By Devon Wendell There have been countless films made about the blues and about B.B. King. A large percentage of these films merely focus on how King (Born Riley B. King on September 16th, 1925, between Itta Bena and Indianola Mississippi) inspired a plethora of overdriven, unoriginal rock guitarists from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Very… Read More Film Review: B.B. King “The Life Of Riley”
By Don Heckman Long time fans of the Playboy Jazz Festival are going to receive a surprise this year for the legendary event’s 35th anniversary. After having hosted virtually all of the previous Festivals, Bill Cosby has decided to retire. He’ll be replaced by George Lopez, stand up comedian, actor and host of the late… Read More Q & A: George Lopez and the Playboy Jazz Festival
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 27. (Mon.) Jason Marsalis Quartet. He may be the youngest member of the illustrious Marsalis jazz family, but drummer/vibraphonist Jason has already established his own impressive musical identity. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Aug. 28 & Aug. 30/ (Tues. & Thurs.) Carmina Burana. German composer Carl… Read More Picks of the Week: Aug. 27 – Sept. 2
Buddy Guy’s Truth About Life and the Blues By Devon Wendell Recently I had the opportunity to have a candid conversation with the great blues artist Buddy Guy on the state of the blues today, the music business, guitars, influences and life in general. At 74 years young, Buddy continues to be one of the… Read More Q & A: Buddy Guy Headlines the Playboy Jazz Festival
By Fernando Gonzalez Paquito D’Rivera and the Pablo Aslan Ensemble Tango Jazz Live At The Lincoln Center (Paquito Records) Cuban reedman Paquito D’Rivera has been a leader in exploring the possibilities of Latin American styles in a jazz context. He had already whetted his appetite for some kind of jazz tango fusion in his 2007… Read More Latin Jazz CDs: Paquito D’Rivera and Tito Puente
By Devon Wendell Social and political activist Dolores Huerta celebrated her 80th birthday at The Greek Theatre on Friday with a night of music, movie stars, and politicians called Weaving Movements Together, a benefit concert with performances by Pete Escovedo and his band, Lila. Downs, Zach De La Rocha (with his latest group One Day As A… Read More Live Music: Pete Escovedo, Carlos Santana, Lila Downs, and Zach De La Rocha At The Greek Theater For Dolores Huerta’s 80th Birthday Benefit Concert “Weaving Movements Together”
The International Review of Music 