Los Angeles

Barry Manilow

- July 4.  (Wed.)  Barry Manilow and July 4 Fireworks Spectacular.  A high energy celebration of the 4^th.  With one soaring Manilow hit after another, a lot of patriotic music from the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, conducted by Sarah Hicks.  And the usual spectacular pyrotechnics.  Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2040.

- July 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.)  Rodger Fox’s Wellington Jazz Orchestra.   A big jazz band from New Zealand?  They’re in town to make a recording, while giving Angeleno jazz fans a taste of jazz from the other side of the world.  Should be interesting. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

Deana Martin

- July 6 & 7 (Fri. & Sat.)  Deana Martin.  Yes, she’s Dean Martin’s daughter, and the musical inheritance is obvious.  But it’s the way Deana  transforms that inheritance into her own expressiveness that makes her such an intriguing singer.  She’s backed by the stellar trio of Mike Lang, Chuck Berghofer, Jim Fox and Steve Schaeffer.  Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- July 7. (Sat.)  Pete Christlieb Quartet.  Saxophonist Christlieb is at the top of everyone’s first call list – for big band jazz, small group, whatever.  And with good reason.  Here’s a chance to hear him in the spotlight, backed by Tom Ranier, piano, Pat Senatore, bass and Kendall Kay, drums.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.     (310) 474-9400.

- July 8. (Sun.)  Hiroe Sekine.  Pianist/composer/singer Sekine celebrates the release of her new CD, After the Fall.  With Larry Koonse, guitar, Bob Sheppard, saxophones, Edwin Livingston, bass, Aaron Serfaty, drums.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

San Francisco

- July 6 – 8. Fri. – Sun.)  Roy Ayers.  Vibraphonist Ayers moved quickly beyond his bebop roots into early jazz funk and, more recently, into funk, house music and other pop/jazz crossovers.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

New York

Carmen Lundy

- July 5 – 8. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Carmen Lundy.   Lundy is not only a gifted jazz singer, she’s also a talented songwriter, approaching both skills with a rich palette of musical creativity. The Blue Note.   (212) 475-89592.

- July 6. (Fri.)  Mark Helias: The Parlance of Our Times.  Bassist Helias leads alto saxophonist Tim Berne, trumpeter Kirk Knuffke and drummer Mark Ferber in an exploration of “the lexicon of composition and improvisation practices presented over the last few decades.”   Cornelia St. Cafe.    (212) 989-9319.

London

- July 6 & 7. (Fri. & Sat.)  Jimmy Cobb, Joey DeFrancesco and Larry Coryell Trio.  A tribute to Jimmy Smith by a great trio of all-stars.  It would be hard to imagine three guys who could do it better.  Ronnie Scott’s.   020 7439 0747.

Paris

John Scofield

- July 6. (Fri.)  John Scofield’s Hollowbody.  In his Hollowbody bands, guitarist Scofield sparks the creativity by juxtaposing his unique skills against other guitarists.  This time out, he’s working with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, as well as bassist Ben Street and drummer Bill Stewart.  New Morning Paris.   01 45 23 51 41.

It’s always a good night at Herb Alpert’s Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. when the club’s Music Director, bassist Pat Senatore, books some of L.A.’s finest players for a laid-back, quasi-jam session performance.  On Friday night, it was a quartet led by alto saxophonist/flutist Gary Foster, with pianist Tom Ranier, drummer Ramon Banda and Senatore.  In two sets of far-ranging tunes, they affirmed – as happens so often at Vibrato – the skill and imagination that courses through the Southland’s impressive community of resident jazz artists.

Gary Foster

Foster will be the first to acknowledge that his playing contains traces of sound and substance influenced by his close friend and occasional musical companion, Lee Konitz.  But what he does with those qualities is completely his own – a style rich with melody, even in briskly swinging up-tempos, enhanced by articulate, always intriguing rhythmic phrasing.

Ranier’s style, equally expressive, underscored by his classical roots – was the perfect creative counter for Foster, made even more empathic by the fact that Ranier is also a saxophonist and clarinetist in his own right.

The program of material, seemingly selected on the fly, ranged from familiar Songbook standards to a few jazz classics (many of which were equally indebted to chord changes from standards).  The Johnny Mercer/Jimmy Van Heusen classic “I Thought About You” was the opener, a perfect vehicle for Foster to demonstrate his warm tone and lyrical phrasing.  Other, similarly memorable ballads followed: Tadd Dameron’s “If You Could See Me Now”; Heusen and Johnny Burke’s “It Could Happen To You”; and a lovely bossa nova from Clare Fischer, featuring Foster’s soaring flute lines.

Faster lines were delivered with crisp, enthusiastic drive, underscored by Senatore’s solid, in-the-pocket bass lines and Banda’s percussive enthusiasm.  Among the most memorable: Ranier and Foster motoring in unison through a fast-fingered Konitz-Marsh line based on the chord changes of “Out Of Nowhere”; a Tadd Dameron bebop classic – “Hot House” – based on the changes of “What Is This Thing Called Love?”

A well balanced program, in other words, performed by a quartet of players thoroughly capable of bringing it to full musical life.  And fully characteristic of the sort of first rate jazz that can be found on almost any given night at Vibrato.  Now, if we could just persuade the crowd at the bar to pay as much attention to the music as they do to each other…

Los Angeles

- May 30. (Wed.)  Gene Cipriano.  “The World According to ‘Cip”  Veteran saxophonist Cipriano, backed by a band of L.A.’s veteran jazz artists, in an evening of stories and song.  His stellar band includes trombonist Dick Nash, pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Ralph Humphrey.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- June 1 & 2. (Fri. & Sat.) Steve Smith and Vital Information.  Former Journey drummer Smith has been leading the crossover jazz ensemble Vital Information for nearly three decades.  And the band continues to be one of the most accomplished musical pathfinders in contemporary jazz.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

Chris Botti

- June 2. (Sat.)  Chris Botti.  Trumpeter Botti is the world’s best selling jazz artist and with good reason.  Not only is he a player with a uniquely personal sound, inventive ideas and a brisk sense of swing – he’s also a performer who knows how to create a connection with his audience.  The Greek Theatre.     (323) 665-5857.  Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Botti performance. 

- June 2. (Sat.)  John Daversa Quartet.  Versatile trumpeter Daversa channels his impressive abilities as a composer/instrumentalist into the improvisational setting of his quartet.   Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.    (310) 474-9400.

- June 2. (Sat.) Grupo Falso Baiano.  The San Francisco based group cruises through traditional and contemporary choro music, blending their dynamic interpretations with a cross-genre seasoning of jazz, flamenco and beyond.  LACMA.   (323) 857-6000.

Johnny Mandel

- June 2. (Sat.)  Johnny Mandel Big Band.  The great composer/arranger/songwriter makes one of his rare appearances, leading a stageful of L.A.’s finest players in a program of his lush, atmospheric charts. Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.  Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Mandell performance. 

- June 3. (Sun.)  Phil Norman Tentet.   Little/big band West Coast jazz of the ‘50s is alive, in briskly swinging contemporary fashion, in the music of the Tentet.  Pasta Sunday at Vitello’s.     (818) 769-0905.  Click HERE to read a recent iRoM review of a Tentet performance. 

San Francisco

- May 31. (Thurs.)  Eliyahu & the Qadim Ensemble.  Ney flutist Eliyahu leads an ensemble performing music ranging across the entire Middle East: Arabic, Jewish, Turkish Sufi, Armenian, Ladino, Moroccan and beyond.  The Qadim’s players include Rachel Valfer Sills on oud and vocals, Faisal Zedan on Arabic percussion, and Gari Hegedus on Turkish saz and oud.   Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse.    (510) 644-2020.

Chicago

- May 31 – June 3. (Thurs. – Sun.)  The Pat Martino Trio. Guitarist Martino’s remarkable recovery from a near fatal brain aneurysm in 1980 has been astonishing.  His most recent album, Undeniable: Live at Blues Alley hit #1 on the jazz charts.  Jazz Showcase.    (312) 360-0234.

New York

Dee Dee Bridgewater

- May 29 – June 2. Tues. – Sun.)  Dee Dee Bridgewater.  The superb jazz vocalist has had seven Grammy nominations and three wins, as well as a Tony award for her appearance in The Wiz. This time out she shares a celebration of her 62^nd birthday with her listeners.  The Blue Note.    (212) 475-8592.

- June 3. (Sun.)  Jane Ira Bloom.  “All Ballads.”  Bloom, who has been quietly defining an appealing use of the soprano saxophone in contemporary jazz, offers an evening of instrumental balladry.  Cornelia St. Café.    (212) 989-9319.

London

- May 31 – June 2. (Thurs. – Sat.)  The Ronnie Laws/Tom Browne band.  A pair of veteran players who know all the ins and outs of jazz with a funk accent.  They’re backed by pianist Jason Rebello, bassist Karl Rasheed and drummer Will Calhoun.   Ronnie Scott’s.    020 7439 0747.

Paris

- June 1. (Fri.)  Joan Armatrading.  British born, three time Grammy nominee Armatrading has been working the crossover areas between pop, jazz and the blues since the late ‘60s.  And she’s still doing it impressively.  New Morning.    01 45 23 51 41.

Tokyo

Jim Hall

- June 3 – 6. (Sun. – Wed.)  Jim Hall Trio.  He’s every guitarist’s favorite player – and a lot of other instrumentalists’ favorite, as well.  Pat Metheny has described Hall, and with good reason, as “the father of modern jazz guitar.  He performs with Scott Colley, bass and Joey Baron, drums.  Blue Note Tokyo. 03-5485-0088.

* * * * * *

Photos of Chris Botti, Johnny Mandel and Dee Dee Bridgewater by Tony Gieske. 

Los Angeles

Jack DeJohnette

- May 15 – 20. (Tues. – Sun.)  Jack DeJohnette, Chick Corea and Stanley Clarke celebrate Jack’s 70^th birthday. It would be hard to ask for a more stellar trio than this.  Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear three authentically iconic jazz artists performing together.  Catalina Bar & Grill.   (323) 466-2210.

- May 16. (Wed.)  Gary Foster/Tom Ranier Quartet.  And speaking of stellar, here’s a quartet — including Putter Smith, bass and Joe LaBarbera, drums – that shines pretty brightly, as well.  They may be based solely in L.A., but they’ve got world class jazz credentials..  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- May 16. (Wed.)  Bern.  Drummer Bernie Dresel leads his 12 piece, supercharged, funk-driven band in an evening at the Valley’s newest jazz room.  The Federal.   (818) 980-2555.

- May 17. (Thurs.)  Annie Trousseau.  This multi-lingual world music sextet is led by Colombian/America singer/songwriter Ana Maria Lombo in a program reaching from Edith Piaf to Antonio Carlos Jobim. Vibrato.    .(310) 474-9400.

