By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Nov. 22. (Tues.) Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Trey McIntyre Project. New Orleans roots, at their most convincing authenticity are delivered by the Preservation Hall players in a fascinating collaboration with the entrancing choreography of the McIntyre Project’s modern dance. Disney Hall. 638 (323) 850-2000.
– Nov. 22. (Tues.) Barbara Morrison Benefit. The life and work of the Southland’s musically delightful gift to vocal jazz will be celebrated by a long, impressive line up of Morrison’s finest jazz singing associates. All proceeds go to aiding Morrison with her medical bills. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Nov. 23. (Tues.) Evan Stone Translucent Ham Sandwich. Drummer Stone’s whimsically named ensemble mixes music, media and imagination in an out of the box fashion recalling the “happenings” of ‘60s avant garde. Steamer’s. (714) 871-8800. (714) 871-8800.
– Nov.23 – Jan. 8. (Wed. – ) The Muppets. Music is always among the many memorable aspects about every Muppet performance. And never more so than in their latest film, their first theatrical release in 12 years. Expect to hear some new tunes, some Muppet classics and covers of material by the likes of Nirvana and Cee-lo Green. For this holiday run, the performance will feature Kermit and Miss Piggy live onstage before each screening. The El Capitan Theatre. (818) 845-3110
– Nov. 25. (Fri.) Chris Isaak. Rock singer/guitarist and sometimes actor Isaak has used his 1989 hit song “Wicked Game” to shape a busy career employing all his many musical and dramatic talents. Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. (805) 449-2787.
– Nov. 25 & 26. (Fri. & Sat.) Karen Akers. Broadway and cabaret artist star Akers starred in the hit musicals, Nine and Grand Hotel. She’s even better in cabaret performances that showcase her warm voice and rich interpretations in an intimate setting. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
Chicago
– Nov. 23 – 27. (Wed. – Sun.) Roberta Gambarini. Italian-born Gambarini sings jazz – in every shape and form, from ballads and bossa nova to hard driving scat – with an authenticity reaching well beyond the work of most of her current female practitioners of the jazz vocal art. Jazz Showcase. (312) 360-0234.
New York
– Nov. 22 — 27. (Tues. – Sun.) Chick Corea wraps his epic, month long musical tour through his remarkable career. Tues.: a duo with Marcus Roberts. Wed.: a duo with Herbie Hancock. Fri. through Sun.: The original Elektric Band. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
– Nov. 22 – 27. (Tues. – Sun.) The Gerald Clayton Trio. He comes from an illustrious musical family, with his father, bassist John Clayton and uncle, alto saxophonist Jeff Clayton urging him on. But the gifted young pianist is rapidly becoming an important jazz figure in his own right. The Village Vanguard. (212) 929-4589.
– Nov. 22 – 27. (Tues. – Sun.) Bucky Pizzarelli/Ken Peplowski. Swing will be in the air this week via the dynamic encounter between veteran seven-string guitarist Pizzarelli and the fluid clarinet work of Peplowski. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola. (212) 258-9800.
– Nov. 22 & 23 and Nov. 25 – 27. (Tues. & Wed and Fri. through Sun.) The Maria Schneider Big Band. Schneider’s voice, as a big band composer and arranger –originally influenced by her mentor, Gil Evans — has emerged as one of the jazz world’s most original blend of sounds and textures. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2232.
London
– Nov. 25 & 26. (Fri. l& Sat.) Ian Shaw. He’s not as well known to American jazz audiences as he should be, but Shaw – like the similarly underrated Claire Martin, with whom he occasionally performs – is a jazz singer with something to say. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747
Tokyo
– Nov. 24 – 26. (Thurs. – Sat.) Alfredo Rodriguez. Discovered by the unerring ear of Quincy Jones, Cuban born pianist Rodriguez does a powerful job of blending classical technique, Cuban rhythms and a free-flying jazz imagination. The Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.
The International Review of Music 