You know it’s going to be a cozy night at The Blue Whale when the release of the debut album by saxist Kirsten Edkins has mom at the front door greeting each member of the audience and dad in the…
Category: Concert Reviews
Jazz Bakery’s “Moveable Feast” Presents: Lionel Loueke Trio@Musician’s Institute 12.12.15
This concert was advertised stating that “this trio opens a powerful new Loueke chapter,” and it was truth in advertising on this crisp Advent night as guitarist Lionel Loueke performed material from his latest album Gaia with a new sound…
Steve Coleman Residency@The Blue Whale 12.09.15
The sign by the front door at the Blue Whale reads “Steve Coleman Advanced Intensive Workshop,” reflecting the goal of the famed alto saxist. This month Coleman has been donating his time and energies in Los Angeles going to schools…
Spencer Day & Jake Simpson w/ the Budman/Levy Orchestra 12.08.15
If there is a just and fair God in this world (and I believe there is), then something’s gotta be done about the fact that crooners like Spencer Day and Jake Simpson are not as well known as Mike Bubbles,…
Steve Gadd Band@Catalina’s 12-03-15
If it’s the groove that makes you move, then nothing will make you as glad as Gadd. Drummer Steve Gadd, who’s ridden the reigns for everyone from Steely Dan to Eric Clapton, brought his own swinging team of Michael Landau/g,…
John Pisano’s Guitar Night@Cody’s 12.01.15
You know it’s going to be a good jam session with LA guitar icon John Pisano when he’s with fellow picker Barry Zweig, and they don’t suggest songs to each other but only keys. Such was the evening at Viva…
The Anderson-Ponty Band@The Saban Theatre 11.20.15
During this time of people debating over what marriage actually is, it was refreshing to see a renewal of wedding vows between jazz and rock at the Saban that included the traditional old, new, borrowed and blue. Vocalist Jon Anderson,…
The Yardbirds@The Canyon Club 11.15.15
Although there is only one member of the original band, the Yardbirds with drummer Jim McCarty kept faithful to the legendary band album titles, as the Five Live Yardbirds had a Rave Up at the packed Canyon Club Sunday night,…
Dorado Schmitt’s Django All Stars w/ Roger Kellaway@The Lobero 11-10-15
Until the past generation, people became jazz fans because it was the best music for dancing, and not listening to cacophonic solos.Guitarist Dorado Schmitt and his Django All Stars reminded the packed audience at the Lobero that the first distinction…
Smulyan-Mintzer-LaBarbera-Oles@The Blue Whale10.31.15
Just before the 90 minute set started, drummer Joe LaBarbera was asked if this set with Gary Smulyan/bari, Bob Mintzer/ts and Darek Oles/b was part of a tour or recording project. “No,” he replied, “it’s just some guys getting together…