By James DeFrances Perhaps we should be referring to her as the “Princess of Cool.” Last Sunday night, singer Deana Martin, daughter of the original “King of Cool,” Dean Martin, appeared at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. in Bel-Air. It was an evening of musical enrichment, great food and big smiles. The adoration Deana’s fans… Read More Live Music: Deana Martin at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Hollywood, CA. Jazz vocalist Cat Conner‘s performance at Catalina Bar & Grill last week was clearly expected to be a special event, which is precisely how it turned out. It was, first of all, a release party for Cat’s new CD, appropriately titled Cat House. Add to that the fact that any… Read More Live Music: Cat Conner at Catalina Bar & Grill
By Don Heckman Singer Cat Conner is one of the high visibility members of L.A.’s impressive assemblage of jazz vocal artists. She’s also another gifted Canadian jazz performer who’s brought her considerable jazz skills south of the border. All of which will be self-evident tonight when Cat offers her warm, luxurious voice, convincing musical story… Read More Pick of the Night in L.A.: Cat Conner at Catalina Bar & Grill
By Don Heckman With Summer arriving in all its glory, I thought it would be helpful to concentrate the Picks for this long, mid-June weekend on the rich array of music to be heard here in the Southland. – June 19. (Thurs.) Sally Kellerman. Sally’s back, and that’s great news for all fans of irresistible… Read More Picks of the Weekend in Los Angeles: June 19 – 22
By Don Heckman Bel Air, CA. Deana Martin was back at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Sunday night. And it was a welcome event for fans of the sort of warm, engaging musical entertainment associated with her father, Dean Martin, and his Rat Pack pals. No wonder every table at Vibrato was filled. Raised in… Read More Live Music: Deana Martin at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Sherman Oaks, CA. Call it a welcome double value for jazz fans Wednesday night at Jazz at the Cap. Why? First of all because it offered a performance by a group of the Southland’s prime jazz artists. And second, because they were appearing at an attractive new jazz venue. Let’s start with… Read More Live Jazz: Cat & Cip and More at Jazz at the Cap
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 8. (Wed.) Jim Cox Trio. Pianist Cox has long been one of the Southland’s first call pianists and arrangers. Here he is, on his own, backed by bassist Domenic Genova and drummer John Ferraro. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 8 & 9. (Wed. & Thurs.) Laura Benanti. Tony… Read More Picks of the Week: January 8 – 12
By Don Heckman Studio City, CA. Second, even third, generation careers in show business aren’t exactly uncommon in the entertainment world. And singer Deana Martin’s name alone indicates a legacy powerful enough to open the right doors. But Martin, who began a three night run at Vitello’s on Friday night, has the skills to build… Read More Live Music: Deana Martin at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Johnny Mandel was at Vitello’s again Saturday night, leading a big band at the venue for the third time in a year. Despite the familiarity of the music – or, perhaps, because of it — one couldn’t ask for better evidence of the long term quality of his achievements, as a composer,… Read More Live Jazz: The Johnny Mandel Big Band
By Don Heckman Studio City, CA. Sometimes a music reviewer just has to do a lot in a single night – often unexpectedly. As I did on Friday. Even though it hadn’t actually started out that way. My schedule for the evening originally included a stop at Vitello’s to hear the Bill Cunliffe big band… Read More Live Jazz: A Busy Friday Night at Vitello’s and the Out Take Bistro
The International Review of Music 