About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of May 21, 2018

Monday 5/21 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Katisse Buckingham on sax/flute/rap, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Gergo Borlai on drums. Bassist Tim Lefebvre is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with keyboardists Jeff Babko and Troy Ziegler with Matt Chamberlain on drums. Pianist Michael Ragonese opens for Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam at The Mint in West L.A. The Grand Slam Sextet is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. 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., pianist Eric Ekstrand at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, Jazz Eclectic at the Sofitel Beverly Hills Riviera 31, and guitarist/vocalist Kimberly Ford at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at The Famous in Glendale. The El Camino College Studio Jazz Band is at the Haag Recital Hall in Torrance.

Tuesday 5/22 – Dave Tull at Catalina

Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull celebrates a CD release at Catalina in Hollywood with Doug Webb on sax, Larry Koonse on guitar, Kevin Axt on bass, Andy Langham on piano, and Lia Booth on vocals. Vocalists Catina DeLuna, Susan Marder and Gina Kronstadt are at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Trumpeter Ron King’s Big Band is at Vitello’s in Studio City. Percussionist Airto Moreira appears with daughter Diana Purim & Eyedentity for a CD release at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Madeleine Peyroux is at The Rose in Pasadena. Drummer Javo Barrera is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Jeff Pifher celebrates a CD release at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Singer/songwriter Paul Simon is at The Hollywood Bowl for the first of two nights (Tue-Wed). John Pisano’s guest for Guitar Night at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank is Tim May. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini opens for Blanco Diablo is at TRiP in Santa Monica. 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. The Magnolia Street Jazz Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. The Millikan High School Jazz Band is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.

Wednesday 5/23 – Walter Smith III at Mr. Musichead Gallery

Saxophonist Walter Smith III kicks off a series of Wednesday summer concerts at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. The LA Jazz Institute kicks off its five-day/night “Woodchoppers Ball” celebration of the music of clarinetist Woody Herman at the Four Points By Sheraton LAX in West Los Angeles. Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Guitarists Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore open a two-night (Wed-Thu) run at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Harpist/vocalist Cormac De Barra is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Singer/songwriter Paul Simon is at The Hollywood Bowl. Pianist/vocalist Billy Stritch is at Vitello’s in Studio City. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Spanky Wilson. 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. Vocalist Jimmy Spencer and pianist Karen Hernandez are at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock. The Flight 584 Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Vocalist Liela Soder is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Glenn Garrett has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The El Camino College Concert Jazz Band is at the Campus Theatre in Torrance.

Thursday 5/24 – Jamie Shew at Blue Whale

Vocalist Jamie Shew celebrates a CD release at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo, backed by Larry Koonse on guitar, Joe Bagg on keys, Darek Oles on bass, and Jason Harnell on drums. Saxophonist Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids are at Zebulon in downtown L.A. for the first of two nights (Thu-Fri). Trumpeter Curtis Taylor is at The Merc in Temecula. The LA Jazz Institute’s celebration of the music of clarinetist Woody Herman continues at the Four Points By Sheraton LAX in West Los Angeles. Guitarists Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Richie Gajate Garcia is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Jaz Sawyer is at Blue Guitar in South Pasadena. The Fullerton Jazz Orchestra features saxophonist Tom Peterson at The Muck in Fullerton. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Guitarist/vocalist Cutis Parry is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Bassist David Ross is at the LA Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Preux & Proper in downtown L.A. Guitarist Steve Oliver is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. The Glen Roberts Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Vocalist Donna Deussen and guitarist Paul Weitz are at the Thai Fusion Bistro in Woodland Hills. Bassist Bruce Lett is at Barley Forge in Costa Mesa. The Jazz Holiday Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Friday 5/25 – Chris Potter at Sam First

Saxophonist Chris Potter begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Sam First in West L.A. with Daniel Szabo on piano, Dave Robaire on bass, and Jonathan Pinson on drums. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Saxophonist Teodross Avery is at The World Stage in South L.A. Trumpeter John Daversa opens a three-night (Fri-Sun) run with his 17-piece big band at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalists Ann Hampton Callaway & Amanda McBroom open a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids are at Zebulon in downtown L.A. The LA Jazz Institute’s celebration of the music of clarinetist Woody Herman continues at the Four Points By Sheraton LAX in West Los Angeles. Vocalist Jennifer Keith is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Leslie Smith is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. 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. Vocalist Lynn Cardona is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Jack’s Cats are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Industry Cafe in Culver City.

