By Norton Wright It was such a class act, it reminded me of those sophisticated nights long ago at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City where the ballroom shows were graced by the likes of Lena Horne and Peggy Lee. So it was no surprise that jazz songstress Bonnie Bowden’s date on Sunday afternoon… Read More Live Jazz: Bonnie Bowden at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 2. (Wed.) Arturo Sandoval Big Band. He plays the trumpet, the piano and the drums, and he sings, too. The musical multi-hyphenate from Cuba showcases his dynamic versatility in the second installment of the new jazz series at The Federal. (818) 980-2655, – May 2. (Wed.) Llew… Read More Picks of the Week: May 2 – 6
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Nov. 30. (Wed.) Sting. One of the iconic masters of popular song makes a rare Southland appearance as part of his extended, “Back To Bass” tour. The Wiltern. (877) 686-5366. – Nov. 30. (Wed.) The Ron McCurdy Collective. Trumpeter/educator McCurdy blends his soaring trumpet sounds with the lush harmonies… Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 29 – Dec. 4
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 6. (Wed.) The Ernie Andrews Quartet. The stylish, versatile Andrews – as convincing with a ballad standard as he is with the blues — performs with the bebop-driven alto saxophone of Richie Cole, and the stellar rhythm section of Art Hllary, piano, Richard Simon, bass and Ralph Penland,… Read More Picks of the Week: July 5 – 10
By Tony Gieske Theresa Russell of “Bad Timing” was the dame I worshiped until Anne Parillaud of “La Femme Nikita” took over. So you couldn’t have kept me away from Vitello’s Friday when Russell began her new career as a torch singer. Sure enough, she resumed her place on my altar. “Stupid thing to take… Read More Live Jazz: Mike Melvoin & Theresa Russell at Vitello’s
By Tony Gieske Eric Reed had stationed the grand piano at stage left at Vitello’s Saturday night so as to give his trio members equal exposure — Ralph Penland, the drummer, at stage right and Hamilton Price, his young bassist, in the middle, next to the keyboard. It was a little bit like a surgeon… Read More Live Jazz: The Eric Reed Trio at Vitello’s
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 16. (Tues.) Rickie Lee Jones. Her latest album, Balm in Gilead, affirmed that Jones is still a vital and imaginative singer and songwriter. She’ll be performing selections from that CD as well as material from her long, productive career. Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Blvd., L.A. (323) 660-6639. –… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 16 – 21
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 14. (Mon.) Larry Goldings and Anthony Wilson. The launch of Organ Night at Vitello’s and it’s hard to think of a pair of players who could do it better. Red Carpet Jazz Serries. Upstairs at Vitellos. (818) 769-0905. – Dec. 14 – 16. . (Mon. – Wed.) An… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 14 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 7 & 8. (Wed. & Thurs.) The Stanley Clarke Trio with Hiromi and Lenny White. They initially seemed an unlikely musical combination – the Return to Forever team of Clarke and White, with the adventurous jazz fusion pianist Hiromi. But the blend has turned out to be remarkably… Read More Picks of the Week: Oct. 5 – 11
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 25. (Tues.) Placido Domingo and Yo-Yo Ma and the L.A. Philharmonic. What a combination. Domingo conducts Tchaikovsky’s dramatic Symphony No. 5 and Ma plays Dvorak’s controversial, but compelling, Cello Concerto. Hollywood Bowl (323) 850- 2000. – Aug. 25. (Tues.) Dana Bronson. Singer/pianst Bronson usually performs in cabaret and… Read More Picks of the Week: August 25 – 30
The International Review of Music 