new band with some adventurous new music.  How could it be otherwise with the impressive line up of Mary Halvorson, guitar, Michael Formanek, bass and Tomas Fujiwara, drums.  The Cornelia St. Café.   (818) 989-9319.

 London

- Aug. 8 & 9. (Wed. & Thurs.)  The Music of Miles Davis.  The jazz celebration of the Olympics continues with a pair of performances dedicated to the memorable music of Miles Davis, performed by the Jay Phelps Quartet.  Ronnie Scott’s.   (0) 20 7439 0747.

Live Jazz: The Chris Walden Big Band and Tierney Sutton at Vitello’s

By Don Heckman

It was big band Wednesday at Vitello’s.  Like several other clubs around town – notably Steamer’s in Fullerton, Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood, Typhoon in Santa Monica and Vibrato in Bel Air – Vitello’s has worked to keep alive the tradition of large ensemble jazz.

Chris Walden

On this night, the musical centerpiece was the Grammy-nominated Chris Walden Big Band.  Assembled from an impressive list of Southland A-list players, the Band’s line-up was a perfect choice to perform Walden’s well-crafted arrangements and compositions.

Opening with a jaunty tour through Walden’s view of the blues, the emphasis then shifted gears, spotlighting alto saxophonist Kim Richmond in a richly colored arrangement of the Disney “When You Wish Upon A Star.”

And there was more, including originals clearly inspired by German-born Walden’s fascination with American culture.  Among the high points: “Gatsby,” featuring a soaring solo from the always-compelling trombone of Bob McChesney; a whimsical “In the Doghouse”; and a closing, 3-part suite that could have been the atmospheric soundtrack for a shadowy film noir movie.

Walden, who has a busy career as a film and studio arranger/composer, was equally adept with standards, including a high-speed romp through “Cherokee,” an intriguing take on “Polka Dots and Moonbeams” (featuring Walden’s own solo work on flugel horn), and a gorgeously textured “Here’s That Rainy Day” in an arrangement that came closest to presenting a signature Walden big band sound.

Every chart was enhanced by stellar solo work from the Band’s world class players. To mention a few of the memorable efforts: the saxophone work of altoist Jeff Driskill and tenorists Brandon Fields and Rob Lockart, the trumpeting of Wayne Bergeron, the trombone playing of Alex Iles, the guitar of Mitch Holder and the piano of Alan Steinberger.  Along with almost everyone else.

Tierney Sutton

But the climax of each set was provided by a non-instrumentalist who, nonetheless, performed with the musical skill and panache of all the Band’s gifted players: special guest vocalist Tierney Sutton.

Making a rare appearance away from her own superb Tierney Sutton Band, she revealed the extraordinary breadth of her many skills.  Tierney’s opening “People Will Say We’re In Love” almost immediately energized the entire 18-piece Band.  Her version of “Smile” was a tender, poignant rendering of the Charlie Chaplin classic.  She sang “I’m All Smiles” in a buoyant, 6/4 swing before reaching into the dark emotions of “Only The Lonely.”  And she delivered it all with her remarkable blend of multi-layered musicality, propulsive rhythms and utterly believable story-telling.

Call it a prime evening of large ensemble music, in all its aspects – convincing evidence of why big band jazz deserves to be heard – on a regular basis.

Photos by Tony Gieske.

Picks of the Week: July 18 – 22

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

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

John Pizzarelli

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

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

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

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

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

Smokey Robinson

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

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

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

San Francisco

Leo Kottke

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

New York

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

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

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

London

Stanley Clarke

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

Paris

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

Milan

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

Tokyo

Dionne Warwick

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

Here, There & Everywhere: Dolores Scozzesi at Vitello’s

By Don Heckman

The Playboy Jazz Festival, as well as the lead-in to the Festival, tended to dominate our view screens here at iRoM for the last week or so.  And that’s cool.  It is, after all, one of the major musical events of the year.

But other music has been taking place, as well.  And now that the Playboy Festival madness is over, I want to be sure to call attention to another performance that took place last Tuesday.  It may not have been high visibility, and — in its single night at Vitello’s — it drew a considerably smaller crowd than the 18,000 who showed up for each of the Festival’s two days.  But for listeners attuned to fine music, convincingly done, it was a memorable night.

 

So let’s take a look back at Tuesday, and the appearance of jazz singer Dolores Scozzesi, backed by Andy Langham, piano, Lyman Medeiros, bass, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., drums, at Vitello’s.

It became apparent, almost immediately, that there was stunning musical empathy between Scozzesi and her musicians.  At its best, it recalled the kind of creative intimacy that exists in the Tierney Sutton Band, a group that’s been together for two decades.

