By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 9. (Wed.) Ariana Savalas and Corky Hale. Yes, the name “Savalas” is familiar; Ariana is the daughter of the veteran actor Telly Savalas. But as a singer, she has an appealing style that is uniquely her own. She’s backed by the musically supportive accompaniment of pianist/harpist Hale. Vibrato… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 7 – 13
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 19 (Wed.) Katja Rieckermann. German-born saxophonist Rieckermann has a resume reaching from Rod Stewart and Al Green to Carole King and Randy Newman. But she’s best heard in her own musical settings, as she will be here. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 19. (Wed.) Street Corner… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec 19 – 23
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 31. (Tues.) Anthony Wilson. He’s had a lot of visibility the past few years backing Diana Krall, but Wilson’s a certified jazz star in his own right – as a performer, a composer and a band leader. This time out, he gets back to basics with guitarist and… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 31 – Feb. 5
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 15. (Tues.) Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The JLCO under Marsalis has firmly established itself as the definitive jazz repertory big band, performing programs that keep the spirit of large ensemble jazz – from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson to the present – alive and… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 29. (Wed.) Strunz & Farah. The dynamic guitar duo display their fast-fingered magic. Click HERE to read an iRoM review of a recent S&F appearance. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Sept. 29 – Aug. 3 (Wed. – Sun.) McCoy Tyner Quartet. The ever-exploratory Tyner, leads a group… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 28 – Oct. 3
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 21. (Tues.) Further. Featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. The music of the Grateful dead still lives, as Lesh and Weir, with an all star band take the classics “further” out. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-3125. – Sept. 21. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. Pisano teams up for… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 20 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 11. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night . Larry Koonse, the guitarist who can play almost anything, takes a break from making everyone else sound great, and steps onto center stage alongside Steve Cardenas. Vitello’s. http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com (818) 769-0905. – May 12. (Wed.) Chuck Berghofer’s Midnight Jazz Band. Featuring Gary… Read More Picks of the Week: May 10 – 16
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 5. (Mon.) Gretchen Parlato. A singer who finds the inner core of a song and makes it her own, Parlato is arguably one of the most original vocal performers of her generation. Listen to her sing and you’ll be as bewildered as I was that she didn’t receive… Read More Picks of the Week: April 5 – 11
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 – Sept. 1. (Tues.) Herb Alpert and Lani Hall. Trumpeter Alpert and vocalist Hall discuss their remarkable careers (individually and as a couple) and offer a few of the new slants on standards that make up the program in their impressive new live CD, “Anything Goes.” Grammy Museum. – Sept.… Read More Picks of the Week: September 1 – 6
The International Review of Music 