By Devon Wendell Pianist and composer Helen Sung has quickly established herself as a jazz veteran over the past decade, performing and recording with icons such as; Clark Terry, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, T.S. Monk, Lonnie Plaxico, and Terri Lyne Carrington to name a few. She is one of the most consistently brilliant recording artists… Read More CD Review: Helen Sung “Anthem For A New Day” (Concord Jazz Records)
By Michael Katz Monterey, California. The weather was chilly and overcast for the opening of the 54th Monterey Jazz Festival Friday night, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of jazz fans who were treated to a superb series of performances. There was anticipation in the air from the opening chords, as Featured Performer… Read More Live Jazz: The 54th Monterey Jazz Festival — Friday Night
By Michael Katz In 1995 I decided on a whim that it might be fun to drive up the coast and see the Monterey Jazz Festival. A bunch of my favorites were performing there: Chick Corea, Gene Harris, Toots Thielemans and John Scofield. I hadn’t been to the Monterey Peninsula since a family trip in… Read More A Guide to the 54th Monterey Jazz Festival
By Michael Katz This is the time of year when Monterey Jazz Festival diehards pour over the newly released lineup, plotting strategy for seeing as many of the 500 + artists spread over six venues as humanly possible. This year’s 54th Monterey Jazz Festival, September 16-18, promises to be one of the best. To begin… Read More News/Preview: The 54th Monterey Jazz Festival
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 22. (Tues.) Anthony Wilson Quartet. Wilson’s skills reach well beyond his impressive guitar chops and into his primo abilities as a composer and arranger. Diana Krall’s been lucky to have him in her band for the last few years. Here he is in the spotlight. Vibrato Jazz Grill…etc.… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 22 – 27
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 – Feb. 2. (Mon.) Emerson String Quartet. The veteran, eight Grammy Award-winning ensemble performs amid a major retrospective showing of the art of painter Roberta Eisenberg. The program includes Beethoven, Ravel, Webern and Schubert. Cal State Polytechnic. Pomona. (310) 216-5861. http://www.csupomona.edu/~kellogg_gallery/. – Feb. 4 – 7. (Wed. – Sat.) Jacky… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb 2 – 8
The International Review of Music 