About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of January 6, 2025

SPECIAL NOTICE – DUE TO WILDFIRES ACROSS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, PLEASE BE SURE THE VENUE IS OPEN AND SHOW IS HAPPENING BEFORE HEADING OUT FOR MUSIC.  BE CERTAIN THE ROUTES YOU ARE TAKING ARE SAFE FOR TRAVEL AND BE SURE TO MONITOR LOCAL NEWS SOURCES FOR UPDATES.

SoCal jazz highlights this week include Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin, Joe La Barbera, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Will Brahm, Jimmy Branly, Then Los Angeles Jazz Quartet, Scott Kinsey, Bobby West, John Pizzarelli, Janis Mann, Ronnie Foster, and Roni Kaspi.

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 1/6 – Dechter/Frank Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Pianist Sam Hirsh and saxophonist Patrick Shiroishi are at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. 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. 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. The Harry Selvin Orchestra is at the Palm Garden Hotel in Newbury Park. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.

Tuesday 1/7 – Marvin “Smitty” Smith at The Baked Potato

Drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Dale Fielder and Philip Whack on saxes, Chris Lowery on trumpet, Lemar Guillary on trombone, Adam Ledbetter on keys, Rene Camacho on bass, and Christian Moraga on percussion. Drummer Kyle Poole hosts the Tuesday Happenings jam session at Sam First near LAX. The Billy Vera Big Band is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Courtney Lemmon is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Flutist Lori Bell is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Guitarist David Snow is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in West L.A. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown Los Angeles. Vocalist Slim Man is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Vocalist Rose Mallet is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Pianist Derrik Lewis plays a happy hour show at The Tropicale in Palm Springs. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/8 – Scott Kinsey at The Baked Potato

Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Mike Miller on guitar, Hadrien Feraud on bass, and Gary Novak on drums.  Drummer/vocalist Roni Kaspi is at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Liz Gillies is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Chef George’s Picasso Lounge in Bermuda Dunes. Pianist/vocalist Yve Evans is at Eddie V’s in Palm Desert. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. The Supa Lowery Brothers are at the Freehand Hotel in downtown L.A. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura. Trombonist John Egizi hosts the 805 Jazz Jam at Cantina 31 in Ventura.  The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.

Thursday 1/9 – Will Brahm at Sam First

Guitarist Will Brahm is at Sam First near LAX with Max Haymer on piano, Luca Alemanno on bass, and Anthony Fung on drums. Afro Bowie is at the Teragram Ballroom in downtown L.A. including guitarist Vernon Reid, vocalist Corey Glover, saxophonist Azar Lawrence, and drummer Tony Austin. Vocalist Janis Mann is at 1881 in Pasadena. 6 Beats Apart is at The Grape in Ventura. The Robin Simone Hollywood Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Pianist Chris Dawson is at The Merc in Temecula. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at Semi Tropic Wines in Costa Mesa.  Pianist Laurence Hobgood is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs.  Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. Guitarist Victor Baker is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego.  Vocalist Grace Fae is at The George in Pasadena.  OHM is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 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. Four and More are at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. 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. The ESP Jazz Collective is at the Black Rail Kitchen & Bar in Carlsbad. Pianist Richard Turner, Jr. is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. The West Coast Jazz Duo is at Stella’s in Dana Point. Vocalist Roman Palacios is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Alexander’s Ragtime Band is at Seven Grand SD in San Diego.

Friday 1/10 – Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin at Catalina Jazz Club

Guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Dave Grusin begin a three-night (Fri-Sun) run at Catalina in Hollywood. Drummer Joe La Barbera is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Bobby West is at The World Stage in South L.A. Guitarist/vocalist John Pizzarelli is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. Saxophonist Brian Levy plays the music of Miles Davis at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Chris Dawson is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Trumpeter Greg Solman is at Azo Vino in Covina. Guitarist/vocalist Phillip Sayce is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. 2.0 is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Vocalist Grace Fae & The Grandbirds are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Garners are at Books & Records in San Diego. Pianist Kat Shoemaker is at Golden Island in San Diego.  Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.  Vocalist Amanda Portela is at Panama 66 in San Diego. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in West L.A. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Eve Holmes.  Drummer Joel Taylor is at 1881 in Pasadena.  Pianist Ron Kobayashi is at the Bayside Restaurant in Newport Beach. Guitarist Angelo Metz is at Native Fields in Walnut.  The Route 66 Trio is at Bourbon Steak in Glendale.  The Sunny Blue Trio is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A.  LeJazzanne is at the Z Club in Joshua Tree.  Vocalist Tasha Taylor is at Vibrato in Bel Air.

