By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Apri. 3. (Wed.) Bobby McFerrin. One of the music world’s most uniquely gifted vocal talents, applying his startling skills to a celebration of his father’s gospel singing in a program titled Spirit You All. Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000. – April 3. (Wed.) Dave Damiani and the No Vacancy… Read More Picks of the Week: April 2 – 7
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 10 (Tues.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic. The summer classical at the Hollywood Bowl opens with a performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 conducted by Leonard Slatkin. Also on the program — a trio of new works by female composers – Anna Clyne, Anne Lebaron and Cindy McTee. The… Read More Picks of the Week: July 10 – 15
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 15. (Tues.) Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. The JLCO under Marsalis has firmly established itself as the definitive jazz repertory big band, performing programs that keep the spirit of large ensemble jazz – from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson to the present – alive and… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 15 – 20
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 1. (Tues.) Jules Day. The rising young jazz singer performs an evening of new, original music from her latest CD, Day Dreams. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Feb. 2. (Wed.) Teka and Aaron Serfaty. “Brazilian Jazz.” Guitarist/singer Teka and percussionist Serfaty team up with pianist Otmar… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. Feb. 1 – Feb. 6
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Jan. 25. (Tues.) John Pisano Guitar Night features the always compelling playing of Anthony Wilson in the downstairs lounge. Upstairs, the jazz voices take over, with the Peter Eldridge Group and Dollison & Marsh’s Vertical Voices. Grammy nominated pianist Geoff Keezer provides his usual scintillating accompaniment. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.… Read More Picks of the Week: Jan. 25 – 31
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
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – July 28. (Tues.) Regina Spektor. The Soviet-born singer/songwriter manages to combine influences from Ani DiFranco, Tom Waits, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Edith Piaf — as well as her own unique personal history — into one of the more offbeat contemporary pop styles. The El Rey. (323) 936-6499 – July… Read More Picks of the Week: July 27 – Aug. 2
By Don Heckman Television – Feb. 28. (Sat.) Chris Botti performs with the Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by Keith Lockhart, at Boston’s Symphony Hall. He’s joined by a stellar array of guests including Josh Groban, Yo-Yo Ma, Sting, John Mayer and Steven Tyler. 7 p.m. in most areas, but check your local stations. PBS. Los… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 23 – Mar. 1
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 17. (Tues.) Mon David. The Filipino singer has all the skills to emerge as one of the breakout male jazz vocal talents of the year. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400. www.vibratogrilljazz.com – Feb. 17. (Tues.) “Tales From the Diva Den” featuring Kristin Korb, Inga Swearingen, Kathleen Grace. They may be… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 16 – 22
The International Review of Music 