About & Out – What’s Hot In SoCal Jazz – Week Of January 27, 2025

January ends and February opens with a SoCal jazz week including Eva Noblezada with the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, Jeff Lorber, Brent Fischer, Esperanza Spalding, Keyon Harrold, Liz Cole, Wesley Ritenour, Bob Reynolds, Terrace Martin, Stephane Wrembel, and Jason Moran.

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 1/27 – Jazz For Relief LA at The World Stage

Pianist Eric Reed leads a benefit at The World Stage in South L.A. for jazz musicians affected by the recent L.A. area fires with numerous other players including Ralph Moore, Teodross Avery, Danny Janklow, Dwight Trible, Mike Gurrola, LA Jazz Quartet, Scott Mayo & many more. Guitarist Jamie Kime is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Saxophonist Daniel Rotem is at The High Low in Atwater Village. The Tom Kubis Big Band is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. Bassist Vincen Garcia is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist/guitarist Ron Artis II is at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Guitarist Cole Berliner is at Bub & Grandma’s in Eagle Rock.

Tuesday 1/28 – Brent Fischer Orchestra at Vibrato

Composer/arranger Brent Fischer leads a jazz orchestra at Vibrato in Bel Air with vocalists James Torme, Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim, and Nicole Zuratis. Saxophonist Terrace Martin is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Basic Cable is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist Gerald Clayton hosts the Tuesday Happenings Jam Session at Sam First near LAX. Trumpeter/vocalist Chris Norton is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Trombonist Joey Sellers leads a faculty jazz concert at the Saddleback McKinney Theatre in Mission Viejo. 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 1/29 – Liz Cole at Catalina Jazz Club

Vocalist Liz Cole celebrates an album release at Catalina in Hollywood with Larry Koonse on guitar, Jacob Mann on piano, Jonathan Richards on bass, and Aaron Serfaty on drums. Drummer Wesley Ritenour is at Vibrato in Bel Air with guest guitarist Lee Ritenour. Organist Brian Charette is at Sam First near LAX. Brazilian guitarist Filipe Rosset is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Drummer Marcelo Bucater is at 1881 in Pasadena. Guitarist/vocalist Rafael Moreira is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Maria Schafer is at Garcons De Cafe in downtown L.A. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold does an early afternoon program at the Grammy Museum in downtown L.A., followed by an evening show at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Vocalist/pianist Christine Guter is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego for the first of two nights (Wed-Thu). Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Eddie V’s in San Diego. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Gravitas in Beverly Hills. 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. 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. Pianist Michael Peed is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Vocalist Debbi Ebert is at Mozambique in Laguna Beach.

Thursday 1/30 – Bob Reynolds at The Baked Potato

Saxophonist Bob Reynolds is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Pianist/vocalist Kelly Green is at Sam First near LAX. Drummer Mark Guiliana is at Zebulon in Silverlake. Organist Carey Frank is at The Grape in Ventura. Trumpeter Keyon Harrold is at Verse LA in Toluca Lake. Gypsy guitarist Stephane Wrembel is at the Ventura Music Hall in Ventura. Vocalist Annie Reiner is at Catalina in Hollywood. Vocalist Lia Booth is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Guitarist Graham Dechter is at Campus Jax in Newport Beach. Vocalist Crystal Clulee is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist Eric Dries is at Jojo’s Hideaway in Tustin. Vocalist/pianist Christine Guter is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Amanda Castro is at the Cascade Lounge in Palm Springs. Pianist John Opferkuch is at The Merc in Temecula. Pianist/vocalist Christopher Linman is at the Langham Hotel Tap Room in Pasadena. 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.

Friday 1/31 – Jeff Lorber at Camila’s Jazz Club

Keyboardist Jeff Lorber begins a two-night (Fri-Sat) run at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair with Jimmy Haslip on bass and Joel Taylor on drums. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding leads a celebration of Milton Nasicmento at 2220 Arts + Archives in downtown Los Angeles. Guitarist Thom Rotella is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Drummer Chris Wabich is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Brian Hargrove is at The World Stage in South L.A. Pianist Robert Glasper is at The Vermont in Hollywood. Saxophonist Nicole McCabe and trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom help lead a LA fire benefit at Three Clubs in Hollywood. Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica is at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. Vocalist Luke Carlsen & The Fresh Rhythm Band are at Vibrato in Bel Air. Drummer/vocalist Dave Tull is at Eddie V’s in El Segundo. Saxophonist Benn Clatworthy is at 1881 in Pasadena. Vocalist Steve Sieck is at The Gardenia in West Hollywood. Trombonist Joshua Brown is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Pianist/vocalist Aimee Nolte and guitarist Mike Scott are at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Vocalist Jonathan Karrant is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Saxophonist Dave Victorino is at Azo Vino in Covina. Pianist Freddie Ravel is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Vocalist Andrea Miller is at Vittorio’s in Huntington Beach. Saxophonist Justin Chart is at Sogno Toscano in Santa Monica. Guitarist Doug MacDonald is at Vicky’s Of Santa Fe in Indian Wells with vocalist Francesca Amari. 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. The Esquires Big Band is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Chloe Perrier is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena. Vocalist Jenessa Noland is at Books & Records in San Diego. Vocalist Kaylee Daugherty is at Il Sogno Italiano in San Diego. Violinist Susie Hansen is at the Chevy Chase Country Club in Glendale.

