By Don Heckman June 20 (Mon)… Seth MacFarlane with the Joel McNeely Band. MacFarlne’s singing is a convincing echo of the Sinatra, Martin, Rat Pack big band era. In his spare time, the versatile MacFarlane also has a convincing career as the producer of such major animation series as Family Guy, American Father and much… Read More MUSICAL PICKS OF THE WEEK (JUNE 20 – 26) IN LOS ANGELES
By Don Heckman Monday (6/13) …Monday nights have long been favorite occasions to hear big bands in action. As is often the case in L.A. Here are two of this week’s most bountiful opportunities: Stellar guitarist Kenny Burrell and the his swinging L.A. Jazz Unlimited Orchestra are at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Also… Read More THE BEST MUSIC TO SEE AND HEAR THIS WEEK JUNE 13 – 19 IN LOS ANGELES
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 – Aug. 5. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. The official release party for Pat Kelley‘s new CD, Overtones 4 Two Guitars. With Pisano, Kelley, Kendall Kay, drums, and John Belzaguy, bass. Viva Cantina. (818) 845-2425. – Aug. 5 & 6. (Tues. & Wed.) The Gypsy Allstars. If you like the… Read More Picks of the Week: August 4 – 10 in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, New York City, London, Berlin, Stockholm, Moscow and Tokyo
By Don Heckman Summer is upon us, and the live performance schedules around the world are largely dominated by the irresistible big venue festivals. But there’s still a lot of compelling music to be heard in smaller venues, as well. Los Angeles – June 10. (Tues.) Strunz and Farah. Jorge Strunz, born in Costa Rica… Read More Picks of the Week: June 10 – 15
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 20. (Tues.) Carol Welsman. She sings with an utter mastery of jazz vocalizing. Add to that Carol’s equally impressive piano playing, always imaginative, always swinging. She doesn’t do a lot of club dates, so don’t miss this one. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – May 20. (Tues.) Guitar… Read More Picks of the Week: May 19 – 25
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 2. (Wed.) Diane Hubka. Singer/guitarist Hubka celebrates the release of her new CD, West Coast Strings. She’ll be backed by a prime group of players: Guitarists John Pisano, Barry Zweig & David Eastlee, organist Bobby Pierce, bassist Jeff D’Angelo and drummer Kendall Kay. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323)… Read More Picks of the Week: October 2 – 6
By Don Heckman It’s a short week of Picks, largely impacted by the end-of-Summer distractions and the frequent August closure of jazz clubs around the world. But there’s still a lot of music happening. Los Angeles – Aug. 21 (Wed.) Buddy Guy and the Funky Meters. The veteran blues great matches classic riffs with the… Read More Picks of the Week: August 21 – 25
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 13 & 15. (Tues. & Thurs. Dudamel conducts Verdi’s Requiem. The Los Angeles Philharmonic players, under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, apply their superb versatility to Verdi’s magnificent work. Hollywood Bowl,. (323) 850-2000. – Aug. 13. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar night. It’s been a virtual Southland jazz institution… Read More Picks of the Week: August 12 – 18
By Michael Katz There were generations bumping into each other Tuesday night, both on the stage and in the crowd at Lucy’s 51 in Toluca Lake, the current home of John Pisano’s Guitar Night. Much of that is by design. For fifteen years, Pisano has been bringing guitarists from anywhere and everywhere to share an… Read More Live Jazz: John Pisano’s Guitar Night with Graham Dechter
The International Review of Music 