About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of November 18, 2019

Monday 11/18 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Jimmy Earl on bass, Katisse Buckingham on sax/flute/rap, and Gary Novak on drums. Pianist Aimee Nolte is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. The Jazz Butchers open for drummer Kevin Kanner’s Jazz Jam at The Mint in West L.A. Black Nile and Blaque Dynamite Blackhouse are at The World Stage in South L.A. Saxophonist Cal Bennett is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at The Famous in Glendale. 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 Riviera 31 in Beverly Hills. The Vignes Rooftop Revival is at Eat Drink Americano in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Richie Freedman’s Cool Blue at Las Hadas in Northridge. The Candy Jacket Jazz Band is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Tuesday 11/19 – Jeff Pifher & Socrates’ Trial at Blue Whale

Saxophonist Jeff Pifher & Socrates’ Trial are at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo for an album release concert with Colin Cook on guitar, Misha Bigos on keys, Eric England on bass, Corey Coverstone on drums, and Ian David Wurfl on percussion. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble is at Sam First in West L.A. TrioKait is at The York in Highland Park. Vocalist Jan Daley is at Catalina in Hollywood. Corcovado is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Ted Howe is at The Sherman Attic in Sherman Oaks. Vocalist Lindsey Webster is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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. Pianist Derrik Lewis is at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. The DE Quartet is at the Oyster Bar in Studio City. Marigold is at Mama Lion in downtown L.A. 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.

Wednesday 11/20 – Yotam Silberstein at Sam First

Guitarist Yotam Silberstein begins a three-night (Wed-Fri) run at Sam First in West L.A. with Dave Robaire on bass and Gary Novak on drums. Pianist Senri Oe is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Saxophonist Jerry Vivino is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Anthony Fung is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Foundation 919 is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Vocalist Sandra Booker is at Wang’s in the Desert in Palm Springs. Guitarist Joshua Breakstone has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist Bradley Young is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Organist Carey Frank 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 Avant Garde Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The Top Hat Big Band is at Las Hadas in Northridge. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Karen Hernandez is at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock with vocalist Marvin Robinson. The Happiness Jazz Band is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Trombonist Steve Johnson plays a late afternoon set at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The El Camino College Concert Jazz Band is at the Marsee Auditorium in Torrance.

Thursday 11/21 – VDE Big Band Plays Thad Jones-Mel Lewis at Blue Whale

Drummer Kevin Van Den Elzen leads the VDE Big Band in a tribute to the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo with an ensemble including saxophonist Bob Mintzer, pianist John Beasley, and bassist John Clayton.  Guitarist Prashant Aswani is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Guitarist Frank Potenza is at Blue Guitar in South Pasadena. Guitarist Ray Fuller is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Lineage Trio is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The Midnight Hour is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Saxophonist/vocalist Woody Mankowski is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Vocalist Chris Williams is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Saxophonist Louis Van Taylor is at The Merc in Temecula. TrioKait is at The Winery in Ventura. Jazz In Pocket is at The Mixx in Pasadena. Bassist David Ross is at the downtown LA Athletic Club with vocalist Barbara Morrison. Drummer Ben Rose is at Perch in downtown L.A. Drummer Tyler Hammond is at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. Saxophonist David Patterson is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. 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. Vocalist Laura Pursell does an afternoon set at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The Baldy Mountain Jazz Band is at The Press Restaurant in Claremont.

Friday 11/22 – Baked Potato All-Stars at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Jeff Richman leads the Baked Potato All-Stars at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Chad Wackerman on drums. Saxophonist David Binney is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Steve Tyrell is at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Trumpeter Ron King’s Big Band is at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage with vocalist Barbara Morrison. Vocalist Margo Rey is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist/vocalist Julie Kelly is at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at the Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center in South L.A. mPhaka is at The Winery in Ventura. Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Trombonist Barry Mosley is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Janice Anderson is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Vocalist Douye’ has the free Friday jazz show at LACMA in West L.A. Vocalist Sandra Stephens is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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/vocalist Peter Smith is at the Parkway Grill in Pasadena. Vocalist Cynthia Thomas is at Woody’s Palm House in Palm Springs. The Woody James Big Band plays an early afternoon show at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. The El Camino College Studio Jazz Band is at the Marsee Auditorium in Torrance. The UCLA Jazz Combos are at Schoenberg Hall in Westwood.

