The 2018 winner of eight Independent Blues Awards, including Artist of the Year and Best New Artist CD, Mindi Abair and The Boneshakers appeared at the Grammy Museum with Executive Director, Scott Goldman. Abair and band discussed the making of new album No Good Deed Goes Unpunished and later performed songs from it. The project is their fourth recording and the band consensus was that everything fell together perfectly. The sessions were done with everyone in the studio at the same time.

Also after doing several recordings together, saxophonist Abair and the band; Randy Jacobs-guitar/vocals, Rodney Lee-keyboards/vocals, Third Richardson-drums/percussion, Ben White-bass/vocals, feel like they really know and trust each other, musically and personally. Kevin Shirley the Mixer and Producer for the new record kept the band focused and steered them into different directions as well. The band commented that the record was very diverse, compared to their previous ones and included Etta James “Seven Day Fool,” the Rascals “You Better Run,” and Ike and Tina Turner’s “Baby, Get It On.“

As would be expected, the musicians shared their influences, backgrounds and most importantly, thoughts about songs from the new record. Their brief performance included “Good Day for the Blues,” which was soulful and rocking with slide guitar accenting, and band vocal chorus as Abair sang and soloed. In nearly the same mode “Mess I’m In” grooved along with jagged slide guitar and rocking band play that included sax soloing. Gospel-like choruses opened and permeated the raw and pulsating title track. Slowing things down and going inward was ballad “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?” that was emotionally sung by Abair, with guitar ripping away and probably the most bluesy song on the CD. Alternatively, “Seven Day Fool” was a mix of R&B and rock with band vocal choruses. Much stronger in that direction was hard-rocking “You Better Run” with Adair resembling rocker Pat Benatar and the band rocking out to receive a standing ovation.

 

 

 

In a few years, Ft. Worth, Texas raised Leon Bridges went from an Internet sensation to a headliner at the Hollywood Bowl. The singer/songwriter/guitarist possesses a voice that’s reminiscent of Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, with his own unique flair. Essentially, Bridges is a mix of modern soul and classic R&B, performing with a sextet to showcase songs from his recordings Coming Home and Good Thing. Bridges and crew were a bit disjointed with a lot of gaps between songs. His fans didn’t seem to mind though and beginning song “If It Feels Good (Then It Must Be)” quickly excited them with velvety singing, a driving rhythm, hot dance moves and a brass driven overture. Afterwards, the singer segued into blues, Texas shuffle style for “Mississippi Kisses” with his band grooving away as the crowd divided into sides, got into a dance competition.

In regards to old school soul, Bridges dove into brass laden “Better Man” that was highly appealing to the audience. On the other hand, “Shy” and “Bet Ain’t Worth The Hand” were messages from a neo-soul lover man, with caressing singing, a backing chorus and silky rhythm playing. “Shine” though was remorseful and had religious undertones that included a sax solo and backing choruses. “Coming Home” was poppy and vocally flourished with a mid-tempo cadence. Ballad “Beyond” was country styled and a standout featuring the headliner and backup singers superbly flowing together to amaze the audience. “Brown Skin Girl” carried on the vibe merging reggae rhythms with soulful singing from Bridges and crew. Bridges who seemed to just be getting warmed up ended his show playing soul and country-blues rocking “Flowers” that had the audience dancing.

The word world in blue colors and green colers

Boleros De Noche, a musical and cultural experience that seeks to preserve, uplift, and celebrate Latin American bolero music history in Los Angeles, held it second concert of the season at the Downey Theatre. It was a celebration of boleros from Cuba and Mexico, featuring Latin Grammy-nominated Cuban singer Lily Hernandez and Mexican-American singer Julian Torres from Hawthorne. Hernandez Incorporated salsa, timba and bossa into her music, while Torres showcased his Mexican heritage and love of mariachis with a powerful vocal range and tireless vitality. With a supporting quartet of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass and percussion the Mexican-styled singer, donning traditional mariachi garb began with high spirited “Alma Llanera” full of energetic singing and tasteful guitar playing. Alternatively, “Tomate Una Copa” was romantic and soothing with Torres’ guitarist soloing appealingly.

