By Don Heckman Oct. 1 – 4. (Thurs. – Sun.) IMMORTAL BEETHOVEN. Gustavo Dudamel conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic in a remarkable, four night tour de force program devoted to all nine of the Beethoven symphonies: #1 and #2 on Thursday; #3 and #4 on Friday; #5, #6, #7 and #8 on Saturday; and a… Read More Highlights of a Long Weekend: Oct. 1 – 4 in Los Angeles
By Don Heckman – Feb 27 & 28. (Fri. & Sat.) Stanley Clarke and Friends. Bassist Clarke’s “Friends” aren’t identified in the program for this gig. But Clarke, a world class artist with a stellar resume, can be counted on to surround himself with players capable of functioning at his Olympian jazz levels. In… Read More Highlights of the Weekend: In Los Angeles
By Mike Finkelstein Anaheim, CA. For anyone who appreciates music, the NAMM show is a scene you simply must make once in your life, maybe more. NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convenes twice annually, once in the winter at the Anaheim Convention Center and once in the summer, in Nashville. It has become more… Read More Live Music and a Lot More: MY DAY AT THE NAMM SHOW
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 Los Angeles – Feb. 13 – 16. Thurs. – Sun. Steve Tyrell. Four days to enjoy Valentine’s Day at L.A.’s primo jazz room, captivated by Tyrell’s warm voice and engaging musical storytelling. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210. – Feb. 13 & 14. (Thurs. & Fri.) The Moscow Festival Ballet showcases a… Read More Picks of the (Valentine) Week: Feb. 12 – 16
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 30. (Wed.) Amanda McBroom. The singer, actress and songwriter (“The Rose” is one of her songs) takes a break from her busy acting career to make a rare musical appearance in Los Angeles. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210. – Oct. 31. (Thurs.) Kate Reid and Larry Koonse… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 17. (Thurs.) All Star Quartet. Pat Senatore, bass, Josh Nelson, piano, Larry Koonse, guitar, Mark Ferber, drums. “All Star” is the right label for this quartet of four of the Southland’s finest players. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Oct. 17 – 20. (Thurs. – Sun. Steve Gadd… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 14 – 20
By Mike Finkelstein On a brisk Thursday evening none other than the Rascals presented their autobiographical stage show, Once Upon a Dream, at the Greek Theatre. It comes as a pleasant and uplifting surprise to know that all the original members are alive and well, and sounding quite good, indeed. With a strong push from… Read More Live Pop Music: The Rascals “Once Upon A Dream” at the Greek Theatre
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Sept. 18. (Wed.) Gina Saputo. Emerging young jazz vocal star Saputo shares the stage with a talented group of L.A.’s finest singers — Courtney Lemmon, Dave Damiani and Mark Christian Miller. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Sept. 18. (Wed.) The Sammy Cahn-cert. Vocalist Kurt Reichenbach sings the… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 18 – 22
By Mike Finkelstein Denver, Colorado. I caught the Americanarama tour in Englewood, CO while on a road trip last week. I’m not so sure that the bands on the tour ( My Morning Jacket, Wilco, Bob Dylan and Ryan Bingham) are truly representative of the burgeoning Americana genre. But if you get a chance to… Read More Live Music: Americanarama with Bob Dylan, My Morning Jacket, Wilco and Ryan Bingham at the Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
The International Review of Music 