Barbara Cook

May 19. (Sat.)  Barbara Cook. Tony Award-winning (for Music Man) Cook has been concentrating on cabaret and concert music for the past four decades.  And, at 84, she is still a captivating singer.  Valley Performing Arts Center.  (818) 677-3000.  The Valley Performing Arts Center regretfully announces that due to an unexpected reaction to medication, Barbara Cook has been forced to postpone her performance originally scheduled at the Valley Performing Arts Center Great hall on Saturday, May 19, 2012.  This concert has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 8 pm.  Tickets for the May 19 date will be honored on June 30.  Requests for refund must be made to the VPAC box office by June 5.

- May 19. (Sat.)  Elaine Stritch.  “Singin’ Sondheim…One Song at a Time.”  One of the great, charismatic Broadway performers, Stritch makes her Disney Hall debut with what will surely be a memorable program.  Disney Hall.    (323) 850-2000.

- May 19. (Sat.) Luckman Jazz Orchestra.  A Tribute to Charlie Parker.  The LJO pays much deserved tribute to alto saxophonist Parker, one of the two or three most powerfully influential figures in the history of jazz.  Luckman Performing Arts Center. (323) 323-4600.

San Francisco

- May 18 – 20.  (Fri. – Sun.)  The Brad Mehldau Trio. Firmly established as a vital, influential pianist, Mehldau’s current group – with bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard — has set high standards for the contemporary jazz piano trio.  An SFJAZZ 2012 Spring Season event at the YBCA Forum.  (866) 920-5299.

Roy Haynes

Washington, D.C.

- May 17 – 20. (Thurs. – Sun.)  The Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band. The name is well chosen for drummer Haynes, who – at 87 – continues to superbly lead groups consisting of players young enough to be his grand children.  Blues Alley.   (202) 337-4141.

New York

- May 15 – 19. (Tues. – Sat.)  Joey DeFrancesco Trio with special guest George Coleman. It’s a great combination – the effervescent B-3 organ drive of DeFrancesco with the solid, blue-inflected saxophone of Coleman.   Birdland.    (212) 581-3080.

- May 16 – 19. (Wed. – Sat.)  Brian McKnight and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The rich, golden voice of McKnight surrounded by the incomparable Ellington Orchestra timbres – should make for a great musical evening.  McKnight’s  The Blue Note.    (212) 475-8592.

- May 17 – 20. (Thurs. – Sun.)  The Gil Evans Centennial Project.  Directed by Ryan Truesdell.  A different Evans program will be presented on each night by a prime New York big band, reaching from Evans’ work for the Claude Thornhill Band to his own recordings in the ‘50s and ‘60s.  The Jazz Standard.  /red/index.html  (212) 576-2232.

London

- May 16 – 18. (Wed. – Fri.)  Al Di Meola World Sinfonia.  Always versatile, moving across stylistic areas with ease, guitarist Di Meola’s current group cruises affectingly through lush harmonies and stirring world rhythms.  Ronnie Scott’s.   020 7439 0747.

Lynne Arriale

Berlin

- May 16. (Wed.)  The Lynne Arriale Trio featuring Benny Golson.  Pianist Arriale and veteran composer and saxophonist Golson get together for some lively, cross-generational jazz.  A-Trane.    030 / 313 25 50.

Milan

- May 17 & 18. (Thurs. & Fri.)  Lee Ritenour and Dave Grusin. Guitarist Ritenour and keyboardist/composer Grusin are long time musical companions, recording and playing together frequently over the yeas.  Hopefully they’ll offer some selections from their superb Two Worlds album. The Blue Note Milano.    02.69.01.68.88.

Los Angeles

- Dec. 19. (Mon.)  The Klezmatics.  Somewhere between Eastern European Jewish music, ecstatic Middle Eastern sounds and the rhythmic lift and improvisations of jazz is the territory in which the Klezmatics practice their musically creative magic.  Disney Hall.

Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli

- Dec. 20. (Tues.) Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli.  A Swingin’ Christmas. One of the jazz world’s most engaging couples.  Individually and together, Molaskey and Pizzarelli bring a warm amiability, a sometimes wild sense of humor, and irresistible musicality to everything they do.   Disney Hall.

- Dec. 20. (Tues.)  The 6^th Annual Broadway Christmas.  Once again, Upright Cabaret and Catalina’s celebrate the holiday with a stellar line up of Broadway stars singing a program of familiar favorites.  With Sam Harris, Lesli Margherita, Jake Simpson, Kelli Provart, Carla Renata, Arielle Jacobs and many more.  Catalina Bar & Grill.    (323) 466-2210.

- Dec. 22. (Thurs.)  Candlelight Carols.  If it’s the week before Christmas, it’s time to be a part of the annual Christmas carol singalong with pianist Judy Wolman and the Sing! Sing! Sing! Singers.  This year’s celebration takes place in the atmospheric, candle-lit setting of Santa Monica’s beautiful Victorian Mansion.  Sing! Sing! Sing!.

Nancy Sanchez

Dec. 23. (Fri.)  Nancy Sanchez.  Still young enough to be finding her way, jazz singer Sanchez is displaying all the signs of possessing a significant musical future.  Catch her now, so you can say you saw her when… Steamers.  (714) 871-8800.

- Dec. 24. (Sat.) The Tom Ranier Quartet. Ranier, always fascinating to hear, turns up the creative intensity in the company of trumpeter Steve Huffstetter, bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Dick Weller.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.  (310) 474-9400.

Seattle

- Dec. 22 – 23. (Thurs. & Fri.)  Tingstad and Rumbel.  An acoustic holiday celebration with the long-together duo of guitarist Eric Tingstad and oboeist Nancy Rumbel, performing seasonal songs in the warm and intimate acoustic style that has been heard on 19 albums since the mid-‘80s.  Jazz Alley.   (206) 441-9729.

New York

- Dec. 19 – Jan. 1, 2012. (Mon. – Mon.)  Chris Botti.  The hugely popular jazz trumpeter  continues his epic, three week-long string of  holiday performances, celebrating the season with two sets a night of memorable music, climaxing on the first night of the new year.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Freddy Cole

- Dec 20 – 24. (Tues. – Sat.)  Freddy Cole.  The appealing singing and piano playing of Cole, who turned 80 in October, has been having a much-deserved rush of popularity lately, as audiences have begun to appreciate that he is far more than the younger brother of Nat “King” Cole.  Birdland.    (212) 581-3080.

London

- Dec. 19 – 23 (Mon. – Fri.)  Ray Gelato and the Giants.  Saxophonist/singer/bandleader and all-around entertainer, Gelato’s performances recall the upbeat, delightfully engaging music of Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Louis Prima and more.  The London Evening Standard, rightfully describes him as “arguably the only British jazz artist with a proper stage show.”  Ronnie Scott’s.   020 7439 0747.

Tokyo

- Dec. 21 – 23. (Wed. – Fri.)  The Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.  One of the Southland’s great musical contributions to the world of big band jazz, the CHJO players bring their intriguing arrangements (mostly written by John Clayton) and irresistibly swinging ensemble playing to the jazz fans of Japan.  The Blue Note Tokyo.    03 5485 0088.

Clarinetist Eddie Daniels’ masterful performance at Vitello’s Friday was – as his appearances often are – a gripping reminder of his instrument’s adventurous jazz past, present and future.

Eddie Daniels

For the first half of the jazz century, the clarinet was one of the music’s key voices.  Vital to the New Orleans style, a virtual celebrity instrument in the hands of Swing bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman, its presence remained high, until it ran into hard times – and diminished interest — with the arrival of bebop in the ‘40s and beyond.

A few hardy souls labored on through the forests of bop, with Buddy DeFranco one of the principal pathfinders.  Others arrived over the next few decades, with the numbers of adroit clarinetists increasing in recent years.

Daniels, who was celebrating his 70^th birthday two days earlier, has been producing memorable work – on tenor saxophone, as well as clarinet – since he arrived on the scene with the Thad Jones–Mel Lewis Orchestra in the mid-‘60s.  An authentic classical artist as well as a superb improvising musician, the only thing missing from his Vitello’s performance would have been his own unique take on something such as the Larghetto from the Mozart Clarinet Quintet.

Tom Ranier, Eddie Daniels, Darek Oles

But no matter.  What renaissance man Daniels did play was largely astounding, sometimes even more than that.

Joe LaBarbera

Start with his utter mastery of an instrument whose technical demands more often produce mediocre results than the sort of articulate clarity that Daniels tossed off with almost casual ease.  Backed by the confident, interactive support of pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Joe LaBarbera, he concentrated upon clarinet – except for a pair of jovial jaunts on his tenor saxophone through “They Say That Falling In Love Is Wonderful” and an original Daniels piece that somehow managed to convincingly blend tango with bossa nova.

Tom Ranier

Among the clarinet highlights: Ranier’s delightfully re-invented version of the old Benny Goodman classic, “Stealin’ Apples”; and a wildly audacious flight through an equally new-view version of Charlie Parker’s “Bye-Bye Blues.”

And ultimately it was Daniels’ clarinet soloing that dominated the spotlight – as it should.  One fleet solo after another, rendered with an irresistible flow of swing, affirmed his consummate blend of dexterous technical skills and vivid improvisational inventiveness.

No wonder that, with Daniels in the forefront, the clarinet once again seems to be finding its rightful place in the jazz hierarchy.

Photos by Bob Barry.  To view more of his jazzography, click HERE.

Los Angeles

Quincy Jones

- Sept. 7. (Wed.)  Quincy Jones Band featuring the Global Gumbo All-Stars and Friends.  No one knows how to put together an evening of immensely entertaining music as well as Quincy Jones.  And he’s assembled one of his characteristically spectacular programs for an event that easily promises to be one of the principal highlights of this summer’s programs at the Bowl.  The line-up, reaching from jazz to soul to pop, hip-hop and beyond includes Patti Austin, the Brothers Johnson, Richard Bona, James Ingram, Alfredo Rodriguez, Nikki Yanofksky, Gloria Estefan, an all-star big band and a lot more.  Thank you, Q.  It just doesn’t get much better than that.  So don’t miss this one. The Hollywood Bowl.    (323) 850-2000.

- Sept. 7. (Wed.)  Teka Brazilian Jazz.  Brazilian born singer/guitarist Teka brings striking authenticity to the mixture of jazz and Brazilian rhythms she calls New Bossa.  She performs with Aaron Serfaty, drums and Jeff Elliot, trumpet and keyboards.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Sept. 8. (Thurs. )  Mark Dresser and Jen Shyu.  Bass and voice duos have appeared from time to time in the jazz world, but rarely with the adventurousness of this remarkable pair of talents.  Dresser has had an extensive career as a bass soloist, and Shyu’s vocalizing has been impressing audiences for nearly a decade with Steve Coleman’s Five Elements.  Together, they make a memorable musical experience.  This time out, they’re celebrating the release of Synastry, their new CD on Pi Recordings.  The Blue Whale.  (213) 620-0908.

