By Devon Wendell Costa Rican composer and percussionist Luis Muňoz is one of the most vibrant and dedicated Latin jazz artists on the scene today. His new album VOZ is an obvious labor of love which fuses Brazilian jazz, and “crossover” pop. But there’s a refreshing purity about VOZ. Muňoz is joined by special guests:… Read More New CD Review: Luis Muňoz “VOZ” (Pelin Music)
By Don Heckman Wednesday was another one of those mid-week jazz nights in L.A. A lot of choices about what to hear, with the usual freeway determinants – traffic and/or distance – playing a role in where to go. But I also was in the mood to hear something a little unusual. And Ron Kalina’s… Read More Live Jazz: The Ron Kalina Quartet at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 14 & 15. (Tues. & Wed.) Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour. Cirque du Soleil. The music and lyrics of Michael Jackson are the foundation for a show that “immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down,” performed by the incomparable artists… Read More Picks of the Week: Aug. 14 – 19
By Don Heckman Christmas caroling was a regular seasonal activity in my young life. Growing up in an Eastern Pennsylvania rust belt city, singing carols while slip-sliding our way across icy sidewalks was as necessary to the holiday as going to Mass on Christmas eve. In a way, it was an equally necessary counter to… Read More Here, There & Everywhere: Sing! Sing! Sing!
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Aug. 2 (Tues.) Yes and Styx. Two of the classic rock franchises — still going strong — team up for a display of some of the archetypal music of the ’70s and ’80s. The Greek Theatre. (323) 665-5857. – Aug. 3 – 7. (Wed. – Sun.) John Pizzarelli and… Read More Picks of the Week: August 2 – 7
By Don Heckman Los Angeles Nov. 22. (Mon.) Judy Wolman’s Thanksgiving Sing-a-long. Great American Songbook. Here’s a chance to be thankful for Cole Porter, the Gershwins, Rodgers & Hart, etc. While having a lot more fun singing than you ever could in the shower. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905. – Nov. 23. (Tues.) Jimmy Branley Quartet. Drummer… Read More Picks of the Week: Nov. 22 – 28
By Don Heckman Luis Munoz Invisible (Pelin Music) Listening to this recording, experiencing its warm embrace, I can only marvel that Luis Muñoz does not have wider visibility. The Costa Rican-born composer’s music begins with the subliminal qualities of his native roots, then blossoms into a creative expression that transcends boundaries reaching from jazz to… Read More Jazz CD Reviews: Luis Munoz and Jon Gold
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – May 11. (Tues.) John Pisano’s Guitar Night . Larry Koonse, the guitarist who can play almost anything, takes a break from making everyone else sound great, and steps onto center stage alongside Steve Cardenas. Vitello’s. http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com (818) 769-0905. – May 12. (Wed.) Chuck Berghofer’s Midnight Jazz Band. Featuring Gary… Read More Picks of the Week: May 10 – 16
The International Review of Music 