Doc Wendell’s Prescription For Bop and Beyond with Roland Kirk’s “Rip, Rig, And Panic” (Emarcy)

By Devon Wendell By the mid 1960s, Roland Kirk had already established himself as one of the most unique forces in jazz. Being blind and able to play up to 3 horns simultaneously (and even a nose flute) was enough to get people’s attention. But aside from the visual stage performance, Kirk’s music was texturally… Read More Doc Wendell’s Prescription For Bop and Beyond with Roland Kirk’s “Rip, Rig, And Panic” (Emarcy)

July 22, 2015July 22, 2015 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: January 5 – 11

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

January 6, 2015 iromLeave a comment

The Playboy Jazz Festival: The First Ladies of the Skins

The 2012 Playboy Jazz Festival, which takes place at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend, features the rare presence of three world class female jazz drummers. Writer/musician Devon Wendell describes his reaction when he first saw the Festival line up. By Devon Wendell Growing up, I always thought of the drums as being this potent… Read More The Playboy Jazz Festival: The First Ladies of the Skins

June 14, 2012June 16, 2012 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: Mar. 20 – 25

By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 21. (Wed.) Zana Messia and the Balkan Soul Orchestra. Yugoslavian singer-songwriter Messia celebrates the release of her new album, Balkan Soul, featuring the arching melodies and gypsy rhythms of her songs. Guest performers will reportedly be in attendance as well. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Mar. 21. (Wed.) Zakir… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 20 – 25

March 20, 2012March 22, 2012 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: Dec. 12 – 18

By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 12. (Mon.) Handel’s Messiah Singalong. It’s an annual delight for anyone who’s ever sung in a choir – and even those who haven’t – to share in the magic of Handel’s classic. The L.A. Master Chorale leads the way. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – Dec. 13 (Tues.) The… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 12 – 18

December 12, 2011December 15, 2011 irom1 Comment

Picks of the Week: May 3 – 8

By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 3. (Tues.) Leon Russell. One of the great iconic figures of the golden era of rock makes a rare local appearance in a relatively small venue. There’ll also be a special performance by Booker T. Jones. The El Rey. (323) 936-6400. – May 3. (Tues.) Emil Richards, Mike… Read More Picks of the Week: May 3 – 8

May 3, 2011 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: Dec. 21 – 26

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

December 21, 2010 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: April 5 – 11

By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 5. (Mon.) Gretchen Parlato. A singer who finds the inner core of a song and makes it her own, Parlato is arguably one of the most original vocal performers of her generation. Listen to her sing and you’ll be as bewildered as I was that she didn’t receive… Read More Picks of the Week: April 5 – 11

April 4, 2010April 5, 2010 iromLeave a comment

Picks of the Week: Feb. 23 – 28

By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 23. (Tues.) John Proulx. At a time when male jazz singers are in the minority, Proulx, a fine jazz pianist, is carving a vocal identity of his own. He performs with trumpeter Warren Luening, bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210. –… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 23 – 28

February 23, 2010February 24, 2010 irom1 Comment

Picks of the Week: Jan 5 – 10

Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 6. (Wed.) John Proulx Trio. Singer/pianist Proulx will no doubt blend his swinging instrumental work with vocal selections from his recent tribute to Chet Baker, Baker’s Dozen. With Kendall Kay, drums and Kevin Axt, bass. Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110. – Jan. 7. (Thurs.) The Gil Evans Band led by… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan 5 – 10

January 5, 2010January 6, 2010 irom1 Comment

The International Review of Music

Tag: Pharoah Sanders