Due Voc:

- Sept. 8. (Thurs.)  Due Voci.  Diane Warren, who’s probably written more memorable songs than anyone in the past few decades, showcases her remarkable catalog in a performance by the superb vocal duo of Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton.  Vitello’s.    (818) 769-0905.

- Sept. 9 & 10. (Fri. & Sat.)  Tchaikovsky Spectacular with Fireworks.  Bramwell Tovey conducts the Los Angeles Philharmonic one of the Bowl’s great annual audio and visual spectaculars.  On the program: Romeo and Juliet, Rococo Variations, Swan Lake and the 1812 Overture, complete with fireworks, cannons and the assistance of the U.S.C. Trojan Marching Band.  The Hollywood Bowl.  (323) 850-2000.

- Sept. 9 & 10 (Fri. & Sat.)  Miles Evans Band.  Trumpeter Evans returns to Catalina’s, leading his band in a set of his own compositions, as well as arrangements of works by Jimi Hendrix, the Beatles and Buddy Miles, written by his father, Gil Evans.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Sept. 10 (Sat).  Don Rader quartet.  Trumpeter Rader’s resume includes gigs with the stellar big bands of Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Count Basie, Louis Bellson, Terry Gibbs, Henry Mancini and Frank Foster, among others.  But he’s also led his own fine small groups, and here he is, on his own in the spotlight, backed by pianist Tom Ranier and bassist Pat Senatore.  Vibrato Jazz Grill…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

Arturo Sandoval

- Sept. 10. (Sat.)  Arturo Sandoval.  “Tribute To My Friend Dizzy Gillespie.”  Inspired by Gillespie, musical Renaissance man Sandoval has evolved into a brilliant jazz trumpeter, pianist, percussionist, vocalist and more.  Let’s hope there’s room on this program to display the full range of his far-reaching talents.  Valley Performing Arts Center.    (818( 677-3000.

San Francisco

- Sept. 7 – 9 (Wed. – Fri.)  Dr. John and the Lower 911.  Multiple Grammy award winner Dr. John has been storming through pop music, investing it with his own combination of blues, rock, Zydeco and more since ‘70s.  And he’s still going strong. Yoshi’s Oakland.    (510) 238-9200.

New York

- Sept. 6 – 10. (Tues. – Sat.)  Dave Liebman.  The veteran saxophonist/composer celebrates his 65^th birthday with performances by his small group on Tues. and Wed., and with his big band on Thurs. though Sat.  Birdland.    (212) 581-3080.

Roy Haynes

- Sept. 7 – 11. (Wed. – Sun.)  Roy Haynes Fountain of Youth Band.  The Fountain of Youth in drummer Haynes’s band is primarily centered around his own amazing playing.  At 86, with a career reaching back to Charlie Parker, he’s bringing astonishing young vitality to every beat he plays.  Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.   (212) 258-9800.

- Sept. 8 – 11. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Robert Glasper Trio. Pianist Glasper, whose credits reach from Mos Def and Jay-Z to Carly Simon and Roy Hargrove, has been successfully searching for ways to open pathways into jazz for youthful listeners. Jazz Standard.    (212) 576-2232.

Boston

- Sept. 8. (Thurs.)  The Either/Orchestra.  The eclectic, musically adventurous E/O has been stretching the limits of large (ten pieces, actually) jazz for more than two decades.  They kick off their 2011-2012 season with a performance at their home base.  Regatta Bar.   (617) 395-7757.

Seattle

Eliane Elias

- Sept. 8 – 11. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Eliane Elias.  Always a superb pianist, Elias has gradually matured into a  convincing singer as well.  And her latest album, Light My Fire, is a rich, mesmerizing collection of eclectic material (including a gripping version of the title track) that demands a Grammy nomination (and more).  Jazz Alley.     (206) 441-9729.

Berlin

- Sept. 6 – 9.  (Tues. – Fri.)  Till Bronner.  The Grammy nominated German trumpeter Bronner has established himself as one of his country’s most visible, most honored jazz artists, as well as a top selling pop star.  Here he puts on his jazz cap.  A-Trane. Charlottenburg.  /  030/313 25 50.

Tokyo

- Sept. 6 – 9. (Tues. – Fri.)  The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra.  Few ensembles deserve the title “Legendary” as much as the still vital, still swinging Basie Orchestra.  With a first rate set of players, performing some of the greatest classic big band jazz repertoire, it’s hard to go wrong. Blue Note Tokyo.  03-5485-0088.

Quincy Jones photo by Greg Gorman.

Los Angeles

Junko Onishi

- April 5. (Tues.)  Junko Onishi Trio.  Japanese pianist Onishi confirms her return to jazz action last year after a performance break of nearly a decade.  She kicks off her American tour tonight with the backing of the sterling rhythm team of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.   Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323)466-2210  (Also at Yoshi’s Oakland on April 6.)

- April 5. (Tues.)  Ostad Abbos Kosimov.  Traditional Uzbek and Tajik Percussion Music and Dance. Percussionist Kosimov is one of the world’s masters of the doyra frame drum.  He is joined by the CalArts Persian and World Music ensembles, as well as members of his own Abbos Ensemble in an exploration of the music of Uzbekistan.  Tara Pandeya adds the sensual movements of Central Asian dance.  REDCAT.  (213) 237-2800.

- April 5. (Tues.)  Lorenzo Lamas.  You may remember him as Jane Wyman’s evil stepson in Falcon Crest. But Lamas (yes, from that family) is also an effective musical purveyor of the romantic side of cabaret.  Vibrato Grill Jazz… (310) 474-9400. 

Kenny Burrell

- April 6. (Wed.) Kenny Burrell Jazz Heritage All Stars.  For once, the label “All-Stars” has real significance.  Veteran guitarist/educator Burrell puts it all together with trumpter (and also educator) Bobby Rodriguez, saxophonist Justo Almario, drummer Clayton Cameron and more.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- April 6. (Wed.)  The Kronos Quartet. The creatively eclectic, Grammy winning string quartet celebrates composer Steve Reich’s 75^th birthday with the performance of a newly commissioned work.   Segerstrom Center for the Arts.   (714) 556-2787.

Salif Keita

- April 6. (Wed.)  Salif Keita. The voice of Keita, with its soaring tones, penetrating sound and inspiring rhythms, is one of the great glories of African popular music.  The Conga Room.  (213) 745-0162.

- April 6. (Wed.) Blue Lou Marini.  Veteran New York saxophonist Marini makes one of his rare West Coast appearances, performing with trumpeter Walt Fowler, pianist John Campbell, bassist Chuck Berghofer, drummer Peter Erskine and special guests.  Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- April 7. (Thurs.)  Big Willie’s Burlesque.  Busy drummer Willie McNeil’s Quartet lays down some classic backbeat sounds to inspire the irresistible moves of dancer Carolina Cerisola.   They call it “old school burlesque with a cutting edge, Latin, new school vibe.”   The Edison Downtown.  (213) 613-0000.

- April 7. (Thurs.) V. R. Smith Sextet.  It’s a Smith Family Night.  With vocalist V.R. Smith backed by the band of her husband, bassist Putter Smith – with Gary Foster alto saxophone, Chuck Manning, tenor saxophone, Jim Szilagyi, piano and Tim Pleasant, drums.  Charlie O’s.   (818) 994-3058.

- April 7 – 10. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Rachelle Ferrell.  Blessed with one of the most impressive voices in the jazz vocal world, Ferrell is also a uniquely appealing song stylist.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

Arlo Guthrie

- April 8. (Fri.)  Arlo Guthrie and Friends.  Folk music patriarch returns to UCLA, this time with his “Journey On” tour, featuring his son, Abe Guthrie and the folk-rock trio The Burns Sisters.  UCLA Live.  Royce Hall. (310) 825-2101.

- April 9. (Sat.)  Jazz Fundraiser for Japan.  Vitello’s April Williams has assembled an impressive collection of the Southland’s finest jazz artists for a 12 hour fundraiser for Japan.  Among the participants: Alan Pasqua, Peter Erskine, Bob Mintzer, Darek Oles, Alex Acuna, the Wayne Bergeron Big Band, Denise Donatelli, Joe La Barbera, Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington, Bob Sheppard and many more.  11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- April 9. (Sat.) Plas Johnson.  Although he’s been a vital member of the Southland jazz community for decades, Johnson is best known for his memorable solo work on “The Pink Panther” theme.  But he’s got a lot more than that to offer.  He’ll be playing with pianist Tom Ranier, bassist John Giannelli and drummer Fritz Wise.  Giannelli Square.  (818) 772-1722.

- April 9. (Sat. ) Wind Soloists of New York and Pedja Muzijevic. The superb wind instrumentalists of this much praised ensemble join with pianist Muzijevic to perform a dynamic program of works by Beethoven, Saint-Saens, Prokofiev and Poulenc.  And they’ll do so in the elegant Pompeian Room of the Doheny Mansion.  The Da Camera Society.  (213) 477-2929.

- April 10 (Sun.)  Greta Metassa.  Seattle-based singer Metassa is far less known than she should be.  In this rare Southland appearance, she’ll deliver her beautifully crafted vocals  in a plush, private mini concert hall in Beverly Hills.   Hopefully, she’ll include songs from her latest CD, I Wanna be Loved.” Backing her: the world class rhythm section of pianist Mike Garson, bassist Clipper Anderson and drummer Bob Leatherbarrow.  To book seats, click on Resonance Records.   Address will be given when the reservation is made.

San Francisco

- April 6. (Wed.)  Junko Onishi Trio.  Japanese pianist Onishi confirms her return to jazz action last year after a performance break of nearly a decade.  She’ll be backed by the sterling rhythm team of bassist Dwayne Burno and drummer Gregory Hutchinson.  Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200.

Madeleine Peyroux

- April 8. (Fri.)  Madeleine Peyroux.  Moving beyond the Billie Holiday musical frame that had narrowed her music for too long, Peyroux is now finding her own way, as unique musical persona and an intriguing songwriter.  SF Jazz Spring Season.  Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.   (415) 398-5655.

- April 9. (Sat.)  Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester.  The music of the twenties and thirties comes vividly back to life in the hands of Raabe and his extraordinarily versatile musicians.  Always as musically provocative as they are entertaining, they’re one of a kind. SFJAzz Spring Season.  Paramount Theatre, Oakland. .

- April 10. (Sun.)  The Asaad Brothers “Da Volta as Raizes” Offspring of a famouns musical family, the two guitar duo of the Asaad brothers play everything from Bach transcriptions and gypsy jazz to Brazilian samba and the music of the Middle East.  SFJAZZ Spring Season. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre.  (415) 398-5655.

