Monday 4/2 – Simon Plibrow & The Brent Fischer Orchestra at Vitello’s
Australian pianist Simon Pilbrow celebrates a CD release at Vitello’s in Studio City, backed by the Brent Fischer Orchestra with guest pianist Mike Lang and drummer Ray Brinker. Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Matt Politano is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Monday jam sessions include guitarist Matthew Yeakley at The Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., pianist Eric Ekstrand at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, and Jazz Eclectic at the Sofitel Beverly Hills Riviera 31. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park. Vocalist Gretje Angell begins a new weekly Monday series at The Famous in Glendale.
Tuesday 4/3 – Bernie Dresel’s BBB at Joe’s Great American
Drummer Bernie Dresel brings his BBB big band to Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Guitarist Jim Fox kicks off a new series of John Pisano’s Guitar Nights at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Cellist Artyom Manukyan is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Fred Dinkins celebrates a CD release at Catalina in Hollywood. Bassist Mike Gurrola is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at TRiP in Santa Monica opening for Blanco Diablo. The Thelonious Monk Institute holds its monthly jam session at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Guitarist Terry Wollman & vocalist Melanie Taylor are at Nerano in Beverly Hills. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Parker Room in Hollywood. The Makers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist David Marcus is at Il Piccolo Verde in Brentwood. Guitarist Elyadeen Anbar’s trio is at The San Fernando in Glendale, followed by a jazz jam session. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans and saxophonist John Bolivar are at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. Vocalist Linda Zulaica is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.
Wednesday 4/4 – Mike Gurrola at Blue Whale
Bassist Mike Gurrola is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Mike Cottone on trumpet, Simon Moullier on vibes, Josh Nelson on piano, and Kevin Kanner on drums. Trumpeter Etienne Charles is at The Scripps Research Institute Auditorium in San Diego with Danny Janklow on saxophone, Tony Tixier on piano, Samir Moulay on guitar, Dean Hullett on bass, and Jonathan Pinson on drums. Goat Yoga is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Steve Holmes on drums, Jeff Miley on guitar, Benjamin Shepherd on bass, and Frank Fontaine on sax. Saxophonist Lito Fernandez is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra are at Rockwell Table & Stage. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at AJ’s On The Green in Cathedral City. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. Trombonist Kevin Hicks has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.
Thursday 4/5 – Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra at The Soraya – Valley Performing Arts Center
The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra led by John Clayton and drummer Jeff Hamilton performs at The Soraya – Valley Performing Arts Center at Cal State Northridge. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Kathleen Grace is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Josh Nelson is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Spanky Wilson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Michael Feinstein begins a two-night (Thu-Fri) run at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Bob Sheppard is at Cooks Chapel in Anaheim. Bassist David Ross is at the LA Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles. Saxophonist Javier Vergara is at Senor Fish in downtown L.A. Drummer Ben Rose is at Perch in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Reginald Paul is at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood. Guitarist David Marcus is at Il Piccolo Verde in Brentwood. Bassist Francois Moutin and vocalist Kavita Shah play an afternoon concert at the Saddleback College Fine Arts Building in Mission Viejo. Pianist Todd Hunter is at Barley Forge in Costa Mesa.
Friday 4/6 – Sean Jones at Soka Performing Arts Center
Trumpeter Sean Jones is at Soka Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo with pianist Alex Brown, bassist Corcoran Holt, and drummer Quincy Phillips. Vocalist Denise Donatelli opens a two-night run at the Nakano Theater in Torrance. Percussionist/vocalist Poncho Sanchez begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Walter Smith III celebrates a CD release at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). The World Stage in South L.A. offers a birthday tribute to the late pianist Horace Tapscott. Drummer Joey Heredia is at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. The Rodgarband is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Nils is at Vitello’s in Studio City. Vocalist Michael Feinstein is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Drummer Joel Taylor is at the 1881 Club in Pasadena. Bassist Paul Gormley is at Whale & Ale Pub in San Pedro. Guitarist/vocalist James Cornelison is at Perch in downtown L.A. Vocalist Jeff Robinson is at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood. Pianist David Arnay is at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena. Blues vocalist Reverend Shawn Amos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Mark van Aken is at the Industry Cafe in Culver City.
Saturday 4/7 – Denise Donatelli at the Nakano Theater
Vocalist Denise Donatelli is at the Nakano Theater in Torrance with Geoffrey Keezer on piano, Alex Boneham on bass, and Mark Ferber on drums. Saxophonist David Sanchez is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica with Luis Perdomo on piano, Ricky Rodriguez on bass, Obed Calvaire on drums, Lage Lund on guitar, Markus Schwartz on percussion, and Jhan Lee Aponte on percussion & dance.
