Los Angeles
– Jan. 26. (Mon.) Remembering Russ Freeman. A long overdue remembrance of the bop-driven pianist/composer who was so vital to the West Coast jazz of Art Pepper, Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne and others. Featuring trumpeter Bobby Shew, vocalist Tyia Wilson and a string ensemble performing Nathan Tanoue‘s new arrangements of Freeman works. Jazz Bakery (310) 271-9039. www.jazzbakery.com.
– Jan. 27. (Tues.) Hoenig-Pilc Project. The combination of drummer Ari Hoenig and pianist Jean Michel Pilc, enhanced by the presence of virtuosic bassist Hans Glawischnig should make for a rare evening of envelope stretching jazz. The group also performs at the Atheneum in San Diego on Thursday. Jazz Bakery (310) 271-9039. www.jazzbakery.com.
– Jan. 27. (Tues.) Afro Cuban Latin Jazz Project. A program of authentic Afro Cuban jazz, enlivened by the presence of the fiery young tenor saxophonist, Kamasi Washington. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. www.catalinajazzclub.com.
– Jan. 28. (Wed.) A Ray Brown Tribute featuring a pair of his most illustrious musical offspring — Christian McBride and John Clayton. With pianist Benny Green, guitarist Russell Malone and others) Walt Disney Concert Hall. (323) 850-2000. http://www.laphil.org.
– Jan. 28 – 31. (Wed. – Sat.) The Bud Shank Quartet revisits the cool, swinging grooves of West Coast Jazz. With pianist Bill Mays, bassist Bob Magnuson and drummer Joe La Barbera. Jazz Bakery (310) 271-9039. www.jazzbakery.com.
– Jan. 29 (Thurs.) An Evening with LaBelle. The great ’70s trio reunited with Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. Nokia Theatre. (213) 763-6030. http://www.nokiatheatrelalive.com.
– Jan. 30 & 31. (Fri. & Sat.) Jazz saxophone weekends continue at Charlie O’s with appearances by Azar Lawrence on Friday and Rickey Woodard on Saturday. The John Heard Trio, with bassist Heard, pianist Jon Mayer and drummer Roy McCurdy, provides solid backing. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058. www.charlieos.com.
– Jan. 30 – Feb. 1. (Fri. – Sun.) Florence Henderson. She may be best known for her iconic TV role in “The Brady Bunch,” but Henderson is also a gifted singer, comedienne and musical theatre artist. Here’s a rare opportunity to see her in an up close night club setting. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. www.catalinajazzclub.com.
– Jan. 31. (Sat.) Borodin Quartet. Founed in 1845, the Borodin is listed in Guiness as the world’s longest-lived string quartet. They’ll demonstrate their togetherness with a program of Shostakovich, Shebalin and, of course, Borodin. At the Doheny Mansion. Chamber Music In Historic Sites. The Da Camera Society. Chamber Music in Historic Places. 213.477.2929. http://www.dacamera.org.
– Jan. 31. (Sat.) Pianist Dave Grusin and guitarist Lee Ritenour. Long time musical companions Grusin and Ritenour get together for a live rendering of the music from their Grammy-nominated Decca recording, :”Amparo.” The Broad Stage, Santa Monica. (310) 434.3412. http://www.thebroadstage.com.
San Francisco
– Jan. 26. (Mon.) Hoenig-Pilc Project. The combination of drummer Ari Hoenig and pianist Jean Michel Pilc, enhanced by the presence of virtuosic bassist Hans Glawischnig should make for a rare evening of envelope stretching jazz. The group also performs at the Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles on Tuesday and the Atheneum in San Diego on Thursday. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600. www.yoshis.com.
– Jan. 30. (Fri.) Another Evening with LaBelle. The great ’70s trio reunited with Patti Labelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash. The Paramount Theatre, Oakland. ( 510) 465-6400 http://www.paramounttheatre.com/
– Jan. 30 – Feb. 1. (Fri. – Sun.) Bobby Hutcherson and Anthony Wilson. Vibes and guitar might seem to make an odd couple, but expect both musical empathy and improvisational fireworks from this gifted pair. Yoshi’s Oakland. . (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com.
San Diego
. – Jan. 29. (Thurs.) Hoenig-Pilc Project. Atheneum Music and Arts Library (858) 454-5872 www.ljathenaeum.org.
New York City
– Jan. 27 – Feb. 1. (Tues. – Sun.) Lou Donaldson Quartet. At 82, alto saxophonist Donaldson is still out there, playing the post WWII history of jazz and blues in every note. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9595. www.jalc.org/dccc
– Jan. 28 – 29. (Wed & Thurs.) Holly Cole. Jan. 30 – Feb. 1. (Fri. – Sun.) Robin McKelle. Blue Note. It’s jazz vocalist week at the Blue Note, with a pair of uniquely talented singers. (212) 475-8582. http://www.bluenote.net/newyork/index.shtml.
– Jan. 29. (Thurs.) Oliver Lake, saxophone, Wendy Sutter, cello, and the Joel Harrison String Choir. Jazz and classical seek common ground in a program of three major works encompassing extended composition and free flying improvisation. Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center. (212) 501-3330. http://kaufman-center.org/merkin-concert-hall
The International Review of Music 