By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Apri. 3. (Wed.) Bobby McFerrin. One of the music world’s most uniquely gifted vocal talents, applying his startling skills to a celebration of his father’s gospel singing in a program titled Spirit You All. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – April 3. (Wed.) Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy… Read More Picks of the Week: April 2 – 7
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 27. (Wed.) Willie Nelson & Family. The inimitable Willie Nelson performs his memorable hits with the musical companionship of his talented family members. Click HERE to read an earlier iRoM review of Willie Nelson and his Family. Valley Performing Arts Center. (818) 677-3000. = Feb. 27. (Wed.) Shofar.… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3
By Don Heckman Brazilian singer Katia Moraes has been using a complimentary quotation of mine in her publicity material for a while now. So when I saw that she was performing at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. on Thursday night, I thought it might be a good time to check in with her again, to see if… Read More Live Jazz: Katia Moraes and Sambaguru at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 20. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. The remarkable Jane Harvey’s career dates back to gigs with Benny Goodman in the ‘40s. Now well into her ‘80s she continues to draw critical raves for her performances. Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Harvey appearance. Catalina Bar… Read More Picks of the Week: June 20 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 16. (Mon.) Clare Fischer Big Band. The multiple Grammy-winning composer/arranger/pianist (and more) has a resume reaching from Dizzy Gillespie and Donald Byrd to Prince and Paul McCartney, with numerous stops in between. His own groups have reached from small to large, covering a brilliantly eclectic array of creative… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 16 – 22
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 18 (Wed.) Bill in Brazil. Grammy-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe, always unpredictable, displays his fascination with Brazilian music. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – May 18. (Wed.) John Proulx Trio. Pianist/singer Proulx mixes his crisp piano styings with the gentle vocals of his Chet Baker-inspired singing. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.… Read More Picks of the Week: May 17 – 22
By Don Heckman Any performance by Kátia Moraes and Sambaguru is a gripping tour through the seemingly infinite rhythms and far reaching passions of Brazilian music. And their appearance at Vitello’s Friday night offered all that and more. Moraes has been one of the Southland’s most dynamic singer/dancers since the ’90s. A frequent star of… Read More Live Music: Katia Moraes and Sambaguru at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 19. (Tues.) Dave Damiani Orchestra. Singer Damiani celebrates the Swing Era and the songs of Frank Sinatra. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. . – April 19. (Tues.) Steve Huffsteter Big Band. Trumpeter Huffsteter steps out of the section to lead his own collective of all-stars. Vibrato Grill… Read More Picks of the Week: April 19 – 24
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 16. (Tues.) Johnny Mandel Big Band. Multiple Grammy winner, gifted composer/arranger/songwriter Mandel is one of the Southland’s true musical treasures. This rare appearance with a big band serves as an early celebration of his 85th birthday on November 23. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Nov. 16. (Tues.) … Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 27. (Tues.) and 29. (Thurs.) Heroic Beethoven. A pair of evenings overflowing with the splendor of Beethoven’s boundless imagination. Pianist David Fray plays the Piano Concerto No. 3. And Pablo Heras-Casado conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in the Eroica Symphony No. 3. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. –… Read More Picks of the Week: July 26 – August 1
The International Review of Music 