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 August 19 at Catalina Bar & Grill Sally Kellerman She may be best known for her high visibility role as “Hot Lips Houlihan” in the film M*A*S*H. But Sally Kellerman has been a gifted singer since she was a teen-ager. And in her post-acting career, Sally has displayed the qualities of… Read More HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEKEND IN LOS ANGELES
Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist Téka Penteriche wishes everyone a joyous Christmas in the way she knows best: by getting together with guitarist Chris Judge and singing her favorite Christmas carol, backed by the irresistible rhythms of Brazil. A joyous holiday and a happy new year to all, from Téka, Chris and all her friends at the… Read More TEKA sings “Silent Night” with a Brazilian Twist
By James M. DeFrances Bel Air, CA. Teka Penteriche’s performance at Vibrato last Sunday night had the approval of everyone in the crowd, including veteran crooner Tom Jones. The smooth sounds of the Brazilian born singer-guitarist and her New Bossa Band filled the air of Herb Alpert’s cozy and elegantly appointed club in Bel Air.… Read More Live Brazilian Music: Teka at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 16 – 18. (Thurs. – Sat.) Dee Dee Bridgewater. She’s a Grammy and Tony award winner, an actress, a radio star and a U.N. Ambassador. As if all that wasn’t enough, she’s also a dynamic jazz artist, a singer with a unique style and a creative imagination. She… Read More Picks of the Week: October 15 – 19 in Los Angeles, New York City and London
By Devon Wendell Hollywood, CA. Today many Bossa Nova acts just phone it in and the romantically poetic aspects of the music are lost amidst an array of overly subdued and pedestrian vocals and redundant arrangements. This was not this case with Teka and her New Bossa Trio (featuring Chris Judge on guitar and Ruben… Read More Live Music: Teka And The New Bossa Trio At The Gardenia Restaurant and Lounge
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – April 29. (Tues.) Nouveau Stride. Lorraine Feather and Stephanie Trick. Singer/songwriter Feather and stride pianist Trick combine their considerable talents for an evening inspired by the music of Fats Waller, James P. Johnson and Dick Hyman. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. – April 29. (Tues.) Chamber Music Society: All… Read More More Picks of the Week: April 30 – May 4
By Don Heckman Any night at The Gardenia is a musical night to remember. The West Hollywood supper club at the corner of LaBrea and Santa Monica has been one of the Southland’s rare cabaret destinations for three decades. Showcasing sophisticated musical artists reaching from musical theatre to jazz and the Great American songbook, The… Read More Live Jazz: Janis Mann at The Gardenia
Teka So Many Stars (Blue in Green Productions) By Brian Arsenault I think my biggest miss of 2013 may have been not hearing Teka’s marvelous bossa nova infused album So Many Stars. If you missed it too, here’s another chance. Especially for those of us in northern climes in this cold, cold endless winter. Bossa… Read More CD Review of the Day: Teka’s “So Many Stars”
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Oct. 2. (Wed.) Diane Hubka. Singer/guitarist Hubka celebrates the release of her new CD, West Coast Strings. She’ll be backed by a prime group of players: Guitarists John Pisano, Barry Zweig & David Eastlee, organist Bobby Pierce, bassist Jeff D’Angelo and drummer Kendall Kay. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323)… Read More Picks of the Week: October 2 – 6
The International Review of Music 