By Don Heckman It would be hard to find two better examples of some of the changes that have taken place in jazz during the new century than the presence and the playing of Anat Cohen and Eliane Elias. Tel Aviv-born Cohen and Sao Paulo-born Elias have convincingly established themselves as significant instrumentalists. And, in… Read More CD Reviews: Anat Cohen’s “Luminosa” and Eliane Elias’ “Made In Brazil”
By Don Heckman Summer is upon us, and the live performance schedules around the world are largely dominated by the irresistible big venue festivals. But there’s still a lot of compelling music to be heard in smaller venues, as well. Los Angeles – June 10. (Tues.) Strunz and Farah. Jorge Strunz, born in Costa Rica… Read More Picks of the Week: June 10 – 15
By Don Heckman A pair of memorable jazz celebrations filled Disney Hall Saturday night with an enthusiastic crowd of listeners. Both segments of the performance were dedicated to 60th anniversaries. The first was a rare musical re-imagining of the 1953 Massey Hall (Toronto) performance that featured the brilliantly iconic quintet of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie,… Read More Live Jazz: The 60th Anniversary of Jazz at Massey Hall and the Newport Jazz Festival at Disney Hall
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 2. (Wed.) Diane Hubka. Singer/guitarist Hubka celebrates the release of her new CD, West Coast Strings. She’ll be backed by a prime group of players: Guitarists John Pisano, Barry Zweig & David Eastlee, organist Bobby Pierce, bassist Jeff D’Angelo and drummer Kendall Kay. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323)… Read More Picks of the Week: October 2 – 6
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 Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 31. (Wed.) Bob Sheppard and Friends. Halloween Party and Jam. With Larry Koonse, guitar, Dave Robaire, bass, Charles Ruggiero, drums. Wear a Halloween costume and get in free. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Nov. 2. (Fri.) David Grisman Sextet. Special guest David Lindley. Mandolin virtuoso Grisman, moving easily across… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 31 – Nov. 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept 19. (Wed.) Catharine Russell. Her resume includes gigs and recordings with the likes of Paul Simon, Steely Dan, David Bowie, Michael Feinstein. But she’s very much the “real thing” according to critic Nat Hentoff. And why not? Her father, pianist Luis Russell, was Louis Armstrong’s music director. Catalina… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 18 – 23
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 20. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. The remarkable Jane Harvey’s career dates back to gigs with Benny Goodman in the ‘40s. Now well into her ‘80s she continues to draw critical raves for her performances. Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Harvey appearance. Catalina Bar… Read More Picks of the Week: June 20 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 5. (Tues.) “And Then She Wrote.” Peter Marshall, Carol Welsman, Calabria Foti. Five time Emmy Award-winning Marshall (Yes, he sings, too) is joined by the lovely singer/instrumentalists Welsman and Foti in an evening of great standards written by women. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – June 5. (Tues.) Corliss Dale… Read More Picks of the Week: June 5 – 10
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
The International Review of Music 