The Cambridge Dictionary defines “conversation” as “an informal, usually private, talk in which two or more peoples exchange thoughts, feelings, or ideas…in which news or information is given or discussed.” Bassist Dave Holland and pianist Kenny Barron gave a sumptuous…
Category: Concert Reviews
Brad Mehldau & The Bad Plus at Valley Performing Arts CSUN 12.06.14
Same format, two completely different approaches. That’s what was demonstrated by arguably the two most important jazz trios around these days. Brad Mehldau’s trio with Jeff Ballard/dr and Larry Grenadier/b teamed up with The Bad Plus of Reid Anderson/b, Ethan…
Preservation Hall Jazz Band & Allen Toussaint@The Broad Stage 11.29.14
On the concert ticket stub, it read “Legends of New Orleans,” but If anyone on either side of the Mississippi hasn’t heard the sounds or songs by the venerable PHJB and songwriter/pianist Allen Toussaint, this 2 hour concert did a…
Miguel Zenon 4tet@The Broad Stage/Edye 11.15.14
What is your identity? That simple question is what Miguel Zenon answered for 1 ½ hours with his alto sax and band of Luis Perdomo/p, Hans Glawischnig/b and Eric Doob/dr. Performing music from his latest thought provoking album Identities are…
Dorado Schmitt & The Django Reinhardt All-Stars@Lobero Theatre 11.11.14
One of the endearing qualities of the French is that they revere their traditions and styles. Where we Americans continually “move on,” artists like guitarist Dorado Schmitt revel in styles that, once created, need to be continually explored and appreciated.…
Leo Kottke@The Lobero Theatre 11.08.14
Have you ever gone into the shop of a master jeweler or even a shoe repairman and just spend some time watching him work at his craft? That’s the kind of feel and ambience guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke gave the…
Jazz Bakery “Moveable Feast “ Presents: Stefon Harris Trio@Zipper Hall 10.24.14
Stefon Harris steps up to the mic in front of the enthusiastic crowd at Zipper Hall and sets the theme of the evening by saying “Let’s call tonight a ‘stretch opportunity.’ We’re here to trust each other and let the…
Maceo Parker@Catalina’s 10.11.14
If you ever heard the sax on James Brown’s classic tunes “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” and “I Feel Good,” you’ve heard the searing sax of Maceo Parker. But, unless you see him and his band in concert, you’ll…
Diego Figuereido@Vibrato 10.10.14
He’s only come to LA a few times, but if Diego Figuereido’s set at Vibrato is any indicator, he better start looking for a place to rent. The Brazilian guitarist played before a packed house and brought the upscale crowd…
Ravi Coltrane@ Dazzle Restaurant & Lounge, 09.26.14 by Douglas Groothuis
(Douglas Groothuis is our contributor and foreign correspondent from the swinging state of Colorado) The Ravi Coltrane quartet performed before a packed crowd at Denver’s premier jazz club, Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge on September 26, 20014 at 9:00 PM. Having…