By the iRoM Staff
It’s a light schedule of activities as the Christmas and New Year celebrations wind down. But there’s still a lot of fine music to hear.
Los Angeles
– Jan. 3. (Thurs.) Louie Cruz Beltran. Louie Cruz is one of the Southland’s busiest musicians. And with good cause. This time he balances his charismatic drumming with a vocal survey of everything from pop tunes to Latin specials. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.
– Jan. 3. (Thurs.) Rayford Griffin and “Reflections of Brownie.” Drummer Griffin, the nephew of Clifford Brown celebrates the memorable music of his great, trumpet-playing uncle. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.
– Jan. 3. (Thurs.) Shoshana Bush. At a time when female jazz singers are arriving almost daily, here’s one whose warm voice and convincing style deserve up-close attention. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Jan. 4 – 6. (Fri. – Sun.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic plays Tchaikovksy. Christoph Eschenbach conducts Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4. as well as the U.S. premiere of Tan Dun’s The Tears of Nature, co-commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.
– Jan. 4 – 6. (Fri. – Sun.) Bobby Caldwell. Seventies and eighties hit maker Caldwell (“What You Won’t Do For Love,” among others) continues to be an always-engaging performer. Expect to hear more of his hits, as well. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.
– Jan. 5. (Sat.) Jeff Babko Group. Keyboardist Babko’s busy career reaches from James Taylor to the Jimmy Kimmel show. But he’s most fascinating to hear when he’s working on his own music, this time with bassist Tim Lefevbre and drummer Gene Coye. Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908.
New York
– Jan. 2 – 5. (Wed. – Sat.) Frank Wess Quintet. 91st Birthday Celebration. NEA Jazz Master Wess, a tenor saxophonist and pioneering jazz flutist, celebrates his 91st in his usual briskly swinging fashion. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.
– Jan. 2 – 6. (Wed. – Sun.) Chris Botti. Trumpeter Botti, whose musical energies seem to have no limits, wraps up his three week – two performances a day — marathon run at the The blue Note. (212) 475-8592.
– Jan. 2 – 6. (Wed. – Sun.) John Abercrombie Quartet. Always in search of new jazz adventures, guitarist Abercrombie teams up with the inventive playing of Seamus Blake, tenor saxophone, Gary Versace, organ and Adam Nussbaum, drums. The Jazz Standard. (212) 447-7733.
Tokyo
– Jan. 3 – 6. (Thurs. – Sun.) Charles Lloyd New Quartet. Iconic tenor saxophonist/flutist Lloyd has found a compelling musical environment in his association with pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland. Blue Note Tokyo. 03-5485-0088.
Shoshana Bush photo by Annette Lanzarotta and Talia Londoner.
The International Review of Music 
really looking forward to hearing Shoshana Bush again! i was very impressed with everything about her talent after seeing her earlier this year at Vitello’s.
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