Saturday 11/23 – Anthony Wilson at Blue Whale

Guitarist Anthony Wilson is at Sam First in West L.A. with Josh Nelson on piano, David Piltch on bass, and Jay Bellerose on drums. Pianist Joshua White is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Trumpeter Arturo Sandoval is at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Donald Dean is at The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Greta Matassa and pianist Tamir Hendleman play a house concert at The G Spot in Highland Park. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band is at the Cerritos Center For Performing Arts. The Cinematic Orchestra is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. Vocalist Steve Tyrell is at Catalina in Hollywood. Organist Carey Frank is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Bruce Baker & the Altered Presence Jazz Band w/The Provisional String Quartet are at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Joshua Breakstone is at Pete Carlson’s in Palm Desert. Vocalist Natalie Mendoza is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Vocalist Lauren Koval is at Barone’s in Valley Glen. Percussionist/vocalist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The Jive Aces are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Baltaire in Brentwood. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A.  Saturday brunch choices include trombonist Steve Johnson at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank and saxophonist Doug Webb at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Sunday 11/24 – Doug Webb at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Jame Kime on guitar, Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Joel Taylor on drums. NOJO 7 are at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Vocalist Tierney Sutton does an afternoon show at the Annenberg Theatre in Palm Springs. Bassist Kevin O’Neal is at Catalina in Hollywood.  Guitarist Scott Bramer is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo.  Flutist Holly Hofmann and pianist Mike Wofford are at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego for a late afternoon show. Vocalists Kiki Ebsen and Clifford Bell are at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Acoustic Asylum plays a late afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Laura Pursell is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Vocalist Matt Mauser and the Pete Jacobs Big Band are at Campus Jax in Newport Beach for a late afternoon show. The Vignes Rooftop Revival is at the Grand Central Market in downtown L.A. California Feetwarmers are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Richard Glaser is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Vocalist Melissa Morgan is at The W Hotel in Hollywood. 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. Drummer Dean Rohan is at Fellow in Westwood. Sunday brunch choices include vibraphonist Lolly Allen’s CD release celebration at Catalina in Hollywood, the El Camino College Big Band at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, vocalist Sandy Cummings at SOhO in Santa Barbara, vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch in downtown L.A., pianist Sunny Na and vocaliast Cheryl Conley at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock, vocalist Bri Sarikcioglu at the Luxe Hotel Sunset in Bel Air, and guitarist Mark Fitchett at Chez Melange in Redondo Beach. The Harvard-Westlake Jazz Combos perform at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Monday 11/25 – Rachel Eckroth at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist/vocalist Rachel Eckroth is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Travis Carlton on bass and Gary Novak on drums. Drummer Jaz Sawyer leads a holiday jam session at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Shai Golan appears with the Saddleback College Jazz Lab Ensemble at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park. The Hot Club Of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Vocalist Gretje Angell is at The Famous in Glendale. 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 11/26 – Chick Corea at The Grammy Museum

Pianist Chick Corea is at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A. for a screening and discussion of his film “In The Mind Of A Master”. Trumpeter Danny Jonokuchi’s Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Charles Turner. Guitarist Mitchell Long is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Groove Legacy is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Blanco Diablo opens for vibraphonist Nick Mancini at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Janis Mann sings the music of Burt Bacharach at The Write-Off Room in Woodland Hills. Vocalist Lia Booth is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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. Pianist Derrik Lewis is at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. The DE Quartet is at the Oyster Bar in Studio City. Marigold is at Mama Lion in downtown L.A.   The Magnolia Street Jazz Band plays a noon show at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Drummer Johnny Vana’s Big Band Alumni play a morning show at Las Hadas in Northridge. The UCLA Big Bands are at Schoenberg Hall in Westwood. Vocalist Andy Cowan and pianist Nina Beck are at the Seventy7 Lounge in Culver City.

Wednesday 11/27 – The Lineage Trio at The Baked Potato

The Lineage Trio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City featuring Graham Dechter on guitar, Alex Frank on bass, and Ryan Shaw on drums. Saxophonist David Binney is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Percussionist Fausto Cuevas is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Joe Rozum is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Organist Carey Frank 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 Top Hat Big Band is at Las Hadas in Northridge. Drummer Bill Spoke has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist Karen Hernandez is at Colombo’s in Eagle Rock with vocalist Marvin Robinson. The Jive Aces are at Wang’s in the Desert in Palm Springs.