By Devon Wendell Phil Woods was not just a musician; he was a force of nature to be reckoned with. He was tough, full of grit, and always ready to defend the music that he loved and played so effortlessly with all of his might. I’ve seen Phil reduce mere mortals to ashes when they… Read More An Appreciation: Phil Woods
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
Review by Devon Wendell Photos by Bonnie Perkinson Hollywood, CA. For the most part, it’s not just the music that has made The Annual Playboy Jazz Festival a Los Angeles summer tradition, but instead, it’s the music combined with the ever present party atmosphere. And this year was no different. Amidst the clouds of pot… Read More Live Jazz: the 35th Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl (Day #2)
Review by Michael Katz Photos by Bonnie Perkinson Hollywood CA. One happy problem with an eight hour music fest that runs uninterrupted through the shifting temperatures of a near-summer’s day at the Hollywood Bowl is a lineup so strong you don’t want to leave your seat. That was the occasion on Saturday, Day 1 of… Read More Live Jazz: The 35th Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Day #1
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 – Oct. 17. (Wed.) Judy Carmichael Trio. Pianist/singer and all around dynamic entertainer Carmichael can bring a room to life with her powerful stride piano and deeply interpretive vocals. Click HERE to read a review of Carmichael in her last L.A. appearance. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Oct. 17. (Wed.) The… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 20. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. The remarkable Jane Harvey’s career dates back to gigs with Benny Goodman in the ‘40s. Now well into her ‘80s she continues to draw critical raves for her performances. Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Harvey appearance. Catalina Bar… Read More Picks of the Week: June 20 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 8. (Tues.) Rick Braun Sings. Trumpeter Rick Braun, a high visibility instrumentalist in the smooth jazz arena, displays his engaging vocal skills on his latest album, the appropriately titled Rick Braun Sings With Strings. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Nov. 9. (Wed.) Phil Norman Tentet CD release party. The… Read More Picks of the Week Nov. 8 – 13
The International Review of Music 