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 – Oct. 9. (Thurs.) Scott Snapp and Sally Kellerman. It’s an offbeat booking, with Snapp, who defines his singing/songwriting as Theatrical Pop, as the headliner, and Kellerman as “special guest.” But any appearance by Sally is stellar, and everything she sings deserves top billing. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Oct. 10.… Read More Picks for a Long Weekend: Oct. 9 – 12 in Los Angeles, New York City and London
By Don Heckman lt usually takes a while before a performer can generate enough dynamic energy to begin to steal the show. But at the Hollywood Bowl Wednesday night, the opening act – Brazilian pianist/singer Eliane Elias – claimed a large chunk of the evening’s creative territory before her relatively brief half hour set was… Read More Live Music: Eliane Elias, Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, and Boz Scaggs at the Hollywood Bowl.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 16. (Wed.) Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin, Boz Scaggs, Eliane Elias. It’s a line-up filled with masters of far-reaching jazz genres (and beyond). Expect an evening of jazz for every taste. Look for an iRoM review later this week. The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000. . – July 16.… Read More Picks of the Week: July 15 – July 20. (Tues. – Sun.) in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, London and Paris.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – March 6. (Thurs.) Betty Bryant. Singer/pianist Bryant’s engaging style recalls an era of briskly swinging, warmly interpretive jazz cabaret. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – March 7. (Fri.) Savion Glover’s StePz. Tap dancer Glover has brought more jazz qualities to contemporary tap dancing than anyone since Fred Astaire. Valley… Read More Picks of the Week: March 5 – 9
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 8. (Wed.) Jim Cox Trio. Pianist Cox has long been one of the Southland’s first call pianists and arrangers. Here he is, on his own, backed by bassist Domenic Genova and drummer John Ferraro. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 8 & 9. (Wed. & Thurs.) Laura Benanti. Tony… Read More Picks of the Week: January 8 – 12
Review by Michael Katz Photos by Bonnie Perkinson Hollywood CA. One happy problem with an eight hour music fest that runs uninterrupted through the shifting temperatures of a near-summer’s day at the Hollywood Bowl is a lineup so strong you don’t want to leave your seat. That was the occasion on Saturday, Day 1 of… Read More Live Jazz: The 35th Playboy Jazz Festival at the Hollywood Bowl, Day #1
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 12. (Wed.) Julian Coryell. He’s received an impressive guitar-playing legacy from his father, Larry Coryell. But Julian has thoroughly developed a creative style of his own. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – June 13. (Thurs.) Cindy Lauper. 30th Anniversary: She’s So Unusual Tour. The inimitable Cindy Lauper celebrates the anniversary… Read More Picks of the Week: June 12 – 16
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 Los Angeles – Dec. 11. (Tues.) Sascha’s Bloc. A talented band of Eastern European musicians display their boundary-less jazz skills, spiced with touches of traditional sounds. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 11. (Tues.) Chamber Music. Members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform a program devoted to the works of four… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 10 – 16
The International Review of Music 