About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of September 23, 2019

Monday 9/23 – Henry Solomon at Blue Whale

Saxophonist Henry Solomon is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with an opening set with bassist Logan Kane, followed by a second set with Kane, pianist Luca Mendoza, and Christian Euman and Benjamin Ring on drums. Saxophonist Donald Hayes celebrates a birthday at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Jazz Butchers open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A.  Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Higland Park.  California Feetwarmers are at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. Other Monday jam sessions include the Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., pianist Eric Ekstrand at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, and Jazz Eclectic at the Sofitel Riviera 31 in Beverly Hills. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia is at The Famous in Glendale. The Vignes Rooftop Revival is at Eat Drink Americano in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Richie Freedman’s Cool Blue is at Las Hadas in Northridge.

Tuesday 9/24 – Phil Norman Tentet at Vibrato

Saxophonist Phil Norman’s Tentet is at Vibrato in Bel Air including Christian Jacob on piano, Kevin Axt on bass, Dick Weller on drums, Brad Dutz on percussion/vibes, Yarone Levy on guitar, Carl Saunders and Ron Stout on trumpets, Scott Whitfield on trombone, and Rusty Higgins on sax. Bassist Logan Kane is at Sam First in West L.A.  Pianist Matt Politano is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo.  Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Write-Off Room in Woodland Hills. Excursion is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Julian Coryell is at TRiP in Santa Monica. The Mark Hix Big Band is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Guitarist Molly Miller is at The York in Highland Park.  Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The Makers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Parker Room in Hollywood. Guitarist Elyadeen Anbar’s trio is at The San Fernando in Glendale, followed by a jazz jam session. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans and saxophonist John Bolivar are at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. Strange Jazz Universe is at Industry Cafe in Culver City. Trombonist Steve Johnson plays a happy hour set at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Pianist Derrik Lewis is at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. The DE Quartet is at the Oyster Bar in Studio City. The Magnolia Street Jazz Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Drummer Johnny Vanna’s Big Band Alumni play a morning show at Las Hadas in Northridge. The Boyd Cannon Big Band is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village.

Wednesday 9/25 – Josh Nelson at Sam First

Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First in West L.A. for the first of four nights with varying lineups – night one features Danny Janklow on sax, Karl McCormas-Reichl on bass, and Joe La Barbera on drums. Saxophonist Jerry Vivino is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Al Di Meola is at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Vocalist Niki Haris is at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Trevor Anderies is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Saxophonist Ben Flocks is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo.  Accordionist Joey Pesaturo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Taylor McFerrin is at the Moroccan Lounge in downtown L.A. Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The VDE Quartet with saxophonist Kim Richmond is at Wang’s in the Desert in Palm Springs. Vocalist Debbie Joyce is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Drummer Bill Spoke has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Drummer Marco Meneghin is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Flight 584 Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The Top Hat Big Band is at Las Hadas in Northridge.

Thursday 9/26 – Poncho Sanchez at the Grammy Museum

Poncho Sanchez celebrates a CD release of music from John Coltrane at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. Trumpeter John Daversa’s Small Band is at the Wilshire Ebell Garden in downtown L.A. Trumpeter/vocalist Ilya Serov is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist David Binney is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First in West L.A. Guitarists Adam Miller and Mason Stoops are at Blue Guitar in South Pasadena. Vocalist Teryn Re is at The Press Restaurant in Claremont. Vocalist Janis Mann is at The Merc in Temecula. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at the Skirball Center in Bel Air. Vocalist Becky Moon is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Woody Mankowski is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Saxophonist Glen Garrett is at Sunspace in Sunland. Bassist David Ross is at the downtown L.A. Athletic Club with vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia and saxophonist Dayna Stephens. Sunny Blue is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Drummer Ben Rose is at Perch in downtown L.A. Drummer Tyler Hammond is at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. Pianist Derrik Lewis is at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. The Jazz Holiday Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Friday 9/27 – Jazzmeia Horn at Blue Whale

Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn opens a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo, backed by Keith Brown on piano, Rashaan Carter on bass, Anwar Marshall on drums, and Marcus G. Miller on sax.  Saxophonist Azar Lawrence is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First in West L.A. Pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui and vocalist Oleta Adams are at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach. Guitarist Allen Hinds at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Fabus Four with vocalist Natalie Mendoza is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Putter Smith and pianist Jeff Colella are at Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale. Vocalist Francis Coche is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Paulette McWilliams has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Guitarist Robin Henkel is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Vocalist Leslie Smith is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Heather Jill Evans is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist Paul Gormley is at Whale & Ale Pub in San Pedro. Vocalist Jeff Robinson is at Pips on La Brea in West L.A. Pianist David Arnay is at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena. The Woody James Big Band plays an early afternoon show at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The Happiness Band is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Bassist Teddy Bang is at the Industry Cafe in Culver City.

