By Mike Finkelstein Westwood, CA. On Friday night at Royce Hall, CAP UCLA presented a very attractive double bill featuring Meshell Ndegeocello and James Blood Ulmer (backed by Memphis Blood and Vernon Reid). Although the floor level of Royce Hall was mostly full and the upper level was closed, the people who came to Westwood… Read More Meshell Ndegeocello and James Blood Ulmer at Royce Hall
By Don Heckman (Because of a software glitch there are no photos this week.) Los Angeles – Dec. 4 – 9. (Tues. – Sun.) Roy Hargrove Quintet. Versatile trumpeter Hargrove moves easily from big bands to small groups. This time out, he’s leading his fine young quintet. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210. – Dec.… Read More Picks of the Week: Dec. 4 – 9
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – June 20. (Wed.) Jane Harvey. The remarkable Jane Harvey’s career dates back to gigs with Benny Goodman in the ‘40s. Now well into her ‘80s she continues to draw critical raves for her performances. Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Harvey appearance. Catalina Bar… Read More Picks of the Week: June 20 – 24
By Devon Wendell Photos by Bonnie Perkinson This year’s choice of performers at The 34th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival may have had both the serious jazz fan and struggling jazz musician recoiling in disgust, but even the most stubborn jazz aficionado can’t deny that fun and diversity dominated the festival. Before covering Sunday’s highlights,… Read More The Playboy Jazz Festival 2012: Sunday’s Program at the Hollywood Bowl
The 2012 Playboy Jazz Festival, which takes place at the Hollywood Bowl this weekend, features the rare presence of three world class female jazz drummers. Writer/musician Devon Wendell describes his reaction when he first saw the Festival line up. By Devon Wendell Growing up, I always thought of the drums as being this potent… Read More The Playboy Jazz Festival: The First Ladies of the Skins
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
The International Review of Music 