New York

Toshiko Akiyoshi

- April 4 (Mon.) Fund Raising Concert For Japan. The New York jazz community steps up to play a concert in support of the beleaguered people of Japan. Toshiko Akiyoshi; Cecil Bridgewater; Sam Burtis; Jerry Dodgion; Roy Hargrove; Tom Harrell; Barry Harris; Fred Hersch; Rene Manning; Earl McIntyre; Jimmy Owens; Rufus Reid; Marvin Stamm; Lew Tabackin; Kenny Werner and many others.  The Village Vanguard.  (212) 255-4037.

- April 5 – 10. (Tues. – Sun.)  Toots Thielemans with Kenny Werner and Oscar Castro-Neves.  As if that weren’t enough, Werner will also do a set each night with his Quintet featuring Lionel Loueke and Miguel Zenon.  The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.

- April 8. (Fri.)  Rudresh Mahanthappa’s “Gama.” With David Fiuczynski, guitar, Francois Moutin, bass and Dan Weiss, drums.  Altoist Mahanthappa and Fiuczynski have been working together lately in Jack DeJohnette’s band.  Here they dip into some of the fascinating improvisational territory between jazz and Indian music.  Cornelia St. Café.  (212) 989-9319.

Los Angeles

Corky Hale

- Mar. 8. (Tues.)  Corky Hale and Friends.  “I’m Glad There Is You.”  Pianist, harpist, singer and imaginative producer Hale assembles most of the cast of prime talent on her album I’m Glad There Is You. The impressive line up includes Sally Kellerman, Ariana Savalas, Tricia Tahara and Brenna Whitaker, backed by Jeff Lass and Jim DeJulio.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Mar. 8. (Tues.)  Chris Walden Big Band.  The Grammy nominated Walden Big Band play some of their leader’s newly-crafted, jazz-driven arrangements of classic film music.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400. 

- Mar. 9. (Wed.)  Jackson Browne.  Singer/songwriter Browne wrote some of the most memorable songs of the singer/songwriter era.  And he’s still performing them with the emotionally moving qualities they had several decades ago.  The Fred Kavli Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.  (805) 449-2787.

- Mar. 10. (Thurs.)  Angela Carole Brown. Versatile singer Brown has done everything from voiceovers, movie cues and jingles to back up for artists such as Josh Groban.  Here’s a chance to hear her own estimable skills alive and up close. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

- Mar. 10. (Thurs.)  Ana Gazzola.  Brazilian born Gazzola is frequently seen as part of the duo (with Sonia Santos) Brasil Brazil.  This time out, singing and playing sax, she leads her own Brazilian jazz-tinged quartet.   Jazz at the LAX Jazz Club.  LAX Jazz Club at the Crown Plaza LAX.  (310) 258-1333.

Gustavo Dudamel

- Mar. 10 – 13. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Dudamel conducts Tchaikovsky.  The Los Angeles Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel performs three single movement works inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and The Tempest.  Preceding each work, selections form the plays will be read by Orlando Bloom, Malcolm McDowell, Matthew Rhys and Anika Noni Rose.  Disney Hall. (323) 850-2000.

- Mar. 11. (Fri.)  A Sixties Evening.  An evening overflowing with nostalgia for the irresistible music of a memorable decade.  Featured acts include Gary Lewis & the Playboys, as well as the lead singers with the Outsiders, the Buckinghams, the Archies and the Cufflinks.  Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.  (562) 916-8501.

- Mar. 11. (Fri.)  Swing, Swing, Swing.  It’s a swing era evening packed with talent.  TV actor and singer James Darren headlines, along with Las Vegas entertainer/mujsician Pete Barbutti, the Gene Krupa Tribute Band and the Swingtime Dancers. The Fred Kavli Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.   (805) 449-2787.

Sheila Jordan

- Mar. 11 & 12. (Fri. & Sat.)  Sheila Jordan.  Here’s one of the special events of the year, featuring one of the jazz vocal art’s most incomparable performers in two different nights of music and memory.  On Fri. night Jordan will share her personal stories through song, while author/singer Ellen Johnson reads excerpts from Jordan’s upcoming biography Jazz Messages: The Sheila Jordan Story. On Sat. night she’ll perform a concert of the songs that have made her one of the classic jazz vocalists.  Pianist Alan Pasqua, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Peter Erskine back Jordan on both nights.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Mar. 11 – 13  (Fri. – Sun.)  Oleta Adams. Soulful singer Adams displays her lush sound, gospel-driven phrasing and intimate style in one of her too-infrequent Southland appearances.  Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

Bale Folclorico da Bahia

- Mar. 12. (Sat.)  Bale Folclorico da Bahia.  The colorfully garbed performers from Bahia make their Los Angeles debut with an evening of physically dynamic, erotically charged dances and passionately rhythmic music.  The featured work will be the U.S. premiere of Sacred Heritage.  Wilshire Ebell Theatre.  A Brazilian Nites production.   (818) 566-1111.

- Mar. 13. (Sun.) All Star Spring Jazz Fest.  Celebrate the approaching arrival of Spring with a mid-day jazz program honoring pianist Tom Garvin.  Also on the full bill of music: the Bill Holman Big Band, Sue Raney, Alan Broadbent, Tom Ranier, Bob Sheppard, Madeline Eastman and more.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

San Francisco

- Mar. 11 & 12. (Fri. & Sat.)  Albita.  Grammy and Emmy winning Cuban singer/actress Albita has been transfixing audiences since she arrived in the U.S. in the early ‘90s.  Most recently, she starred in the musical “The Mambo Kings,” but she is an electrifying night club performer, as well.Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

New York

Chris Potter

- Mar. 8. (Tues.)  The Potter Binney Group.  A pair of contemporary jazz’s most gifted saxophonists –  Chris Potter and David Binney — team up for an evening of stimulating musical interaction.  They’ll be backed by David Virelles, keyboards, Eivind Opsvik, bass and Dan Weiss, drums.  55 Bar.   (212) 989-9883.

- Mar. 8 – 13. (Tues. – Sun.)  Ann Hampton Callaway. Her lush sound, adept musicality and intimate storytelling abilities one of the contemporary jazz world’s finest – if not as acknowledged as she should be – singers.  She’s backed by pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Peter Washington and drummer Tim Horner.  Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.   (212) 258-9800.

- Mar. 10. (Thurs.) Alan Pierson and Alarm Will Sound. “1969.” The Beatles and composer Karlheinz Stockhausen never managed to fulfill their plan to get together for a joint concert in the ‘60s.  But here’s a staged event, with music and dialog, imagining what that encounter – along with the added presence of the music of Luciano Berio, Leonard Bernstein and others — might have sounded and looked like.  NY Premiere.  Zankel Hall.  (212) 247-7800.

Mose Allison

- Mar. 10 – 13. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Mose Allison Trio.  A true Mississippi original, singer/songwriter/pianist Allison has been combining the blues, the bayou and his own unique lyrical and musical imagination to jazz since the late ‘50s.  The Jazz Standard.  (212) 447-7733.

Los Angeles

- Feb. 1. (Tues.)  Jules Day.  The rising young jazz singer performs an evening of new, original music from her latest CD, Day Dreams.  Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- Feb. 2. (Wed.)  Teka and Aaron Serfaty.  “Brazilian Jazz.” Guitarist/singer Teka and percussionist Serfaty team up with pianist Otmar Ruiz and bassist Dave Robaire to illuminate the amiable connections between jazz and Brazilian music.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 3. (Thurs.)  Tom Peterson/Alan Ferber Quartet. Saxophonist Peterson and trombonist Ferber, veterans of the recordinging studios with sounds and styles all their own, take center stage with the sterling backing of pianist Tom Ranier, drummer Kevin Kanner and bassist Pat Senatore.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

Sally Kellerman

- Feb. 3. (Thurs.)  Sally Kellerman. The one and only Hot Lips returns to the musical stage.  What new mysteries will be revealed?  Only long, tall Sally knows.  But you can bet they’ll be entertaining.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 3. (Thurs.)  Ron Eschete Trio.  One of the rare jazz masters of the 7-string guitar, Eschete displays his remarkable skills in the company of bassist Todd Johnson and drummer Kendall Kay.  Steamers (714) 871-8800.

- Feb. 3. (Thurs.) Paul Kreibich’s “Salute To Gene Harris” Drummer Kreibich, a veteran musical companion of the great pianist, in an evening of engaging, briskly swinging Harris reminiscences.  With pianist Bradley Young, guitarist Frank Potenza and bassist Luther Hughes.  LAX Jazz Club at the Crown Plaza LAX.  (310) 258-1333.

- Feb. 3 – 5. (Thurs. – Sat.)  George Herms: “The Artist’s Life.” The Bobby Bradford Mo’tet, the Theo Saunders Group and the voice of Diana Briscoll come together for the world premiere of a free-jazz opera by one of the founders of the California school of assemblage sculpture.  Plan to experience a spontaneous extravaganza of sights and sounds.  REDCAT.  (310) 237-2800.

- Feb. 3 – 6. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Kenny Garrett Quintet. Grammy award-winning alto saxophonist Garrett has a resume reaching from Duke Ellington to Miles Davis.  This time out, he offers his envelope-stretching sounds at the front of  his own quintet.   Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.

- Feb. 4. (Fri.)  The Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. The E.H.E. has been celebrating the confluence of African roots and American jazz from a Chicago perspective for more than three decades.  The group’s current installment features percussionist and founder Kahil El’Zabar, trumpeter Corey Wilkes and saxophonist Ernest Khabeer Dawkins.  They perform for a Jazz Bakery Movable Feast at the Musicians Institute Concert Hall.  (310) 271-9039.

Randy Weston

- Feb. 5. (Sat..) Randy Weston. The sounds that issue from Weston’s piano playing find the essential common ground between African music and jazz by way of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Weston himself.  A Friends of Jazz concert at  Fowler Museum,  UCLA.   (310)  206-3269.

- Feb. 5. (Sat.)  Shawn Colvin and Loudon Wainwright III. A pair of veteran singer/songwriters, each with a fascinating history, tell their irresistible musical tales of whimsy and woe.  CSUN Performing Arts.   (818) 677-8800.

- Feb. 5. (Sat.)  Michael Feinstein. The multiple platinum selling, five-time Grammy nominate singer/pianist/pop historian performs selections from his 2008 album, The Sinatra Project. Disney Hall.  (323) 850-2000.

- Feb. 5. (Sat.) Christian Howes Quartet.  “There’s nobody better than this guy,” said the iconic guitarist Les Paul, while praising jazz violinist Howes’ impressive blend of classical technique with a soaring improvisational imagination.  He’s backed by the equally fine support of Donald Vega, piano, Lyman Medeiros, bass, Bob Leatherbarrow, drums.  Christian Howes performs at Pierre’s Fine Pianos.  (310) 473-0600.

