By Don Heckman The week between Christmas and New Year’s is always light on performances. And this week is no exception. But numerous events, nonetheless, are well worthy of listeners’ attention. Here’s a selective group of some of the many highlights. Los Angeles – Dec. 26. (Thurs.) Robert Davi. Actor/singer Davi has thoroughly established himself… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 26 – 29
By Michael Katz Of all the reasons to record a live album, “Because we can” might not seem the most compelling until you consider the opportunity that manifested itself Tuesday night at Vitello’s, and then you would ask, “How could you not?” Start out with lifelong friends all gathered in town, add some of the… Read More Live Jazz: The Michael Wolff Quartet Records Live at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 30 & 31. (Tues. & Wed.) Michael Wolff Quartet. Pianist and television personality Wolff does a live recording with the stellar ensemble of trumpeter/film composer Mark Isham, bassist John B. Williams and drummer Mike Clark. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Aug. 31. (Wed.) George Benson, George Duke, Marcus Miller… Read More Picks of the Week: Aug. 30 – Sept. 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 11. (Mon.) Cabaret Cares. A Song For Japan. A benefit performance to aid the stricken populace of Japan features cabaret artists Andrea Marcovicci, Daisy Eagan, Lee Lessack, Sharon McNight and others. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. . – April 12. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. With Sid… Read More Picks of the Week: April 11 – 17
By Michael Katz It’s always an occasion to celebrate when pianist Michael Wolff returns to LA. On Friday night at Vitello’s he led an all-star quartet, featuring his longtime running mate John B. Williams on bass, Bob Sheppard on tenor and soprano sax and, in a rare treat for this SoCal audience, Mike Clark on… Read More Live Jazz: The Michael Wolff Quartet at Vitello’s
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 The tease line for the film Remembering Phil is “Even in Hollywood, you never know how your own script will end.” And that’s pretty much on target for a picture about a screenwriter who unexpectedly finds himself in a real life version of a story he may well have written. Except for… Read More Film Review: “Remembering Phil”
The International Review of Music 