By Brick Wahl Beverly Hills, CA. Saw Jon Mayer Tuesday in Beverly Hills at a club called H.O.M.E. A trio gig, with rock solid down the middle Chris Conner on bass, always good, and Roy McCurdy on drums. They don’t make drummers like Roy anymore. All that power. Not Elvin Jones power, but metrical power,… Read More Live Jazz: The Jon Mayer Trio at H.O.M.E.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles July 20. (Wed.) John Daversa Big Band. Trumpeter Daversa’s adventurous, often unpredictable charts make his big band appearances into engaging musical events. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – June 21. (Thurs.) Bruce Forman Quartet. Guitarist/educator/novelist Forman is one of the jazz world’s true multi-hyphenates. Here he is, with his… Read More Picks of the Week: July 19 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 12. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. With Mundell Lowe and bassist Jim Hughart. Guitar Night’s always a pleasure, but here’s one not to miss – a pair of veteran jazz guitarists in action with the support of a fine bassist. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – July 13. (Wed.) Chris… Read More Picks of the Week: July 12 – 17
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 14. (Tues.) Motley Crue. L.A.’s heavy metal stars of the eighties (and beyond) take over the vast expanse of the Bowl for a tour through the many hits that have made them rock icons. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2040. – June 15. (Wed.) Sachel Vasandani Quartet. At a… Read More Picks of the Week: June 14 – 19
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 6. (Mon.) Candi Sosa: Bolero Meets Jazz. Cuban born singer Sosa finds surprisingly compatible musical linkages between jazz and the lyrical Latin ballad style. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – June 7. (Tues.) Jennifer Leitham Trio. Bassist/singer Leitham celebrates the release of her DVD, The Real Me Live!, the chronicle… Read More Picks of the Week: June 6 – 12
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 15. (Tues.) Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The JLCO under Marsalis has firmly established itself as the definitive jazz repertory big band, performing programs that keep the spirit of large ensemble jazz – from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson to the present – alive and… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 25. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night features the always compelling playing of Anthony Wilson in the downstairs lounge. Upstairs, the jazz voices take over, with the Peter Eldridge Group and Dollison & Marsh’s Vertical Voices. Grammy nominated pianist Geoff Keezer provides his usual scintillating accompaniment. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 25 – 31
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 28. (Tues.) Gerald Clayton Trio. Grammy nominated pianist Clayton has moved rapidly from being an upcoming L.A. prodigy to an emerging new jazz star. He’s based in New York City now, so don’t miss this fairly rare opportunity to hear him back in the Southland. Steamers. (714) 871-8800… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 28 – Jan. 2
By Don Heckman Los Angeles Nov. 22. (Mon.) Judy Wolman’s Thanksgiving Sing-a-long. Great American Songbook. Here’s a chance to be thankful for Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Rodgers & Hart, etc. While having a lot more fun singing than you ever could in the shower. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Nov. 23. (Tues.) Jimmy Branley Quartet. Drummer… Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 22 – 28
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
The International Review of Music 