Saturday 5/26 – Joe La Barbera at Blue Whale

Drummer Joe La Barbera is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Bob Sheppard on sax, Clay Jenkins on trumpet, Bill Cunliffe on piano, and Jonathan Richards on bass. Saxophonist Chris Potter is at Sam First in West L.A. Pianist/vocalist Carol Welsman is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Yu Ooka and vocalist Yvette Ni are at Bar Fedora in downtown L.A. The Boogaloo Assasins kick off the free Saturday evening summer Latin jazz series at LACMA in West L.A. Drummer Al Williams is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Percussionist Don Littleton is at The World Stage in downtown L.A. Trumpeter John Daversa fronts his 17-piece big band at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalists Ann Hampton Callaway & Amanda McBroom are at Catalina in Hollywood. The LA Jazz Institute’s celebration of the music of clarinetist Woody Herman continues at the Four Points By Sheraton LAX in West Los Angeles. The Donavan/Muradian Quartet is at The Mixx in Pasadena. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at The Public House in Fullerton. Drummer Mark Z. Stevens is at Desert Rose in Los Feliz. 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. Guitarist Bruce Forman’s Junkyard Duo has the happy hour gig at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Vince Reyes is at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Pamela Clay is at Barone’s in Valley Glen. Saturday brunch choices include bassist Ryan Roberts at Perch in downtown L.A., and trombonist Steve Johnson at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank.

Sunday 5/27 – John Daversa Big Band at The Baked Potato

Trumpeter John Daversa fronts his 17-piece big band at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the last of three nights (Fri-Sun). Guitarist John DePatie plays a late afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro, followed by an evening performance from pianist Sam Ross. Pianist Tony Tixier is at Sam First in West L.A. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Dominic Flynn is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalists Ann Hampton Callaway & Amanda McBroom are at Catalina in Hollywood. Black Market Reverie celebrates a CD release at Vitello’s in Studio City. The LA Jazz Institute’s celebration of the music of clarinetist Woody Herman concludes at the Four Points By Sheraton LAX in West Los Angeles. California Feet Warmers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Denise Thimes is at the A Frame Jazz afternoon house concert series in Hollywood. Sunday brunch choices include vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch 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, and guitarist Mark Fitchett at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach.

Monday 5/28 – Mitchell Long at Blue Whale

Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Otmaro Ruiz on piano, Rene Camacho on bass, and Aaron Serfaty on drums. Pianist/vocalist Rachel Eckroth is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Paul Simon plays a final concert at The Hollywood Bowl. 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. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at The Famous in Glendale.

Tuesday 5/29 – Simon Moullier at Blue Whale

Vibraphonist Simon Moullier is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Gerald Clayton on piano, Billy Buss on trumpet, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Jongkuk Kim on drums. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist/vocalist Grace Kelly is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Rumproller Organ Trio is at Vibrato in Bel Air. John Pisano’s Guitar Night at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank features guest Cary Denigris. The Boyd Cannon Big Band is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village.  Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Matt Von Roderick opens for Blanco Diablo is at TRiP in Santa Monica.  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. The Magnolia Street Jazz Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Wednesday 5/30 – Chick Corea Elektric Band at Catalina

Pianist Chick Corea is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of five nights (Wed-Sun) with Frank Gambale on guitar, John Patitucci on bass, Eric Marienthal on sax, and Dave Weckl on drums. Pianist John Beasley is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Beekman is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Erin McDougald is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Elijah Rock is at Vitello’s in Studio City. Keyboardist Brian Culbertson is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. 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. Vocalist Jimmy Spencer and pianist Karen Hernandez are at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock. The Flight 584 Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Bassist Bruce Lett has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Blues guitarist Josh Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.