While there is a plethora of bands that deliver the infectious sounds of Afro-Cuban, few deliver them from the African side of the world. Richard Bona, Cameroon-born bassist and vocalist, brought his vibrant Mandekan Cuban band to put the “Afro”…
Category: Concert Reviews
Donny McCaslin@The Blue Whale 03.05.18
Taking time out from his work with Maria Schneider’s Orchestra, tenor saxist Donny McCaslin took a major step forward from his work with and dedicated to the late David Bowie and delivered an exciting 70 minute set of fresh new…
Kenny Wayne Shepherd@The Canyon Club 03.01.18
If you live in LA and simply can’t take the time to drive through Interstate 10 and hit the juke joints in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, the next best alternative is to take in an evening at the Canyon…
Rusty Young w/ Chelsea Williams@The Grammy 02.08.18
Although he’s had a 50+ year career recording with the likes of Buffalo Springfield and the Eagles as well as being a Founding Father of Poco, Rusty Young has taken this long to finally release a solo album. At the…
Joe Bonamassa’s Rock Candy Funk Party@The Baked Potato 02.01.18
If you’ve ever seen Joe Bonamassa in concert with his “regular” band in mega theatres, you’d be in for a pleasant surprise to catch him at the Baked Potato with his Rock Candy Funk Party. Gone is the shark suit,…
Chris Hillman@The Scherr Theatre 01.27.18
Chris Hillman soared with material ranging from his days with The Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers and especially from his most recent album Bidin’ My Time at a captivating 90 minute evening at the Scherr Theatre in Thousand Oaks. It…
Steve Smith & Vital Information @ Catalina’s 01.26.18
For a fan who’s listened to legendary drummer Steve Smith playing in bands ranging from Journey to Steps Ahead, it was easy on Friday night to figure out why his own long-time quartet is called Vital Information. The two score…
Tommy Emmanuel & J.D. Simo@Smothers Theatre 01.17.18
“Train up a child in the way he should grow, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 On Wednesday evening at the Smothers Theatre, both solo artists mentioned that they began learning their instruments…
Mike Gurrola Quintet@The Blue Whale 01.08.1
Some of Los Angeles’ best and most reliable sidemen got together to demonstrate what they can produce on their own terms. Bassist Mike Gurrola, who’s made his name working with the likes of Pharoah Sanders, Eric Reed and Terry Gibbs,…
Andy Garcia and the CineSon All Stars@ Catalina’s 01.05.18
If the packed house at Catalina’s recognized Andy Garcia’s name only by his film reputation, they were in for a pleasant surprise, as the 2 ¾ hour evening had the star giving tribute and historical education in both word and…