Billy Childs

- Feb. 5. (Sat.)  Billy Childs Chamber Jazz Ensemble with the Sonus String Quartet.  Grammy nominee Childs assembles the full company of his current jazz perspective, linking his atmospheric piano and sterling jazz ensemble with the rich timbres of the Sonus string players.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

San Francisco

- Feb. 2 – 5. (Wed. – Sat.)  The Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute Band.  Jack Bruce, bass and vocals, Vernon Reid, guitar, John Medeski, keyboards/organ and Cindy Blackman, drums get together once again to revive the extraordinary fusion sounds of the Lifetime.  Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

Shawn Colvin

- Feb. 3 & 4. (Thurs. & Fri.)  Shawn Colvin. Two decades after she arrived on the scene from South Dakota, Grammy-winning, platinum-selling songer-songwriter Colvin still has gripping musical stories to tell. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

New York

- Feb. 1. (Tues.) Jean-Michel Pilc, Francois Moutin and Ari Hoenig.  A trio of international players – Pilc and Moutin from France, Hoenig from Philadelphia – demonstrate the irresistible global reach of jazz.  55 Bar.  (212) 929-9883.

- Feb. 1 – 5. (Tues. – Sat.) Saxophone Summit: Joe Lovano, Dave Liebman and Ravi Coltrane. “Summit” is the right word to describe this assemblage of world class tenor and soprano saxophonists.  Don’t miss this one.  Birdland.   (212) 581-3080

- Feb 1 – 6. (Tues. – Sun.)  Aaron Goldberg Quartet.  Pianist Goldberg’s superb quartet – Mark Turner, saxophone, Reuben Rogers, bass and Eric Harland, drums display live versions of selections from his latest album, Home.Village Vanguard (212) 255-4037.

- Feb. 3 – 6. (Thurs. – Sun.)  George Coleman Quintet.  Still going strong at 75, tenor saxophonist Coleman works out his muscular tenor saxophone sounds in the company of Larry Goldings, Hammond B-3, Peter Bernstein, guitar, George Coleman, Jr., drums and Daniel Sadownick, bass.  The Jazz Standard.   (212) 576-2232.

Sally Kellerman, Billy Childs and Randy Weston photos by Tony Gieske.

Los Angeles

Gerald Clayton

- Dec. 28. (Tues.)  Gerald Clayton Trio. Grammy nominated pianist Clayton has moved rapidly from being an upcoming L.A. prodigy to an emerging new jazz star.  He’s based in New York City now, so don’t miss this fairly rare opportunity to hear him back in the Southland.  Steamers. (714) 871-8800

- Dec. 28. (Tues.)  Mitchel Forman Quartet. Versatile keyboardist Forman’s credits reach from the Mahavishnu Orchestra and Wayne Shorter to Manhattan Transfer, Pat Metheny and beyond.  But it’s always fascinating to hear him leading his own musical aggregation. Vibrato.  (310)  474-9400.

- Dec. 28 – Jan. 2. (Tues. – Sun.)  Jane Monheit.  What better time to hear the gorgeous voice of Monheit than during the holiday season, especially when she’ll be singing songs from her lovely new album, Home. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- Dec. 30. (Thurs.)  Joe La Barbera Quintet. The drummer everyone likes to hear in the rhythm section, LaBabera steps out front to lead the stellar ensemble of Bob Sheppard, Clay Jenkins, Tom Warrington and John Campbell.   Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

- Dec. 30. (Thurs.) Janis Mann Quartet.  Mann’s latest album, Blow Away, is a compelling display of classic standards sung in richly atmospheric interpretations.  Here’s a chance to hear them performed live.  Charlie O’s. (818)  994-3058.

San Francisco

Fee Waybill

- Dec. 29. (Wed.)  The Tubes.  The wildly theatrical band of the ‘70s and ‘80s is still breaking out of the envelope, with the unique voice of Fee Waybill leading the way.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.  (415) 655-5600.

- Dec. 29. (Wed.)  Roberta Donnay Jazz Trio.  Singer Donnay takes a break from her gig  as a member of Dan Hicks’ Hot Licks to showcase her impressive jazz vocal skills.  The Union Room at Biscuits and Blues.   (415) 292-2583.

New York.

- Dec. 27 – Jan. 2. Chris Botti.  Trumpeter Botti’s holiday month musical marathon continues.  The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592.

Dec. 28 – 31. (Tues. – Fri.)  The Bad Plus.  Contemporary, cutting edge piano jazz is alive in the hands of this musically vibrant trio.  Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

(Fri., Dec. 31)

Los Angeles

Baked Potato. Don Randi & Quest bring in the New Year at their home base with a line up of special guests.  (818) 980-1615.

Jane Monheit (Photo by Tony Gieske)

Catalina Bar & Grill.  Jane Monheit. Continuing her week-long run (through Sunday) with a holiday celebration.  (323) 466-2210.

Charlie O’s. Don Menza, Tom Ranier, John Heard and Roy McCurdy.  Saxophonist Menza fronts a stellar ensemble of L.A. jazz veterans.   (818) 994-3059.

Chateau Ballroom.   Susie Hansen Latin Jazz Band. Hansen’s electric violin and rhythm happy ensemble provide the perfect setting to salsa in the New Year. 213-746-4490

Chaya Brasserie. “Roaring 20’s New Year’s Eve.” John Reynolds and the Blue Four, featuring singer Molly Ryan.   (310) 859-8833.

Culver Club Radisson Hotel. Ernie Andrews struts his inimitable musical way into the New Year.  (310) 649-1776.  Ext. 4137.

Steamers. The Chris Williams Sextet.  Canadian-born singer/percussionist Williams leads his rhythmically energized sextet in a holiday celebration.  (714) 871-8800.

Barbera Morrison

Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Barbara Morrison keeps the blues and everything else alive, this year and every year.  (310) 474-9400.

Vitellos. Nutty. An evening of classic Frank Sinatra Ratpack frivolity and jazz to bring in the New Year.    Vitello’s.  (818) 769-0905.

Walt Disney Hall.  Kristin Chenoweth. Emmy and Tony award winner Chenowith celebrates the arrival of 2011 with a back up crew of singers, dancers and musicians, performing selections from Glee, Promises, Promises, Wicked and a lot more.  (323) 850-2000.

San Francisco

Yoshi’s Oakland. Lalah Hathaway. Soulful stylist Hathaway brings emotional life to everything she sings.  Hopefully she’ll include her Grammy-nominated “Forever, For Always, For Love.”  (510) 238-9200.

Yoshi’s San Francisco.  Dianne Reeves. Reeve’s sumptuous voice will be ably backed by the superb ensemble of Peter Martin, Romero Lubambo, Reginald Veal and Terreon Gully.   (415) 655-5600.

New York

Hilary Kole

Birdland.  The Birdland Big Band directed by Tommy Igoe and featuring the warm-toned vocals of Hilary Kole top off a rare week-long run with a climactic, bring-in-the-New-Year set.   (212) 581-3080.

Blue Note. Chris Botti.  Trumpeter Botti heads toward the climax of his annual holiday run at the Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola. “Celebration in Swing” It’s an apt title for a performance by the all-star ensemble of Cyrus Chestnut, Benny Green, Jimmy Heath, Nicholas Payton, Dezron Douglas and Willie Jones, III.  (212) 258-9800.

Iridium. The Mike Stern Band with Victor Wooten, Dave Weckl and Bob Malach.  And here’s another all-star ensemble determined to celebrate the New Year in hard swinging fashion.  (212) 582-2121.

Jazz Standard.  Dr. Lonnie Smith Big Band.  Dr. Lonnie, who usually works in trio format, displays his dynamic style in a roaring, big band setting. Jazz Standard.   (212) 447-7733.

Village Vanguard. The Bad Plus.  The trio of Ethan Iverson, Reid Anderson and Dave King continue to expand the envelope of the jazz piano trio.   (212) 255-4037.

The rock plague years turned me against the electric guitar, although I still kept a warm nook in my heart for Charlie Christian and one other cat.

The latter, Kenny Burrell, did not chill my nook during his buffet of delights Thursday night at Catalina’s. That sound of his, so like a voice or a horn, pleased me greatly as usual. And so did his improvisatory skill, restrained, witty and matchlessly appropriate.

Kenny Burrell

Tonight he had a rival, saxophonist and flutist Tivon Pennicott from Atlanta, newly weaned and unstoppable. His tenor sound was almost as soft and freshly minted as Lester Young’s was in the 1930s. His harmonic paths, while innovative and darling enough, did not quite match up. At least not so far.

Tivon Pennicott

With guys like Roberto Miranda, Clayton Cameron and Tom Ranier backing you, one’s solo stack will seldom totter. Bassist Miranda, our L.A. neighbor, soloed brilliantly as did drummer and brushmaster Clayton Cameron, the Tony Bennett show-stopper. Pianist Ranier filled out the rich ration of swinging viands.

As always with Burrell, who teaches Ellington at UCLA, the night’s harvest was full of Ducal delights.

Pennicott’s freshly imagined version of “In a Sentimental Mood” was the most memorable, closely rivalled by Ranier’s “One Petal of a Rose” and a majestic account of a familiar  Ellington number by Burrell.  I was so taken by the way Ellington makes miracles from three or four perfectly ordinary notes that I forgot the name of the piece.

But here came another great cooker with an  unforgettable title, “Raincheck,” written by Ellington partner, Billy Strayhorn.  My heart lifted again. Tonight’s solos did not quite burn their way into the memory like the ones on the record, but you can’t really expect that, can you?

I liked the way they closed the set with “Now’s the Time,” a bebop classic whose familiarity does not age it a bit with these guys playing it. As a matter of fact, I liked everything they played and everybody who played it.

Photos by Tony Gieske.  Read and see more of Tony’s jazz essays and photos at his personal web site tonyspage.com.

Los Angeles

Gustavo Dudamel

- Aug. 3. (Tues.)  The Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Gustavo Dudamel conducts a stunning program of Bernstein and Gershwin. Gabriela Montero solos in the Rhapsody In Blue.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 3. (Tues.)  Wayne Bergeron’s Big Band.  Trumpeter Bergeron steps down from the trumpet section to lead own large jazz ensemble.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.  www.vibratogrilljazz.com.

- Aug. 4. (Wed.)  Denise Donatelli.  With a warm, embracing voice, a solid sense of swing and an intuitive gift for interpretation, Donatelli has all the right stuff for engaging jazz vocalizing. Charlie O’s.  (818) 994-3058.

Rickie Lee Jones

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.) Rickie Lee Jones. The quirky, singer-songwriter star of the ‘70s and ‘80s still knows how to put it all together.  She makes a rare Southland appearance.  Twilight Dance at the Santa Monica Pier. (310) 458-8900.