The Hawthorne native’s set continued with Nat King Cole’s classic “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” featuring all the band singing to excite the audience, along with bolero gem “Mi Último Fracaso,” Pedro Infante and ranchera medleys with everyone singing along. For an added bonus Torres was joined by pianist Abraham Hernandez for exhilaratingly sung and played classica romantica songs “”De Mí Enamórate” and “Al Fina Del Arcoiris.” With his regular group Torres served up more medleys, first Javier Solis’ romantic boleros and closed with a short one of Cha Cha Chas that had the audience singing along and partying.

Hernandez nicknamed “La Amazon” (she’s very tall) was supported by a quintet and had a shorter set, due to Torres going over his allotted time. Her music was considerable different and leaned heavily to Afro-Cuban jazz, son, salsa, bossa and boleros. Much like Torres, she had an astounding voice that quickly seized everyone’s attention, especially when she sung popular “Drume Negrita.” She also wasn’t above singing robust classica romantica ballads with sweeping piano that also impressed the concert attendees.
For an extra treat she also did a duet with her bassist and highlighted her show with Latin favorite “Besame La Mucho.” For more info go to: www.animoproduction.com.

 

 

the word blues

There’s a prevailing feeling that blues is old, dead and nothing new is happening. Vanessa Collier dispels all that with hard-driving energy, gritting singing and sheer talent. The Dallas, Texas born, Columbia, Maryland raised and currently residing outside of Philadelphia artist is triple threat, a multi-instrumentalist who plays reeds, organ, percussion and guitar, sings and also writes her own songs. Her talent hasn’t gone unrecognized and this year she won the 2019 Blues Music Awards for Instrumentalist-Horn Player, and was nominated for Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year, while also getting nominations in the same categories the two previous years. Additionally, Collier won the Lyrics Only category of the 2017 USA Songwriting Competition and was a member of Joe Louis Walker’s Band for two years.

At Malainey’s Grill in Long Beach, part of Cadillac Zack Presents series that includes Maui Sugar Mill Saloon in Tarzana and Big Mama’s Rib Shack in Pasadena, Collier showcased songs from her new CD Honey Up, along with those from her previous albums. “The Runaround” was hard rocking with her band and a perfect vehicle for the singer’s sassiness and grit, while featuring her soloing on her main axe, alto saxophone, along with the guitarist wailing away. With the sax out front she got down and funky for R&B styled new instrumental “Percolatin’” that also showcased the other band members to wow the crowd.

Easy shuffling new tune “Sweatin’ Like a Pig, Singin’ Like An Angel” kept the energy going as Collier sang and soloed soulfully. Returning to blues was Delta infused “Love Me Like a Man” with the guitarist setting the mood with a swampy intro and solo, with Collier inject vintage sax squeaks and squawks for her solo to blow the audience away. For a change of pace the bandleader played acoustic guitar and sang scornfully “Bless Your Heart.” In the same vein was rock and blues classic “When Love Comes to Town.” Overall, that was just the tip of iceberg, regarding Collier’s talent and she could of easily played all night. For more info go to: www.vanessacollier.com and www.pasadenablues.com.

 

 

 

Text Special Mention

Pianist/arranger/composer Alan Broadbent did the first of a three-night (each different) engagement the Jazz Bakery/Moss Theatre with singer Tierney Sutton. Together with Harvie S-bass and Kendall Kay-drums they premiered songs for new project in the making, The Alan Broadbent/Georgia Mancio Songbook. The songs were written one song annually over a 50-year period and tucked away until now. Sutton remarked, “This definitely is a glasses gig,” before they began with easy swinging “Close to The Moon” that included Broadbent and trio soloing. Somewhat similar was “Forever” with the bandleader soloing much more profoundly, along with the bassist. Breaking things up was reflective ballad “Every Time I Think of You,” mostly featuring Sutton and Broadbent.

