By James DeFrances Bel Air, CA. Piano legends from years gone by came to mind during John Proulx’s show Tuesday night at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz etc. If you’d have blinked you may have thought Art Tatum or Thelonious Monk were caressing the mighty grand piano on that stage. Proulx’s emotive playing style is… Read More Live Jazz: The John Proulx Trio at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
As we move into the first weeks of 2015, the iRoM Picks of the Week will begin to reach beyond the Los Angeles-centric choices of the past few years. We will, of course, continue to survey L.A.’s ever-changing banquet of musical pleasures. But we will also begin to highlight and emphasize a broad range of… Read More Picks of the Week: January 5 – 11
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 28. (Tues.) Guitar Night with John Pisano. Like all of John Pisano’s Guitar Nights, this week’s features a world class assemblage of players: in addition to Pisano, you’ll hear guitarist Barry Zweig, bassist Chris Conner and drummer Tim Pleasant. Viva Cantina. (818) 845-2425. ‘ – Oct. 28,. (Tues.)… Read More Picks of the Week: October 27 – November 2
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan.21. (Tues.) The Pat Senatore Trio. Bassist Senatore, Josh Nelson, piano, and Mark Ferber, drums, assemble to celebrate a CD release party for the Trio’s new album, Ascensione. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Jan. 22. (Wed.) Aaron Weinstein. Violinist Weinstein, still not a highly visible jazz artist, is… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 21 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 10 (Tues.) Rachmaninoff and Gershwin. “Romantic Favorites.” The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Miguel Harth-Bedoya with piano soloist Daniil Trifonov, performs a program of richly colorful, early 20th century music. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – Sept. 11. (Wed.) George Benson Inspiration Tour. A Tribute To Nat “King” Cole.… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 10 – 15
By Don Heckman Grammmy-nominated pianist Geoffrey Keezer showcased his impressive solo talents at Vitello’s Friday night for an enthusiastic, overflow crowd sparkling with the presence of such stellar music world listeners as Chris Botti, Billy Childs, Bobby Colomby, John Proulx, Mike Lang, Denise Donatelli, Mark Winkler and others. Seemingly inspired by his audience, Keezer offered… Read More Live Jazz: Geoffrey Keezer at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 15. (Wed.) Brenna Whitaker. She could have been a ‘30s platinum blond star. But Whitaker doesn’t just look good; she can sing, too. This time out she picks a set of tunes to enhance the birthday of Vibrato co-owner Eden Alpert. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – May… Read More Picks of the Week: May 14 – 19
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 Electricity and internet problems in iRoM land prevented the posting of a full week of International Picks. But now we finally have enough power and web access to list some Picks of the Weekend here in L.A. Next week, Picks of the Week will be back on track with our global overview.… Read More Picks of the Weekend: May 3 – 5 in Los Angeles
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 27. (Wed.) Sascha’s Bloc. A gifted group of players, many from Russia and/or Eastern European backgrounds, showcasing music that crosses easily and compellingly across lines of genre and tradition. Led by the dynamic guitar playing of Alex (Sascha) Gershman, with the intimate vocalizing of Carina Coper. Vibrato Grill… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 27 – 31.
