By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 8. (Wed.) Jim Cox Trio. Pianist Cox has long been one of the Southland’s first call pianists and arrangers. Here he is, on his own, backed by bassist Domenic Genova and drummer John Ferraro. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 8 & 9. (Wed. & Thurs.) Laura Benanti. Tony… Read More Picks of the Week: January 8 – 12
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 10 – 14. (Wed. – Sun.) Chick Corea Trio. With bassist Stanley Clarke and drummer Ronald Bruner, Jr. Corea’s musical activities lately have ranged in all directions. But here’s an irresistible opportunity to hear his uniquely inventive playing in an illuminating piano trio setting. Catalina Bar & Grill. … Read More Picks of the Week: April 10 – 14
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 6. (Tues.) John Pisano’s “Guitar Night.” Pisano takes his ever-entertaining, ever-popular “Guitar Night” to a new venue. To celebrate the move, the featured guest is veteran guitarist Mundell Lowe. Lucy’s 51. Toluca Lake. (818) 763-5200. Mar. 6. (Tues.) The Gonzalo Bergara Quartet. Guitarist Bergara and his crew bring… Read More Picks of the Week: March 6 – 11
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 9. (Mon.) Judy Wexler. Wexler’s briskly swinging vocal style finds a perfect match with the trio of organist Joe Bagg, guitarist Bruce Forman and drummer Devin Kelly. Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110. – Nov. 10. (Tues.) Reginald Robinson. The MacArthur Genius award winning pianist performs solo ragtime pieces… Read More PIcks of the Week: Nov. 9 – 15
By Don Heckman As it begins its 27th season, the San Francisco Jazz Festival — SFJAZZ — has become well-established as one of the world’s most far-reaching, creatively diverse musical events. Now encompassing three seasons – with around 100 annual concerts in Fall, Spring and Summer – it is the imaginative offspring of Executive Director… Read More Q & A: Randall Kline and SFJAZZ
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 9. (Wed.) Natalie Cole and Hollywood Bowl Orch. The versatile, always entertaining Cole returns to action, like the veteran trouper she is, after kidney transplant surgery. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000 – Sept. 9. (Wed.) Jacob Fred Odyssey. One of the most intriguing of the nu-jazz groups makes a… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 8 – 13
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 9. (Tues.) Kim Richmond Concert Jazz Orchestra. The sixth annual KKJZ-sponsored Wine, Jazz & Moonlight Series at Hollywood & Highland features a performance by saxophonist Kim Richmond’s 23-piece Concert Jazz Orchestra. From 7 – 9 p.m. in the Central Courtyard. Free admission. A donation of $10 to Project… Read More Picks of the Week: June 9 – 14
The International Review of Music 