Returning to light swinging and going back to 1999 was “Small Wonder” that conveyed his feelings when his son, Lucas was born. Adding to the pianist and singer’s dynamics was a drum solo to further bolster the appeal of the tune. In a more sullen and mysterious mood was “In The Dark” featuring classically styled playing from Broadbent and intense singing from Sutton. “If My Heart Should Love Again” was another heartfelt ballad sung with a light bossa rhythm.

The darkest of all the songs, according to Sutton was “Hide Me From The Moonlight” with almost macabre lyrics and complimenting piano. “The Last Goodbye” influenced by Raymond Chandler’s The Long Goodbye and Mancio’s father passing away, swung coolly with an introspective edge. Swinging and upbeat “Thinking of Things That Might Have Been” an arrangement Sutton actually wrote, and “If You Take The Journey Home,” which included solos by all brought things full circle.

 

 

Cuban pianist Fabian Almazan burst on the national scene about 15 years ago as a member of Terence Blanchard’s high caliber ensemble. Recently, the remarkable player who has talents akin to countrymen Chucho Valdes and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, focused more so on his own material. At the Blue Whale Almazan showcased This Land Abounds With Life, his homage to Cuba. Working with the pianist was Linda May Han Oh-bass and Henry Cole-drums. They played intensely and abstractly nearly non-stop for their set, taking the audience on a wild musical ride. The only relief was a ballad of sorts, “Benjamin” dedicated to a bassist friend of the bandleader. For more info go to: www.fabianalmazan.com.

 

San Diego-based trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, who currently is a member of The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, a high caliber session and touring sideman, and also a Lecturer at USC’s Thornton School of Music, presented his quintet at the Jazz Bakery’s Moss Theatre. The theme of the show was A Tribute to Kenny Dorham, who although critically acclaimed never received the public recognition he deserved as a talented trumpeter, singer and composer. Sidemen enlisted for the gig were Teodross “Teo” Avery-saxophone, Joshua White-piano, Tyler ¬Kreutel-drums and John Murray-bass, who was only15-years old. “Philly Twist” written for legend Philly Joe Jones got things started and was high-octane hard bop with Castellanos masterfully leading and soloing, along with everyone else being highlighted.

“Sao Paolo” with an underlying cha-cha theme was equally swinging and bolstered by amazing brass playing, a vibrant rhythm foundation and White soloing unconventionally. From a more somber standpoint was “Night Watch” featuring Murray whose bass towered above him working out fluidly to the audience’s delight, while the bandleader and other musicians played solidly. Interesting, “Lotus Blossom” one of Castellanos’ favorite Dorham tunes was probably the only bebop tinged number and featured both brass players blasting away. Also in the realm of high energy was “The Fox” featuring the bandleader and Avery blazing away. Downshifting some, the bandleader served up Dorham’s reflective ballad “La Mesha” that was recorded by Joe Henderson. Capping off an evening of appealing jazz and great playing was Latin-styled “Una Mas” featuring solos from bass and piano, trumpet and saxophone coolly trading off to receive a resounding standing ovation.

 

 

KJZZ 88.1 FM’s Summer Benefit at Disney Hall was headlined by Grammy and Tony-winning singer/actress/UN Goodwill Ambassador/NEA Jazz Master Dee Dee Bridgewater, with on-air personality Bubba Jackson serving as the emcee. The singer was supported by Michael King-keyboards, Tabari Lake-bass and Kush Abadey-drums, and chose to honor departed legends Betty Carter, Abbey Lincoln and Nancy Wilson. In Carter fashion Bridgewater scatted profoundly and spotlighted her young backing group as they each soloed to excite the crowd, in addition to rendering “My Disposition Depends on You.” In typical fashion, the singer pranced around flirticuously, directing her attention to the blushing bassist and talked about a recent disastrous blind date.

