By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 (Thurs. – Sat.) Stanley Clarke Trio and the Harlem Quartet. Eclectic bassist and band leader Clarke blends his always-fascinating trio work with the unique sounds of the Harlem Quartet. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210. – Jan. 30. (Thurs. Lauren Kinhan. A CD Release… Read More Picks of the Weekend: Jan. 30 – Feb. 2
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 31. (Wed.) Props to Pops: Dr. John’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong. An entertaining blend of old and new jazz, tinged with a New Orleans touch. Featured guests include Dee Dee Bridgewater, Terence Blanchard, Arturo Sandoval and more. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – July 31. (Wed.) Tom Ranier… Read More Picks of the Week: July 30 – Aug 4
By Don Heckman It’s always a good night at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. when the club’s Music Director, bassist Pat Senatore, books some of L.A.’s finest players for a laid-back, quasi-jam session performance. On Friday night, it was a quartet led by alto saxophonist/flutist Gary Foster, with pianist Tom Ranier, drummer Ramon Banda and… Read More Live Jazz: The Gary Foster Quartet at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 15 – 20. (Tues. – Sun.) Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke celebrate Jack’s 70th birthday. It would be hard to ask for a more stellar trio than this. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear three authentically iconic jazz artists performing together. Catalina Bar & Grill. … Read More Picks of the Week: May 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 6. (Wed.) The Ernie Andrews Quartet. The stylish, versatile Andrews – as convincing with a ballad standard as he is with the blues — performs with the bebop-driven alto saxophone of Richie Cole, and the stellar rhythm section of Art Hllary, piano, Richard Simon, bass and Ralph Penland,… Read More Picks of the Week: July 5 – 10
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 Los Angeles – Mar. 22. (Tues.) Lisa McClowry. Eclectic singer McClowry –nominated for International Vocalist of the Year in the 2011 Wave Awards — ranges freely across pop, rock, jazz and folk boundary lines. She’ll be backed by a group that features guitarist/singer/Grammy winning songwriter Jim Peterik. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Mar.… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 22 – 27
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 11. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night. The first anniversary of Guitar Night at Vitello’s will feature a stellar collection of L.A.’s finest six-stringers. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 13. (Thurs.) Henry Franklin Quartet. Bassist Franklin, known to all as “The Skipper,” celebrates the release of his CD, The… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 11 – 16
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 – Oct. 13. (Wed.) Wayne Bergeron Big Band. Trumpeter Bergeron, whose skills reach from superb section work to solid soloing, steps into the spotlight as a leader. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Oct. 13. (Wed.) Ed Vodicka Big Band with Marlene VerPlanck. New York singer VerPlanck brings an imaginative… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 12 – 17
The International Review of Music 