By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 23 & 24 (Mon. & Tues.) Manhattan Transfer and Take 6. The two most masterful vocal ensembles of the past few decades get together for the first time. No wonder it’s called “The Summit” as they perform at the start of a national tour. Catalina Bar & Grill… Read More Picks of the Week in Los Angeles, Seattle, New York City, London, Copenhagen and Tokyo
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 8. (Fri.) Bill Holman Big Band. Holman’s music is always a pleasure to hear live. And this is an even better opportunity, since the band will be performing (on the first set only) its highly praised all-Thelonious Monk album, Brilliant Corners, in its entirety. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. –… Read More Picks of the Weekend: Nov. 8 – 10
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 – Apri. 3. (Wed.) Bobby McFerrin. One of the music world’s most uniquely gifted vocal talents, applying his startling skills to a celebration of his father’s gospel singing in a program titled Spirit You All. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – April 3. (Wed.) Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy… Read More Picks of the Week: April 2 – 7
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. 11. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. It’s a Los Angeles jazz institution, combining veteran guitarist Pisano with some of the Southland’s (and the world’s) finest guitarists. This week, he’s trading riffs with Pat Kelley. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Oct. 11 – 13. (Tues. – Thurs.) HIT Week. Italian… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 11 – 16
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 27. (Tuesday) Opening Night Gala at Disney Hall. The new season kicks off with a performance of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, performed by the stellar combination of Herbie Hancock, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. Also on the program, An American in Paris and the… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 26 – Oct. 2
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 28. (Tues.) Satoko Fujii. The envelope stretching music of pianist Fujii, a brilliant composer/improviser will be enhanced by the presence of the similarly adventurous trumpeter (and her husband) Natsuki Tamura. The Blue Whale. (213) 620-0908. – June 29. (Wed.) Bob Sheppard’s East West Band. Saxophonist-flutist Sheppard can always… Read More Picks of the Week: June 28 – July 4
By Don Heckman The Picks of the Week are late this week — the result of last weekend’s busy coverage of the Playboy Jazz Festival. But better late than never, and here are my selections for at least the last part of the week. Los Angeles – June 17. (Thurs.) Braziliato. An evening of entertaining… Read More Picks of the Week: June 17 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 19 – 20. (Tues. – Wed.) Victor Wooten Band. Award winning bassist Wooten’s performances with the Bela Fleck Band have always been impressive feats of musical magic. Here he conjures up his own creative surprises. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210. – Jan. 19. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 19 – 24
The International Review of Music 