Returning to music, the singer delved into “Lover Man Comeback to Me” spaciously and ephemerally similar to Lincoln, along with “Monk Blues.” For Wilson things got a lot more refined, starting with a soulful version of “Teach Me Tonight” with organ soloing. In the same vein was “Save Your Love For Me” with Bridgewater singing more fluidly. Breaking out of the tribute material the singer went into B.B. King classic “The Thrill is Gone” from her latest project R&B inspired Memphis…Yes I’m Ready to garner a standing ovation.

Opening for her were guitarist/vocalists Raul Midon and Lionel Loueke, who performing solely and together. Benin-born Loueke began singing sweetly in his native tongue and playing African rhythms, along with percussion on his acoustic guitar. Shifting to electric he played “Vi Gnin” from his latest CD The Journey that was both atmospheric and gentle. Midon came on stage afterwards, first playing with the African musician for a light jam, highlighted by them playing and scatting away with the audience clapping along.

Blind Midon took over solely and mimicked horns vocally and pleasingly sang “I Love The Afternoon” that included his trumpet scatting. From his latest release If You Really Want produced by Vince Mendoza with the Metropole Orkest’s “God’s Dream ” was performed and astonished the crowd with fiery singing and clean acoustic guitar. Showing his confident aura was title track from his 2017 recording Bad Ass And Blind with rapid-fire rapping and bluesy guitar to totally blow the audience away. Closing out his set Midon honored his earlier stage mate with “Loeke” an African flavored piece, with his friend later joining in to sing and play to receive a standing ovation. For more info go to: kkjz.org.

 

Well-respected saxophonist Eric Alexander, who came in second behind Joshua Redman in the 1991 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition, made a rare Southern California appearance at the Jazz Bakery’s Moss Theatre. Eric Reed-piano/unofficial co-leader, Mike Gurrola-bass and Kevin Kanner-drums, backed him. Alexander’s original “Second Impression” got things underway with him beginning resoundingly and spiritually with only Reed. When the other players joined in the tune transitioned to a full body near Coltrane-like piece that was full of impressive solos from Alexander and Reed, along with Kanner trading off. Nancy Wilson’s “Save Your Love For Me” became a hip tune with the audience clapping along initially as Alexander soulfully worked out with his quartet.

For a changeup, the saxophonist with an off-kilter sense of humor did a ballad treatment of Lionel Ritchie’s “Still” that was sumptuous and easy flowing, along with “It’s Magic” later in the set. From a more traditional standpoint standard “It Was Just One of Those Things” was performed with a bebop tinge featuring Alexander and Reed, with Kanner turning in a thunderous solo. Also for a segment, Reed led the other sidemen throught an inventive mash of the Beatles “Yesterday,” with standards “Yesteryears” and “I Didn’t Know What Time it Was” that also featured Gurrola soling and drums trading off. Alexander returned afterwards and closed with “Eddie Harris.” It was garnished with the audience clapping along to a rousing, R&B/gospel oriented tribute to the popular hard-bop saxophonist, with Reed injecting Les McCann touches.

 

 

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill performed at the Garry Marshall Theatre in Toluca Lake, depicted legendary singer/songwriter Billy Holiday (1915-1959), intensely portrayed by Deidrie Henry, in the waning years of her career. Most likely, the time period was in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s after she served eight months in prison for heroin possession, and had her Cabaret Card revoked. That made it impossible for her to perform in New York City clubs. Through perseverance and luck, Holiday is able to secure a string of dates at Emerson’s Bar & Grill in Philadelphia (owner was an old friend of the singer), which is the setting for the play/musical written by Lanie Robertson and directed by Gregg T. Daniel.

