About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of December 9, 2019

 

Monday 12/9 – Kaveh Rastegar & Matt Chamberlain at Blue Whale

Bassist Kaveh Rastegar and drummer Matt Chamberlain are at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Guitarist Ben Monder is at the Corazon Performing Arts Center in Topanga. Pianist Ron Kobayashi and vocalist Lola Kristine are 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. 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 12/10 – Robert Rodriguez Rospide at Sam First

Pianist Robert Rodriguez Rospide hosts a Latin jazz jam session at Sam First in West L.A. with Mike Gurrola on bass and Jimmy Branly on drums. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble hosts a jam session at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Freda Payne is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Ben Monder is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Keyboardist David Garfield is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. The Yorkan Trio is at The York in Highland Park. The Colibri Quartet is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Trumpeter Brian Swartz is at Perch in downtown L.A. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips On La Brea in West 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. Guitarist Mark Leggett is at TRiP in Santa Monica.

Wednesday 12/11 – Alex Cline Upeksha Ensemble at Mr. Musichead Gallery

Drummer Alex Cline is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood with Eric Barber on sax, Michael Gregory Jackson on guitar, Joshua White on piano, and Miller Wrenn on bass. Trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Saxophonist Jerry Vivino is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble is at Sam First in West L.A. Vocalist Amanda McBroom is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Laura Pursell has a happy hour set at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank, followed by the Flight 584 Big Band. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Maryanne Reall is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. 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. Chet Happens is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.

Thursday 12/12 – Alan Pasqua Trio at Sam First

Pianist Alan Pasqua opens a three-night (Thu-Sat) run at Sam First in West L.A. with Darek Oles on bass and Conor Malloy on drums. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trombonist Jon Hatamiya leads a big band at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. The South Pas All-Stars are at Blue Guitar in South Pasadena. Guitarist Steve Cotter is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at The Merc in Temecula. Trombonist/vocalist Aubrey Logan is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. The Jazz Symposium is at The Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Billy Valentine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Jazz Cartel is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Work In Progress is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. Bassist David Ross is at the downtown LA Athletic Club with vocalist Elaine Woodard. 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.  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 12/13 – Josh Nelson’s Discovery Project at Blue Whale

Pianist Josh Nelson’s Discovery Project is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat) featuring Alex Boneham on bass, Dan Schnelle on drums, Larry Koonse on guitar, Brian Walsh on clarinet, Chris Lawrence on trumpet, and Travis Flournoy on visuals. Pianist Alan Pasqua is at Sam First in West L.A. Vocalist Ledisi begins a two-week run at The Wallis in Beverly Hills in “The Legend Of Little Girl Blue” dedicated to Nina Simone. Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena with guitarist Scott Henderson.  Trumpeter Matt Von Roderick offers a tribute to Chet Baker at BMPAC in South L.A.  Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. The Rumproller Organ Trio is at the Broad Stage Edye Black Box in Santa Monica. El Trio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Laura Pursell is at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank. Vocalist Pierre Chambers is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. California Feetwarmers have the happy hour gig at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. 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. 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 Saddleback College Jazz Combos are at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Saturday 12/14 – Open Hands at the Moss Theater

Open Hands is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica with Patrice Rushen on keys, Abraham Laboriel, Sr. on bass, Justo Almario on sax, and Bill Maxwell on drums. Pianist Josh Nelson’s Discovery Project is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Pianist Alan Pasqua is at Sam First in West L.A. Trumpeter Curtis Taylor is at Pete Carlson’s in Palm Desert. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. El Trio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Jonny Blu leads an evening of vocalists at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. Hiroshima is at The Rose Canyon in Pasadena. Vocalist Thelma Jones is at Barone’s in Valley Glen. Saxophonist Jessy J is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Baltaire in Brentwood. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini plays a free early evening show at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers. 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 Ben Sachs at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The Saddleback College Big Band is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo.

Sunday 12/15 – Tessa Souter with Eric Redd at the Moss Theater

Vocalist Tessa Souter is at the Moss Theater in Santa Monica with pianist Eric Reed. Drummer Bernie Dresel’s BBB big band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Corbin Jones leads a big band at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. The Duke Ellington Orchestra is at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa. Vocalist Allison Adams Tucker has a late afternoon show at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego. Pianist Rachel Flowers is at The Winery in Ventura for an early afternoon performance. 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 guitarist Jacques Lesure at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, vocalist Jesse Palter at Perch in downtown L.A.,  the V-Tones 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.

Monday 12/16 – Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band at Vibrato

Pianist/Saxophonist/Composer Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air featuring vocalist Vangie Gunn. Guitarist Mike Baggetta is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Vocalist Lynne Fiddmont is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Keith David is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. 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 drummer Kevin Kanner’s jazz jam at The Mint in West L.A., the Falls Lounge in downtown L.A., guitarist Kimberly Ford at SOhO in Santa Monica, 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. Pianist Hal Ratliff is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist John Reynolds is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank.

Tuesday 12/17 – Tom Ranier at Sam First

Pianist Tom Ranier is at Sam First with Layy Koonse on guitar, Trey Henry on bass, and Ralph Humphrey on drums. Saxophonist Jeff Pifher’s Socrates’ Trial is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Violinist Mark O’Connor is at the Musco Center in Orange. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Julie Newsome is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Pianist Ron Kobayashi and vocalist Lola Kristine are 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. 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. Guitarist Steve Lukather’s Nerve Bundle plays the first of two (Tue-Wed) sold out shows at The Baked Potato in Studio City.

Wednesday 12/18 – Benjamin Shepherd at Sam First

Bassist Benjamin Shepherd is at Sam First in West L.A. for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu) with John Beasley on piano and Joe La Barbera on drums. Bassist/vocalist Katie Thiroux is at Blue Whale in Little Tokyo. Bassist Jennifer Leitham is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Bassist Henry Franklin has the happy hour gig at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Pianist/vocalist Marina Pacowski is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist/vocalist Paulie Cerra is at Joe’s Great American in Burbank. The Rumproller Organ Trio is at Wang’s in the Desert in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Dave Koz is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Pianist Christina Galisatus is at the Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Drummer Bryan Cabrera 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. Vocalist Laura Pursell has a happy hour gig at Viva Rancho Cantina in Burbank, followed by The Flight 584 Big Band. 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. Guitarist Steve Lukather’s Nerve Bundle is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.