By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 26. (Tues.) Justo Almario Quartet. Saxophonist/flutist Almario is one of the Southland’s great jazz treasures, a player who moves convincingly across every jazz arena. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400. – July 27. (Wed.) Gladys Knight and James Ingram. The one and only Grammy-winning Empress of Soul shares the stage with… Read More Picks of the Week: July 25 – 31.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 18. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night. With Larry Koonse and Tom Warrington. Koonse is everybody’s first call guitarist. Here’s a too rare chance to hear him in the spotlight. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 18. (Tues.) Theo Saunders Quartet. Pianist Saunders has a resume with activities covering every… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 18 – 23
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
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 25. (Mon.) Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band. Los Angeles has a full crop of big bands, performing with some (if still not enough) frequency. And the Big Phat band is one of the best, collectively and individually. Hearing them at Vitello’s is like having them perform for your… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 25 – 31
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 21. (Tues.) Further. Featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. The music of the Grateful dead still lives, as Lesh and Weir, with an all star band take the classics “further” out. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-3125. – Sept. 21. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night. Pisano teams up for… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 20 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 6. (Tues.) Arturo Sandoval’s Big Band. The versatile Sandoval showcases his trumpet playing, piano playing, percussion and vocals in the company of a powerful large ensemble, Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – July 6. (Tues.) A Glorious Celebration. The Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale… Read More Picks of the Week: July 6 – 11
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 11. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night . Larry Koonse, the guitarist who can play almost anything, takes a break from making everyone else sound great, and steps onto center stage alongside Steve Cardenas. Vitello’s. http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com (818) 769-0905. – May 12. (Wed.) Chuck Berghofer’s Midnight Jazz Band. Featuring Gary… Read More Picks of the Week: May 10 – 16
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 17. (Wed.) Zap Mama. Maria Daulne’s cross-cultural musical collective heads into town on the crest of their new, appropriately titled recording, “ReCreation.” El Rey. (323) 936-6400 – June 17 (Wed.) Ana Egge. The remarkable singer/songwriter is quickly establishing herself as one of the most uniquely adventurous voices in… Read More Picks of the Week: June 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 17. (Tues.) Mon David. The Filipino singer has all the skills to emerge as one of the breakout male jazz vocal talents of the year. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400. www.vibratogrilljazz.com – Feb. 17. (Tues.) “Tales From the Diva Den” featuring Kristin Korb, Inga Swearingen, Kathleen Grace. They may be… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 16 – 22
The International Review of Music 