By Don Heckman
Monday (6/13) …Monday nights have long been favorite occasions to hear big bands in action. As is often the case in L.A. Here are two of this week’s most bountiful opportunities: Stellar guitarist Kenny Burrell and the his swinging L.A. Jazz Unlimited Orchestra are at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood.
Also on Monday, a contrasting, but equally swinging event combines vocalist Ernie Andrews with the Charles Owens Big Band at Typhoon in Santa Monica.
Tuesday (6/14)… John Pisano’s Guitar Night has been one of the Southland’s most dependable jazz Tuesday nights for years. And here’s another good one, with Pisano hosting Mike Anthony, Jim Hughart and Colin Bailey at Viva Cantena in Burbank.
Tuesday (6/14)… Barbara Morrison. LosAangeles has long been a breeding ground for fine female jazz artists. And the one and only Barbara Morrison has been on top of most jazz fans’ “Best Of” lists for decades. At PIPS on La Brea.
Wednesday (6/15)… Nan Schwartz. In a skill area that has long had a glass ceiling for female arranger/composers, Nan Schwartz has thoroughly established the power and versatility of her skills. She puts it all on display here, fronting a full orchestra, with guest stars trumpeteNr Arturo Sandoval and singer Tierney Sutton. At Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com (310) 474-9400.
Wednesday (6/15)… The Jon Mayer Quartet. Pianist Mayer has long been a first call rhythm section player. Here’s a rare chance to hear him in the spotlight with his own group at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.
– Thursday (6/16 – 18)… Al Di Meola. Versatile guitarist Di Meola
shows off the full range of his skills with a tour titled “ELEGANT GYPSY MEETS ROMANTIC WARRIORS” At the Canyon in Agoura Hills on the 16th. With follow ups on Friday the 17th at The Rose in Pasadena and on Sat.June 18 at Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
.- Saturday (6/18)… The Bob Sheppard Quartet. Tenor saxophonist and woodwind specialist Sheppard is always a pleasure to hear. Not only is he a master instrumentalist, he’s also a gifted improvisor and a pleasure to hear no matter what he’s playing. At Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. http://www.vibratogrilljazz.com (310) 474-9400.
– Saturday (6/18) …Opening night at the Hollywood Bowl. Opening nights at the Bowl are always musically stimulating. And they’re also immensely entertaining, since the Philharmonic staff always finds a theme to introduce the new season. Add to that, the line up for the night’s performance always features a major headliner. This time, it’s the stellar pop band, Steely Dan. The Hollywood Bowl.
– Sunday (6/19)… The Bill Cunliffe Big Band. Grammy Award winning composer/pianist is an engaging performer to see in almost every musical setting. But he’s especiallly at his best when he’s leading a collection of L.A.’s finest players in an evening of Cunliffes captivating big band charts.
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