By Don Heckman Studio City, CA. Brazilian music nights are not uncommon in Los Angeles. Not with the city’s substantial population of world class Brazilian players – along with the American musicians who have developed considerable competence with Brazilian music over the years. The Lado B Project is a combination of both, blending a collection… Read More Live Music: The Lado B Project at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 15. (Wed.) Brenna Whitaker. She could have been a ‘30s platinum blond star. But Whitaker doesn’t just look good; she can sing, too. This time out she picks a set of tunes to enhance the birthday of Vibrato co-owner Eden Alpert. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – May… Read More Picks of the Week: May 14 – 19
By Cathy Segal-Garcia Los Angeles, CA. Here I am, sitting in the Kirk Douglas Theatre, waiting for the world-renowned guitarist/vocalist/composer/arranger/producer, Dori Caymmi, to come out to start the show. A beautiful theatre, slanted up seating, with a medium large stage on the floor, the newest and most intimate of Center Theatre Group’s family of theatres.… Read More Live Music: Dori Caymmi at a Jazz Bakery Movable Feast
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 4. (Wed.) Barry Manilow and July 4 Fireworks Spectacular. A high energy celebration of the 4th. With one soaring Manilow hit after another, a lot of patriotic music from the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Sarah Hicks. And the usual spectacular pyrotechnics. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2040. – July… Read More Picks of a Holiday Week: July 4 – 8
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 22. (Tues.) Kathleen Grace Group. Singer Grace, a true musical adventurer, combines the folk-based methods of the ‘70s singer songwriters with her jazz roots in her new album, Mirror. Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908 – May 22. (Tues.) Otmaro Ruiz/Aaron Serfaty Quartet. Versatile pianist Ruiz and drummer Serfaty –… Read More Picks of the Week: May 22 – 27
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 29. (Wed.) Carol Robbins. She’s that rare musical combination – a jazz harpist. And Robbins has brought it off in convincing style, playing with everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Manhattan Transfer to Billy Childs and Dianne Reeves. This time out, Robbins does it her way. Vibrato Grill… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 28 – Mar. 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 7. (Wed.) Quincy Jones Band featuring the Global Gumbo All-Stars and Friends. No one knows how to put together an evening of immensely entertaining music as well as Quincy Jones. And he’s assembled one of his characteristically spectacular programs for an event that easily promises to be one… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept 5 – 11
By Devon Wendell It was a beautiful sunny day at the Beverly Hills Civic Center on Sunday for the 33rd annual Playboy Jazz Festival to present its first free community concert. Two very diverse and skilled performers were on the bill, and KJAZZ’s Brad Williams was the host. The first act was award winning Israeli… Read More Live Jazz: Justo Almario’s Afro-Colombian Ensemble and the Tamir Hendelman Trio in a Playboy Jazz Festival Free Community Concert at the Beverly Hills Civic Center
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 1. (Tues.) Jules Day. The rising young jazz singer performs an evening of new, original music from her latest CD, Day Dreams. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Feb. 2. (Wed.) Teka and Aaron Serfaty. “Brazilian Jazz.” Guitarist/singer Teka and percussionist Serfaty team up with pianist Otmar… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. Feb. 1 – Feb. 6
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 18. (Tues.) Don Menza’s Stan Getz Tribute. Not exactly the return of the Four Brothers, but it should be a mellow saxophone night with Pete Christlieb, Gary Foster and Gene Cipriano, saxes, Don Rader, trumpet, Tom Ranier, piano, Chris Connor, bass and Dick Weller, drums. Vibrato (310) 474-9400.… Read More Picks of the Week: May 17 – 23
The International Review of Music 