Abdul Hamid Royal played Jimmy Powers Holiday’s very dependable pianist and right-hand man, while James Leary was the bass player with sparse speaking parts. Besides being Holiday’s accompanist, Powers was also her “voice of reason” as the singer dealt with her many demons, bad breaks and artistic temperament. Those unfamiliar with the legend’s scornful story got a jazz view of life, and a few lucky couples became on-stage club attendees, with several of the males experiencing flirtations from the singer. Overall, the play adorned with a superb set was entertaining and showcased appealing renditions of “Ain’t Nobody’s Business,” “Don’t Explain,” “Strange Fruit” and of course “God Bless The Child.” For more info go to: garrymarshalltheatre.org.

SPECIAL REQUEST

Guitar legend Kenny Burrell took a fall two years ago. He is still recovering and on sabbatical from UCLA. Essentially, he is still unable to play and/or teach. Help is needed and welcomed. Here’s the link for donations setup by his wife Katherine:

https://www.gofundme.com/support-kenny-burrell?utm_medium=email&utm_source=product&utm_campaign=p_email%2B2300-co-team-welcome

 

 

 

Singer/lyricist/pianist Dave Frishberg is not doing well at all. If you who have enjoyed the gift of Dave’s music, please feel inspired to help him now that he needs it.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-dave-frishberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

text previews

Mr. Musichead, celebrating 20 years as a premier boutique art gallery and its owner Sam Milgrom, teamed up with Los Angeles Jazz Radio Broadcaster and Producer LeRoy
Downs and All Music Television Founder & CEO Frederick Smith, Jr to present Just Jazz featuring a lineup of internationally recognized jazz artists. From 6:30pm to Showtime, before each show, tune into “The Jazzcat” LeRoy Downs as he spins one hour of supreme, eclectic jazz live on SoundsandColorsRadio.net direct from the Mr Musichead Gallery! Downs will play music and interview the weekly artist as jazz patrons are arriving for the performance, enticing listeners to come on out and be a part of the Curated Jazz Experience!! A portion of the proceeds from each show will be donated to a local charity.

Red TicketDoors Open: 6:00pm
Drinks & Appetizer Reception: 6:30pm
Live Music: 7:30pm

August 7 Cathy Segal-Garcia and The Jazz Chamber

August 14 Mark de Clive-Lowe + Friends

August 21 Benjamin J. Shepherd + Friends

Other upcoming artists include Marquis Hill and more…

Mr Musichead Gallery
7420 W. Sunset Blvd (across from Guitar Center)
Los Angeles, CA 90046
323-876-90046
www.mrmusichead.com
www.SoundsandColorsRadio.net
www.allmusictelevision.net
www.TheJazzcat.net

September 14 Spider’s Egg Sextet
8:00pm
Moss Theater

September 15 Spider’s Egg Sextet
5:00pm
Moss Theater

September 21 Monty Alexander Trio
8:00pm
Moss Theater

September 22 Monty Alexander Trio
5:00pm
Moss Theater

September 28 Gerald Clayton Quartet
8:00pm
Moss Theater

September 29 Gerald Clayton Quartet
5:00pm
Moss Theater

Moss Theater
New Roads School at The Herb Alpert Educational Village
3131 Olympic Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Jazz Bakery’s Moveable Feasts
jazzbakery.org
(800) 838-3006

“Concerts and Conversations with Southern California Jazz Legends” made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. KJAZZ 88.1 – official media sponsor.

 


The 32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival offers an unparalleled lineup of renowned Jazz musicians and performers who have shaped the Festival’s incredibly rich history and one of the premier jazz experiences in America. This year’s theme “A Healthy Taste of Jazz” will bring Jazz, Health & Wellness together like never before to please the senses and nourish the mind, body, and soul. The event will feature world-renowned musical artists, inspirational and expert wellness speakers and leaders, treatment centers, vendors and healthy food sampling stations comfortably at Rainbow Lagoon Park!

