By Don Heckman Summer is upon us, and the live performance schedules around the world are largely dominated by the irresistible big venue festivals. But there’s still a lot of compelling music to be heard in smaller venues, as well. Los Angeles – June 10. (Tues.) Strunz and Farah. Jorge Strunz, born in Costa Rica… Read More Picks of the Week: June 10 – 15
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan.21. (Tues.) The Pat Senatore Trio. Bassist Senatore, Josh Nelson, piano, and Mark Ferber, drums, assemble to celebrate a CD release party for the Trio’s new album, Ascensione. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Jan. 22. (Wed.) Aaron Weinstein. Violinist Weinstein, still not a highly visible jazz artist, is… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 21 – 26
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 Los Angeles – April 17. (Wed.) Corky Hale and special guest Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge perform selections from the Billie Holiday songbook. Pianist/harpist Hale, who accompanied Holiday in the ‘50s, is well qualified for the job. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. April 17. (Wed.) Julian Coryell. The son of fine… Read More Picks of the Week: April 17 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 16. (Wed.) Eloise Laws. A member of the musically prominent Laws family (Hubert, Ronnie and Debra among others) Eloise Laws makes a rare live performance in the Southland. Her warm and expressive vocals are backed by members of the Laws family and their talented friends. Catalina Bar &… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 27. (Wed.) A Celebration of Miles Davis. Herbie Hancock hosts a trio of Davis tributes: Miles’ Electric Band, Marcus Miller leading “Tutu Revisited” and Jimmy Cobb leading his “So What” band in “Kind of Blue.” Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – June 28. (Thurs.) Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz… Read More Picks of the Week: June 27 – July 1
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 4. (Wed.) Kyle Eastwood. Bassist Eastwood came to jazz from a highly supportive background. His father is actor/director/composer/pianist and jazz lover Clint Eastwood. And Kyle has transformed that lineage into an impressive jazz career of his own. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – April 4. (Wed.) Otmaro… Read More Picks of the Week: April 4 – 8
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 Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 15. (Tues.) Carol Welsman. Pianist/singer Welsman makes her last L.A. area performance of the year, which makes it one not to be missed. Hopefully she’ll play a few tunes from her soon to be released latest CD. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Nov. 16. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. … Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 6. (Mon.) Candi Sosa: Bolero Meets Jazz. Cuban born singer Sosa finds surprisingly compatible musical linkages between jazz and the lyrical Latin ballad style. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – June 7. (Tues.) Jennifer Leitham Trio. Bassist/singer Leitham celebrates the release of her DVD, The Real Me Live!, the chronicle… Read More Picks of the Week: June 6 – 12
The International Review of Music 