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  The Los Angeles Philharmonic.  Gustavo Dudamel adds another stirring Bowl appearance, conducting Ravel’s Bolero, Falla’s Three Cornered Hat, Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras and more.  Soprano Isabel Leonard is featured.  The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  Elliott Cane Quintet. Trumpeter/optometrist Cane showcases his bebop chops in one of L.A.’s most amiable settings.  The Descanso Gardens.   (818) 949-4200

- Aug. 5. (Thurs.)  Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys. The Grammy-nominated Playboys should bring the crowd to their feet with an irrepressible collection of Cajun dance rhythms.  The Skirball Center.  http://www.skirball.org (310) 440-4500.

- Aug. 5 – 7. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Kenny Burrell.  Master guitarist Burrell takes a break from his academic duties in the UCLA jazz program.  He’s backed by the solid ensemble of Tom Ranier, Roberto Miranda, Clayton Cameron and Tivon Pennicott.  Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- Aug. 6. (Fri.)  Henry Franklin.  Bassist Franklin, affectionately known as The Skipper, recalls some of the superb sounds he made with the likes of Hugh Masekela, the Three Sounds and Freddie Hubbard.  LACMA.  (323) 857-6000.

- Aug. 6 – 8. (Fri – sun.) Rent. The Tony-winning, Pulitzer Prize-winning, long-run Broadway hit is this Summer’s choice for the Bowl’s annual fully staged musical. The Hollywood Bowl.   (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 7. (Sat.)  The Mike Melvoin Trio.  Melvoin has done so many things so well for so many years — compose, conduct, produce, arrange — that his finely honed skills as a jazz pianist don’t always receive the accolades they deserve.  He’s at his best when he works, as he does here,  in a virtually symbiotic musical partnership with bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Ralph Penland.  Keyboard Concepts L.A. 3:30 – 5 p.m.  Reservation required.  (323) 651-3060.

Ringo Starr

Aug. 7. (Sat.)  Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band.  There’s usually a Beatles vibe when Ringo’s around.  But for this appearance, celebrating his latest album, Y Not, he shifts gears with a stellar ensemble that includes Edgar Winter, Rick Derringer, Gary Wright, Greg Bissonette and others. The Greek Theatre.   (323) 665-3125.

- Aug. 7. (Sat.)  Mitch Forman Trio.  Versatile keyboardist Forman displays his impressive musical wares in the intimacy of a trio setting.   Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Aug. 8. (Sun.) The Music of Scott LaFaro.  A musical and literary tribute to the late great bassists.  Alan Pasqua, Pat Senatore and Joe La Barbera perform.  And LaFaro’s sister, Helene LaFaro-Fernandez will be present to sign her book, Jade Visions: The Music and Life of Scott Lafaro.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.  .

- Aug. 8. (Sun.) The Four Freshmen and the George Kahn Trio. The current edition of the jazz vocal and instrumental quartet display their lush harmonies in a fund raiser for the California Jazz Foundation. Catalina Bar & Grill.  (323) 466-2210.  .

- Aug. 8. (Sun.)  Johnny Polanco y Su Conjunto Amistad.  Multi-instrumentalist Polanco cranks up his Latin jazz rhythms in the laid-back setting of KJAZ’s Sunday Champagne Brunch.  The inimitable Bubba Jackson is the host.  The Twist Restaurant in the Renaissance Hotel & Spa.

- Aug. 8. (Sun.)  Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.  Cinema Judaica.  The LAJS, conducted by Noreen Green performs the film music of such Jewish composers as Jerry Goldsmith, Elmer Bernstein, Steven Schwartz and others.  The Ford Amphitheatre.   (323) 461-3673.

San Diego

Aug. 6. (Fri.)  Joyce Cooling.  Smooth jazz guitarist and vocalist Cooling brings style, substance and swing to everything she does.  Anthology San Diego.   (619) 595-0300.

San Francisco

- Aug. 3 – 4.  (Tues. & Wed.)  Alfredo Rodriguez. Young Cuban expatriate pianist Rodriguez has everything he needs to surface as a major talent for years to come. Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

New York

- Aug. 3 – 7. (Tues. – Sat.)  The Heath Brothers.  Saxophonist Jimmy and drummer Tootie keep the proud Heath family jazz banner flying.  Birdland.  (212) 581-3080.

Greg Osby

- Aug. 3 – 8 (Tues. – Sun.)  Greg Osby Quintet.  Alto saxophonist Osby stretches the boundaries of contemporary improvisation with the dynamic backing of guitarist Nir Felder, pianist Marc Copland, bassist Joseph Lepore and drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.  Village Vanguard.   (212) 255-4037.

- Aug. 3 – 8. (Tues. – Sun.) Ron Carter Trio.  Combine bassist Carter with the piano work of Mulgrew Miller and the guitar of Russell Malone and you can expect (and receive) world class jazz results.  The Blue Note.  (212) 475-8592.

Rhode Island

Aug. 6 – 8 (Fri. – Sat.)  The Newport Jazz Festival.  Actually, the current, sponsored title is the CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival. But whatever the title, George Wein’s remarkable summer weekend of jazz has been both the model and the leader of jazz festival events since its inception in the ’50s.  And this weekend once again is filled with superlatives.  Among the highlights: On Friday — Jamie Cullum and Grace Kelly.  On Saturday — the Chick Corea Freedom Band, Ahmad Jamal, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Anat Cohan, Darcy James Argue, the Newport All Stars, Trio Da Paz, Rez Abbasi, Fly, JD Allen.  On Sunday – Herbie Hancock, Chris Botti, Wynton Marsalis, Amina Figerova, John Faddis, Dave Douglas, Ben Allison, Jason Moran, David Binney, Gretchen Parlato.  And much, much more.  The CareFusion Newport Jazz Festival.  (401) 848-5055.

Vitello’s is beginning to feel like Bradley’s, especially on nights like last Friday and Saturday, when the great Eddie Daniels unfurled a grand old New York vibe that brought in half a dozen well known Hollywood jazz names to listen, rap, and drink.

Local stars Joe La Barbera, Tom Warrington and Tom Ranier provided a rhythm section with which Daniels was already comfortable, since drummer La Barbera and pianist Ranier often whip off to appear or record with Daniels in New York.

Daniels’ clarinet sound is exemplary, as everyone knows: throaty but not too throaty down low and mellow but not too mellow up top,  although a couple of piercing high notes got away from him on Friday.

Eddie Daniels

His execution was otherwise flawless no matter how resourcefully his imagination roamed, or how swift the tempo. He wooed the ear rather than wrestled it, daring, in this post-Coltrane world, to please…and even to elaborate on (get ready) the melody.

These elaborations distilled some of the history of jazz soloing, but they were also rolling along fun, kinda like riding down Broadway in a De Soto taxi with a New York girl beside you in the dark.

Fine old tunes took their rightful place, and they were well chosen. Sondheim’s “Pretty Women” was one, and so was another nostalgic classic that came close to “Gee, Baby, Ain’t I Good to You,” although I couldn’t think of its title. His own “Tango Nova” was written in anticipation of a visit to Buenos Aires, but with a tip of the hat to flying over Brazil.

“Falling in Love With Love” came out fleet and furious from Daniels’ tenor sax, the instrument he used to play with the great Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra on Monday nights at the Village Vanguard. That’s in New York.

Tom Ranier

Ranier enhanced the fun by echoing the high velocity Daniels clarinet improvisations on single finger piano, and sometimes added the octave.  La Barbera and Warrington kept up with the leader. Maybe he let ‘em get ahead from time to time or maybe they just did it.

Photos by Tony Gieske.  Read and see more of Tony’s jazz essays and photos at his personal web site tonyspage.com.

Don Menza picked the right players for his Stan Getz tribute at Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. Tuesday night.  The saxophone quartet of Menza, Pete Christlieb, Gary Foster (on tenors) and Gene Cipriano (on baritone) brought plenty of experience, skill and Getz-knowledge to the proceedings. Trumpeter Don Rader added some cool contrast, and the team of pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Chris Conner and drummer Dick Weller kept the rhythm swinging and authentic.

Pete Christlieb, Don Menza, Don Rader (in rear), Gary Foster, Gene Cipriano (photo by Hoss Zargaran)

The three tenors and baritone section sound, of course, owed as much to the Ralph Burns and  Jimmy Giuffre arrangements for the Woody Herman band of the late forties as it did to Getz.  But the warmth of that sound could hardly have existed without the light timbre, Lester Young-influenced tone that Getz brought to the Herman saxophone section of the era.

What made Menza’s Getz tribute ensemble so fascinating, however, was the way in which the saxes captured the light-toned, Getz-influenced timbres during the ensemble sound, while exploring the more far-reaching aspects of Getz’s rich style during their own improvisational passages.

Don Menza

Each of the principal tenor soloists reflected upon a different aspect of that style.  In tunes such as the opening ‘There’s A Small Hotel,” the classic bossa nova “The Girl From Ipanema” and the grooving blues of  “Jumpin’ With Symphony Sid,” Christlieb dug into Getz’s often under-appreciated, hard driving approach.  In contrast, Foster tended to play more lyrically, filling his melodically-oriented lines with airy high notes.  And Menza, playing with the same sort of white Brilhart mouthpiece used by Getz, covered every aspect of his style, in phrasing, articulation and flow.

Cipriano spent most of the program anchoring the section, filling the bottom of the harmonies with his mellow sound, stepping out on his own with in-the-pocket solos on a pair of blues tunes.  Rader, who could barely be seen sitting behind the tenors, slipped past them from time to time, whipping through the faster pieces, shifting into subtly expressive ballad-mode for “Polka Dots and Moonbeams.”  And Ranier, as always, ranged from upbeat bop lines to lush chorded slow tunes.

The evening climaxed with a high speed, light cavalry charge through “It Don’t Mean A Thing” – a fitting closer for a tribute that honored its subject with the creativity he inspired in a group of gifted contemporary players.

Los Angeles

- May 18. (Tues.)  Don Menza’s Stan Getz Tribute.  Not exactly the return of the Four Brothers, but it should be a mellow saxophone night with Pete Christlieb, Gary Foster and Gene Cipriano, saxes, Don Rader, trumpet,  Tom Ranier, piano, Chris Connor, bass and Dick Weller, drums.  Vibrato (310) 474-9400.

- May 18. (Tues.)  Styx, Foreigner and Kansas. The seventies come alive with three of the decades most successful hit-makers.  Gibson Amphitheatre.   (818) 622-4440.

Anna Mjoll

- May 18. (Tues.)  Anna Mjoli All-Star Band.  Iceland’s gift to jazz displays her intimate vocal style in the stellar company of saxophonist Bob Sheppard, guitarist Larry Koonse, pianist John Beasley, drummer Jimmy Branley and bassist Chris Colangelo.  Baked Potato.  (818) 980-1615.

- May 18. (Tues.)  Janis Mann Quartet.  She’s a singer who knows how to find the heart of a song.  “I haven’t heard anyone like Janis Mann in years,” says Roy Haynes.  Charlie O’s.    (919) 994-3058.

