By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Aug. 27. (Mon.) Jason Marsalis Quartet. He may be the youngest member of the illustrious Marsalis jazz family, but drummer/vibraphonist Jason has already established his own impressive musical identity. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Aug. 28 & Aug. 30/ (Tues. & Thurs.) Carmina Burana. German composer Carl Orf’s cantata, a dramatic setting of medieval poems, is performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Los Angeles Childrens’ Chorus, directed by Spanish conductor Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000
– Aug. 28. (Tues.) Sachsa’s Bloc. An eclectic group of musicians from countries across Europe offer a collection of music ranging freely across gypsy jazz, contemporary jazz, flamenco, swing, blues and country. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400
– Aug. 29. (Wed.) Celebrating Peace. Herbie Hancock has gathered a stellar array of musicians to join together in a musical celebration of the pleasures of peace. The cast includes Wayne Shorter, Marcus Miller, Zakier Hussain, Dave Holland, Cindy Blackman Santana, Carlos Santana and others. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Aug. 31 and Sept 1. (Fri. & Sat.) John Williams Maestro of the Movies. “Musical Maestro” would be a more accurate title for Williams, whose film scores reach from Star Wars and Superman to E.T. and Harry Potter. He’ll conduct the Los Angeles Philharmonic in selections from many of his hit films, including a film sequence from E.T. accompanied live by the Philharmonic. The guest artist is violinist Gil Shaham. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Aug. 31. (Fri.) Wolfgang Schalk Quartet. Guitarist Schalk celebrates the release of his new CD Word of Ear with pianist Andy Langham, bassist Michael Valerio and drummer Tom Brechtlein. Upstairs at Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Sept. 1. (Sat.) Wendy Fraser. Singer-songwriter Fraser has been described by the LA jAzz Scene as a “diamond in the rough” and “a musical force to be reckoned with.” She makes one of her rare appearances, backed by guitarist John Chiodini, saxophonist Rob Lockhart, bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Kendall Kay. Upstairs at Vitallo’s. http://www.vitellosjazz.com/event/wendy-fraser (818) 769-0905.
– Sept. 1 & 2. (Sat. & Sun.) Barbara Morrison returns to Catalina’s for an exciting weekend featuring a pair of different settings: With the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center Big Band (Sat.), and the Barbara Morrison Quartet (Sun.) Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Sept. 2. (Sun.) John Proulx and Pat Senatore. Pianist/singer Proulx’s laid-back vocals recall the intimate singing of Chet Baker. He’s backed by the ever-versatile, always supportive Senatore on bass. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Sept. 2. (Sun.) Madeleine Peyroux. “The Party Oughta be Comin’ Soon!” Singer/songwriter/guitarist Peyroux has been one of the music world’s most unique talents since she first arrived on the scene in the mid-‘90s. And she’s still charting her own creative pathway through song. The Broad Stage. (310) 434-3200.
– Sept. 2. (Sun.) The Fourth Annual La Vida Music Festival. La Vida returns with its annual celebration of the great pleasures of Latin music, in all its forms. And what better time to do it than during National Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s far-ranging music features Louie Cruz Beltran and his Latin Jazz Ensemble, Incendio, the Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi and the Ted and Pablo Choro Ensemble with special guest Chalo Eduardo. The Ford Amphitheatre. (323) 461-3673.
San Francisco
– Aug. 29 – Sept. 2. (Wed. – Sat.) Bela Fleck & the Marcus Roberts Trio. It’s an off-beat combination – Fleck’s unique banjo playing and the straight ahead jazz trio of pianist Roberts, drummer Jason Marsalis and bassist Rodney Jordan. They’ll no doubt play selections from their new recording together – Across the Imaginary Divide. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.
Washington D.C.
– Aug. 30 – Sept. 2. (Thurs. – Sun.) Mose Allison. The inimitable Bard of the Bayou and his suitcase full of songs can always be counted on to provide a swinging, blues-driven evening of song and wisdom. Blues Alley. (202) 337-4141.
New York
– Aug. 28 – Sept. 2. (Tues. – Sun.) The Jenny Scheinman Quartet. Violinist Scheinman showcases her eclectic musical interests with pianist Jason Moran, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Rudy Royston. Village Vanguard. (212) 929-4589.
– Aug. 28 – Sept. 2. (Tues. – Sun.) Charlie Parker Birthday Celebration. What would have been the 92nd birthday week (the actual birthday is Aug. 29) of the legendary alto saxophonist is celebrated with a musical tribute from Tom Harrell, trumpet, Vincent Herring, alto saxophone, George Cables, piano, Victor Lewis, drums and Lonnie Plaxico, bass. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
– Aug. 28 – Sept. 2. (Tues. – Sun.) The Ron Carter Big Band. Bassist Carter has played with everyboy and led a variety of his own ensembles. But this, his first big band, wasn’t established until 2011, with arrangements by Bob Freedman. Featuring a line of major NYC players on stage and Carter up front, expect musical magic to take place. The Jazz Standard. (212) 889-2005.
London
– Sept. 2. (Sun.) The Story So Far. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra – Pete Lang leads an assemblage of the U.K.’s finest jazz players in an exploration of the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, the Rat Pack and Benny Goodman. Ronnie Scott’s. (0) 20 7439 0747.
Tokyo
– Aug. 30 – Sept. 2. (Thurs. – Sun.) The Mingus Big Band. The rich musical legacy of bassist/composer Charles Mingus continues to find new musical expression in the hands of the superb Mingus Big Band. The Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.
Wayne Shorter and Ron Carter photos by Tony Gieske.
The International Review of Music 