By Don Heckman
Los Angeles
– Nov 14. (Wed.) David Sanborn. Alto saxophonist Sanborn is the star of pop jazz, r & b and crossover. But at the heart of his playing is a deep involvement with the essential elements of straight ahead jazz. Catalina Bar & Grill. http://www.catalinajazzclub.com (323) 466-2210.
– Nov. 14. (Wed.) Alan Bergman. In partnership with his wife, Marilyn Bergman, Alan has written the lyrics for some of the most memorable songs of the past five or six decades. And they’re often best heard in his own quietly lyrical interpretations. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com (310) 474-9400.
– Nov. 14. (Wed.) Barbara Cook. Tony Award-winning singer/actress Cook celebrates her long, productive career – she was 85 in October – with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a program of great American song. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
– Nov. 15 – 18. (Thurs. – Sun.) Steve Tyrell. A highly successful producer before he embarked on a singing career of his own, Tyrell has emerged as a vocalist with an appealing, jazz-driven style enhanced by the warmth of his Texas roots. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Nov. 16. (Fri.) Janis Paige. If you remember the movie musicals of the ‘50s, then you’ll remember Paige from such films as Silk Stockings and Please Don’t Eat The Daisies. Decades in musical theatre and television followed, and the 90 year old Paige is still a delightfully effective vocal artist. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Nov. 16. (Fri.) Cip & Cat. Saxophonist Gene Cipriano (Cip) and vocalist Cat Conner (Cat), backed by guitarist John Chiodini with special guest trombonist Dick Nash celebrate their fifth anniversary together and their first anniversary at the venue. Out Take Bistro. (818) 760-1111.
– Nov. 16 – 18. (Fri. – Sun.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic. An evening rich with musical variations. The Phil, conducted by Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos, performs Haydn’s Symphony No. 6 and Cello Concerto in C, Albeniz’s Suite Espanola and Ravel’s Bolero. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
– Nov. 17. (Sat.) Johnny Mandel Big Band. Composer, arranger, band leader and songwriter, Mandel’s resume includes stints with Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Peggy Lee and many more. At 86, Mandel is now best heard leading his own band, playing his own well-crafted arrangements and compositions. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Nov. 17. (Sat.) Buika. Spanish singer Buika, a native of Equatorial Guinea, who sings flamenco with an appealing blend of soul music and jazz rhythms, makes a rare Southland appearance. Luckman Fine Arts Complex. (323) 343-6610.
– Nov. 18. (Sun.) Quattro. The four talented members of Quattro – cellist Giovanna Clayton, violinst Lisa Dondlinger, guitarist Kay-Ta Matsuno and percussionist Jorge Villanueva (all of whom also sing) – have written and arranged all the diverse works they describe as Popzzical music. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Nov. 18. (Sun.) Jackson Browne. He’s been writing memorable songs since the ‘70s, still producing prime selections. He’s joined in this performance by Sara Watkins, Jonathan Wilson and other special guests. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-3000.
– Nov. 18. (Sun.) The Los Angeles Master Chorale performs Monteverdi’s Vespers. This will be a concert to remember, with the gorgeous voices of the LAMC applying their magical touch to the lush vocal lines of Renaissance polyphony. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
San Francisco
– Nov. 17. (Sat.) Ornette Coleman. Since his arrival on the international jazz scene in the late ‘50s, Coleman’s compositions and alto saxophone playing have been among the music’s most persistently exploratory voices. An SFJAZZ event at the Herbst Theatre. (866) 920-5299.
New York
– Nov. 18 & 19. (Sun. & Mon.) An Intimate Evening with Stanley Jordan Solo. Jordan’s remarkable mastery of the guitar tap-on style has provided him with a virtual orchestral instrument. And he makes the most of it. The Iridium. (212) 582-2121.
– Nov. 19. (Mon.) Sheila Jordan and Steve Kuhn Duo. Their history together goes back decades. And they continue to make music together with a symbiotic creative togetherness. The performance celebrates Sheila’s 84th birthday. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
Washington D.C.
– Nov. 15 – 18. (Thurs. – Sun.) Tuck & Patti. Guitarist Tuck and singer Patti have been together for nearly three decades. And their deeply intimate musical and personal relationship seems to improve and mature like fine wine. Blues Alley. (202) 337-4141.
Paris
– Nov. 16. (Fri.) John Scofield Trio. Always on the search for new ideas, guitarist Scofield gets down to the absolute jazz basics with his current trio. New Morning. 01 45 23 51 41.
Berlin
– Nov. 16. (Fri.) Judy Niemack & Jay Clayton. 2 Voices Flying. Niemack, a constantly captivating singer, bringing musicality, imagination and interpretive excellence to everything she touches, teams up with the equally adventurous and inventive Clayton. A-Trane. 030/313 25 50.
Milan
– Nov. 16. (Fri.) Tony Levin. “Stick Men”. Bassist Levin, who’s worked with a stellar list of artists in virtually every genre, steps out front with his own vocals. He’ll be backed by drummer Pat Mastelliotto and touch guitarist Markus Reuter. Blue Note Milano. +39.02.69016888.
Tokyo
– Nov. 18 & 19. (Sun. & Mon.) Michel Camilo and Tomatito. The dynamic duo of pianist Camilo and flamenco guitarist Tomitito come together with a magical blend of jazz and traditional Spanish music. The Blue Note Tokyo. 03.5485.0088.
The International Review of Music 