By Don Heckman Studio City, CA. What is there to say about a bassist who is a prime jazz player, sings, and writes his own hilariously whimsical songs? A lot, actually, if his name is Jay Leonhart, who had a full house audience in stitches at Vitello’s Saturday night, aided by the brilliant support of… Read More Live Music and Humor: Jay Leonhart and Josh Nelson at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 19. (Wed.) Brenna Whitaker. She’s a blonde beauty with a voice to remember. Michael Buble has called Whitaker “one of the finest singers of our generation. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Feb. 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.) ”TchaikovskyFest.” The Los Angeles Philharmonic celebrates Tchaikovsky with performances… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 18 – 23
By Don Heckman Studio City CA. Jackie Ryan’s appearance at Vitello’s Monday night was one of the most musically gripping performances of recent memory. Listening to her two extended sets of songs before an enthusiastic, packed house crowd, I found myself wishing that the entire evening had been videotaped. Why? In part for the pleasure… Read More Live Jazz: Jackie Ryan at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Janis Siegel was back at Vitello’s Friday night, a little more than a year since her last gig at the Studio City jazz spot. And it was a welcome return. Although her extraordinary vocal skills have been on display for decades with the Manhattan Transfer, her solo performances have been rare –… Read More Live Jazz: Janis Siegel at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 8. (Tues.) Dominick Farinacci. Trumpeter Farinacci’s debut U.S. CD, Lovers, Tales and Dances, announced the arrival of an impressive new young jazz artist. He makes one of his rare Southland appearances for one night only. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 8. (Tues.) Charles Lloyd, Joshua Redman,… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 7 – 13
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 29. (Mon.) Tim Garland’s Lighthouse Trio. Saxophonist Garland’s remarkable accomplishments reach from orchestral works to choir music to commissions for an African dance company and pairings with Chick Corea. Hearing him with his Lighthouse Trio reveals the inner essence of his art. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210… Read More Picks of the Week: June 29 – July 5
The International Review of Music 