- May 18 – 19. (Tues. – Wed.)  Marilyn Maye.  Veteran singer Maye’s career has moved easily from radio and television to cabaret and musical theatre.  In 1965, at 37, she won a Grammy for “Best New Artist,” and she’s still going strong. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- May 19. (Wed.)  Takako.  The Japanese jazz singer celebrates the release of her new CD, Common Ground, backed by pianist Vardan Ovsepian and drummer Aaron Serfaty.  Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- May 20. (Thurs.)  Ed Vodicka Organ Quintet.  Bandleader/keyboardist Vodicka displays his versatility in the organ quartet format, backed by L.A. regulars Plas Johnson, saxophone, Nolan Shaheed, trumpet, Roy McCurdy, drums  and John Chiodini, guitar.  Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

- May 20. (Thurs.)  Patrick Berrogain’s Hot Club Combo. Guitarist Berrogain discovered the gypsy jazz style in his native France before forming the Hot Club of San Diego, which morphed into the Hot Club Combo. Vibrato (310) 474-9400.

- May 20. (Thurs.)  Iliana Rose Quartet. Rose’s keyboard montunas generate Latin jazz rhythms that are virtually irresistible.  Expect to feel your toes tapping with everything she plays.  Crowne Plaza,

Frank Marocco

- May 20 – 22. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Flexible Reality.  With their strikingly unusual instrumentation, Flexible Reality brings intriguing new timbres to bebop and straight ahead jazz.  Richard Todd, French Horn, Charlie Bisharat, violin, Frank Marocco, accordion, Michael Valerio and Abraham Laboriel, basses, and Alex Acuna, drums. Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- May 21. (Fri.)  Thom Rotella with the John Heard Trio.  Mr. Versatility brings swing and substance to whatever genre he chances to meet.  Charlie O’s. (919) 994-3058.

- May 21 & 22.  (Fri. & Sat.)  Aaron Parks. Still in his mid-twenties, pianist Parks has already recorded three albums with Terence Blanchard, gigged with Kurt Rosenwinkel and been signed by Blue Note Records. Café Metropol.  (213) 613-1537.

- May 22. (Sat.)  Tom Petty and Joe Cocker. A pair of iconic artists whose careers reach from the ‘60s (for Cocker) to the present, Petty and Cocker are still mesmerizing performers.  Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

- May 22. (Sat.) Jan Daley.  Daley, who made many tours with Bob Hope to appear before U.S. servicemen, celebrates a new CD – Where There’s Hope — a tribute to the love songs from the Hope era.  M bar.    (323) 856-0036.

Bruce Forman

- May 22. (Sat.)  Bruce Forman’s Cow Bop.  Guitarist Forman is his own man, fluent, articulate and always in search of intriguing musical solutions – even with a band whimsically called Cow Bop.  The Back Room at Henri’s.   (818) 348-5582.

- May 22 & 23. (Sat. & Sun.)  Baked Potato’s 40^th Anniversary. The venerable Studio City jazz spot celebrates four decades with a stellar two day event.  Among the highlights on Sat: Baked Potato All-Stars, Chad Smith, Steve Lukather and the Pasqua/Holdsworth/Haslip/Novak Quartet.  On Sun: John Daversa Big Band, Mitch Forman, Don Randi & Quest, the Yellowjackets, Lee Ritenour and Larry Carlton.  The Baked Potato at the Ford Amphitheatre.  (818) 980-1615.

- May 23. (Sun.)  Sing, Sing, Sing.  Annual Celebration of the Big Band Era. Judy Wolman’s all-join-in singalong celebrates Memorial day with the music of Glenn Miller, Harry James, Benny Goodman and more.  Sing, Sing Sing at the Victorian Mansion. (310) 990-2405

San Francisco

- May 19 – 23 (Wed. – Sun.) Eddie Palmieri and La Perfecta II. Grammy award-winning pianist Palmieri and his La Perfecta bands have been finding the perfect blend of jazz and Latin rhythms for decades. Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

- May 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Jazz Crusaders.  Almost all of the original Jazz Crusaders – Joe Sample, Wilton Felder and Wayne Henderson (Stix Hooper’s the only missing member) – get together for the first reunion since the seventies.  Yoshi’s Oakland.  (510) 238-9200.

New York

Karrin Allyson

- May 18 – 22. (Tues. – Sat.)  Karrin Allyson. Among the coveys of canaries soaring through the jazz world these days, Allyson holds her own.  Always musical, a gifted storyteller, she helps sustain the integrity of the jazz vocal art.  Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

- May 19 – 22. (Wed. – Sat.)  Ted Nash Quintet. Saxophonist Nash spends a lot of time in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.  Here’s a chance to enjoy the individual talents of this multi-talented player up close and personal. Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.  (212) 258-9800.

- May 20. (Thurs.)  “A Great Night in Harlem” The 9^th annual concert to benefit the Musicians Emergency Fund features a remarkable line up.  Among the many headliners: Roberta Flack, Jimmy Scott, Madeleine Peyroux, Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, Frank Wess, Barry Harris, Terence Conley, with Chevy Chase, Danny Glover and many more.  The Apollo Theatre. A Great Night In Harlem.   NYC.  (212) 245-3999.

- May 20 – 23. (Thurs. – Sun.)  Odean Pope Saxophone Choir.  Pope headlines a saxophone-filled weekend, with Joe Lovano on Thurs. & Friday, Ravi Coltrane on Sat. & Sun.)  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Billy Childs

- May 21 – 23. (Fri. – Sun.)  Billy Childs Chamber Ensemble.  Pianist/composer Childs has written some remarkably adventurous music to be performed by this first rate East Coast/West Coast ensemble: saxophonist/flutist Steve Wilson, guitarist Larry Koonse, harpist Carol Robbins, bassist Scott Colley and drummer Brian Blade.  Iridium.  (212) 582-2121.

St. Louis

- May 20 – 22. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Jazz Education Network Inaugural JEN Congress.  University of Missouri, St. Louis. The first conference by the organization that hopes to fill the gap in the jazz education area that was left by the demise of the I.A.J.E.  The three day event features conferences, exhibits and performances by student and professional ensembles from St. Louis and elsewhere.  The Inaugural JEN Congress.

My mental list of potential topics has included for quite a while the sound of the electric piano. I was reminded of this a week or so ago when Larry at Funky16Corners put up a post called “The Piano Electrified,” which featured his own impressions of the sound and some great examples of it. I was reminded of it again later in the week when I came across the 1976 self-titled album by a keyboard player named Tom Ranier. All I knew about Ranier was one song, “Goin’ Home,” which I heard years ago on one of those Warner Brothers Loss Leaders compilations, so I was pleased to find the eponymous album it came from, which is full of the same warm electric piano sounds as “Goin’ Home.”

“Warm” is the adjective I keep coming back to when trying to describe the way the electric piano sounds to me. (I used it not long ago describing the way it sounds on Peter Wolf’s “Five o’Clock Angel.”) But if I allow myself to freely associate for a moment, it occurs to me that the sound can be very cool, too—summoning up a jazz club late at night as the band downshifts into a mellow groove, last call draws nigh, and couples start thinking about heading for the door. Example off the top of my head: Victor Feldman’s solo on Steely Dan’s “Black Cow” (at the 2:45 mark here). The electric piano can also be funky as hell, when played with the key-pumping abandon of a Brian Auger, on a track such as “Happiness Is Just Around the Bend.” (And is there a cooler band name than Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express?) A lighter but equally funky touch produces the sound Deodato got when soloing on “Also Sprach Zarathustra.”

Watch now as the blogger’s brain shifts topics like a driver’s ed student shifts a manual transmission.

“Also Sprach Zarathustra” came up in an e-mail I got the other day from a longtime reader, who had just listened to an American Top 40 countdown from February 1973 and noted the number of records on it that have pretty much vanished from memory, or at least from regular rotation on oldies stations. “Also Sprach Zarathustra” is surely one of those—although the fact that it became a Number Two hit in the first place remains one of stranger moments of the 1970s.

So let us give up some love for the electric piano in all its incarnations—and oddly out-of-place hit records, cool band names, and the spazzy mental processes that manage to tie them together.

“Goin’ Home”/Tom Ranier (out of print)
“Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)” (single version)/Deodato (buy full-length version here)

Los Angeles

Rickie Lee Jones

- Feb. 16. (Tues.)  Rickie Lee Jones.  Her latest album, Balm in Gilead, affirmed that Jones is still a vital and imaginative singer and songwriter.  She’ll be performing selections from that CD as well as material from her long, productive career.  Vista Theatre, 4473 Sunset Blvd., L.A.  (323) 660-6639.

- Feb. 16. (Tues.)  Guitar Night at Vitello’s.  John Pisano with Dori Caymmi. Guitar night takes on a fascinating Brazilian tone tonight with the presence of Caymmi, a superb guitarist/singer/songwriter from one of Brazil’s first musical families. With luck, Dori will sing and play his lovely song, “O Cantador” (“Like A Lover” in the English version). Vitello’s. (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 16. (Tues.)  Maria Volonte. Argentine singer Volonte’s lyrical style has been making convincing connections between the folkloric traditions of her country and the improvisational inventiveness of vocal jazz.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.   (310) 474-9400.

Houston Person

- Feb. 17. (Wed.)  Houston Person Quartet. Person’s authoritative, blues-driven tenor saxophone is an irresistible pleasure, whether he’s playing a driving up tempo or bringing a classic ballad to full-blooded life.  He’s backed by the sterling trio of pianist Bill Cunliffe, bassist Richard Simon and drummer Ralph Penland.  Spazio.  (818) 728-8400.

- Feb. 18.  (Thurs.)  Max Raabe & Palast Orchester. With his slicked-down hair, well-tailored tuxedo and jaunty manner, Raabe and his associates provide both a convincing and an immensely entertaining display of German pop music of the Weimar era.  Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.  (310) 825-2101.

- Feb. 18. (Thurs.)  Carol Welsman. Welsman, who celebrated Peggy Lee in her most recent album, “I Like Men,” is an authentic jazz artist.  Not a crossover cabaret performer, not a frustrated pop star – but a confident and gifted singer and pianist who knows, like Lee, the ways in which jazz can bring a song to life.  Spazio.   (818) 728-8400.

- Feb. 18. (Thurs.)  Sofia Rei Koutsovitis. Like Maria Volonte, Koutsovitis – who is based in New York — is an Argentine singer who brings subtle aspects of jazz to the tango rhythms of her roots.   Museum of Latin American Art.  Long Beach. http://www.molaa.org/Programs-and-Events/events-calendar.aspx (562) 437-1689.

