About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – The Week Of January 29, 2024

January ends and February opens with a SoCal jazz week including Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III, Gordon Goodwin, Mitchel Forman, Johnathan Blake, The Sun Ra Arkestra, Ranky Tanky with Lisa Fischer, Adi Meyerson, Danny Janklow, Weather Forecast, Eric Revis, Booker T. with Matthew Whitaker, and Nicolas Bearde.

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. The LAjazz.com Quick Calendar lists shows and times three days in advance on the LAjazz.com home page.

Monday 1/29 – Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band w/Patti Austin at Catalina Jazz Club

Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band is at Catalina in Hollywood with vocalist Patti Austin. Organist Brian Charette at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Percussionist Poncho Sanchez is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Guitarist Matteo Mancuso is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro for the first of two nights (Mon-Tue). The Pickle Mafia is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Guitarist Riner Scivally is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Bassist Ryan Cross’ Jazz Eclectic is at Riviera 31 at the Beverly Hills Sofitel Hotel. The Hot Club of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Pianist Richard Turner is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale.

Tuesday 1/30 – Pete Malinverni at Bacchus’ Kitchen

Pianist Pete Malinverni is at Bacchus’ Kitchen in South Pasadena with bassist Mike Gurrola and drummer Jeff Hamilton in a program dedicated to the music of Leonard Bernstein. The SicNarf big band is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Accordionist Cory Pesaturo is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Herb Alpert and vocalist Lani Hall are at The Sound in Del Mar. Guitarist Matteo Mancuso is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Pianist George Kahn is at La Puglia in Santa Monica with vocalist Courtney Lemmon. Beautiful Reflections opens for the MvA Quintet at TRiP in West L.A. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Meloney Collins. Pianist Tommy Gannon is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Keri Kelsey leads an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Trombonist Matt Hall is at Seven Grand in San Diego. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/31 – Ranky Tanky w/Lisa Fischer at The Soraya

Ranky Tanky is at The Soraya in Northridge with vocalist Lisa Fischer for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Bassist Pete Griffin is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde is at Sam First near LAX. The Buddy Rich Big Band Machine is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter Herb Alpert and vocalist Lani Hall are at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.  Saxophonist Glenn Cashman is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Saxophonist Greg Vail is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Vocalist Lisa Andrea Torres is at Garcons de Cafe in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Jerry Mandel is at Bistango in Irvine. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale.

Thursday 2/1 – Adi Meyerson at Sam First

Bassist Adi Meyerson is at Sam First near LAX with Julien Knowles on trumpet, Devin Daniels on sax, and Anthony Fung on drums. Saxophonist Danny Janklow is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Ranky Tanky is at The Soraya in Northridge with vocalist Lisa Fischer.  Trumpeter Tony Guerrero is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Nicolas Bearde is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist Danny Green is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Susan Krebs is at The Grape in Ventura.  Bassist Eric Revis is at Justine’s Wine Bar in downtown L.A.  Vocalist Tim Hockenberry is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Jazz Is Phsh is at The Mint in West L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley is at the Continental Club in downtown L.A. The Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Meet In Paris Restaurant & Lounge in Culver City. Saxophonist David Patterson is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts an evening outdoor patio jam session for instrumentalists. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point.  Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale.  Vocalist Maria De La Vega & The Wayward Five are at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.  Pianist Quinn Johnson is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.

Friday 2/2 – Mitchel Forman at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Mitchel Forman is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brandon Fields on sax, Andre Berry on bass, and Chad Wackerman on drums. Weather Forecast plays the music of Weather Report at Sam First near LAX. Bassist Eric Revis is at The World Stage in South L.A. Organists Booker T. Jones and Matthew Whitaker are at The Soraya in Northridge for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Saxophonist Teodross Avery is at The View Music Bar in Torrance. Andy Garcia & The Cineson All-Stars are at Catalina in Hollywood for the first of two nights (Fri-Sat). Vocalist Maria Puga Lareo is at the Canyon Bistro in Topanga with saxophonist Bob Sheppard. The Aristocats are at The Grape in Ventura.  Leza Mi is at Libretto in Paso Robles.  Guitarist Dave Askren and saxophonist Jeff Benedict are at the Canyon Crest Winery in Riverside. Keyboardist Robert Glasper is at The Vermont Hollywood. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Papille Gustative in Santa Monica. Charlie Chavez & His Afrotruka Salsa Orchestra are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Lauren Koval. Bassist Karim Yengsep is at the OC Fish Grill in Irvine. Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. Vocalist Vi Jordan is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale. Jumpin Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Giselle Anguizola is at Golden Island in San Diego.  Pianist/vocalist Valentina Shelton is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.

