Picks of the Week: Sept. 18 – 23 – The International Review of Music

By Don Heckman

Los Angeles

– Sept 19. (Wed.) Catharine Russell. Her resume includes gigs and recordings with the likes of Paul Simon, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Michael Feinstein. But she’s very much the “real thing” according to critic Nat Hentoff. And why not? Her father, pianist Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s music director. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Sept. 20. (Thurs.) Stephanie Haynes & the Karen Hammack Trio. A decade or two ago Haynes was one of the Southland’s most admired jazz singers. Now, after a too-long absence, she’s on the comeback trail, backed by the vocalist-friendly pianist Hammack and her trio. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– Sept. 20. (Thurs.) Gabriel Johnson. Yet another trumpeter/vocalist, Johnson – highly praised by Clint Eastwood – celebrates the release of his new CD, Introducing Gabriel Johnson. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Sept. 21 & 22. (Fri. & Sat.) Rhinoceros by Eugene Ionescu. U.C.L.A.’s new performing arts entity – “Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA” – begins its debut season with Ionescu’s classic absurdist play, as performed by the Theatre de la Ville-Paris. It’s done in French with English supertitles. CAP UCLA. Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.

– Sept.21–23. (Fri. – Sun.) Karrin Allyson. Admired by musicians as well as her enthusiastic audiences for her far reaching musicality, Allyson moves convincingly across stylistic lines while always maintaining her jazz roots. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Larry Goldings, Peter Bernstein and Greg Hutchinson. A classic jazz organ trio – with Goldings at the B-3, Bernstein on guitar and Hutchinson on drums – at its very best. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Sing-A-Long Sound of Music. If you wake up on Sat. morning with an irresistible urge to sing some of the songs from Sound of Music, here’s the solution – the Bowl’s annual all-join-in event. And don’t forget to wear your costume. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Gregory Porter. It’s an L.A. week filled with impressive jazz vocal performances, and Porter’s warm, engaging voice and sturdy jazz vocalizing are among its major highlights. The Mint. (323) 954-9400.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Pianist Laurence Hobgood is rightly praised for his excellent work as an accompanist and arranger. But there are other equally impressive aspects to his skills, and they’ll all be on display in this quartet performance with saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist Hamilton Price and drummer Dan Schnelle. The Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.

– Sept. 22. Sat.) Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. “Legendary” is a word that actually makes sense when applied to these great folk and country music artists. Hearing them together will be one of the memorable musical experiences of a lifetime Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of Haggard and Kristofferson in action. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677- 3000.

– Sept. 22. (Sat.) Emil Richards Quartet. Veteran vibist’s resume is covered with all-star performances. But he’s at his best when he steps into the spotlight with equally stellar backing from the likes of Mike Lang, piano, Mike Valerio, bass and Ralph Humphrey, drums. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

– Sept. 23. (Sun.) Carol Robbins. She’s everyone’s first call harpist, as well as one of the rare practitioners of jazz on her instrument. Robbins will be celebrating the release of her new CD in the company of Billy Childs, Larry Koonse, Rob Lockart, Darek Oles and Dan Schnelle. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

San Francisco

– Sept. 19 – 21. (Wed. – Fri.) Pat Metheny Unity Band. Always in search of challenging new musical settings, Metheny finds an exciting new musical environment with Chris Potter, Antonio Sanchez and Ben Williams. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

Seattle

– Sept. 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.) Jeff Lorber Superband. The label is right on target. Keyboardist Lorber’s led some impressive bands over the course of his long career. Add this one to the list, with Brian Bromberg, bass, Everette Harp, saxophones, Gary Novak, drums. Jazz Alley. (206) 441-9729.

Chicago

– Sept. 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.) Fred Hersch Trio. With John Hebert, bass, Eric McPherson, drums. Pianist Hersch, a master of the jazz piano trio format, celebrates the release of his new album Live at the Vanguard. The Jazz Showcase. (212) 360-0234.

New York

– Sept. 18 – 22. (Tues. – Sat.) Coltrane Revisited. Pianist Steve Kuhn’s Coltrane credentials reach back to his early days on the jazz scene. He makes the journey back in the company of trumpeter Tom Harrell, saxophonist Eric Alexander, drummer Andrew Cyrille and bassist Lonnie Plaxico. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

– Sept. 18 – 23. (Tues. – Sun.) Anat Cohen Quartet. The lovely Anat Cohen isn’t just re-inventing the clarinet in contemporary jazz, she’s also a powerfully original tenor saxophonist, as well. She performs with Jason Lindner, piano, Joe Martin, bass, Daniel Freedman, drums. Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

London

– Sept. 18. (Tues.) Patricia Barber. Pianist/singer/songwriter Barber’s adventurous music – with her own works as well as the interpretations of others – is always a fascinating display of creative imagination. Ronnie Scott’s. (0) 020 7439 0747.

– Sept. 21 – 23. (Fri. – Sun.) Mindi Abair. Smooth jazz saxophonist Abair finds intriguing areas of expression within the instrumental pop format. Pizza Express Jazz Club Soho. 0845 6027 017.

Copenhagen

– Sept. 20 & 21. (Thurs. & Fri.) Nicola Stilo Jazz & Latin Quartet. Versatile Italian musician Stilo (he plays adroitly on guitar, flute and piano) came to maturity as a regular with Chet Baker and Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Jazzhus Montmartre. http://www.jazzhusmontmartre.dk/home.html (+45) 70 15 65 65.

Berlin

– Sept. 20 & 21. (Thurs. & Fri.) Chris Bennett. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/pianist Bennett has proven her far-ranging skills with Tina Turner, Donna Summer and others. But she’s also an impressive and imaginative jazz artist. A Trane Jazz. 030/313 25 50.

Tokyo

– Sept. 21 & 22. (Fri. & Sat.) Richard Galliano. “Piazzolla Forever.” French accordionist Galliano, a master of the instrument in his own right, honors the music of the great Argentine composer/accordionist. Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.