About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of April 18, 2022

SoCal jazz highlights this week include John Scofield, John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell, Amir ElSaffar’s Rivers Of Sound, Scott Kinsey, Lineage Trio + Jacob Mann, West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band, Charles Ruggerio, Nduduzo Makhathini, Judy Wexler, Paul Peress, and Eightlock.

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 4/18 – West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band at Second Home Hollywood

The West Coast Jazz Hour Big Band led by pianist Josh Nelson and drummer Kevin van den Elzen is at Second Home Hollywood with vocalist Melissa Morgan. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Jessy J celebrates a CD release at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist Jeff Parker is at ETA in Highland Park. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a straight-ahead set and jazz jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. 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 San Francisco pianist Mike Hatfield.

Tuesday 4/19 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Bob Reynolds on sax, Jimmy Earl on bass, and Gary Novak on drums. Vocalist Judy Wexler is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Vocalist Brenna Whitaker is at Vibrato in Bel Air. The Aspire Concert Band of the Royal Conservatoire The Hague is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Liela Avila is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Keyboardist Rachel Eckroth is at ETA in Highland Park for the first of two nights (The-Wed). Percussionist Joey De Leon is at Cana Rum Bar in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Natalie Jacob and guitarist Mark Leggett split a bill at TRiP in Santa Monica. 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 vocalist Phyllis Battle.

Wednesday 4/20 – Charles Ruggerio Plays Monk at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggerio plays the music of Thelonious Monk at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mark Turner, Bob Reynolds and Doug Webb on saxophones, along with Mike Gurrola on bass. Trombonist Jon Hatamiya celebrates a CD release at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. Drummer Gene Coye is at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Mitchel Forman is at The Grape in Ventura. Pianist John DiMartino is at Catalina in Hollywood with guitarist Nanny Assis and New Zealand vocalist Maggie Gould. Vocalist Billy Valentine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Black Market Reverie is at Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Donna Greene is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Keyboardist Rachel Eckroth is at ETA in Highland Park. Drummer Rodolfo Zuniga is at Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. 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. Bassist Jake Leckie is at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features vocalist Dianne Steinberg-Lewis.

Thursday 4/21 – John Scofield at Theatre Raymond Kabbaz

Guitarist John Scofield is at the Theatre Raymond Kabbaz in West L.A. with pianist Jon Cowherd, bassist Vicente Archer, and drummer Josh Dion. Guitarist John Pizzarelli and vocalist Catherine Russell are at thr Barclay Theatre in Irvine. Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Javier Santiago is at Sam First near LAX. 6 Beats Apart is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Richard Shelton is at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s in Studio City. The Greyboy All-Stars are at Venice West in Venice. Vocalist Indira Khan is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Casino San Clemente in San Clemente. Pianist Bevan Manson is at Greater Goods in Ojai. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Holy Crow is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist Allen Takatsuka is at Harley in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Joanna Rose does a livestream for Live At Zero BPM. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at 208 Rodeo in Beverly Hills. 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. 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. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features drummer Joe La Barbera.

Friday 4/22 – Lineage Trio + Jacob Mann at Sam First

The Lineage Trio with guest pianist Jacob Mann is at Sam First near LAX for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood.  Electric violinist L. Shankar is at the Skirball Center in Bel Air.  Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena with vocalist Cathy Segal-Garcia. Chalaban is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Sorriso in Pasadena. Pianist Brenda Greggio is at the Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Bassist Rob Thorsen is at the La Jolla Community Center. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Black Market Trust is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Guitarist Hans Ottsen is at The Grape in Ventura. Pan Dulce does a livestream for The World Stage in South L.A. Vocalist Dave Stephens is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Chris Dawson is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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. Drummer Mark San Filippo is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena. Big Band Swing Thing is at the McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features violinist Ted Falcon.

Saturday 4/23 – Amir ElSaffar’s Rivers of Sound Orchestra at The Soraya

Trumpeter Amir ElSaffar’s Rivers of Sound 17-piece orchestra is at The Soraya in Northridge – vocalist Aditya Prakash opens. The Lineage Trio with guest pianist Jacob Mann is at Sam First near LAX. The Baker Brothers Big Band is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Five Ten is at Catalina in Hollywood. Special EFX is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Black Market Trust is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Guitarist Paul McCallum is at The Grape in Ventura. Guitarist Jamey Arent is at Matt Denny’s Ale House Restaurant in Arcadia. Saxophonist Jordan Ferrin is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock. Pianist/vocalist Kirk Covington is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Alanna & These Fine Gentlemen are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Sorriso in Pasadena. Pianist/vocalist John Proulx is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Flutist Holly Hofmann is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego.  Vocalist Rose Mallett does an early show at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells.  Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features guitarist Bruce Forman.

Sunday 4/24 – Paul Peress at The Baked Potato

Drummer Paul Peress is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Otmaro Ruiz on keys, Brandon Fields on sax, and Stu Hamm on bass. Pianist Cosku Turhan celebrates a CD release at Sam First near LAX.  Eightlock opens for the Sam Hirsh Trio and jam session at The Mint in West L.A. Nutty is at Venice West in Venice. Guitarist Peter Sprague plays the music of Paul Simon at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Ron Kobayashi and drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera are at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Les Boulevardiers are at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Guitarist Brad Rabuchin leads a group 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. Saxophonist Nick Gomez does an early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Sandy Cummings does 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 pianist Shelley Berg.

Monday 4/25 – Yayennings Quartet at Second Home Hollywood

Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at Second Home Hollywood with Bob Reynolds on sax, Jose Pérez on drums, and Ross Schodek on bass. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach with vocalist Larry Braggs. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach.  Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a straight-ahead set and jazz jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch in downtown L.A. 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 drummer Ana Barreiro.

Tuesday 4/26 – Grant Levin at Sam First

Pianist Grant Levin is at Sam First near LAX with Mike Gurrola on bass and Kevin Kanner on drums. Guitarist Mark Towns is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Organist Tony Monaco is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach with guitarist Grant Geissman and drummer/vocalist Dave Tull. Santana bassist Benny Rietveld is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Rumproller is at Seven Grand in downtown L.A. Vocalist Suzy Williams is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist Marc LeBrun is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. 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 trumpeter Thomas Marriott.

Wednesday 4/27 – One Shot Deal at The Baked Potato

One Shot Deal featuring members of the original Zappa Plays Zappa opens for first of three nights (Wed-Fri) at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Scheila Gonzalez on sax/vocals, Ben Thomas on trumpet/vocals, Joe Travers on drums, Jamie Kime on guitar, Pete Griffin on bass, and Matt Rohde on keys. Saxophonists Miguel Zenon and Steve Lehman lead a quartet at Mr. Musichead Gallery in West Hollywood. The Herbie Hancock Institute Ensemble is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist/vocalist Peter Cincotti is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Liz Cole is at Oeno Wine Bar in Atwater Village. Vocalist Sacha Boutros is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Sean Riddle is at The Grape in Ventura. 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. Bassist Jake Leckie is at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Producer Debra Graff’s latest livestream for The Innocence Project includes vocalists Elena Gilliam and Natalie Jacob. Cathy Segal-Garcia’s Noon YouTube Hang features guitarist Beth Marlis.