Saturday 2/1 – Eva Noblezada & The Pacific Jazz Orchestra at The Soraya

Vocalist Eva Noblezada fronts the Pacific Jazz Orchestra to kick off a February month of jazz programs at The Soraya in Northridge. Pianist Jason Moran plays the music of Duke Ellington at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. The Caltech Jazz Band plays a fire relief benefit at the Beckman Auditorium in Pasadena. Saxophonist Devin Daniels is at Sam First near LAX. Keyboardist Don Randi & Quest is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Keyboardist Jeff Lorber is at Camila’s Jazz Club in Montclair.  Vocalist Seth MacFarlane’s Chamber Jazz Orchestra is at Vibrato in Bel Air.  Pianist Larry Goldings is at Libretto in Paso Robles. Jazz At Lincoln Center sponsors a program called the New Orleans Songbook at The Luckman in downtown L.A. Keyboardist Cory Henry leads a jam session at The Sun Rose in West Hollywood. Incendio is at The Grape in Ventura. Vocalist Rickie Lee Jones is at The Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara. Theatre Raymond Kabbaz in West L.A. presents the first day of a two-day Django Reinhardt festival featuring guitarist Stephane Wrembel. Vocalist Howie Levine does his “JazzNatra” show at Hawg Heaven BBQ in Pasadena with vocalist Paula Sargent and a quartet led by pianist Mike Saul. The Idiomatiques are at Boulevard Music in Culver City. Pianist Sue Palmer is at Books & Records in San Diego. Guitarist Louis Valenzuela is at The Jazz Lounge in San Diego. Guitarist Dusty Brough is at Lou Lou’s in San Diego. Vocalist Vi Jordan is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Vocalist Mercedes Moore is at the Hotel Republic in San Diego. 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. Tino Productions is at Cicada in downtown L.A. Vocalist Ed Romero is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena. Vocalist Douglas Roegiers is at the Pasadena Ballroom Dance Association. Alligator Beach is at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica. The Dave Stephens Band is at The Drake in Laguna Beach.

Sunday 2/2 – Diamond, Nelson & Rotem at Alvas Showroom

Vocalist L. Aviva Diamond is joined by pianist Josh Nelson and saxophonist Daniel Rotem for a late afternoon show at Alvas Showroom in San Pedro. The Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Tritone Asylum opens for drummer Kevin Kanner’s jam session at The Mint in West L.A. The CSUN Jazz Tentet is at Sam First near LAX. Pianist Eric Dries is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Guitarist Adam Hawley celebrates a birthday at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. Slim Man is at Humphrey’s Backstage in San Diego. Vocalist Erika Davie is at Panama 66 in San Diego. 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 with vocalist Andrea Miller. 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. Guitarist Dori Amarillo has the afternoon brunch at the Urban Press Winery in Burbank. The SoCal Jazz Collective has the early jazz brunch at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach.

Monday 2/3 – Graham Dechter/Alex Frank Quartet at The Baked Potato

Guitarist Graham Dechter and bassist Alex Frank lead a quartet at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Rickie Lee Jones is at Belly Up in Solana Beach. Saxophonist Michael Lington and vocalist Ruben Stoddard are at Spaghettini in Seal Beach. The New Orleans Songbook is at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Springs. 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.

Tuesday 2/4 – Brian Clemens Big Band w/Tawanda at Campus Jax

Pianist Brian Clemens leads a big band at Campus Jax in Newport Beach with vocalist Tawanda Suessbrich-Joaquim. Bassist Hadrien Feraud is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Vocalist Michelle Coltrane is at La Puglia in Santa Monica. Saxophonist Isiah Collier is at The Loft at UCSD San Diego. Violinist Nora Germain is at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood. Vocalist Kat Edmondson is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Trumpeter/vocalist Matt Von Roderick is at The Drake in Laguna Beach. Keyboardist Sam Barsh is at Shoo Shoo Baby in downtown 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 2/5 – Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix at The Soraya

Saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin & Phoenix open a two-night (Wed-Thu) run at The Soraya in Northridge. Keyboardist Scott Kinsey is at The Baked Potato in Studio City. Trumpeter/vocalist Gunhild Carling is at Catalina in Hollywood. Pianist/vocalist Carol Welsman is at 1881 in Pasadena. Bassist Wojtek Mazolewski is at Gold-Diggers in Hollywood. Vocalist/keyboardist Tim Hockenberry is at Vibrato in Bel Air. Jazz Under Ground presents a Galentine’s Day jazz event at The Stowaway in downtown L.A. 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. Drummer Tom Dante is at the Gaslamp in Long Beach. 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. The Flight 584 Big Band is at the Mayflower Club in North Hollywood.  TUBOP is at Chapter One in Santa Ana. Jumpin’ Joz is at Edwin Mills in Pasadena.  Saxophonist Bryan McCann is at Cafe Fiore in Ventura.