By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Oct. 34 (Wed.) Sally Kellerman. Hot Lips herself, in action. But Sally’s a one of a kind vocalist, too, bringing interpretive magic to everything she sings. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Oct. 24. (Wed.) Gabriel Johnson. Emerging jazz trumpeter Johnson has been praised by Clint Eastwood and Chris Botti, and performed with everyone from Gladys Knight to Gerald Albright. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Oct. 25. (Thurs.) Robert Glasper Experiment. Adventurous pianist Glasper has been pioneering the territory between jazz and contemporary pop. His special guests include Jose James, Taylor McFerrin and Austin Peralta. CAP UCLA at Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101
– Oct. 25. (Thurs.) Ariana Savalas. Singer/songwriter/actress Savalas, the offspring of a show biz family, is making her own way as a rising vocalist. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Oct. 25. (Thurs.) Kathy Kosins. “The Ladies of Cool.” Singer Kosins celebrates the work of such West Coast-oriented jazz vocalists as June Christy, Julie London, Anita O’Day and Chris Connor. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Oct. 26. (Fri.) Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler. The legendary Dylan makes a rare appearance in Los Angeles in companionship with the British singer/songwriter/guitarist best known for his work with the band Dire Straits. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.
– Oct. 26 & 27. (Fri. & Sat.) Eddie Daniels. The great clarinetist – and fine saxophonist, as well – makes his annual L.A. appearance, reminding us that the clarinet is still a great jazz instrument. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Oct. 26 – 28. (Fri. – Sun.) Buster Williams Quartet. Versatile bassist Williams leads a stellar group of Southland players — keyboardist Patrice Rushen, saxophonist Mark Gross and drummer Ndugu Chancler. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Oct. 27. (Sat.) Ron Carter Quartet. Carter – for decades everyone’s first call bassist — has also offered some breakthrough music of his own. This time out he performs with the cutting edge musical ideas of the Robert Glasper Trio. CAP at UCLA Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.
– Oct. 27. (Sat.) Michael Feinstein. “The Sinatra Project.” One of the champions of the Great American Songbook, singer/pianist Feinstein interprets a program of songs associated with Frank Sinatra. Segerstrom Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. (714) 556-2746.
San Francisco
– Oct. 24. (Wed.) Leon Russell. One of the vital singer/songwriters of the rock era, Russell, at 70 is still going strong. Don’t miss this rare club appearance. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.
New York
– Oct. 24 – 28. (Wed. – Sun.). Jimmy Heath 86th Birthday Celebration. NEA Jazz Master Heath goes back to his roots to celebrate his 86th birthday with the Jimmy Heath Big Band — an assemblage of New York’s stellar players. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
– Oct. 26. (Fri.) Kendra Shank. The ever-adventurous, always musically engaging Shank performs the last Friday of every month at the 55 Bar. (212) 929-9883.
London
– Oct. 26. (Fri.) Steve Smith and Vital Information. Smith has been voted #1 All-Around Drummer by Modern Drummer magazine five years in a row. In addition to his far-ranging pop and rock activities, he also leads the high energy jazz group Vital Information Ronnie Scott’s. (0) 20 7439 0747.
Copenhagen
– Oct. 24 & 25. (Wed. & Thurs.) Roditi/Ignatzek/Rassinfosse. The remarkable trio of trumpeter Claudio Roditi, pianist Klaus Ignatzek and bassist Jean-Louis Rassinfosse have been performing together for 25 years, emphasizing the Brazilian songbook and the repertoire associated with Chet Baker. Jazzhus Montmartre. (+45) 70 15 65.
Milan
– Oct. 25. (Thurs.) Kenny Werner. Versatile pianist, composer and writer arrives in Italy with a world class ensemble: saxophonist David Sanchez, trumpeter Randy Brecker, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Antonio Sanchez. Blue Note Milan. 02. 69016888.
Tokyo
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– Oct. 24 – 26. (Wed. – Fri.) The Manhattan Transfer. Nearly four decades in the jazz world spotlight, and the gifted members of the Transfer continue to produce music that brilliantly defines and expands the potential in vocal ensemble jazz. Blue Note Tokyo.
The International Review of Music 