By Don Heckman Hollywood, CA. The 2014 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition came to a dramatic conclusion Sunday night in a All-Star Gala event at Dolby Hall in Hollywood. This year, the Competition was for trumpet players. And the three finalists each offered a display of their considerable skills in a setting that allowed each… Read More Live Music: The Thelonious Monk 2014 International Jazz Competition Gala
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 27. (Tues.) Pat Senatore Trio. The stellar Senatore trio – bassist Senatore with pianist Josh Nelson and drummer Mark Ferber have been carrying the torch for solid jazz at its best for years. And their new recording, Ascensione, is a superb display of their effectiveness as a world… Read More Picks of the Week: May 27 – June 1
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 1 (Mon.) Suze’s Birthday Fest. Susan Krebs celebrates her birthday in the creative company of Rich Eames, piano, Jerry Kalaf, drums and Tom Warrington, bass. Add to that the presence of special guests saxophonist Brian Scanlon and violinist Paul Cartwright. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – July 2. (Tues.) Carol… Read More Picks of the Week: July 1 – 7
By Norton Wright Los Angeles, CA. Over eleven hundred jazz buffs streamed into the Walt Disney Concert Hall last Saturday night for the first every KJAZZ Radio Summer Benefit Concert to hear three separate groups, each with its own unique style. There was something for every taste. Kicking off the evening was Harvey Mason’s powerhouse,… Read More Live Music: “Jazz At The Philharmonic.” The KJAZZ Radio Summer Benefit Concert At Walt Disney Concert Hall.
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 Studio City, CA. John Beasley described the 18 piece ensemble he brought to Vitello’s Wednesday night as a MONK’estra. He also called it “A Big Modern Jazz Band.” Both labels were right on target for this performance. First, the great majority of the program was dedicated to the music of Thelonious Monk. … Read More Live Jazz: The John Beasley MONK-estra Upstairs at Vitello’s
By the iRoM Staff Los Angeles – Jan. 22. (Tues.) Vicki Ray. Piano Spheres. Exploration of contemporary music is at the heart of the Piano Spheres program. This time, adventurous pianist Ray (with a chamber ensemble of musician friends) interprets the music of Stravinsky as well as new works by composers from Asia, Europe and… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 21 – 27
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 I can never recall trick or treating having much connection with jazz. So when Vitello’s announced a “Halloween Costume Party and Jam” featuring saxophonist Bob Sheppard with a stellar band, it sounded like the potential for an unusual and entertaining evening. As it was. Sheppard’s band included guitarist Larry Koonse, bassist Dave… Read More Here, There and Everywhere: Halloween Jam with Bob Sheppard and Friends
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 31. (Tues.) Overtone. This impressive sextet of a cappella singers from South Africa are on the verge of breaking onto the international music scene. Discovered by Clint and Dina Eastwood, they’ve got the right support to match their extraordinary potential. Let’s hope they have a few more dates… Read More Picks of the Week: July 31 – Aug. 5
The International Review of Music 