By Don Heckman June 20 (Mon)… Seth MacFarlane with the Joel McNeely Band. MacFarlne’s singing is a convincing echo of the Sinatra, Martin, Rat Pack big band era. In his spare time, the versatile MacFarlane also has a convincing career as the producer of such major animation series as Family Guy, American Father and much… Read More MUSICAL PICKS OF THE WEEK (JUNE 20 – 26) IN LOS ANGELES
By Don Heckman Monday (6/13) …Monday nights have long been favorite occasions to hear big bands in action. As is often the case in L.A. Here are two of this week’s most bountiful opportunities: Stellar guitarist Kenny Burrell and the his swinging L.A. Jazz Unlimited Orchestra are at Catalina Bar & Grill in Hollywood. Also… Read More THE BEST MUSIC TO SEE AND HEAR THIS WEEK JUNE 13 – 19 IN LOS ANGELES
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Dec. 3 – 5. (Thurs. – Sat.) The Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, presents a program of Bach and Mendelssohn. Violinist Gil Shaham is featured in a pair of Bach Concertos. The Philharmonic takes the spotlight with Mendelsohn’s Symphony No 1 and Overture for Harmoniemusik. An… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 2 – 6 (Wed. – Sun.) in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Chicago and New York City
By Kathy Schwarz Brookville, New York. Tierney Sutton has frequently received accolades such as “a singer’s singer” and a “musician’s singer.” But she’s also a listener’s singer, and all three of those descriptions were on full display in her Friday night performance in the TiIles Center for the Performing Arts. She was backed by the… Read More Live Jazz: Tierney Sutton at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts
By James M. deFrances Last Thursday when I walked through the door at Catalina’s Jazz Club it felt as though I had just walked through a portal to a different time. The club beamed with old Hollywood, from the bandstand on stage to the many recognizable industry folk who dotted the room. As far as… Read More Live Music: “Vintage Masters of Swing” at Catalina Bar & Grill
By Don Heckman As the warm days of September wind to a close, while autumn is just beginning to arrive, the bookings are light at clubs and concert venues around the world, but there’s still some very special music to hear. Los Angeles – Sept. 25. (Thurs.) Pat Senatore Trio. Bassist Senatore and his trio… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 24 – 28
By Don Heckman It’s another warm Summer week, with many international jazz clubs shuttered in their annual July -August hiatus. But there’s still some fine music to be heard. Los Angeles – July 22. (Tues.) Strunz and Farah. The dynamic guitar duo of Costa Rica’s Jorge Strunz and Iran’s Ardeshir Farah, showcase their irresistibly eclectic… Read More Picks of the Week: July 21 – 27 In Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, London, Paris and Tokyo
By Don Heckman Summer has arrived, with all its distractions, and many of the music venues — in the U.S., Europe and beyond — are either closed or booking with reduced schedules. But there’s still good music to be heard. Los Angeles – June 25. (Wed.) Annie Trousseau. Multi-lingual singer Trousseau is described in her… Read More Picks of the Week: June 24 – 29
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 13 – 16. Thurs. – Sun. Steve Tyrell. Four days to enjoy Valentine’s Day at L.A.’s primo jazz room, captivated by Tyrell’s warm voice and engaging musical storytelling. Catalina Bar & Grill. (223) 466-2210. – Feb. 13 & 14. (Thurs. & Fri.) The Moscow Festival Ballet showcases a… Read More Picks of the (Valentine) Week: Feb. 12 – 16
By Don Heckman Studio City, CA. Taking a break from her full time job with the Manhattan Transfer, Janis Siegel made one of her rare solo appearances Tuesday night before a full house crowd at Vitello’s. And the result was an extraordinary display of her irresistibly appealing musicality. By the time her performance had wound… Read More Live Jazz: Janis Siegel at Vitello’s
The International Review of Music 