About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of February 21, 2022

February continues with a SoCal jazz week including Herbie Hancock, Steve Gadd, Joey De Francesco, The Zappa Band, Nick Mancini, Danny Janklow, Tom Ranier, Alex Brown, Keiko Matsui, and Connie Han.

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 2/21 – 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. Drummer 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 Jessica Vautor is at the Tavern On Brand in Glendale.  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. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features pianist Misha Segal.

Thursday 2/24 – Joey De Francesco at the Barclay Theatre

Organist Joey De Francesco is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine with Lucas Brown on guitar/organ and Anwar Marshall on drums. The Zappa Band featuring alumni from Frank Zappa’s orginal bands and Zappa Plays Zappa are at The Baked Potato in Studio City for the first of four nights (Thu-Sun). Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist Jon Mayer is at Sam First near LAX. Saxophonist James Brandon Taylor and percussionist Chad Taylor are at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Guitarist Duane Allen is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Steve Tyrell is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Vocalist Kristina Aglinz is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Grape in Ventura. Bassist Kevin O’Neal and pianist Robert Turner lead a trio at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Vocalist Adryon De Leon is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs.  Brazilian bassist Wagner Trindade is at The Merc in Temecula.  Straight No Chaser is at the Cal Poly Harold Miossi Hall in San Luis Obispo.  Drummer Kevin Kanner leads a trio in a livestream performance for the LA Jazz Society.   Saxophonist Nick Gomez does a livestream for Live At Zero BPM.  Saxophonist Bill Ungerman is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.  MaQui is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  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. Pianist Sabine Pothier is at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. 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.  Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features vocalist Tania Grubbs.

Friday 2/25 – Steve Gadd Band at Catalina

Drummer Steve Gadd plays the second of three nights (Thu-Sat) at Catalina in Hollywood with Mike Landau on guitar, Larry Goldings on keys, Walt Fowler on trumpet, and Travis Carlton on bass. Pianist Tom Ranier plays music from the King Cole Trio at Sam First near LAX. The Zappa Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/vocalist Keiko Matsui is at the Cerritos Performing Arts Center. Pianist Connie Han is at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Lillian Palmer is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Drummer Anthony Fung is at AMSTRDM in Paso Robles. Saxophonist Robert Kyle is at NAMBA in Ventura. Trumpeter/vocalist Johnny Britt is at The Grape in Ventura. Bassist Jack Keller’s Ethereal Cereal plays the music of Roy Ayers at the Odyssey Theatre in Hollywood.  Vocalist Dave Stephens is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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.  Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features vocalist Aimee Nolte.

Saturday 2/26 – Robert Rodriguez at Sam First

Pianist Robert Rodriguez is at Sam First near LAX with Mike Gurrola on bass and Mark Ferber on drums. Drummer Steve Gadd is at Catalina in Hollywood. The Zappa Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Plotz! is at The Grape in Ventura. Brazilian jazz guitarist/vocalist Teka is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Incendio is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro.  Saxophonist Justo Almario and pianist Tamir Hendelman are at UCLA Lani Hall in Westwood.  Saxophonist Melissa Aldana is at the Saddleback College McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Drummer Anthony Fung is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Organist Carey Frank is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Vocalist Storm Large is at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Jim Caruso’s Cast Party with pianist Billy Stritch is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Keyboardist David Garfield plays the latest edition of his “Live From Home” afternoon livestream concerts. Pianist Andy Langham is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett does an early show at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Mambo Craze Cabaret is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features saxophonist Joe Lovano and vocalist Judi Silvano.

Sunday 2/27 – Herbie Hancock at Walt Disney Hall

Pianist Herbie Hancock is at Walt Disney Hall in downtown L.A. with James Genus on bass, Trevor Lawrence Jr. on drums, Lionel Loueke on guitar, Terrace Martin on keyboards and sax, and Elena Pinderhughes on flute & vocals. Saxophonist Danny Janklow’s Elevation Quartet opens for the Sam Hirsh Trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Trumpeter Ron McCurdy and the Pacific Symphony play a program dedicated to Langston Hughes at the Barclay Theatre in Irvine. The Zappa Band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Grant Levin is at Dizzy’s in San Diego with flutist Lori Bell. Vibraphonist Nick Mancini is at The York in Highland Park. Pianist Kamaal Wiliams is at the Lodge Room in Highland Park.  Jazz-Fil USA presents an afternoon concert at the Conference Room in Playa Vista including pianist Tateng Katendig and vocalists Mon David and Charmaine Clamor.  Pianist Tamir Hendelman plays a brunch at Catalina in Hollywood with guest vocalist Mark Winkler. Vocalist Crystal Lewis is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Blues harmonica player John Mayall is at Venice West in Venice. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Tony Exum plays a late afternoon show at Harvelle’s in Long 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 Cheryl Barnes does an afternoon set at Urban Press Winery in Burbank.  Dave Stuckey & The Hot House gang play an afternoon show at the Duarte Elks Lodge.  Saxophonist Nick Gomez plays an early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings plays a jazz brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts an evening outdoor patio jam session for vocalists. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features singer Cindy Scott and guitarist Brian Seeger.

Monday 2/28 – Rayford Griffin All-Stars at The Baked Potato

Drummer Rayford Griffin is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Reggie Hamilton on bass, Hans Zermuehlen on keys, Michael Hunter on trumpet, and Keith Kelly on sax. Saxophonist Tim Berne is at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown L.A. Vocalist Samara Joy is at Catalina in Hollywood with pianist Tamir Hendelman.  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. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Trio Renacimiento is at Las Perlas in downtown L.A. Guitarist Kimberly Ford hosts a jazz jam at SOhO in Santa Barbara. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features pianist Judy Carmichael.

Tuesday 3/1 – Oscar Peñas at Sam First

Guitarist Oscar Peñas is at Sam First near LAX with Sara Caswell on violin, Motohito Fukushima on bass, and Richie Barshay on drums. Organist Ronnie Foster is at Vibrato in Bel Air.   Drummer Tina Raymond begins a March Tuesday residency at NeueHouse in Hollywood.  The Jazz Butchers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Bassist Kevin “Brandino” Brandon is at Seven Grand 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. Vocalist Suzy Williams is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features vocalist Vinx.

Wednesday 3/2 – Daniel Rossi at Sam First

Drummer Daniel Rossi is at Sam First near LAX with Nicole McCabe on sax, Paul Cornish on piano, and Logan Kane on bass. Keyboardist/vocalist Rachel Eckroth is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Doug Webb leads a group dedicated to the music of Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Lola Kristine is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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.  Saxophonist Justin Chart is at The Mixx in Pasadena.  Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist/vocalist Freddie Ravel is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Producer Debra Graff’s latest livestream for The Innocence Project includes vocalists Keri Kelsey and Marina Pacowski.  Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features Peggy Lauren-Lohr.