By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 29. (Tues.) Nouveau Stride. Lorraine Feather and Stephanie Trick. Singer/songwriter Feather and stride pianist Trick combine their considerable talents for an evening inspired by the music of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and Dick Hyman. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – April 29. (Tues.) Chamber Music Society: All… Read More More Picks of the Week: April 30 – May 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 2. (Wed.) Arturo Sandoval Big Band. He plays the trumpet, the piano and the drums, and he sings, too. The musical multi-hyphenate from Cuba showcases his dynamic versatility in the second installment of the new jazz series at The Federal. (818) 980-2655, – May 2. (Wed.) Llew… Read More Picks of the Week: May 2 – 6
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 21. (Tues.) Strunz & Farah. Two guitars together don’t get any more exciting than the high speed musical magic of long-time partners Jorge Strunz and Ardeshir Farah. After more than three decades together, they’re still in rare form. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Feb. 22. (Wed.) “An… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 20 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 16. (Mon.) Clare Fischer Big Band. The multiple Grammy-winning composer/arranger/pianist (and more) has a resume reaching from Dizzy Gillespie and Donald Byrd to Prince and Paul McCartney, with numerous stops in between. His own groups have reached from small to large, covering a brilliantly eclectic array of creative… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 16 – 22
By Don Heckman Los Angeles July 20. (Wed.) John Daversa Big Band. Trumpeter Daversa’s adventurous, often unpredictable charts make his big band appearances into engaging musical events. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – June 21. (Thurs.) Bruce Forman Quartet. Guitarist/educator/novelist Forman is one of the jazz world’s true multi-hyphenates. Here he is, with his… Read More Picks of the Week: July 19 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 18 (Wed.) Bill in Brazil. Grammy-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe, always unpredictable, displays his fascination with Brazilian music. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – May 18. (Wed.) John Proulx Trio. Pianist/singer Proulx mixes his crisp piano styings with the gentle vocals of his Chet Baker-inspired singing. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.… Read More Picks of the Week: May 17 – 22
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 – Nov. 9. (Tues.) Roy Gaines and His Orchestra. “Tuxedo Blues” Guitarist/blues singer Gaines’ resume includes stints with Ray Charles, Chuck Willis, Bobby “Blue” Bland and others. The Living Blues “Comeback Artist of the Year,” he’s still in rare form. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Nov. 9 – 13. … Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 9 – 14
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 16. (Tues.) Rickie Lee Jones. Her latest album, Balm in Gilead, affirmed that Jones is still a vital and imaginative singer and songwriter. She’ll be performing selections from that CD as well as material from her long, productive career. Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Blvd., L.A. (323) 660-6639. –… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 20. (Tues.) Kelly Mittleman. A former journalist and correspondent for NPR and CBS, Mittleman is also a songwriter of striking originality and a singer with a sound and style all her own. She makes her West Coast debut in this one-nighter at Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210. … Read More Picks of the Week: Oct 20 – 25
The International Review of Music 