Saturday 9/28 – Gerald Clayton at the Moss Theater

Pianist Gerald Clayton is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica with Logan Richardson on sax, Joe Sanders on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums. The Resolution Trio is at The World Stage in South L.A. with percussionist Kahil El’Zabar, bassist Eric Revis, and saxophonist Teodross Avery.  Percussionist Pete Escovedo is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Jazzmeia Horn is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Josh Nelson is at Sam First in West L.A. The Baker Brothers Big Band is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Dolores Scozzesi hosts a night of vocalists at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Joshua White is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Nutty is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Kleber Jorge is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Niki Haris is at The Purple Room in Palm Springs. Guitarist Jonathan Butler and saxophonist Kirk Whalum are at the Thornton Winery in Temecula. Cosmosquad is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Phat Cat Swinger is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Marcus Johnson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Saxophonist Hugh Von Kleist is at the Whale & Ale Pub in San Pedro for an early afternoon show. Saturday brunch choices include trombonist Steve Johnson at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank and Sunny Blue at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Sunday 9/29 – Bria Skonberg at Blue Whale

Trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Chris Pattishall on keys, Devin Starks on bass, and Darrian Douglas on drums. Pianist Gerald Clayton is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica for a late afternoon show. Vocalist Mary Stallings and saxophonist Dayna Stephens are featured in an afternoon show at the UCLA Fowler Museum in Westwood. The Buddy Rich Big Band with vocalist Cathy Rich and drummer Gregg Potter is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Sandra Booker is at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego. Saxophonist Makoto Kawashima is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Work In Progress is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Trumpeter Willie Bradley is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Pete Chinelli is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Vignes Rooftop Revival is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. California Feetwarmers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalists Patrick Burnitt and Laura Pursell are at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Guitarist Marc Antoine and keyboardist Brian Simpson are at the South Coast Winery in Temecula. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Richard Glaser is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Drummer Ben Rose is at Perch in downtown L.A. The Jazzaholics are at the Tabula Rasa Bar in Hollywood. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at the Industry Cafe in Culver City. Cabarabia at Catalina’s is a brunch benefit for Project Angel Food at Catalina in Hollywood. Other Sunday brunch choices include the Glen Garrett Big Band at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch in downtown L.A., trumpeter Joel Schnaper at The Little Easy 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. Blues guitarist Josh Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Saddleback College Jazz Lab Ensemble is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Monday 9/30 – Allison Au at Blue Whale

Saxophonist Allison Au is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Todd Pentney on piano, Daniel Fortin on bass, and Fabio Ragnelli on drums. Bassist Pete Griffin is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Martini In The Morning marks a studio move to Idaho with a show including vocalists Tierney Sutton and James Torme at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Alison Pill is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park. The Grand Slam Sextet is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.  The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Monday jam sessions include the Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., pianist Eric Ekstrand at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, and Jazz Eclectic at the Riviera 31 in Beverly Hills. The Vignes Rooftop Revival is at Eat Drink Americano in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Richie Freedman’s Cool Blue is at Las Hadas in Northridge.

Tuesday 10/1 – Tim Hagans at Sam First

Trumpeter Tim Hagans is at Sam First in West L.A. with Miro Sprague on piano, Dave Robaire on bass, and Dan Schnelle on drums. Drummer Javo Barrera is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Maria Puga Lareo and saxophonist Bob Sheppard are at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Bassist/vocalist Jennifer Leitham is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Chris McCarthy is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Trumpeter Willie Waldman is at The Mint in West L.A. The Craig Kupka Big Band is at Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale. The Yorkan Trio is at The York in Highland Park. Pianist Maleke Clemmons is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Dennis Mitcheltree is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The Makers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Parker Room in Hollywood. Guitarist Elyadeen Anbar’s trio is at The San Fernando in Glendale, followed by a jazz jam session. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. Strange Jazz Universe is at Industry Cafe in Culver City. Trombonist Steve Johnson plays a happy hour set at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Pianist Derrik Lewis is at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. The DE Quartet is at the Oyster Bar in Studio City. The Magnolia Street Jazz Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Drummer Johnny Vanna’s Big Band Alumni play a morning show at Las Hadas in Northridge. CSUN’s Jazz Combos play a recital at Cypress Hall in Northridge.

Wednesday 10/2 – Matt Mayhall at Blue Whale

Drummer Matt Mayhall is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with Lauren Elizabeth Baba on violin, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, Gregory Uhlmann on guitar, Brian Walsh on clarinet, and Chris Williams on trumpet. Flutist Nicole Mitchell’s Iridescent and The Artifacts Trio split a bill at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Arianna Neikrug is at Catalina in Hollywood. Saxophonist David Binney opens a four-night (Wed-Sat) run at Sam First in West L.A.  Drummer Clayton Cameron has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.  Vocalist Kathleen Grace and pianist Vardan Ovsepian are at Art Share LA in downtown L.A.  Pianist Gerald Clayton is at the TSRI Auditorium in San Diego. Pianist Chick Corea is at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego. Vocalist Mandy Kemp is at Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Chet Happens is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Avant Garde Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Organist Carey Frank is at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. Saxophonist David Patterson is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. The Flight 584 Big Band is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The Top Hat Big Band is at Las Hadas in Northridge. The Angel City Jazz Festival presents the 2019 Young Artist Competition finals at Santa Monica Public Library.