By Don Heckman “She plays good for a girl.” Or, somewhat more pejoratively, “She plays good for a chick.” Both phrases have been heard repeatedly, in varying forms, since the early days of jazz. Over the many decades in which talented female instrumentalists (playing everything from horns to drums to keys) have been trying, often… Read More Film: “The Girls in the Band”
The 2012 Playboy Jazz Festival, which takes place at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend, features the rare presence of three world class female jazz drummers. Writer/musician Devon Wendell describes his reaction when he first saw the Festival line up. By Devon Wendell Growing up, I always thought of the drums as being this potent… Read More The Playboy Jazz Festival: The First Ladies of the Skins
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 1. (Tues.) Jules Day. The rising young jazz singer performs an evening of new, original music from her latest CD, Day Dreams. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Feb. 2. (Wed.) Teka and Aaron Serfaty. “Brazilian Jazz.” Guitarist/singer Teka and percussionist Serfaty team up with pianist Otmar… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. Feb. 1 – Feb. 6
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 25. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night features the always compelling playing of Anthony Wilson in the downstairs lounge. Upstairs, the jazz voices take over, with the Peter Eldridge Group and Dollison & Marsh’s Vertical Voices. Grammy nominated pianist Geoff Keezer provides his usual scintillating accompaniment. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 25 – 31
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 25. (Mon.) The Saxtet. A cluster of L.A.’s finest jazz saxophonists get together. Dave Angel, Gene Cipriano, Phil Feather, Roger Neumann, Bob Carr, Dave Koonse, Kendall Kay. Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110. – Jan. 25. (Mon.) Larry Goldings Organ Night. It’s boogaloo night this time, with a dance floor… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 25 – Jan. 31
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 11. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night. Every Guitar Night — Tuesdays at Spazio — is a great night for music. And this one’s even more special, with Pisano trading licks with the versatile, imaginative Larry Koonse. Tom Warrington‘s bass keeps the dueling guitars in line. Spazio. (818) 728-8400.… Read More Picks of the Week: August 11 – 16
The International Review of Music 