Saturday 2/3 – Bria Skonberg & Benny Benack III at Luckman Performing Arts Center

Trumpeter/vocalists Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III present an evening of the Great American Songbook at the Cal State Luckman Performing Arts Center in downtown L.A. Organists Booker T. Jones and Matthew Whitaker are at The Soraya in Northridge.  Drummer Johnathan Blake is at Sam First near LAX. Cosmic Vibrations featuring vocalist Dwight Trible is at Beyond Baroque in Venice. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest are at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter Nolan Shaheed is at the St. Barnabas Harmony Room in Eagle Rock.  Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at The Grape in Ventura.  Andy Garcia & The Cineson All-Stars are at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Howie Levine does his “JazzNatra” show at Hawg Heaven in Pasadena with guest vocalist Paula Sargent. Bassist Justin Grinnell and pianist Melone Grinnell are at Books & Records in San Diego. Saxophonist Alison Shearer is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Saxophonist Kirk Whalum is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Ella Swings is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vibraphonist Nathan Hubbard is at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Amanda Portela. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Pianist Bruce Baker is at the Shade Hotel Sea Level Restaurant in Redondo Beach. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. The Wiseguys Big Band Machine is at the Cicada Club in downtown L.A. Guitarist Michael Paik is at the Chess Park Lounge in Glendale.  Vocalist Grace Fae is at Azo Vino in Covina.  Pianist Gary Matsumoto is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena.  Collage in San Pedro hosts a Saturday morning jazz jam.

Sunday 2/4 – Johnathan Blake at Sam First

Drummer Johnathan Blake is at Sam First near LAX for the second of two nights (Sat-Sun) with Mark Turner on sax and Eric Revis on bass. The Sun Ra Arkestra is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Keyboardist James Francies is at The Athenaeum Library in La Jolla. The Blue Note Quintet celebrates the label’s 85th anniversary with a pair of shows at the Lodge Room in Highland Park. Catatonic is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter/vocalists Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III perform an afternoon matinee at the Musco Center in Orange. The Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with vocalist Lia Booth. Drummer/vocalist Bryan Cabrera is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. A Singers LA Showcase is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist John Destler is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Vocalist Slim Man is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. Guitarist Jacques Lesure is at Lavender Blue in Inglewood. Pianist Irving Flores is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Guitarist Ken Song is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Pianist Robert Turner is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. The World Stage hosts the Rose Gales Vocal Jam Session. Drummer Chris Brown has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. Guitarist Sam Shepherd plays an afternoon jazz brunch at Jack’s in Dana Point. Belvedear does a brunch at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Slide FX has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty leads a brunch at the Hotel Republic in San Diego.  Vocalist Giselle Anguizola does a brunch at Books & Records in San Diego.

Monday 2/5 – Dechter/Frank Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City featuring drummer Joe La Barbera and keyboardist Jordan Seigel. Vocalist Rickie Lee Jones is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Trumpeter/vocalists Bria Skonberg and Benny Benack III are at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Pianist Irving Flores is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Jacques Lesure hosts a jam session at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach including drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. Guitarist Molly Miller is at Perch 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. The Hot Club of Los Angeles is at the Cinema Bar in Culver City. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park.

Tuesday 2/6 – Ann Kelly at Vibrato

Vocalist Ann Kelly is at Vibrato in Bel Air with Mark Ross on keys, Tim Kobza on guitar, Adam Gust on drums, Jeff Novack on bass, Sean Billings on trumpet, and Ron Dziubla on sax. Drummer Justin Brown hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra are at the UCSD Price Center East Ballroom in San Diego.  Alanna & These Fine Gentlemen open for guitarist Shea Welsh at TRiP in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Alison Shearer is at Rockwell in West L.A. The Baked Potato offers a six-band Showcase Night. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown Los Angeles. Trumpeter John Reynolds is at Madison On Park in San Diego. Trombonist Matt Hall is at Seven Grand in San Diego.  The Kupkasonic Orchestra is at the Barkley Restaurant in South Pasadena.  Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 2/7 – Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra at The Soraya

Trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis & The Uptown Jazz Orchestra are at The Soraya in Northridge. Trumpeter Jay Jennings is at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter Danny Jonokuchi leads a big band at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Tuba player Jim Self and guitarist John Chiodini celebrate an album release at The Write-Off Room in Studio City. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Vocalist Gavin Braun offers a tribute to Frank Sinatra at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Trumpeter Julien Knowles leads a jam session at The York in Highland Park. Drummer Tom Dante is at Skyloft in Laguna Beach. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. Vocalist Amanda Portela is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. San Lyon is at SOhO in San Diego. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.  The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.  Guitarist Riner Scivally and saxophonist Robert Kyle are at Roe Seafood in Long Beach.  The Black Cat Bar in San Diego hosts a jazz jam.