When you think of Scandinavian jazz, blues and gospel are not the first things that pop into your mind. Yet, Tord Gustavsen brought his Quartet to the Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club and delivered a 90 minute concert that showed…
Category: Concert Reviews
Chris Potter’s Quartet@Musician’s Institute 02.28.13
Here it is, only February, and already saxist Chris Potter has been in local gigs three different times. The first two had him as a partner with Pat Metheny, and then he formed part of the front line with the…
Kurt Rosenwinkel Quartet@Kirk Douglas Theatre 02.22.13
One of the true marks of an artist is that he’s grasped that golden ring of “having your own voice.” Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel has developed a recording catalogue and touring career based on not only his unique approach to his…
John Beasley’s MONKestra@Vitello’s 02.20.13
John Beasley wasn’t far off the mark when he half-jokingly stated at the start of the Vitello’s gig that “I’ve been on a city-wide tour this year.” For the past 6 weeks, the keyboardist has rolled back into his tin…
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra @ The Canyon Club 02.15.13
Like so many artists, it would be temptingly easy for guitarist Ottmar Liebert to simply cash in on the popularity that he developed 20 years ago and simply coast into town and play the songs that are expected of him.…
Robben Ford@Catalina’s 02.07.13
Look, he founded the Yellowjackets, toured with Miles and has played with George Harrison and Joni Mitchell, but when you come right down to it, what guitarist Robben Ford is REALLY all about is the blues, and that’s what he’s…
Branford Marsalis Quartet@Valley Performing Arts Center 02.02.13
Returning to the town where he used to lead the Tonight Show band, Branford Marsalis reunited with fans and friends by bringing his hard working group of Joey Caldarazzo/p, Eric Revis/b and Justin Faulkner/dr to the acoustically enjoyable Valley Arts…
Vinicius Cantuaria & Bill Frisell@Skirball Cultural Center 01.20.13
It was a classic night of quiet nights and quiet stars, as Vinicius Cantuaria and Bill Frisell presented quiet chords on their guitars at the acoustically cozy Skirball Center. They’ve put out a few collaborative releases together, their latest being…
Monterey Jazz Festival All Stars@The Lobero Theatre 01.15.13
Celebrating 55 years of the finest in jazz, the touring Monterey Jazz Festivals All Stars rolled into Santa Barbara (or “Saint Babs,” as leader Christian McBride joked) and turned the upscale packed house into a its own. Before the entire band of Ambrose…
Jane Monheit@Catalina’s 12.31.12
In view of the Fiscal Cliff, it seemed like the only way to end the year on a good note was to take in a NYE celebration at Catalina’s with Jane Monheit and her band of Michael Kanan/p, Neal Miner/b…