By Don Heckman Clarinetist Eddie Daniels’ masterful performance at Vitello’s Friday was – as his appearances often are – a gripping reminder of his instrument’s adventurous jazz past, present and future. For the first half of the jazz century, the clarinet was one of the music’s key voices. Vital to the New Orleans style, a… Read More Live Jazz: The Eddie Daniels Quartet at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Janis Siegel was back at Vitello’s Friday night, a little more than a year since her last gig at the Studio City jazz spot. And it was a welcome return. Although her extraordinary vocal skills have been on display for decades with the Manhattan Transfer, her solo performances have been rare –… Read More Live Jazz: Janis Siegel at Vitello’s
Judy Wexler’s Jazz and Wistful Romance Warm Vitello’s By Norton Wright Judy Wexler, a diminutivel 4’10” package of big singing talent wow’d a rapt and sold-out audience at Vitello’s on Saturday night reprising all twelve songs on her latest CD, Under A Painted Sky. It was an emotionally moving evening, for no contemporary songstress does… Read More Live Jazz: Judy Wexler at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 2 (Tues.) Yes and Styx. Two of the classic rock franchises — still going strong — team up for a display of some of the archetypal music of the ’70s and ’80s. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857. – Aug. 3 – 7. (Wed. – Sun.) John Pizzarelli and… Read More Picks of the Week: August 2 – 7
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 24. (Tues.) A Tribute to Gene Harris. This is as close as live music gets to the irresistible sounds of the late Gene Harris’ Quartet. Pianist Bradley Young takes the lead role, backed by a trio of alumni from the original Harris ensemble – Luther Hughes, bass,… Read More Picks of the Week: May 24 – 29
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 5. (Tues.) Junko Onishi Trio. Japanese pianist Onishi confirms her return to jazz action last year after a performance break of nearly a decade. She kicks off her American tour tonight with the backing of the sterling rhythm team of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Catalina… Read More Picks of the Week: April 5 – 10
By Don Heckman Sheila Jordan was in town last weekend for a two night gig at Vitello’s. Any appearance by Sheila is a significant event for jazz fans. And this one was no exception. On Friday, she teamed up with singer/author Ellen Johnson for a combined words and music event. Johnson read a few passages… Read More Here, There & Everywhere: Sheila Jordan at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman If you want to start a lengthy argument between two jazz fans, just ask them to offer their definition of jazz singing. And be prepared to be a referee. But it’s a fair bet that both those hard headed adversaries – had they been at Vitello’s on Friday night — would have… Read More Live Jazz: Janis Siegel at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Anthony Wilson has been a vital member of the Diana Krall quartet for nearly a decade, with all the attendant visibility that accrues from a gig with a major name talent. But he’s had another career, less high profile, but infinitely rewarding to the Angelenos who have the opportunity to hear his… Read More Live Jazz: The Anthony Wilson Nonet at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 19. (Mon.) Pat Metheny. The ever-adventurous, all-star guitarist has put together a computerized, remote control ensemble that allows him to play all the instruments in his band. The Orchestrion Tour. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – April 19. (Mon.) Larry Goldings. Organ Night. The B-3 rules on Monday nights… Read More Picks of the Week: April 19 – 25
The International Review of Music 