By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Jan. 19 – 20. (Tues. – Wed.) Victor Wooten Band. Award winning bassist Wooten’s performances with the Bela Fleck Band have always been impressive feats of musical magic. Here he conjures up his own creative surprises. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.
– Jan. 19. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night. Now firmly established at Vitello’s Guitar Night begins its duo performances. This time, Pisano gets together with former Oscar Peterson standout, Swedish guitarist Ulf Wakenius. Vitellos. (818) 769-0905.
– Jan. 21. (Thurs.) Simplexity. The innovative electronic jazz group celebrates the release of their CD “Extreme Measures.” With John von Seggern, Gary Novak, Steve Tavaglione and John Beasley. ResBox at the Steve Allen Theatre.
– Jan. 21. (Thurs.) John Altman Quartet. English alto saxophonist and multi-hyphenate composer/arranger/songwriter Altman makes one of his too-infrequent Southland appearances. Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110.
– Jan. 21. (Thurs.) Gerry Gibbs Quintet. Inventive drummer Gibbs leads a stellar ensemble — accordionist Frank Marocco, multi-instrumentalis Rob Hardt, pianist Llew Matthews and bassist Lyman Medieros. Crowne Plaza LAX Hotel. (310) 642-7500.
– Jan. 21 – 23. (Thurs. – Sat.) Kenny Burrell Quartet. One of the icons of jazz guitar, Burrell spends most of his time in educationsl settings these days. So don’t miss this relatively rare chance to hear him in action. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.
– Jan. 22. (Fri.) Julie Esposito. She has an enviable blend of skill, training and natural ability. But what really makes Esposito special is her interpretive ability to find the heart of a song. Café 322. (626) 836-5787.
– Jan. 22. (Fri.) Tom Peterson with the Pat Senatore Trio. Saxophonist Peterson has played with just about everyone at one time or another. Here he is up front, doing it his own way with Senatore’s solid backing. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Jan. 22. (Fri.) Anna Mjoll. The Icelandic singer moves easily across traditional pop and jazz genres with upbeat swing and an engaging on stage manner. She performs with the John Heard Trio. Charlie O’s. . (818) 989-3110.
– Jan. 22. (Fri.) Lincoln Mayorga. “Chopin and the Piano.” A discussion of the composer’s life and a performance of all of the 24 Preludes, the Grande Polonaise in A flat, the Scherzo in C sharp minor and selected mazurkas, etudes, and waltzes. At the new Steinway Piano Gallery. 314 N. Robertson Blvd. (near Beverly Blvd.) Information: Jeannine@FrankEntertainment.com (310) 476-6735
– Jan. 23. (Sat.) Madeline Eastman. San Francisco-based Eastman has skills too rarely heard in most alleged jazz singers — the ability to paraphrase, the implicit understanding of how a song is constructed, and a deep understanding of the relationship between words and music. She sings with the Randy Porter Trio. The Red Carpet Jazz Series. Upstairs at Vitellos. (818) 769-0905.
– Jan. 23. (Sat.) Carol Bach-y-Rita. Jazz, Brazilian music and Salsa are, says Bach-y-Rita says, her “great loves.” And she sings them with the affection that only a true lover can express. Spazio. (818) 728-8400.
– Jan. 23. (Sat.) Doug MacLeod and Lawrence Lebo. Here’s a typically entertaining, typically eclectic McCabe’s program: the traditional blues and soulful guitar and vocals of MacLeod, and the jaunty swing and blues stylings of the inimitable Lebo. McCabe’s. (310) 828-4497.
– Jan. 24. (Sun.) Ron McCurdy and the Vocal Collective. Trumpeter (and educator) McCurdy interacts with the superb harmonies and briskly swinging vocals of the Vocal Collective. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
San Francisco
– Jan. 18. (Mon.) Kat Parra and The Sephardic Experience. Parra’s beguiling voice expressively blends traditional elements with contemporary sounds and rhythms. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
– Jan. 19. (Tues.) Ann Hampton Callaway. The busily traveling Callaway makes a too brief, one-night stop. Too brief because her singing and her piano playing are always as entertaining as they are illuminating. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
– Jan. 19 – 31. (Tues. – Mon.) Andrea Marcovicci. Always an insightful interpretive artist, the “Queen of Cabaret” applies her dramatic musicality to “Skylark: A Centennial Tribute to Johnny Mercer.” The Rrazz Room (415) 781-0306.
– Jan. 21 – 24. (Thurs. – Sun.) “Django Reinhardt at 100.” There will be numerous celebrations this year of the Reinhardt centennial. Here’s one that brings together a pair of stylistically diverse guitarists: Dorado Schmitt with special guest Dave Grisman. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
– Jan. 22 – 24. (Fri. – Sun.) Kenny Garrett Quartet. Alto saxophonist Garrett continues to stretch the envelope of contemporary jazz improvising. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
New York
– Jan. 19. (Tues.) Groove Collective. D J Logic, Bernie Worrell, Dr. Lonnie Smith, among others, perform in a Benefit for Haiti. 100% of ticket proceeds go to Haiti Action and Hands Together. At Le Poisson Rouge. (212) 228-4854.
– Jan. 19 – 23 (Tues. – Sat.) M’Boom Percussion Ensemble meets the World Sax Quartet in a spectacular musical encounter. Featuring percussionists Joe Chambers, Warren Smith, Ray Mantilla, Eli Fountain and Steve Berrios and saxophonists David Murray, Hamiet Bluiett, Oliver Lake & James Carter. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
– Jan. 19 – 24. (Tues. – Sun.) Lee Konitz Trio. The great alto saxophonist, one of jazz history’s true originals, is still — at 82 — in rare form. W. Dan Tepfer, piano, Matt Wilson, drums. Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.
– Jan. 19 – 24. (Tues. – Sun.) Frank Wess 88th Birthday Celebration. A week long birthday musical gala for the veteran saxophonist, featuring his Nonet with special guests Mulgrew Miller, Renee Rosnes, Bill Charlap, Billy Taylor, Mike Ledonne and Hank Jones. Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. (212) 258-9595.
– Jan. 19 – 31. (Tues. – Mon.) Winter Latin Jazz Festival. This year’s Festival touches a far-ranging set of jazz styles with the starry line-up of Dave Valentin, Candido, Arturo Sandoval, Gato Barbieri, Poncho Sanchez. Blue Note. NYC. (212) 475-8592.
– Jan. 21 – 24. (Thurs. – Sun.) FLY. Mark Turner, tenor saxophone, Larry Grenadier, bass and Jeff Ballard, drums. The combination of saxophone, bass and drums is both a challenging and an invigorating instrumentation. These guys handle it with spirit and imagination. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.
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