In addition to the memorable entertainment, everyone who attends the Festival will come away with tools for leading a healthier way of living. They’ll feel energized, focused, de-stressed, and will enjoy an overall sense of profound pleasure. The Festival will be an eco-friendly, sustainable event offering visitors a wide array of experiences over an oasis setting. This event will increase awareness of all forms of healthcare and healthy living opportunities that are available to the local community. The areas of interest that will be promoted at this event include: Healthcare Providers, Organic & Healthy Foods, Organic & Healthy Products, Organic & Healthy Lifestyle.
August 9

Eric Benét

Sax To The Max: Michael Lington, Paul Taylor, Vincent Ingala

David P. Stevens

August 10

Norman Brown with Special Guest Angie Stone

Poncho Sanchez

The Jazz Classics Ft. Patrice Rushen

Jazz In P!nk Feat. Gail Jhonson, Karen Briggs & Mariea Antoinette

Al Williams Jazz Society Ft. Alexis Joy & Barbara Morrison – A Tribute to Nancy Wilson

Willie Bradley

August 11

Brian Culbertson
Arturo Sandoval
Terence Blanchard

The Rippingtons Feat. Russ Freeman

Special EFX All Stars ft. Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, Eric Marienthal, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Elliott Yamin, & Joel Rosenblatt
Darryl Williams with Special Guest Bryan Thompson
32nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival
Rainbow Lagoon Park
E Shoreline Dr
Long Beach, CA 90802
longbeachjazzfestival.com
info@rainbowpromotions.com
562.424.0013

 

 

 

Silicon Valley’s premier annual music event, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019 returns for its 30th Anniversary festival season from Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11 in and around Plaza de César Chavez Park in downtown San Jose, Calif. Expanding from its early days as a one-stage, eight-act event to one of North America’s foremost music festivals, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019 presents for its 30th Anniversary more than 100 acts on a record 14 stages.

The 30th Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019 features an acclaimed lineup, and San Jose Jazz recently announced its second round of confirmed artists including: Dianne Reeves, Gregory Porter, Pink Martini, The O’Jays, Orquesta La-33, Fred Hersch, Roberta Gambarini Quartet, Sons of Kemet, Monty Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express, Ivan Lins, Charlie Hunter and Lucy Woodward, Veronica Swift with the Emmet Cohen Trio, Sammy Miller and the Congregation, Marcus Shelby Orchestra with Tiffany Austin, En Vogue, The Family Stone, Carl Allen’s Tribute to Art Blakey, Sylvia Cuenca Quartet With Gary Bartz, Elio Villafranca: Cinque, Kim Nalley Trio with James Carter, Mads Tolling and Mads Men, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, Kassa Overall, Marquis Hill Blacktet, Ellis Marsalis Piano Competition Winners, China Moses, Gunhild Carling, Aki Kumar’s Bollywood Blues, Emmet Cohen and Tootie Heath, and more!

30TH ANNUAL SAN JOSE JAZZ SUMMER FEST
August 9 – 11, 2018
Plaza de César Chavez Park
Downtown San Jose, CA
http://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org
408.288.7557

CAP UCLA’s 2019-20 season highlights

Oct 3
Chick Corea
Trilogy
with Christian McBride & Brian Blade
Royce Hall

Oct 11
The Ford Theatres in association with CAP UCLA Presents
Hassan Hajjaj
My Rock Stars Experimental – Live!
Ford Theatres

Nov 2
Aaron Neville Duo
Royce Hall

Nov 10
Joshua Redman Quartet with The Bad Plus
Royce Hall

Nov 16
Sergio Mendes & Bebel Gilberto
Royce Hall

Nov 23
Avery*Sunshine
The Theatre at Ace Hotel

Dec 5
Bill Frisell & Julian Lage Duo
Royce Hall

Dec 7
DeJohnette/Coltrane/Garrison
Royce Hall

Jan 25, 2020
Buika
The Theatre at Ace Hotel

Feb 7, 2020
Gregory Porter
Royce Hall

Feb 20, 2020
Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Royce Hall

Feb 28, 2020
Omar Sosa & Yilian Cañizares
Aguas Trio
Featuring Gustavo Ovalles
Royce Hall

