By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– April 4. (Wed.) Kyle Eastwood. Bassist Eastwood came to jazz from a highly supportive background. His father is actor/director/composer/pianist and jazz lover Clint Eastwood. And Kyle has transformed that lineage into an impressive jazz career of his own. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– April 4. (Wed.) Otmaro Ruiz. Venezuela-born pianist Ruiz’s diverse skills have taken him across the spectrum from areas of pop, rock, fusion and straight ahead jazz. This time out, he’s in an airy duo setting with bassist Pat Senatore. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– April 4. (Wed.) Kait Dunton. Gifted young composer/pianist Dunton celebrates at a CD release party for Mountain Suite, a collection of works amply illustrating her impressive compositional skills. Her stellar ensemble includes John Daversa, trumpet, Bob Mintzer, tenor sax, Darek Oles, bass, Peter Erskine, drums. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– April 4. (Wed.) Anthony Wilson. Versatile guitarist/composer Wilson takes a break from his busy touring schedule with a four night – every Wednesday – residency at the Blue Whale. For this opening night Part l, he will perform with bassist John Clayton, drummer Jeff Hamilton and special guest pianist Champian Fulton. Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.
– April 4 – 7. (Wed. – Sat.) The Blues Brothers. The original cast from London’s West End production of the hit musical based on the characters created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Irvine Barclay Theatre. (949) 854-4646.
– April 5. (Thurs.) Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The ever-entertaining programming of the LACO has come up with an especially intriguing idea for this installment of their Westside Connections series. “Music and the Culinary Arts” is the theme, with performances of works by Saint-Saens, Martinu and Ravel, and conversation from chef/restaurateur Susan Feniger. The Broad Stage. (213) 622-7001 x1.
– April 5 – 7. (Thurs. – Sun.) Diane Schuur. The one and only “Deedles,” as she is known to fans and friends, makes one of her infrequent night club appearances. Don’t miss this chance to hear her up close and personal in the pleasant environs of Catalina Bar & Grill. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– April 6. (Fri.) Ted Nash. Saxophonist/composer/arranger Nash, well known from his high visibility appearances with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, makes a rare L.A. Appearance to feature music from his new quartet The Creep. He’ll perform with trumpeter Ron Horton, bassist Paul Sikivie and drummer Ulysses Owens. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– April 6. (Fri.) Carolina Chocolate Drops. The Grammy-winning Chocolate Drops are keeping alive the tradition of high spirited old South string bands. The Mexo-Americana folk duo David Wax Museum open the show. UCLA Live. (310) 825-2101.
– April 6. (Fri.) Sara Serpa. Portugal-born singer Serpa has established herself, in a few brief years, as one of New York City’s most innovative new vocalists, capable of moving freely and creatively in sync with instrumentalists. No wonder Ran Blake described her as “the magical voice.” Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.
– April 7 & 8. (Sat. & Sun.) The Barbara Morrison Performing Art Center Big Band Easter Weekend. A collection of the Southland’s fine big band players get together for an Easter Weekend celebration, featuring the ever-engaging vocals of Barbara Morrison herself with the big bands of Rod Harris and John Stephens. BMPAC. (310) 462-1439.
San Francisco
– April 4. (Wed.) Brass Menazeri. San Francisco based, the Menazeri nonetheless cruises energetically – and often authentically – through the Roma-based music of Serbia, Macedonia, Greece, Bosnia and beyond. Be prepared to dance. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
– April 7. (Sat.) Hermeto Pascoal. A vital figure in Brazilian music since the ‘60s, multi-instrumentalist/composer Pascoal, a dramatic figure whenever he steps on stage, was a leader in the blending of jazz and the rhythms of Brazil. He rarely appears in the Bay area, so don’t miss this one. SFJAZZ. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. (866) 920-5299.
– April 8. (Sun.) Charmaine Clamor. She has come to be known as the Queen of Jazzipino, and her innovative blending of jazz with Filipino traditional music has produced some extraordinary results. But Clamor’s remarkable talents reach beyond labeling into some of the most compelling jazz vocalizing of recent memory. Appropriately, she debuts her new show, “Hallelujah: A Celebration of Rebirth,” on Easter Sunday. The Rrazz Room. (415) 394-1189.
New York
– April 3 – 8. (Tues. – Sun.) Ron Carter Quartet. One of the great veterans of contemporary jazz, bassist Carter has played on more than 2,000 recordings. And he brings youthful vitality and imagination to everything he does. His quartet includes Renee Rosnes, piano, Payton Crossley, drums, Rolando Morales-Matos, percussion. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
– April 7. (Sat.) Ellery Eskelin Trio New York. Eskelin’s bold, muscular tenor saxophone is showcased in the similarly brawny setting provided by Gary Versace, organ and Rudy Royston, drums. The Cornelia St. Cafe. http://corneliastreetcafe.com/performances.asp (212) 989-9319.
London
– April. 7. (Sat.) The African Jazz All-Stars. A musical collective including players from South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and beyond, the All-Stars pride themselves on their unique blend of African rhythms, funk and high energy soloing. Ronnie Scott’s. 020 7439 0747.
Milan
April 4. (Wed.) Gretchen Parlato. In a crowded field of female jazz singers, with more arriving every day, Parlato continues to hold her own as an utterly unique talent. At her best, she invests every song with compelling musicality and intimate lyricism. Blue Note Milano. 02 69 01 68 88.
Berlin
– April 5. (Thurs.) Alan Broadbent Trio. The names on pianist/composer Broadbent’s resume – Charlie Haden, Chet Baker, Irene Krall, Sheila Jordan, Woody Herman and many others – attest to the remarkable breadth of his abilities. But an intimate setting with his own trio is the best way to hear the full range of Broadbent’s engaging creativity. The A-Trane. 030 / 313 25 50.
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Anthony Wilson photo by Bob Barry.
The International Review of Music 