By Don Heckman Wednesday March 11. Bel Air. Call it nepotism if you like for iRoM to be plugging James De Frances’ gig at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. tomorrow night. Yes, he’s a frequent and thoughtful reviewer here, but – fine singer that he is – he’s also an impressive performer in his own… Read More A Highlight of the Week: James DeFrances at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Bel Air, CA. “If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere.” The line kept coming to mind Tuesday night at Herb Alpert’s elegant restaurant and jazz club Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc, while we were listening to singer James DeFrances. No, not because DeFrances was thinking – or even singing – about… Read More Live Music: James DeFrances at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
by James DeFrances Frank Sinatra Jr., beloved son of superstar singer Frank Sinatra died suddenly Wednesday evening March 16th, in Daytona Beach Florida while on tour. He was 72. Growing up in a celebrity household Sinatra Jr. or “Frankie” as his confidantes called him got to experience many of the legends of Hollywood’s golden age… Read More An Appreciation: Frank Sinatra Jr.
By James DeFrances Las Vegas. Last week, veteran master impressionist Rich Little premiered his new show at the Laugh Factory in the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The brand new show “Rich Little Live” tells his life story through a series of archived video clips, live impressions and music. Often billed as the greatest… Read More Live Impressions: Rich Little at the Laugh Factory
By James DeFrances Studio City, CA. The E-Spot lounge in Vitello’s restaurant was the site of the latest performance by baritone vocalist Bill A. Jones. Backed by the energetic jazz trio of pianist/arranger Paul McDonald, bassist Kirk Smith and drummer Steve Pemberton, Jones entertained the packed house last Saturday night in a way only he… Read More Live Music: Bill A. Jones at Vitello’s
By James DeFrances Perhaps we should be referring to her as the “Princess of Cool.” Last Sunday night, singer Deana Martin, daughter of the original “King of Cool,” Dean Martin, appeared at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. in Bel-Air. It was an evening of musical enrichment, great food and big smiles. The adoration Deana’s fans… Read More Live Music: Deana Martin at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By James DeFrances Bel Air, CA. Last Thursday evening at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Jazz Grill…etc. Sasha’s Bloc launched their new album – Heart On Fire – with a send off party in style. Alex Gershman’s jazz super group pulled out the stoppers during the second night of festivities for their release party bash. Complete with… Read More Live Music: Sasha’s Bloc at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc
By James DeFrances Los Angeles. Last Thursday at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Caesar Jazz Balladeer caught the attention of clubbers in a new way. His angle on the standards was as unique as his proximity to Los Angeles. Only in town for Grammy festivities, Caesar – who lives in Rhode Isand – left his… Read More Live Music: Caesar Jazz Balladeer at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By James DeFrances Hollywood, CA. The Sally Kellerman show came to town in a big way last Wednesday night at Catalina Bar & Grill. The multi-talented Academy Award nominated actress, singer and artist extraordinaire wowed the capacity crowd as they watched her soar gracefully across the stage and through the music with her trio. It… Read More Live Music: Sally Kellerman at Catalina Bar & Grill
By James DeFrances Bel Air, CA. Piano legends from years gone by came to mind during John Proulx’s show Tuesday night at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz etc. If you’d have blinked you may have thought Art Tatum or Thelonious Monk were caressing the mighty grand piano on that stage. Proulx’s emotive playing style is… Read More Live Jazz: The John Proulx Trio at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
The International Review of Music 