By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Aug. 14 & 15. (Tues. & Wed.) Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour. Cirque du Soleil. The music and lyrics of Michael Jackson are the foundation for a show that “immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down,” performed by the incomparable artists of Cirque du Soleil. Staples Center. (213) 742-7100.
– Aug. 15. (Wed.) Joe Cocker and Huey Lewis & The News. A pair of still vitally active rock icons whose music reaches from the ‘60s to the present make for a rare evening of engaging musical memorabilia. Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857.
– Aug. 15. (Wed.) Ron Kalina Trio. He’s a virtuoso jazz harmonica player who also doubles on piano, with a resume including recordings with the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Joe Williams, Anita O’Day and dozens of others. Hear him in action, backed by guitarist Barry Zweig, bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Kendall Kay. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Aug. 15. (Wed.) Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades. A pair of legendary Latin jazz and salsa giants share the stage on a Wednesday jazz night at the Bowl, demonstrating first hand the exciting linkages between jazz and Latin dance rhythms. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Aug. 15 – 18. (Wed. – Sat.) Terence Blanchard Quintet. Critically praised trumpeter Blanchard takes a break from his busy schedule as a film composer, Artistic Director of the Thelonious Monk Institute and Director of the Henry Mancini Institute, to lead his Grammy-winning jazz group. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Aug. 16. (Thurs.) De Temps Antan. The Quebecois ensemble makes its West Coast debut, performing the traditional songs of French Canada. Skirball Center. (310) 440-4500.
– Aug. 17. (Fri.) Wolff & Clark Expedition. Pianist Michael Wolff’s credits reach from Cannoball Adderley. Sonny Rollins and others to a stint as the bandleader on the Arsenio Hall Show. He’s backed by the stellar rhythm team of drummer Mike Clark and bassist Brian Bromberg. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Aug. 17 & 18. (Fri. & Sat.) Juanes with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Multiple Latin Grammy winning singer/songwriter/guitarist Juanes performs with the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, the Cal Voce Singers and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra conducted by Thomas Wilkins. And with fireworks, too. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Aug. 18 & 19. (Sat. & Sun.) Sara Gazarek. At a time when jazz singers are arriving in waves, Gazarek is one of the rare few whose remarkable potential is apparent in everything she sings. She celebrates her new album, Blossom & Bee with special guest keyboardist Larry Goldings and the backing of pianist Josh Nelson, bassist Hamilton Price and drummer Zach Harmon. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Aug. 19. (Sun.) Gerald Wilson Big Band. Well into his nineties, Wilson remains one of the iconic figures of big band jazz. And watching him in action with hits all-star group is one of the pleasures of experiencing live jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Aug. 19. (Sun.) Dudamel and Domingo. The Hollywood Bowl’s pairing of charismatic classical music figures continues with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic joining for the first time with the great tenor Placido Domingo. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
San Francisco
– Aug. 16. (Thurs.) The Benny Green Trio. A jazz professional as a teen-ager, pianist Green’s career has been expanding ever since, establishing him as one of the most imaginative and listenable players of his generation. He’s backed by bassist Peter Washington and drummer Kenny Washington. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
Seattle
– Aug. 16 – 19. (Thurs. – Sun.) Karrin Allyson. Grammy nominated singer-pianist Allyson brings rich layers musicality to everything she sings or plays. Hopefully she’ll include some selections from her latest album, ‘Round Midnight. Jazz Alley. (201) 441-9729.
Boston
– Aug. 18. (Sat.) Kenny Werner. Pianist Werner’s versatility – he is as adept at backing singers as he is at straight ahead jazz playing – no doubt traces to the mind-body techniques explored in his thoughtful book on improvisation, Effortless Mastery. Regatta Bar. (617) 661-5000.
New York
– Aug. 14 – 18. (Tues. – Sat.) The John Abercrombie Quartet. Always seeking adventurous new jazz combinations, Abercrombie’s latest group features saxophonist Joe Lovano, bassist Drew Gess and drummer Adam Nussbaum. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
– Aug. 14 – 19. (Tues. – Sun.) Enfants Terribles. Lee Konitz, Bill Frisell, Gary Peacock and Joey Baron. A stellar array of world-class jazz players celebrate their new CD, Enfants Terribles. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
– Aug. 16 – 19. (Thurs. – Sun.) The Tierney Sutton Band. Singer Sutton has been working with her band for nearly two decades, and the results are apparent in the extraordinary music they make together. The Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2561.
London
– Aug. 14 – 18. (Tues. – Sat.) Roy Ayers. Vibraphonist Ayers has been, and continues to be, a pioneer in blending jazz with Afro-beat, funk and hip hop. Ronnie Scott’s. (0) 20 7439 0747.
Tokyo
Aug. 14 & 15. Joyce. Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist Joyce Moreno has been blending jazz with bossa nova since the late ‘60s. Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.
Eddie Palmieri photo by Tony Gieske.
The International Review of Music 