By Tony Gieske From all the things I’d been hearing about the Bob Mintzer Big Band — a New York guy! — a Yellowjacket! — I thought I should bring my mind-plugs to Vibrato Tuesday to keep my head from bursting. But no! On first acquaintance, Mintzer turned out to have a gentle tenor saxophone… Read More Live Jazz: The Bob Mintzer Big Band at Vibrato
By Tony Gieske Johnny Mandel, of whom we all know who that is, is quite a sight when he conducts a big band, first of all because he does this standing up for two entire sets. This is of course remarkable for a guy who will be 85 years old next Tuesday [Nov. 23]. Another… Read More Live Jazz: The Johnny Mandel Big Band at Vibrato
By Don Heckman Karen Lovely. Yes, it’s a real name, and don’t forget it. She may not have very high visibility yet. But if there’s any justice (which is always questionable, of course) she’ll soon be achieving a stronger presence on the music world viewscreen. Lovely’s performance at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Tuesday night was one… Read More Live Music: Karen Lovely at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Tony Gieske Ron Stout gave up his usual seat in a big band trumpet section to lead a little combo Saturday night at Vibrato, where his affably poetic improvisation during a program of choice ballads was a privilege to hear. All big band devotees probably know Stout by sight, with his can’t-miss-him beard, plus… Read More Live Jazz: Ron Stout at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Tony Gieske It seems needlessly nutrition conscious to sneer at George Shearing because of the candy-like character of his music. The Centers for Disease Control has recorded not a single case of diabetes attributable to its consumption, for one thing. Shearing’s innocence was well established by a sweet evening with The Sounds of Shearing… Read More Live Jazz: The Sounds of Shearing at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Strunz and Farah have been around for so long that it can be easy to take them for granted. The two-guitar partnership of Costa Rican-born Jorge Strunz and Iranian native Ardeshir Farah reaches back to their first CD, Mosaico, released in 1980. And their three-decade musical relationship (lasting longer than many marriages)… Read More Live World Music: Strunz & Farah at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.
By Don Heckman Maria Volonte’s name may not be immediately familiar, even though she has received a Latin Grammy nomination, won a Carlos Gardel Prize and released six CDs. Fortunately, the Argentine singer/songwriter/guitarist’s move to the Bay area two years ago has brought more attention to her intriguing style. But she still has far lower… Read More Live World Music: Maria Volonte at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc
By Don Heckman Los Angeles – Feb. 17. (Tues.) Mon David. The Filipino singer has all the skills to emerge as one of the breakout male jazz vocal talents of the year. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400. www.vibratogrilljazz.com – Feb. 17. (Tues.) “Tales From the Diva Den” featuring Kristin Korb, Inga Swearingen, Kathleen Grace. They may be… Read More Picks of the Week: Feb. 16 – 22
By Don Heckman Judy Chamberlain is a singer who’s always a pleasure to hear. In part, because her astonishing repertoire makes every performance a fascinating journey through a century of song. But even more so because she brings such care, authenticity and musicality to everything she touches. Her appearance at Spazio in Sherman Oaks Saturday… Read More Live: Judy Chamberlain and Bill Cunliffe
The International Review of Music 