About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of May 28, 2018

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. Bassist Adam Cohen is at TRiP in Santa Monica. 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 Blue Rhythm Orchestra is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. 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.

Thursday 5/31 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass, Jamie Kime on guitar, and Danny Carey on drums. Saxophonist David Binney is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Kait Dunton is at Blue Guitar in South Pasadena. Pianist Chick Corea’s Elektric Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Kendall Kay is at The Merc in Temecula. Bassist Jeff Denson is at SOhO in Santa Barbara.  Vocalist Chris Norton is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at The Muck in Fullerton. Bassist David Ross is at the LA Athletic Club in downtown Los Angeles with vocalist Maria Howell. 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. Vocalist Janet Orsi is at the Laguna Beach Brewery in Laguna Beach. The Organ Donors are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Elena Gilliam is at Barley Forge in Costa Mesa. The Jazz Holiday Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Friday 6/1 – Gerald Clayton at Blue Whale

Pianist Gerald Clayton opens a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Bassist John Clayton duets with pianist Chris Dawson at Sam First in West L.A. Flamenco/jazz Pianist Chano Dominguez is at the Ford Amphitheatre in Hollywood. Guitarist Allen Hinds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with vocalist Maxayn Lewis. Vocalist Tony Bennett is at the Segerstrom Center For The Arts in Costa Mesa. Pianist Chick Corea’s Elektric Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band kicks off a series of free Friday night outdoor jazz concerts at the Segerstrom Center For The Arts’ Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa. Drummer Jason Lee Bruns’ Collective is at Vitello’s in Studio City.  Saxophonist Flavia Bullett is at The Stage in Burbank.  Vocalist Devyn Rush is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Blue Morning Quintet is at The World Stage in South L.A.  Trio Brasilsense is at the Brasil Arts Cafe in Santa Barbara.  Keyboardist Oli Silk is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Jasmine Tommaso is at the Purple Room 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. Trombonist Barry Mosley is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A.

Saturday 6/2 – Baked Potato All-Stars at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jeff Richman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Alphonso Johnson on bass, and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums.  Bassist Jeff Denson is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.   Cuban pianist Chuchito Valdes has the free afternoon Latin show at LACMA in West L.A.  Pianist Chick Corea’s Elektric Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Gerald Clayton is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo.  Vocalist Janis Mann is at the San Fernando Valley Arts & Cultural Center in Tarzana.  Pianist Todd Hunter is at Bar Fedora in downtown L.A. Vocalist Dolores Scozzesi is at The Gardenia in Hollywood. Brazilian vocalist Karina Corradini is at the Barbara Morrison PAC in South L.A. Down To The Bone is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Nobresil is at Casa Arjona in Long Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Alan Hampton plays a solo show at Sam First in West L.A. Pianist Chad Edwards is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Brian Culbertson opens the summer jazz series at Thornton Winery in Temecula. 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. Vocalist Rickie Byars Beckwith is at The World Stage in South L.A. Saturday brunch choices include bassist Ryan Roberts at Perch in downtown L.A., pianist Sam Hirsh at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, and trombonist Steve Johnson at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank.

Sunday 6/3 – Jeff Babko and Zach Danziger at Blue Whale

Keyboardist Jeff Babko and drummer Zach Danziger are at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with an evening of live improvisation to film. Pianist Daniel Szabo is at Sam First in West L.A. Violinist/vocalist Leah Zeger is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Julie Kelly is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Pianist Chick Corea’s Elektric Band is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Toshi Yanagi’s Buzz Wizards are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Gravity 180 is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer Kevin Van Den Elzen is at Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Bruce Friedman is at Harold’s Place in San Pedro. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran plays an afternoon show at the Taper Auditorium at the Central Library in downtown L.A. Bassist Teddy Bang is at Boardwalk 11 in West L.A. Sunday brunch choices include the John Stevens Big Band at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, vibraphonist Lolly Allen at SOhO in Santa Barbara, vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch in downtown L.A., bassist Rufus Philpot at The Springs in downtown L.A., vocalist Bri Sarikcioglu at the Luxe Hotel Sunset in Bel Air, and guitarist Mark Fitchett at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach.

Monday 6/4 – Jamie Kime at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Toshi Yanagi on guitar, Travis Carlton on bass, Shane Gaalaas on drums, and Matt Rohde on keys. Saxophonist Michael Mull is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Seth MacFarlane is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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 drummer Kevin Kanner at The Mint in West L.A., guitarist Matthew Yeakley at The Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., guitarist/vocalist Kimberly Ford at SOhO in Santa Barbara, 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. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park.

Tuesday 6/5 – Keelan Dimick at Vitello’s

Pianist Keelan Dimick is at Vitello’s in Studio City with Alex Boneham on bass and Alex Snydman on drums. Galactic Booty Company is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Jeff Hamilton leads the LACM Big Band at The Garage in Pasadena. The Thelonious Monk Institute holds its monthly jam session at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Saxophonist Sean Harrison is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. John Pisano’s Guitar Night is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank on the front stage, while Strange Jazz Universe has the rear stage. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree opens for Blanco Diablo 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 6/6 – Joshua White at Mr. Musichead Gallery

Pianist Joshua White is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood with Dean Hulett on bass and Dan Schnelle on drums. Guitarist Fabiano Do Nascimento is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Work In Progress with vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist/flutist Kaylene Peoples is at Catalina in Hollywood. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran is outdoors at Boisseranc Park in Buena Park. Trombonist Kevin Hicks is at Oeno Vino Wine Shop in downtown L.A. Vocalist Rachel Kaplan is at Vibrato in Bel Air. 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. Guitarist Mike Scott has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The Top Hat Big Band is at Las Hadas in Northridge. Blues guitarist/vocalist Roy Gaines opens a Wednesday summer music series at the LA Third Church for Spiritual Living in South L.A.