L.A. Jazz Scene

By Dee Dee McNeil
February 15, 2026

Larry Nash & The Jazz Symphonic All-Stars have a monthly show that’s featured at the popular Crenshaw Mall. For those of you familiar with this popular inner-city shopping mall at 3650 W. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., they perform “Live” jazz on the first floor, inside the “Afro-City” clothing store. It’s a wonderful performance space with a good sound system.

You can’t miss it. As soon as you park in the FREE PARKING garage, and enter the glass doors to the mall, you will see a large store that’s called “Afro-City.” They have a huge display of Afro-centric hats, clothing and jewelry. I was impressed by some really beautiful merchandise! Once you enter that store, you can purchase a $20 ticket at the Afro-City counter, or you can pay in advance and save five dollars On-line.

It’s an early, Sunday afternoon gig, (2:30pm to 5:30pm). Some folks bring a lawn chair and their picnic lunch. However, you don’t have to bring your own seat. Folded chairs are provided.

On Feb 15th, the afternoon I attended, one of our favorite L.A. jazz disc Jockey’s was the host, Mr. James Janisse. James introduced the all-star aggregation: Richard Simon on bass, Paul Kreibich on drums, Larry Nash, piano/conductor/composer, Yvette Devereaux, violinist, Rickey Woodard, saxophone, Kye Palmer on trumpet, and David Leach on percussion.

James Janisse

They opened the concert with a Larry Nash original entitled, “Smell of Jazzmine.” Kye Palmer stepped out-front to give us an energetic trumpet solo and David Leach locked in on percussion with drummer, Paul Kriebich. They pushed the music ahead with gusto.

Behind the bandstand, a moving video of the LA coastline played to remind us of Southern California’s natural beauty.

Rickey Woodard took a solo that brought the house down. The applause was dynamic.

The second song featured a rich Afro-Cuban beat. It was another Larry Nash Original called “Corner Store.” Yvette Devereaux was amazing during her violin solo.

Richard Simon (bass) & Yvette Devereaux (violin) Photo © by Dee Dee McNeil – Feb 2026

The audience responded to her several times during Devereaux’s improvised solo, with shouts of praise and appreciation. That’s one thing I love about American audiences, especially those made up with people of color. We’re not inhibited about shouting expressions of appreciation at ‘live’ concerts. Ms. Devereaux has her own style and approach to the violin that is both unique, technically excellent and beautiful. Those present let her know they heard her, they saw her, they felt her genuine emotions projected from her string instrument.

Photo © by Dee Dee McNeil

The entire band included a group of A-list Southern California musicians. They brought energy and jazz innovation to the mall on a cloudy Sunday afternoon.

When Larry Nash called the familiar “Cristo Redentor” composition by the great Duke Pearson, it took me back to1964. That’s when my old friend, Donald Byrd, made that song famous. I was thrilled to hear it again after so many years! This is one of my favorite tunes from that era of jazz. It was a song Pearson wrote to tribute the Christ Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This time, it would feature both pianist/bandleader, Larry Nash and Yvette Devereaux on her awesome violin.

Yvette’s solo on violin took my breath away. I was not alone. After her solo, while the band was still playing, the crowd rose up and gave the talented Ms. Devereaux a standing ovation. Ms. Devereaux is the first African American woman to attain a conductor’s degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music.

Then Larry Nash soloed. He put a capital “B” into the Blues! Larry laid down the groove and his musical sweetness was thick, delicious and soulful as fresh honey on hot biscuits. It was an incredible arrangement of Cristo Redentor. I wish they had recorded it!

Finally, to top-off the first set, vocalist Phoenyx Rose joined the Jazz Symphonic All-Stars to perform another Larry Nash original, “Baby Baby.” She was gorgeous in a yellow dress with a train. She announced that the designer was in the house: Mr. James Poole. We all applauded the dress and the designer.

After this song, she sang “Fever” and had the audience participate by adding their united voices during the ‘hook’ of the song. Richard Simon’s walking bassline kept the groove in solid place, along with Kreibich’s tasty drums. The audience loved it! Kye Palmer’s trumpet added a taste of New Orleans to the arrangement.

It was nice to see such a good turnout of jazz aficionados, including a couple of good friends. I grabbed a photo with jazz vocalist, Yvonne Butler. Margaret Love was there too.

Yvonne Butler & Dee Dee McNeil – selfie by Dee Dee McNeil

Check with the Afro City shop to find out when Larry Nash and the Symphonic All-Stars will return in March.