Mar 7, 2020
Octavia E. Butler’s
Parable Of The Sower
Created By Toshi Reagon and
Bernice Johnson Reagon
Music and Lyrics By Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon
Directed By Eric Ting
Royce Hall

Mar 26, 2020
Fly Higher: Charlie Parker At 100
Co-musical Directors: Rudresh Mahanthappa & Terri Lyne Carrington
Royce Hall

Apr 18, 2020
Perla Batalla
Discoteca Batalla
The Theatre at Ace Hotel

Apr 25, 2020
Anthony De Mare
Liaisons 2020: Re-imagining Sondheim From The Piano
Royce Hall

Subscriptions and individual tickets on sale at:
cap.ucla.edu
310.825.2101

Performances à la Carte Presents

Jazz ‘n Paz
Fall 2019 Concert Series
Intimate Pasadena early Sunday evening Jazz programs to nourish your soul

Curated by Performances à la Carte, Jazz ‘n Paz is back with its’ fall intimate jazz series of three concerts with some of Los Angeles’ finest jazz musicians. On September 7th Rhythm & Brews & BBQ Fundraiser will take place in the backyard of a private residence in Pasadena, features Nick Mancini B3 Organ Trio with Ty Bailie on B3 organ, Tina Raymond on drums, and Nick Mancinion Vibes with vocalist Jamie Perez and a Special Legendary Guest Vocalist, well-known in the Los Angeles and featured on over 20 recordings in almost every genre from traditional jazz and blues to gospel and pop. Her melodic voice, with its two-and-a-half-octave range, is known worldwide, as are her rich, unique, soulful and highly spirited interpretations.

Performances à la Carte is a collaborative arts events producer with a mission to create unique, original live performances utilizing multi-arts genres to showcase the diverse artistic community in the greater Los Angeles, San Gabriel and Crescenta Valley area and to connect the arts with social needs and issues that serve the public interest.

Singer, songwriter and artistic director of Performances à la Carte, Carla (Jamie) Perez, is considered a very versatile singer, a performance artist of eclectic tastes and total vocality. Although she studied with some of the world’s most renown classical singers/teachers, she considers her first voice teachers and interpreters of song growing up to be jazz greats Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson and Ella Fitzgerald and admits she frequently gave “Frankie” a spin (all via vinyl).

Though the music of jazz and Broadway were her first loves, her father, a lover of jazz but a devoted operaphile, persuaded her (or else) to pursue a career in classical music, which she did very successfully for 30 years. She is delighted to return to her roots and sing some of the jazz music she “cut her teeth on” (literally – she teethed on jazz album covers as an infant). Through her artistic endeavors with Performances à la Carte, she continues to create collaborative projects that promote artists, serve the public interest and that fuel her passion for beauty, authenticity and social justice.

October 6 with GF3 featuring Gary Fukushima on piano and keyboard with Miles Senzaki on drums and JP Maramba on bass.

November 17, 2 + 1 Plus Latin features Lyman Medeiros on bass, vocals by Jamie Perez, Nick Mancini on vibes, and special featured guest, Louis Cruz Beltran on congas with Carlos Vivas on piano and Abelardo Quintaro on drums.

December 22, Carols of the Belles Holiday Jazz ‘n Paz featuring Barbara Morrison, Jamie Perez, and Renee Myara, with Michael Ragonese on piano, James Yoshizawa on drums, Danny Janklow on sax and flute, and Cooper Appelt on bass.

Neighborhood UU Church
5:00PM
301 North Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
https://jazznpaz.com
jazznpaz@performancesalacarte.com
626-296-9843.

