About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of February 14, 2022

It’s a busy week in jazz across SoCal with shows from Gretchen Parlato, Jane Monheit, Josh Nelson, Gerald Clayton, Harold Lopez-Nussa, Donald Barrett, Ben Williams, Jimmy Mahlis, Joshua Crumbly, Mark Zaleski, Jerry Vivino, and the Esperanza Spaulding/Wayne Shorter opera Iphigenia.

Please see the online version of About & Out for updated information throughout the week at lajazzpicks.com. It’s a good idea to check with venues directly for any last minute changes and/or cancellations before heading out.

Monday 2/14 – Jerry Vivino at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Jerry Vivino is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Langham on keys, Vince Fossett Jr. on drums, and John Leftwich on bass. Vocalist Liela Avila is at Sorriso in Pasadena. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Judith Hill is at Catalina in Hollywood. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park. Vocalists Leonard Patton and Rebecca Jade are at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Erin Stevenson is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra are at SOhO in Santa Barbara. The Hot Club Quintet is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. The Wise Guys Big Band Machine is at Steven’s Steak & Seafood House in Commerce. Vocalist Billy Valentine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a straight-ahead set and jazz jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including Pete Kuzma on keys and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a Monday night jam session at The Falls Lounge in downtown L.A. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features Boston-based vocalist Kris Adams.

Tuesday 2/15 – Jimmy Mahlis at The Baked Potato

Guitar and Oud player Dimitris Jimmy Mahlis is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Any Suzuki on sax, Jerry Watts on bass, and Chris Wabich on drums. Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia Restaurant in Santa Monica. Trumpeter Ethan Chilton is at Sam First near LAX. Guitarist Marc Ribot plays a solo show at Zebulon in Silverlake. Vocalist Natalie Jacob and guitarist Mark Leggett split a bill at TRiP in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Melody Lounge in downtown L.A. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Percussionist Joey De Leon is at Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. The Jazztown Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Guitarist Hans Ottsen leads a jazz jam at The Grape in Ventura. Leanna & The Jazz Collective are at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features jazz writer Scott Yanow.

Wednesday 2/16 – Ben Williams at The Baked Potato

Bassist Ben Williams is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Braxton Cook on sax, Brandon Coleman on keys, Andrew Renfroe on guitar, and Justin Brown on drums. Bassist Joshua Crumbly is at Sam First near LAX with Anthony Wilson on guitar and Jay Bellerose on drums. Bassist Adi Meyerson is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village hosts its annual Galentine’s Day Jam and benefit show. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Trumpeter Mike Rocha is at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum Of Art. The Avant Garde Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel is at Bistango in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at T’s On The Green at the Date Palm Country Club in Cathedral City. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Producer Debra Graff’s latest livestream for The Innocence Project includes vocalist Claude Hall and flutist Nori Tani. French vocal group Paris Chansons is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features bassist John Hatton.

Thursday 2/17 – Gerald Clayton at The Soraya

Pianist Gerald Clayton is at The Soraya in Northridge with a sextet including Logan Richardson and Mark Turner on saxes, Joel Ross on vibes, Joshua Crumbly on bass, and Justin Brown on drums. Drummer Donald Barrett is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Mark Zaleski does a CD release event of music from Dave Brubeck at Sam First near LAX. The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Melissa Morgan. Vocalist Marina Pacowski and pianist Jon Mayer play a concert at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Feliz. Pianist Christian Jacob leads a trio at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Michael Ragonese is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Vocalist Jonathan Karrant is at Martini’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at The Merc in Temecula. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Bassist Tom Etchart is at The Grape in Ventura. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull does a livestream for Live At Zero BPM. Drummer Kevin Crabb is at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Davey Miller is at The Twist On Main in Ventura with pianist Otmaro Ruiz. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Drummer Tyler Hammond is at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. Four And More is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts an evening outdoor patio jam session for instrumentalists. Vocalist Lola Kristine is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features vocalist Judy Niemack.

Friday 2/18 – Iphigenia at The Broad Stage

Vocalist Esperanza Spalding leads the cast of the new opera “Iphigenia” with music by Wayne Shorter for the first of two nights at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Vocalist Gretchen Parlato is at The Soraya in Northridge. Vocalist Jane Monheit opens a two-night run at Catalina in Hollywood, backed by Max Haymer on piano, Karl McComas-Reichl on bass, and Rick Montalbano on drums. Pianist Josh Nelson begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) live recording project at Sam First near LAX. Organist Ronnie Foster at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Dayna Stephens is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Guitarist Peter Sprague plays the music of Miles Davis at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Kenny G is at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga. Flutist Nori Tani is at the Conference Room in Playa Vista. Vocalist Luke Carlsen is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Paul Combs plays the music of Tad Dameron at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Vi Jordan is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Drummer Kevin Crabb is at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Pianist Ron Kobayashi plays an outdoor show at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Trumpeter Michael Bolger is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Vocalist Maxayn Lewis does a livestream for The World Stage in South L.A. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features Fish To Birds.

