By Michael Katz Every year I head up to the Monterey Jazz Festival with a battle plan for seeing as much of the three days and over 500 artists as reasonably possible, and every year that plan gets shredded almost from the opening notes. Musicians whom I’d intended to sample (like Gregory Porter last year)… Read More Preview: The 56th Annual Monterey Jazz Festival
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 5. (Wed.) Barbara Morrison. Despite her difficult medical problems, the courageous, musically versatile Ms. Morrison continues to make her ever-appealing singing available to Los Angeles audiences. Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. She also performs at Steamers in Fullerton on June 7 & 8 (Fri. & Sat.).… Read More Picks of the Week: June 5 – 9
By Michael Katz For those of us in love with the Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest six months of the year are the time between the final note of the last Sunday night show at the fairgrounds and the April 1 announcement of artists for the next MJF. That wait ended Monday morning with the… Read More Preview: The Monterey Jazz Festival 56
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 13. (Tues.) Willie Nelson and Family. Legendary is a word that actually has some veracity when applied to the music and the career of superstar Nelson. He makes his first appearance at Disney Hall on a bill that also includes his family members, as well as a group… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 13 – 18
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 – Sept. 9. (Wed.) Natalie Cole and Hollywood Bowl Orch. The versatile, always entertaining Cole returns to action, like the veteran trouper she is, after kidney transplant surgery. Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000 – Sept. 9. (Wed.) Jacob Fred Odyssey. One of the most intriguing of the nu-jazz groups makes a… Read More Picks of the Week: Sept. 8 – 13
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Mar. 16 & 17. (Mon. & Tues.) Uri Caine Trio. Caine’s crossover blends of jazz and classical music are among the wonders of contemporary music. Jazz Bakery. Jazz Bakery (310) 271-9039. http://www.jazzbakery.com.0-317-4292 310-317-4292 – Mar. 17. (Tues.) Josh Nelson Trio. Nelson has quickly moved from the position of emerging… Read More Picks of the Week: Mar. 16 – 22
The International Review of Music 