Add to that the range of selections in the program.  Scozzesi’s first few choices, reaching from “Listen Love,” a tender song by the too little acknowledged singer/songwriter of the ‘70s, Jon Lucien, to Ann Peebles’ “I Can’t Stand the Rain” and such standards classics as “Night and Day,” “Body and Soul” and “What Now My Love?” underscored both her creative eclecticism and her far ranging musical interests.

As intriguing as her song choices were – also embracing such equally compelling tunes as “When Did You Leave Heaven?” “I’m Going To Sit Right Down and Right Myself A Letter” and “Love Look Away” – what really mattered was what Scozzesi did with this abundant collection.  Gifted with a mature, dark timbred voice, capable of using it across a rich emotional palette, she reached deeply into the heart of each song’s story.  And with especially convincing intensity in an English and French version of “Autumn Leaves” that included a newly conceived segment inspired by a Stan Getz solo, with lyrics by Scozzesi.  Call it a highlight in an evening of memorable songs.

I learned a long time ago that one of the most meaningful estimates of a performance’s impact often lies in the feelings it generates after the program.  Sure, one wants to be captivated by the music while it’s taking place.  But it’s equally important, maybe even more so, to be so stimulated by what one has heard that it stays with you, triggering new feelings and thoughts long after the performance is over.

The experience, to me, is similar to what it used to be like to see an especially impactful movie, back in the time before “films” became the operative word.  In those days, coming out of a movie theatre with a companion, eagerly discussing high points in the story, re-living aspects of the plot, feeling strongly – pro or con – about what we had just seen, was an essential part of seeing a movie.

Driving home from Scozessi’s performance at Vitello’s, Faith and I experienced similar feelings, recalling the pleasure of hearing such a fine array of songs, delivered with so much musical authenticity.  We even had a small disagreement, disputing whether or not Scozessi had tended to make too liberal use of her sometimes edgy chest tones.  But there was no dispute over the quality of the strains of music that remained with us, soothing our ears well into the high decibel sounds of the Playboy Jazz Festival weekend.

Full disclosure: I wrote the liner notes for Dolores Scozessi’s album, “A Special Taste.”  Fortunately writing liner notes does not cause me to lose my sense of musical objectivity.

Live Jazz: The Tierney Sutton Band at Catalina Bar & Grill

By Don Heckman

One of the great pleasures of writing about music is the opportunity to experience the progress that can take place, over months and years, in the work of gifted artists.  Hearing the Tierney Sutton Band at Catalina Bar & Grill Friday night was a good example.

It had been less than a year since I’d last heard Tierney and the guys in the same venue.  And that performance was admirable in every way.

This time out, some of the material from that show was repeated, notably selections from the TSB’s latest recording, American Road. And there was more – some random choices from the Great American Songbook, medleys of songs from My Fair Lady and Porgy and Bess.  All of it illustrating the creative evolution of this remarkable musical collective.

Regardless of what Tierney sang, it was offered with an almost literary layering of emotional story telling.  The impact began early in nearly every song. Often, starting with the opening Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise, her first expression was a wordless improvised passage.  Some of them recalled the musical intimacy of the Bach Sonatas for Solo Violin.  Others simmered with slipping and sliding jazz accents.

When Tierney moved into the interior of a song, the carefully crafted group arrangements that are an essential characteristic of the TSB took over.  Some of the arrangement elements depicted stylistic aspects of the band’s unique musical identity: shifting from a groove tempo, often in 6/4, to a high speed, autobahn rhythm in 4; using dramatic percussion explosions from drummer Ray Brinker to create emotional transitions; dazzling improvisational interplay between Tierney’s wordless scatting and the fleet-fingered soloing of pianist Christian Jacob.

Tierney celebrated the presence of Alan and Marilyn Bergman in the audience with an exquisite version of “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?” completely capturing the song’s light-hearted poignancy.  Another standard, “I Want To Be Happy,” showcased more of the TSB’s stunning blend of precise, but hard-swinging rhythm and soaring improvisational spontaneity.

Add to that a pair of tunes from the band’s Desire album juxtaposing the sweet sentimentality of “Then I’ll Be Tired of You” with the darker tendencies of “Cry Me A River,”  linked by a surging bass interlude from Kevin Axt. And top it off with Tierney’s rousing romp through “The Lady Is A Tramp.”

As I suggested above, hearing the continually growing artistry of an already masterful jazz ensemble such as the Tierney Sutton Band is one of the great satisfactions in my line of work.  And this performance offered all that and a lot more.

The Tierney Sutton Band performs tonight (Sunday) in the final performance of their three night run at Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.  Don’t miss it.