Drummer Jimmy Branly is at Bar Fedora in downtown L.A. Guitarist Carl Verheyen is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Walter Smith III is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Percussionist/vocalist Poncho Sanchez is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist George Kahn is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Issac Wilson is at Sam First in West L.A. Keyboardist Mark de Clive-Lowe is at the Peppermint Club in West Hollywood. The Arohi Ensemble is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at the Public House in Fullerton. Pianist Connie Han has the happy hour gig at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood. Vocalist Rose Mallet is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Vocalist Andy Cowan and pianist Nina Beck are at the Tompkins Square Bar & Grill in Westchester. Jack’s Cats are at the Sky Room in Long Beach. Saturday brunch choices include bassist Ryan Roberts at Perch in downtown L.A., saxophonist Mark Isbell at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, and trombonist Steve Johnson at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank.
Sunday 4/8 – Otmaro Ruiz at Sam First
Pianist Otmaro Ruiz is at Sam First in West L.A. with Dave Robaire on bass and Jimmy Branly on drums. The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Pianist Brian Auger is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Huntertones are at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. A quartet of vocalists led by Corky Hale offer a tribute To Billie Holiday at Catalina in Hollywood. Trumpeter Jens Lindemann is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Roll Call Quartet is at Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. The Idiomatiques are at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Richard Glaser is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Trumpeter Jamelle Adisa is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Quadranome is at the Oyster House in Studio City. Along For The Ride plays an early evening set at the Seabird Jazz Lounge in Long Beach. Vocalist Susan Krebs does an early evening jazz vespers at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell and trumpeter Bobby Bradford lead a group for an early afternoon concert at the First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica. The LA Jazz Society hosts a benefit brunch for its Bill Green Mentorship Propgram at Catalina in Hollywood. Other Sunday brunch choices include the Lenny Stack Big Band at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch in downtown L.A., vocalist Sharon Marie Cline at The Little Easy in downtown L.A., bassist Rufus Philpot at The Springs in downtown L.A., saxophonist Cal Bennett at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood, vocalist Bri Sarikcioglu at the Luxe Hotel Sunset in Bel Air, guitarist Mark Fitchett at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach, and drummer Kevin Crabb at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank.
Monday 4/9 – David Garfield at Bogie’s
Pianist David Garfield is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village with Emil Richards on vibes, Joe Porcaro on drums, Chuck Berghofer on bass, Ira Nepus on trombone, and Larry Klimas on sax. Pianist Connie Han is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Robert Turner and vocalist Dyan Kane open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Other Monday jam sessions include guitarist Matthew Yeakley at The Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., trumpeter Jeff Elliott at SOhO in Santa Barbara, pianist Eric Ekstrand at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, Jazz Eclectic at the Sofitel Beverly Hills Riviera 31, and the Blues Power Jam at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at The Famous in Glendale. Violinist Benny Brydern is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.
Tuesday 4/10 – Mike Garson at Bogie’s
Pianist Mike Garson is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village with Denny Seiwell on drums, Marlon Martinez on bass, and vocalists Bernard Fowler and Shelby Flint. Pianist Jon Mayer is at Vibrato in Bel Air with bassist Will Lyles and drummer Roy McCurdy. Work In Progress with vocalist Kara Grainger is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. John Pisano’s Guitar Night at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank features guest Frank Potenza. Vocalist Kana Shimanuki is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Mandy Kemp is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Blanco Diablo is at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Long Beach City College Big Band is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with special guest drummer Chad Wackerman. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Guitarist Terry Wollman & vocalist Melanie Taylor are at Nerano in Beverly Hills. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips on La Brea in West Hollywood. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Parker Room in Hollywood. Groovy Tuesday is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist David Marcus is at Il Piccolo Verde in Brentwood. Guitarist Elyadeen Anbar’s trio is at The San Fernando in Glendale, followed by a jazz jam session. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans and saxophonist John Bolivar are at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. Barbara Brighton’s Young Artist Jazz Series hosts the Colburn School Jazz Workshop at Catalina in Hollywood.
Wednesday 4/11 – Josh Nelson at Seven Degrees
Pianist Josh Nelson is at Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach with Anthony Wilson on guitar, Kathleen Grace and Lillian Sengpiehl on vocals, Chris Lawrence on trumpet, Danny Janklow on saxophone, Brian Walsh on clarinet, Alex Boneham on bass, and Dan Schnelle on drums. Saxophonist Phil Norman’s Tentet is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Organist Jake Silverman is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Karen Benjamin and pianist Alan Chapman are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Julie Kelly is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at AJ’s On The Green in Cathedral City. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Flight 584 Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The Fresh Rhythm does an early evening outdoor set at the Segerstrom Center For The Arts in Costa Mesa.
About & Out - Tom Meek's Weekly Best Bets For Live Jazz In Los Angeles And Across Southern California 