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… Read More THE BEST MUSIC TO SEE AND HEAR THIS WEEK JUNE 13 – 19 IN LOS ANGELES
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 12. (Fri.) Peter Frampton and Cheap Trick. A pair of rock icons turn up the juice when Grammy winner Frampton encounters the high voltage of Cheap Trick. Click HERE to read a previous iRoM review of Frampton in action. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857. – June 12. (Fri.)… Read More Picks of the West Coast Weekend: June 12 – 15
By Don Heckman – Nov. 6 – 9. (Thurs. – Sun.) Steve Tyrell. Add an amiable Texas twang to a jaunty sense of swing and a convincing way with a lyric, and that still doesn’t add up to the magic that happens when Tyrell digs into the Great American Songbook. Catalina Bar & Grill. http://www.catalinajazzclub.com… Read More Picks of the Weekend in Los Angeles: Nov. 6 – 9
By Devon Wendell So it’s that time again folks; another annual Playboy Jazz Festival has come and gone. As most of us know, the first rule when attending the festival is that we pissed off jazz enthusiasts must check our inner jazz- purist at the security gate before the festivities begin because you could actually… Read More Live Jazz: Highlights from the 36th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival At The Hollywood Bowl
By Don Heckman What is there to say about a Festival that loses its way? It’s a question that kept running through my mind during the 36th annual Playboy Jazz Festival Saturday and Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl. That’s not to challenge the quality of the sounds beamed from the Bowl stage to a capacity… Read More Live Jazz: The 36th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl
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 Los Angeles – Oct. 30. (Wed.) Amanda McBroom. The singer, actress and songwriter (“The Rose” is one of her songs) takes a break from her busy acting career to make a rare musical appearance in Los Angeles. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210. – Oct. 31. (Thurs.) Kate Reid and Larry Koonse… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
By Don Heckman The first cold night of the summer at the Hollywood Bowl made for a chilly celebration last Wednesday of the life and music of Louis Armstrong. Fortunately, with Dr. John, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Blind Boys From Alabama and an all-star line-up of jazz trumpeters there was plenty of heat on stage,… Read More Live Jazz: Dr. John, Dee Dee Bridgewater, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Terence Blanchard, Nicholas Payton, Arturo Sandoval, Marcus Belgrave and Wendell Brunious Celebrate the Life and Music of Louis Armstrong at the Hollywood Bowl
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 31. (Wed.) Props to Pops: Dr. John’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong. An entertaining blend of old and new jazz, tinged with a New Orleans touch. Featured guests include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terence Blanchard, Arturo Sandoval and more. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – July 31. (Wed.) Tom Ranier… Read More Picks of the Week: July 30 – Aug 4
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
The International Review of Music 