Saturday 1/11 – Ronnie Foster at The Baked Potato

Organist Ronnie Foster is at The Baked Potato in Studio City.  Guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Dave Grusin are at Catalina in Hollywood.   Soul Sauce is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Guitarist Joscho Stephan is at Boulevard Music in Culver City. The Albion Kristof Quartet is at Collage in San Pedro. Trumpeters Clarence McDuffie lll and Max Moore are at Dizzy’s in San Diego. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego with vocalist Laura Ingraham. San Lyon is at The Grape in Ventura.  Bassist Karim Yengsep is at Basil Brazil in San Juan Capistrano.  Pianist Adam Wolff is at the Westgate Hotel in San Diego. Saxophonist David Leech is at Pips On La Brea in West L.A. Sylvia & The Rhythm Boys are at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Drummer Jake Tompkins is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.  Vocalist Grace Fae is at Hearts & Flame in downtown L.A.

Sunday 1/12 – Los Angeles Jazz Quartet at The Baked Potato

The Los Angeles Jazz Quartet is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Chuck Manning on sax, Larry Koonse on guitar, Darek Oles on bass, and Jason Harnell on drums. Guitarist Lee Ritenour and pianist Dave Grusin are at Catalina in Hollywood.  Vocalist Lia Booth is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with the Irvine Barclay Theatre Jazz Band. Percussionist/vocalist Louie Cruz Beltran is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Keyboardist Steve Blum is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Guitarist Adam Hawley is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Dennis Gittens and pianist Ed Kornhauser are at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Adam Wolff is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Bassist Kai Kurosawa is at Bar Bandini in Echo Park.  Guitarist Alex Ciavarelli is at Tio Leo’s Lounge in San Diego.  Vocalist Jack Wood is at Vittorio’s Italian Restaurant in Huntington Beach.  Pianist Sam Hirsh is at the Kookaburra Lounge in Hollywood. 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. Bassist Ryan Cross is at Delilah in West Hollywood. Pianist Richard Glaser is at The Barkley in South Pasadena. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. The World Stage in South L.A. hosts the Rose Gales Vocal Jam Session. The Jelly Roll Jazz Band is at Casey’s Tavern in Canoga Park. Guitarist Tom Collins is at the Ojai Pub in Ojai. The Hard Bop Ensemble is at The Copper Room in Yucca Valley. Guitarist Doug MacDonald leads a jazz jam at Z Club in Joshua Tree. Vocalist Linda A. Smith hosts an open mic Sunday afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. The Jazz Cartel has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. The South Bay New Orleans Jazz Club has an afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Guitarist Ed Smith plays a brunch at SOhO in Santa Barbara.

Monday 1/13 – Steph Richards at The High Low

Trumpeter Steph Richards’ Power Vibe is at The High Low in Atwater Village on a bill also including a quartet led by drummer Andrew Munsey. Other Delights is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock. Saxophonists Michael Lington and Boney James are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Guitarist/vocalist Artur Menezes is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Michael Peed 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. Very Good Mondays is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at Eddie V’s in San Diego.

Tuesday 1/14 – The Jazz Bakers at The Baked Potato

The Jazz Bakers are at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Matt Lilley on sax, Max Gerl on bass, Charles Ruggerio on drums, Roger Johnson on percussion, and Dan West on keys. Pianist Gerald Clayton leads the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Bassist/vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello begins a two-night (Tue-Wed) run at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Julius Rodriguez is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood.  Saxophonist Charlie Arbelaez is at the Senses Bistro in San Diego.  Vocalist Jon Lovitz is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Keri Kelsey hosts an open mic at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. The Irvine Barclay Jazz Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach with vocalist Crystal Clulee. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown L.A. Vocalist Rose Mallett is at the Purple Room in Palm Springs. Pianist Mike Wofford is at the Manhattan in La Jolla. The Brig Band is at The Brig in Venice. Guitarist Matthew Yeakley hosts a jazz jam at General Lee’s in Chinatown. Pianist Matt Politano leads a breakfast jazz trio at Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena.

Wednesday 1/15 – Charles Ruggerio at The Baked Potato

Drummer Charles Ruggerio is at The Baked Potato in Studio City with Brian Bromberg on bass, Joshua White on keys, and Jacob Scesney on sax. Bassist/vocalist Meshell Ndegeocello is at Lodge Room in Highland Park. Pianist Miki Yamanaka and keyboardist Larry Goldings are at Sam First near LAX. Vocalist Freda Payne is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer Jimmy Branly is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist Shea Welsh is at TRiP in Santa Monica. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Michael LeVan is at Il Gatto in La Habra. Pianist Mikan Zlatkovich is at The Manhattan in La Jolla. The Barclay Theatre Jazz Band is at Bistango in Irvine. The Supa Lowery Brothers are at the Freehand Hotel in downtown L.A.  Guitarist David Eastlee is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. The Soul Organ Trio is at Club 616 in Santa Ana. Keyboardist Brad Bietry hosts a happy hour open mic and jam session at The George in Pasadena. Pianist Kevin Tokarz plays a happy hour show at the Purple Room in Palm Springs.  Trumpeter Grant Hungerford leads a jazz jam at Collage in San Pedro. Pianist Carlos Velasco is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego.