By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 28. (Tues.) Gerald Clayton Trio. Grammy nominated pianist Clayton has moved rapidly from being an upcoming L.A. prodigy to an emerging new jazz star. He’s based in New York City now, so don’t miss this fairly rare opportunity to hear him back in the Southland. Steamers. (714) 871-8800… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 28 – Jan. 2
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 21. (Tues.) Bob Mintzer Big Band. Saxophonist Mintzer is also a masterful big band arranger and composer. Expect fireworks from his assemblage of L.A.’s finest players. Click HERE to read an earlier review of the Mintzer Big Band. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 21. (Tues.) … Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 21 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 3. (Tues.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic. Gustavo Dudamel conducts a stunning program of Bernstein and Gershwin. Gabriela Montero solos in the Rhapsody In Blue. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – Aug. 3. (Tues.) Wayne Bergeron’s Big Band. Trumpeter Bergeron steps down from the trumpet section to lead own… Read More Picks of the Week: Aug. 3 – 8
By Don Heckman Chris Botti’s traveling road show made its annual appearance at the Greek Theatre Saturday night. And the enthusiastic, near capacity crowd loved every minute of the two hour performance. And why shouldn’t they. Botti’s warm and engaging trumpet sound is one of the most appealing timbres on the contemporary jazz scene. He… Read More Live Jazz: Chris Botti at the Greek Theatre
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 6. (Tues.) Arturo Sandoval’s Big Band. The versatile Sandoval showcases his trumpet playing, piano playing, percussion and vocals in the company of a powerful large ensemble, Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – July 6. (Tues.) A Glorious Celebration. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale… Read More Picks of the Week: July 6 – 11
By Don Heckman Fine art painter and television producer aren’t exactly career terms that are often heard in the same sentence. Not even in the wildly multi-hyphenate world of Los Angeles. Add to that the description “life long jazz fan” and the combination becomes even more unlikely. But not completely. Because all those labels –… Read More Q & A: Norton Wright, Fine Art Painter, Television Producer and Lover of Jazz
By Don Heckman The jazz commentators have been rattling their cages a lot lately over the subject of jazz’s possible demise. Or, if not that, its diminishing relevancy. Reading the various takes on the subject — some upbeat, others dire – brought to mind a couple of perceptions about jazz that have come my way… Read More Here, There & Everywhere: Artie Shaw and the Missing Prophets
By Don Heckman Los Angeles Dec. 29 – Jan. 3. Jane Monheit. There’s no more entertaining jazz way to bring in 2010 than with the gorgeous sound and imaginative phrasing of the always compelling Ms. Monheit. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210. Dec. 29. (Tues.) Ron Jones Influence. Jones leads his big, 22 piece orchestra… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 29 – Jan. 3
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 14. (Mon.) Larry Goldings and Anthony Wilson. The launch of Organ Night at Vitello’s and it’s hard to think of a pair of players who could do it better. Red Carpet Jazz Serries. Upstairs at Vitellos. (818) 769-0905. – Dec. 14 – 16. . (Mon. – Wed.) An… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 14 – 20
By Devon Wendell As flocks of devoted Chris Botti fans scurried to find their seats at the Greek Theatre Thursday night, they were first greeted by 20 year old singer, Renee Olstead. Although she may be best known as a TV star — appearing as a regular on the CBS sitcom Still Standing, and other… Read More Live Jazz: Chris Botti, Renee Olstead and more at the Greek Theatre
The International Review of Music 