By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 1 (Mon.) Suze’s Birthday Fest. Susan Krebs celebrates her birthday in the creative company of Rich Eames, piano, Jerry Kalaf, drums and Tom Warrington, bass. Add to that the presence of special guests saxophonist Brian Scanlon and violinist Paul Cartwright. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – July 2. (Tues.) Carol… Read More Picks of the Week: July 1 – 7
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 21. (Wed.) Zana Messia and the Balkan Soul Orchestra. Yugoslavian singer-songwriter Messia celebrates the release of her new album, Balkan Soul, featuring the arching melodies and gypsy rhythms of her songs. Guest performers will reportedly be in attendance as well. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Mar. 21. (Wed.) Zakir… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 20 – 25
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 Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 30 (Wed.) Bill Cantos Quartet. Pianist/singer/songwriter Cantos is a first call rhythm section player. But he’s also a gifted performer in his own right, a songwriter whose works have the feel and the quality of the Great American Songbook. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – April 1.… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 29 – April 3
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 – Mar. 9. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. John Pisano trades riffs with Pat Kelley, who has transformed his Oklahoma roots into an amiable, highly personal guitar style. Ralph Humphrey, drums and John Belzaguy, bass, provide sturdy back-up. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Mar. 9. (Tues.) Bill Watrous and the San… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 8 – 14
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 8. (Tues.) Dominick Farinacci. Trumpeter Farinacci’s debut U.S. CD, Lovers, Tales and Dances, announced the arrival of an impressive new young jazz artist. He makes one of his rare Southland appearances for one night only. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 8. (Tues.) Charles Lloyd, Joshua Redman,… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 7 – 13
The International Review of Music 