By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 16. (Wed.) Eloise Laws. A member of the musically prominent Laws family (Hubert, Ronnie and Debra among others) Eloise Laws makes a rare live performance in the Southland. Her warm and expressive vocals are backed by members of the Laws family and their talented friends. Catalina Bar &… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 29. (Wed.) Carol Robbins. She’s that rare musical combination – a jazz harpist. And Robbins has brought it off in convincing style, playing with everyone from Frank Sinatra and the Manhattan Transfer to Billy Childs and Dianne Reeves. This time out, Robbins does it her way. Vibrato Grill… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 28 – Mar. 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 31. (Tues.) Anthony Wilson. He’s had a lot of visibility the past few years backing Diana Krall, but Wilson’s a certified jazz star in his own right – as a performer, a composer and a band leader. This time out, he gets back to basics with guitarist and… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 31 – Feb. 5
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 15. (Tues.) Carol Welsman. Pianist/singer Welsman makes her last L.A. area performance of the year, which makes it one not to be missed. Hopefully she’ll play a few tunes from her soon to be released latest CD. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Nov. 16. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. … Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 11. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night. The first anniversary of Guitar Night at Vitello’s will feature a stellar collection of L.A.’s finest six-stringers. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Jan. 13. (Thurs.) Henry Franklin Quartet. Bassist Franklin, known to all as “The Skipper,” celebrates the release of his CD, The… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 11 – 16
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 21. (Tues.) Bob Mintzer Big Band. Saxophonist Mintzer is also a masterful big band arranger and composer. Expect fireworks from his assemblage of L.A.’s finest players. Click HERE to read an earlier review of the Mintzer Big Band. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – Dec. 21. (Tues.) … Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 21 – 26
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 19 – 20. (Tues. – Wed.) Victor Wooten Band. Award winning bassist Wooten’s performances with the Bela Fleck Band have always been impressive feats of musical magic. Here he conjures up his own creative surprises. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210. – Jan. 19. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 19 – 24
“Denny Zeitlin: The Columbia Studio Trio Sessions” (Mosaic Select) “Denny Zeitlin Trio In Concert” (Sunnyside) By Don Heckman The rub on writing about Denny Zeitlin has always been his unlikely dual career track – as a working jazz musician and a teaching and practicing psychiatrist. The immediate temptation, frequently succumbed to, is to search for… Read More Jazz CDs: Denny Zeitlin
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 9. (Mon.) Bill Holman Big Band. Holman is arguably one of the great, innovative arranger’composers of his – or of any – generation. With big band nights becoming difficult to maintain in the current economy, here’s a rare opportunity to hear Holman’s amazing charts up close and personal.… Read More Picks of the Week: March 9 – 15
The International Review of Music 