By Don Heckman It was a real pleasure to return to Vitello’s Saturday night, after spending more than a year in Oregon, away from one of our favorite music rooms. Since our return, the E Spot Lounge is a considerably remodeled version of the original venue. But no problem there. Although the stage has been… Read More Notes From the Left Coast: Judy Wexler at Vitello’s E Spot Lounge
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 23. (Wed.) Laura Dickinson. She’s probably your nine year-old daughter’s favorite singer, her voice familiar from the Disney Channel’s animated hits Phineas and Ferb and Sofia The First. But Dickinson’s vocal skills also include far-reaching jazz abilities, as well. She will offer them in an evening that celebrates… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 21 – 27 in Los Angeles, Oregon, Chicago, New York, London, Copenhagen, Milan and Tokyo.
By Don Heckman – April 16. (Thurs.) The Mutter Bronfman Harrell Trio. Three international virtuosi – violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, pianist Yefim Bronfman and cellist Lynn Harrell – apply their remarkable skills to a program of classic piano trios: Beethoven’s Piano Trio in B-flat major, Op. 97 “Archduke” and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor, Op.… Read More Highlights of the Long Weekend: In Los Angeles
By Don Heckman “A Tribute” was the nominal title of the event that took place Sunday afternoon at Catalina Bar & Grill. But it was actually much more than that. Some called it a Love Feast, celebrating the accomplishments of Myrna Daniels and her L.A.,Jazz Scene Newspaper. Others referred, repeatedly, to the coming together of… Read More Here, There & Everywhere: A Tribute to Myrna Daniels at Catalina Bar & Grill
By Don Heckman It’s a light weekend, as Yom Kippur ushers in October. But there are some intriguing musical events to experience. Like these: – Oct. 3. (Fri.) Angelique Kidjo, With special guest Red Baraat, Dynamic, exciting and entertaining only begin to describe Angelique Kidjo’s remarkable performances. And this one includes the added high energies… Read More Picks of the Weekend in L.A.: October 3 – 5.
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 Studio City, CA. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. An evening of well prepared Italian food, fine wine and even finer music at Vitello’s is a great way to experience world class jazz. And this past weekend offered a superb opportunity to all that and more. On Friday night… Read More Here, There & Everywhere: A Weekend at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 8. (Fri.) Bill Holman Big Band. Holman’s music is always a pleasure to hear live. And this is an even better opportunity, since the band will be performing (on the first set only) its highly praised all-Thelonious Monk album, Brilliant Corners, in its entirety. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. –… Read More Picks of the Weekend: Nov. 8 – 10
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 17. (Wed.) Judy Carmichael Trio. Pianist/singer and all around dynamic entertainer Carmichael can bring a room to life with her powerful stride piano and deeply interpretive vocals. Click HERE to read a review of Carmichael in her last L.A. appearance. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Oct. 17. (Wed.) The… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 27. (Wed.) A Celebration of Miles Davis. Herbie Hancock hosts a trio of Davis tributes: Miles’ Electric Band, Marcus Miller leading “Tutu Revisited” and Jimmy Cobb leading his “So What” band in “Kind of Blue.” Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. – June 28. (Thurs.) Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald, Boz… Read More Picks of the Week: June 27 – July 1
The International Review of Music 