By Devon Wendell For those curious as to what Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters would sound like in 2014 sans Herbie; legendary drummer Harvey Mason’s latest album Chameleon would be the best example of that one of a kind jazz-funk style in a slightly more contemporary setting. Mason played drums on the original Head Hunters album in… Read More CD Review: Harvey Mason “Chameleon” (Concord Records)
By Norton Wright Los Angeles, CA. Over eleven hundred jazz buffs streamed into the Walt Disney Concert Hall last Saturday night for the first every KJAZZ Radio Summer Benefit Concert to hear three separate groups, each with its own unique style. There was something for every taste. Kicking off the evening was Harvey Mason’s powerhouse,… Read More Live Music: “Jazz At The Philharmonic.” The KJAZZ Radio Summer Benefit Concert At Walt Disney Concert Hall.
By Don Heckman Northridge, CA. Jimmy Cobb showed up at the Valley Performing Arts Center last night, leading his “So What Band.” If the title sounds odd, consider this: Cobb is the last surviving member of the late ‘50s recording session that produced Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue, the best selling jazz recording of all… Read More Live Jazz: Jimmy Cobb’s “So What Band” at the Valley Performing Arts Centerrts
By Don Heckman Los Angeles Nov. 7. (Wed.) John Proulx CD Release Party. Pianist/singer Proulx celebrates the release of his new CD, The Best Thing For You, In addition to a stellar back up band, Proulx’s guest artists include singer Sara Gazarek and pianist Bill Cunliffe. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Nov. 8.… Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 7 – 11
By Mike Katz Every year the Monterey Jazz Festival program features a Top Ten list from Artistic Director Tim Jackson, and I always think that’s interesting, but what does he tell everybody else? And how can he not mention (your favorite here). So I figured I’d take a stab at my own Top Ten, but… Read More Live Jazz: Mike Katz’s Monterey Jazz Festival Top Ten
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 18. (Wed.) The Chris Walden Big Band with special guest Tierney Sutton. Walden takes a break from his busy schedule of studio arranging and composing to lead his always dynamic big band. And it will be especially fascinating to hear the versatile Ms. Sutton singing in a setting… Read More Picks of the Week: July 18 – 22
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 12. (Mon.) Handel’s Messiah Singalong. It’s an annual delight for anyone who’s ever sung in a choir – and even those who haven’t – to share in the magic of Handel’s classic. The L.A. Master Chorale leads the way. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – Dec. 13 (Tues.) The… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 12 – 18
By Michael Katz The infectious beat of Cuban music has been part of the greater American consciousness since the post-World War II era. Desi Arnaz’s band came into our homes every week in the fifties and sounds from Havana were frequently heard in clubs from Miami to New York. Despite Fidel Castro’s repressive regime and… Read More Live Latin Jazz: Arturo Sandoval, Natalie Cole, Omara Portuondo, the Buena Vista Social Club and Ninety Miles at the Hollywood Bowl
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 23. (Tues.) Clay Jenkins. Good Signs CD concert. Trumpeter Jenkins celebrates the September release of his new CD with the stellar band on the album — guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Tom Warrington and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Aug. 24. (Wed.) Alan Ferber Quartet. Versatile trombonist… Read More Picks of the Week: Aug. 23 – 28
By Fernando Gonzalez Almost by definition, tribute concerts are safe gambits. The honored figure provides a brand name, a ready-made repertoire, and a marketing narrative. Feature in the bill artists who were part of the honoree’ s career or were influenced by the master, stir and sell out the hall. Consider Celebrating Miles, the entertaining… Read More Live Jazz: Celebrating Miles at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, Florida
The International Review of Music 