By Brian Arsenault The first cut, “Big Noise, New York” storms in like a Saturday night in Manhattan and I go, “Great! powerhouse jazz served smoking.” But that’s not the whole of Denise Donatelli’s Find a Heart, not by a long shot. New York brassiness is followed by Paris Rain so soft, soft as… Read More CD Review: Denise Donatelli’s “Find A Heart” (Savant)
By Don Heckman There were two guys named Chris on stage at the Hollywood Bowl Friday and Saturday nights. Despite their identical first names, their styles traced to very different genres. And despite those different sources, they both offered performances rich in musicality and compelling entertainment. Friday evening opened with the first Chris – jazz… Read More Live Music: Chris Botti and Chris Isaak at the Hollywood Bowl
By Don Heckman The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always light on performances. And this week is no exception. But numerous events, nonetheless, are well worthy of listeners’ attention. Here’s a selective group of some of the many highlights. Los Angeles – Dec. 26. (Thurs.) Robert Davi. Actor/singer Davi has thoroughly established himself… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 26 – 29
By Don Heckman Grammmy-nominated pianist Geoffrey Keezer showcased his impressive solo talents at Vitello’s Friday night for an enthusiastic, overflow crowd sparkling with the presence of such stellar music world listeners as Chris Botti, Billy Childs, Bobby Colomby, John Proulx, Mike Lang, Denise Donatelli, Mark Winkler and others. Seemingly inspired by his audience, Keezer offered… Read More Live Jazz: Geoffrey Keezer at Vitello’s
By the iRoM Staff It’s a light schedule of activities as the Christmas and New Year celebrations wind down. But there’s still a lot of fine music to hear. Los Angeles – Jan. 3. (Thurs.) Louie Cruz Beltran. Louie Cruz is one of the Southland’s busiest musicians. And with good cause. This time he balances… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 2 – 6
By the iRoM Staff With only a few short days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and with numerous clubs (especially in Europe) closed for the holiday week, we’ve decided to concentrate this week’s Picks on the celebratory musical pleasures of bringing in 2013. NEW YEAR’S EVE (DEC. 31) Los Angeles – Dec. 26 –… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 26 – 31.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 19 (Wed.) Katja Rieckermann. German-born saxophonist Rieckermann has a resume reaching from Rod Stewart and Al Green to Carole King and Randy Newman. But she’s best heard in her own musical settings, as she will be here. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 19. (Wed.) Street Corner… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec 19 – 23
By Don Heckman Los Angeles, 6/3/12. Chris Botti made his annual appearance at the Greek Theatre last night. And it began in appropriately lyrical fashion, with a nearly full moon beaming through a misty sky. For the past few years, Botti performances have included rich assemblages of talented artists, playing music reaching across a wide… Read More Live Jazz: Chris Botti at the Greek Theatre
By Don Heckman Trumpeter Chris Botti has moved, over the past decade, from visibility in the smooth jazz genre – an identity that never really seemed quite right for him – to international prominence as a versatile jazz artist with a unique style of his own. Described by his record company, no doubt accurately, as… Read More Q & A: Chris Botti
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 30. (Wed.) Gene Cipriano. “The World According to ‘Cip” Veteran saxophonist Cipriano, backed by a band of L.A.’s veteran jazz artists, in an evening of stories and song. His stellar band includes trombonist Dick Nash, pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Ralph Humphrey. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.… Read More Picks of the Week: May 29 – June3
The International Review of Music 