Saturday 2/19 – Josh Nelson at Sam First

Pianist Josh Nelson does a live album recording at Sam First near LAX with Larry Koonse on guitar, guitar), Luca Alemanno on bass, Dan Schnelle on drums, Gaby Moreno on vocals, plus Walter Smith III on saxophone (Saturday only). Cuban pianist Harold Lopez-Nussa is at The Soraya in Northridge. Vocalist Esperanza Spalding leads the cast of the new opera “Iphigenia” with music by Wayne Shorter at The Broad Stage in Santa Monica. Vocalist Jane Monheit is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Joshua White plays the music of Thelonious Monk at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Drummer Nate Smith & Kinfolk are at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Guitarist/vocalist Carl Verheyen is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/vocalist Bill Cantos is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Pianist Gary Matsumoto is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist Kirk Covington is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Nils is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Saxophonist Michael Paulo and trumpeter/vocalist Rick Braun are at the Westin Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. The Pepper Moons are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Sorriso in Pasadena. Vocalist Staci Griesbach is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego.  Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett does an early show at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features Gary Hoffman.

Sunday 2/20 – Corbin Jones Big Band & Sam Hirsh Trio at The Mint

The Corbin Jones Big band opens for pianist Sam Hirsh’s trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Vocalist Catina DeLuna and pianist Otmaro Ruiz play a brunch show at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club in Ventura. Trumpeter Elliott Caine is at The York in Highland Park.  Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at Venice West in Venice. Catatonic plays a late afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Carl Verheyen is at Bogie’s in Westlake Village. Vocalist Selina Albright is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin leads a group and jam session at Michael’s On Riverside in Toluca Lake. Bassist Zephyr Avalon is at The San Fernando in Glendale. Drummer Kevin Crabb is at the Olive & Fig Restaurant & Jazz Bar in Canoga Park. Pianist Richard Glaser is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Vocalist Jacqui Hylton is at Nonna in Westlake Village. The Jazz Cartel plays a jazz brunch at Sorriso in Pasadena. Bassist Rob Thorsen does a brunch session at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia does an afternoon set at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Trumpeter Addison Tharp plays an early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The M.O.B Quintet is at SOhO in Santa Barbara. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts an evening outdoor patio jam session for vocalists. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at the Citizen Public Market in Culver City. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features trumpeter Nolan Shaheed.

Monday 2/21 – Coevality at The Baked Potato

Coevality is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Andy Prado, Jr. on drums, Derrick Elliott on bass, and Jon Reicher on guitar. Vocalist Storm Large is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe is at ETA in Highland Park. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal and guitarist Peter White are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach.  Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a straight-ahead set and jazz jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including Pete Kuzma on keys and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a Monday night jam session at The Falls Lounge in downtown L.A. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features Boston bassist Bruce Gertz.

Tuesday 2/22 – The Eric G Project at The Baked Potato

Drummer Eric Gugisch is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mahesh Balasooriya on keys and Nando Raio on bass. The Herbie Hancock Jazz Institute Ensemble is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Yuko Mabuchi is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Vibraphonist Chuck Redd and guitarist Brian Nova lead a quartet at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach.  Guitarist Brad Rabuchin is at La Puglia Restaurant in Santa Monica. Drummer Makaya McCraven is at the Echoplex in Los Angeles with saxophonist Sam Gendel. Tubaist Jim Self and guitarist John Chiodini open for vibraphonist Nick Mancini at TRiP in Santa Monica. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Charged Particles plays an evening online livestream for the City Of West Hollywood. Vocalist Barbara Morrison is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. The Jazztown Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Guitarist Hans Ottsen leads a jazz jam at The Grape in Ventura. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features bassist Marlon Martinez.

Wednesday 2/23 – Alex Brown at Sam First

Pianist Alex Brown is at Sam First near LAX with Andrew Renfroe on guitar, Joshua Crumbly on bass, and John Davis on drums. Excursion is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Straight No Chaser is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Doug Webb is at The Grape in Ventura. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Marguaret Love & The Lovettes are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Mike Rocha is at Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. Trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos is at Panama 66 at the San Diego Museum Of Art. The Avant Garde Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel is at Bistango in Irvine. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at T’s On The Green at the Date Palm Country Club in Cathedral City. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at The Mixx in Pasadena.  Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features pianist Misha Segal.