Tickets to Rhythm & Brews & BBQ are $75 per person and for $150, VIP guests will receive ticket to fundraiser, tickets to the Fall Jazz ‘n Paz Series (three concerts with reserved seating), a ticket to the December 22 Holiday Cheer After the Concert Private Party, and a free Nick Mancini B3 Organ Trio CD, The Long Game. Rhythm & Brews & BBQ includes BBQ Buffet Dinner with Craft Beers, Marshmallow Roasting and S’mores and coffee by the Fire Pits. Email: fundraiser@jazznpaz.com for invitation and tickets. Address of venue will be provided upon tickets being purchased. No tickets will be sold at the door. Series subscriptions are now on sale, offering a discount compared to individual concert tickets.

 

 

2019 SUNSET CONCERTS AT THE SKIRBALL

Red TicketAugust 1 Klezmatics
August 8 Cha Wa
August 15 Tamar Ilana & Ventanas in their Los Angeles debut
August 22 Josef Leimberg

2019 SUNSET CONCERTS AT THE SKIRBALL
8:00 pm; doors open at 6:30 pm.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
skirball.org • (310) 440-4500

FREE admission to the Museum and Skirball campus open at 5:30 pm.

All Skirball exhibitions (except Noah’s Ark) are free and open until 10:00 pm during Sunset Concerts, including Fearless Fashion: Rudi Gernreich and Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite. Audrey’s Museum Store is open until 8:00 pm.

Grab-and-go light fare, full bar service, and specialty food items will be available for happy hour and throughout the show. Guests may bring their own food. Note: No outside alcoholic beverages or chairs are permitted.

Parking: $15 per car, carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged. Street parking is strictly prohibited. Or take Metro Rapid 734/234.

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz at LACMA

Aug 2 Billy Childs
6 pm

August 9 Rickey Woodard Sextet
6 pm

August 16 Gilbert Castellanos
6 pm

August 23 Cross Hart Jazz Experience
6 pm

August 30 m-pact
6 pm

Smidt Welcome Plaza | LACMA
www.lacma.org/events-calendar

Latin Sounds

August 3 West Coast Salsa Orchestra
5pm

August 10 Oskar Cartaya & The Riccanection
5 pm

August 17 Susie Hansen Latin Band
5 pm

August 24 Marcos Cohen & Candombeat
5 pm

August 31 Yamila Guerra
5 pm

 

 

 

 

Hancock Park | LACMA
www.lacma.org/events-calendar

 

Subaru Summer Jazz Nights is happening Tuesday, July 9th through Tuesday, August 6th. The Series will feature free concerts by top and cutting-edge jazz artists including Jose Rizo’s Mongorama, Bria Skonberg, Boogaloo Assassins, and more every Tuesday from 7 to 9pm in the central courtyard at Hollywood & Highland.

Subaru Summer Jazz Nights at Hollywood and Highland is sponsored by the 3-row 2019 Subaru Ascent. It’s the biggest SUV they’ve ever made. With room for up to eight, choice of second-row captain’s chairs or bench seating, plus standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with up to twenty-seven miles per gallon.

August 6 MARQUIS HILL BLACKTET
7pm – 9pm
Hosted by Jose Rizo

Subaru Summer Jazz Nights
July 9th-August 6th
Hollywood & Highland Mall
Hollywood
www.kkjz.org

Julianne and George Argyros Plaza-Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Summer Jazz

August 2 Clayton Cameron and the Jass Explosion
7:00 PM

August 9 George Gilliam Quartet * Connie Han Trio
7:00 PM

August 16 The John Clifton Blues Band * The 44’s Blues Band
7:00 PM

August 23 Mon David Quartet featuring Tateng Katindig on Piano * Charmaine Clamor
7:00 PM

August 30 Sweet Baby J’ai and the Women in Jazz All-Stars!
7:00 PM

Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
ttps://www.scfta.org/Events

 

 

Any information to be considered for this column can be sent to: chrisjwalker1@earthlink.net