By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Sept. 7. (Tues.) Chris Walden’s Big Band with Tierney Sutton. The combination of Walden’s well-crafted arrangements, a band full of L.A.’s finest players, and the superb musicality of Sutton’s vocals should make for a memorable, entertaining evening. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Sept. 9. (Thurs.) Music of the Dance. The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Bramwell Tovey, explores music created for the dance stage, including Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite. The evening’s special event features the Diavolo Dance Theatre in a newly commissioned work set to John Adams’ Fearful Symmetries. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Sept. 9. (Thurs.) Salaam Ensemble. Music of the Near and Middle East is the specialty of the Salaam players, who bring authenticity to their rendering of selections from Persian, Arabic, Turkish and Armenian traditions. Levitt Pavilion. Free concert in MacArthur Park. (213) 384-5701.
– Sept. 9. (Thurs.) Phil Norman Tentet. It’s West Coast cool jazz revisited in the contemporary setting of Norman’s stellar Tentet. Charlie O’s. (818) 994-3058.
– Sept. 9. (Thurs.) Bruce Babad’s Jazz Cadre. Alto saxophonist Babad, a first call sideman, steps into the spotlight as a leader, backed by Joe Bagg, piano, Dr. Joe Jewell, guitar, Roger Shew, bass, Matt Johnson, drums. Steamers. (714) 871-8800.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Sheryl Crow. Nine-time Grammy award winner Crow leads a new band in a performance showcasing 100 Miles From Memphis, her new, eighth top-ten album. Also on the bill, singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-3125.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Maria de Barros. Although she’s often associated with the morna songs of Cape Verde, de Barros’ musical versatility and charismatic stage presence are the qualities of a world class performer. Don’t miss this one – it’s one of the bargains of the week. The Levitt Pavilion. A free concert in MacArthur Park. l (213) 384-5701.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Janis Siegel. The Manhattan Transfer’s Siegel makes a rare, solo night club appearance. Superb as an ensemble singer, she’s equally entrancing in her own unique musical persona. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Dave Pell & Med Flory Jazz Quintet. Two of the Southland’s finest veteran jazz saxophonists display their wares. Expect a combination of musical fun and fireworks. The Backroom at Henri’s. (818) 348-5582.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Richie Cole & Alto Madness. Bebop lives in Cole’s energized alto saxophone, backed by a sextet that somehow manages to produce the drive and the power of a big jazz band. The Culver Club at the Radisson. (310) 649-1776 ext. 4137.
– Sept. 10. (Fri.) Les McCann with the Javon Jackson Quintet. Iconic jazz pianist McCann receives the 2nd “LA Jazz Treasure” award. Hopefully he’ll also perform a few of his classics with the Jackson Quintet. LACMA. (323) 857-6000.
– Sept. 10 & 11. (Fri. & Sat.) Freda Payne. She brings a stage to life no matter what she’s singing, but she’ll undoubtedly be even more vibrant when she gives her own musical spin to songs associated with Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. .
– Sept. 10 – 12. (Fri. – Sun.) Pink Martini. The Fireworks Finale of the 2010 Hollywood Bowl season features the eclectic stylings of Oregon’s entertaining Pink Martini. Accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, the program will no doubt range from French chanson and Argentine Tango to meringue, bolero and Pink Martini’s own version of vintage lounge. Also on the bill, singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Sept. 11. (Sat.) Don Preston Tribute Concert. A collection of adventurous players – from LA. And beyond – celebrate the life and music of keyboardist Preston. Among the participants: Tony Levin, Roberto Miranda, Putter Smith, Bobby Bradford, Alex Cline, Bunk Gardener, Vinnie Golia. South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory. (626) 403-2300.
– Sept. 12. (Sun.) Jacqui Naylor. Her engaging vocals slip and slide easily across boundaries, bringing imagination and emotion to jazz, pop, folk and all stops in between. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Sept. 12. (Sun.) Opera & Broadway Gala. “Music of the Night.” It’ll be a grand banquet of songs, from favorite arias to some of the most celebrated musical theatre melodies. Featuring soprano Demetra George and tenor Eduardo Villa with Music Director Frank Fetta. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Sept. 12. (Sun.) 5th Annual Brazilian Day in L.A. A celebration of everything Brazilian – which is a lot, embracing art, dance, music, cuisine and much more. Performers include the samba funk group Muamba, singer Renni Flores and the samba/pagode band Sambajah. The gardens of the Page Museum. Free. 5th Annual Brazil Day.
San Francisco
– Sept. 10 – 12 (Fri. – Sun.) Issac Delgado with Freddy Cole. It’s an unusual but intriguing combination: a live presentation of a new album from Cuba’s superstar Delgado recreating – with Cole’s aid – 12 Spanish songs originally sung by Nat “King” Cole. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
New York
– Sept. 7 – 11. (Tues. – Sat.) Steve Kuhn, Dave Liebman, Steve Swallow, Billy Drummond. Four great jazz veterans, all still at their peak performance levels, bringing the wisdom of experience to everything they play. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
– Sept. 7 – 12. (Tues. – Sun.) The Count Basie Orchestra . The hits will just keep coming from this current installation of the Basie ensemble. Their performance at the Hollywood Bowl a few weeks ago affirmed the vitality of their dedication to the classic Basie canon. ( Click HERE to see a review of that performance.) Special guest, Ledisi, will fill in the vocal chores. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
The International Review of Music 