By Brian Arsenault The first cut, “Big Noise, New York” storms in like a Saturday night in Manhattan and I go, “Great! powerhouse jazz served smoking.” But that’s not the whole of Denise Donatelli’s Find a Heart, not by a long shot. New York brassiness is followed by Paris Rain so soft, soft as… Read More CD Review: Denise Donatelli’s “Find A Heart” (Savant)
By Devon “Doc” Wendell The 2013 NAMM (National Association Of Music Merchants) convention took place in Anaheim California between Thursday, January 24th and Sunday, January 27th. Despite throngs of inebriated metal heads roaming the Anaheim streets, instrument booths in the convention hall, and thousands of music merchants packed into the Anaheim Convention center like sardines,… Read More A Twist of Doc: The 2013 NAMM Convention Performance Highlights
By Tony Gieske Billy Childs comes right out and admits it: He was inspired by Laura Nyro. He liked her collaboration with Alice Coltrane on Christmas and the Beads of Sweat. And so he formed the Jazz Chamber Ensemble, which also has at its nucleus, piano, acoustic guitar, and harp. A version of this he… Read More Live Jazz: The Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble at Vitello’s
By Michael Katz Monterey, California. The weather was chilly and overcast for the opening of the 54th Monterey Jazz Festival Friday night, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of jazz fans who were treated to a superb series of performances. There was anticipation in the air from the opening chords, as Featured Performer… Read More Live Jazz: The 54th Monterey Jazz Festival — Friday Night
By Tony Gieske I was thinking all night that nobody at Vitello’s could possibly deserve, much less grasp, all the wonders that Billy Childs and his ensemble were bestowing on us last Saturday. Childs was playing in his flawless and bounteous way on the piano, in front of which sat Larry Koonse, listening to him… Read More Live Jazz: The Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble at Vitello’s
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 One of Denise Donatelli’s most unique characteristics as a jazz singer is her confident willingness to perform in complex musical settings with stellar jazz instrumentalists. Her new CD, When Lights Are Low, is a good example. Like her previous release, What Lies Within, it includes arrangements by Geoffrey Keezer that virtually translate… Read More Live Jazz: Denise Donatelli at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 19 (Tues.) Robert Glasper Trio. More than most of his contemporaries, pianist Glasper has found ways to compatibly combine hip-hop, rock and r & b elements with his solid jazz skills. Catalina Bar & Grill. http://www.catalinajazzclub.com (323) 466-2210. – Oct. 19. (Tues.) Henry Franklin’s Big 70th Birthday Celebration. … Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 19 – 24
By Tony Gieske If you think you know Kevin Eubanks from catching his band before he departed The Tonight Show, you’re in for a shock should you visit the Baked Potato on the nights he plays there. ((NBC seems to have convinced the press that you must use Leno’s name every time you mention the… Read More Live Jazz: Kevin Eubanks at the Baked Potato
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 26. (Mon.) Karen Marguth Quintet. Featuring Eva Scow, mandolin. Singer Marguth and mandolinist Scow have been producing some fascinating displays of briskly swinging voice and mandolin jazz. Hear them in the always friendly, laid-back setting of Charlie O’s. Charlie O’s. (919) 994-3058. – April 28. (Wed.) Kevin Eubanks… Read More Picks of the Week: April 26 – May 2
The International Review of Music 