- Feb. 18. (Thurs.)  The Midnight Jazz Band.  Chuck Berghofer, Gary Foster, Tom Ranier, Steve Schaffer.  Red Carpet Jazz Series picked the perfect ensemble – a collective of some of the Southland’s finest jazz artists – to celebrate its 1 Year Anniversary.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 18. (Thurs.)  Slumgum. Formed in 2006 when its members were students at CalArts, Slumgum – Jon Armstrong, tenor saxophone, Rory Cowal, piano, David Tranchina, bass and Trevor Anderies, drums – explore some of the outer limits of jazz improvising.  Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc.    (310) 474-9400.

Randy Newman

- Feb. 19. (Fri.) An Evening with Randy Newman. Each of Newman’s songs is a short story in itself, a brief, often sardonic passage in the life of a character who may, or may not, reflect aspects of Newman himself.  His latest album, “Harps and Angels,” affirms that his ability to create these remarkable musical narratives is as powerful as it was when he first arrived on the scene in the ‘60s.  And there’s no better way to experience him than in his rare, live appearances.  Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.  (310) 825-2101.

Sally Kellerman

- Feb. 19. (Fri.)  Sally Kellerman.  She may have been Hot Lips Houlihan at some point in her life, but Kellerman was a singer both before and after M*A*S*H.  And the jazz inflections in her style have become stronger and more adventurous every time she performs.  This time out, she’s backed by Rickey Woodard, tenor saxophone, Joel Scott, piano, Luther Hughes, bass and Paul Kreibich, drums. Jazz at the Radisson.  (310) 649-1776.

- Feb. 19. (Fri.)  Justo Almario.  The versatile saxophonist celebrates his 61^st birthday in the rhythmically supportive company of the John Heard Trio.  Charlie O’s.   (818) 994-3058.

- Feb. 20. (Sat.)  Peter Sprague String Consort.  Guitarist Sprague’s ensemble – basically a string quartet with his guitar, Bob Magnusson’s bass and Duncan Moore’s drums – is likely to play anything from Bach to Brubeck, from Chick Corea to Sprague’s own atmospheric compositions.  Vitello’s.   (818) 769-0905.

- Feb. 20. (Sat.)  Russian National Orchestra. The first Russian orchestra to win a Grammy (for its recording of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf), the RNO will perform the Shostakovich Symphony No. 9 and the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (with violinist Stefan Jackiw).  Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.   (562) 916-8501.

Tinariwen

- Feb. 20. (Sat.) Tinariwen plus special guests.  They started out as ambitious guitar players from the Touareg people of the Saharan desert.  And now, four albums later, their desert-rock blend of blues, Berber and Arabic sounds have made them one of international  music’s most entertaining ensembles.  Royce Hall.  UCLA Live.  (310) 825-2101.

- Feb. 20.  (Sat.)  10^th Annual Brazilian Carnaval. The big, flashy Carnaval event takes place this year in the equally flashy environs of Club Nokia. Featured performers are Bahia’s Trio Eletrico Armandinho, Dodo & Osmar.  Three DJs will spin additional Brazilian music all night, and the Brazilian Nites Samba Dancers will heat up the floor. Club Nokia.   (213) 765-7000.

San Francisco

Tuck & Patti

- Feb. 16 & 17. (Tues. & Wed.)  Trio Da Paz.  Guitarist Romero Lubambo, bassist Nilson Matta and drummer Duduka Da Fonseca play together in a style that can best be described as a definitive encounter between jazz and Brazil.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

- Feb. 18 – 20. (Thurs. – Sat.)  Nancy Wilson. She doesn’t play clubs very often, so don’t miss this opportunity to hear one of the great jazz divas in action, up close and personal. Yoshi’s Oakland.   (510) 238-9200.

- Feb. 21. (Sun.)  “A Great Night in the Fillmore.” An evening filled with musical wonders, as diverse and entertaining as the programs that once took place at San Francisco’s legendary auditorium.  Bobby  Hutcherson, Tuck & Patti, Denny Zeitlin, The Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Cultural Heritage Choir with Linda Tillery, John Handy. Hosted by Rita Moreno and Chuy Varela.  A Benefit for the California Jazz Foundation.  Yoshi’s San Francisco.   (415) 655-5600.

New York

- Feb. 16 & 17. (Tues. & Wed.)  McCoy Tyner Trio. Always eager to stretch musically, Tyner adds some Latin jazz atmosphere with special guests Dave Valentin and Steve Turre.  The Blue Note.   (212) 475-8592.

Ann Hampton Callaway

Feb. 16 – 21.  (Tues. – Sun.)  Ann Hampton Callaway “Swings the Great American Songbook.”  She’ll swing it, for sure, but expect Callaway to express the lyrical heartbeat of everything she sings, as well.  Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola.  (212) 258-9595.

-Feb. 16 – 21. (Tues. – Sun.) The Robert Glasper Trio.  Pianist Glasper is doing an impressive job of exploring links between mainstream jazz and some contemporary pop genres, without losing the credibility of either.  Village Vanguard.  (212) 255-4037.

- Feb. 17 – 20. (Tues. – Sat.)  Dave Liebman, Richie Beirach, Ron McClure and Jeff Williams. Liebman’s 1974 album Lookout Farm was one of the innovative jazz albums of the decade.  He revisits it here with Beirach and Williams from the original Lookout Farm, and McClure from a later version of the band.  Birdland.  (212) 581-3080.

- Feb. 17 – 21. (Wed. – Sun.)  Cyrus Chestnut Trio.  Pianist Chestnut follows in the footsteps of Art Tatum, Teddy Wilson, Hank Jones and others, adding his own inimitable qualities of soul and gospel.  Jazz Standard.  (212) 576-2232.

Gay Marshall

- Feb. 18 – Mar. 18. (Thursdays)  Gay Marshall. PIAF: Queen of Heart. Edith Piaf has been receiving a lot of attention lately — all of it well deserved.  But no one is bringing as much creative authenticity to the Piaf revival as Marshall.  Singing in exquisite Parisian French, adding a few tunes done in her own English translations, she uses Piaf classics — “L’Accordeoniste,” “Non, Je ne regrette rien” — and less familiar items (“Avec Ce Soleil”) as the foundation for her own superbly lyrical interpretations.  The ghost of Piaf is there, but the substance is Marshall’s.  She performs every Thursday through March 18.  The Metropolitan Room.  (212) 206-0440.

Santa Cruz

- Feb. 21. (Sun.)  Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill.   (831) 427-2227. Irish fiddle virtuoso Martin Hayes and Chicago guitarist Dennis Cahill play with a depth and intimacy that the New York Times describes as “a Celtic complement to Steve Reich’s quartets or Miles Davis’s Sketches of Spain.”  Kuumbwa.

Los Angeles

Jane Monheit

Dec. 29 – Jan. 3. Jane Monheit. There’s no more entertaining jazz way to bring in 2010 than with the gorgeous sound and imaginative phrasing of the always compelling Ms. Monheit. Catalina Bar & Grill (323) 466-2210.

Dec. 29. (Tues.) Ron Jones Influence. Jones leads his big, 22 piece orchestra in an evening of large ensemble jazz. Spazio. (818) 728-8400.

- Dec. 29. (Tues.) Wayne Bergeron’s Big Band. Trumpeter Bergeron has ample credibility as a big band performer to front his own large jazz collective, and he does it well. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

Judy Wexler

- Dec. 30 (Wed.) Billy Mitchell Group starts the holiday early with his pre-New Year’s Eve Celebration, backed by Rob Kyle, Tomas Gargano, and Frank Wilson. Crown Plaza Brasserie Jazz Lounge. (310) 642-7500.

- Jan. 2. (Sat.) Judy Wexler Quartet. Filling in as an unexpected replacement, Ms. Wexler gives her many fans an early opportunity to hear her briskly swinging vocals in action in the new year. Café Metropol. (213) 613-1537.

Highlight: New Year’s Eve in L.A……………………………………

Dr. Bobby Rodriguez

- Dr. Bobby Rodriguez New Year’s Eve Dance Party. Trumpeter Dr. Bobby knows how to celebrate a holiday, keeping the dance rhythms moving while retaining a firm hold on his admirable jazz chops. The Culver Club in the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside. (310) 649-1776.

- Don Menza, John Heard, Roy McCurdy and Tom Ranier. One couldn’t ask for a better, more seasoned band to spend a holiday evening with — or, for that matter, a better place to spend it than at Charlie O’s. (818) 989-3110.

Veteran guitarist Don Peake brings in the New Year with one of his typically entertaining bands, featuring Ellis Hall, vocals, Earl Gordon, drums, Michael Torres, bass, Aaron Mclain, guitar/vocals and Harlan Spector, keyboards. Spazio. (818) 728-8400.

- Janis Mann and Llew Matthews Trio (Paul Kreibich, drums, John Belzaguy, bass). The rich, dark sound, soaring vocals of the under-appreciated Ms. Mann, backed by a sterling trio. Sheraton Gateway Hotel LAX. (310) 642-1111.

- Jerry Vivino’s Quartet from the Tonight Show with Conan Obrien. It’s described as a Masquerade and Dance Party, filled with “glitz, glamour, dancing and music. ” And with saxophonist Vivino leading bassist Mike Merritt, drummer James Wormworth and pianist Scott Healy, the description should be right on target. Upstairs at Vitellos. (818) 769-0905.

- Kleber Jorge. The guitarist/singer from Rio celebrates New Year’s Brazilian style. Crustacean, Beverly Hills. (310) 205-8990.

Louie Cruz Beltran

- Louie Cruz Beltran Latin Jazz Ensemble. Percussionist/singer Beltran is entertaining on any night one hears him. Celebrating New Year’s he’ll no doubt be even better. South Coast Winery Resort and Spa, Temecula. (866) 994-6379.

- Rick Vittallo. The veteran singer/guitarist has been a busy Southland performer since the ’70s, working in far ranging musical settings. Here he works in an intimate small group setting with bassist Pat Senatore and pianist Matt Harris. Vibrato Grill Jazz…etc. (310) 474-9400.

Roaring Twenties New Year’s Eve. Marie MacGillis performs classic jazz and swing tunes with Michto Pelo, Tommy Davy and John Reynolds. Chaya Brasserie, Beverly Hills. (310) 859-8833.

- Don Randi & Quest. Keyboardist avoids the holiday traffic by leading his fusion group Quest at his own cozy jazz room, the Baked Potato. (818) 980-1615.

San Francisco

- Dec. 29 – Jan. 2. (Tues. – Sat.) Ledisi. Soul stylist Ledisi has been entertaining audiences with her engaging voice since she was eight. Her latest album, “Turn Me Loose,” adds a touch of funk to her driving vocals. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

McCoy Tyner

- Dec. 29 – Jan. 3. (Tues. – Sun.) McCoy Tyner New Year’s Celebration. And an all-star celebration it is — a rare combination of players not to be missed. With Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding and Francisco Mela. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200

- Dec. 30 – Jan. 3. (Wed. – Sun.) Melba Moore. Moore’s checkered career and sometimes troubled life haven’t diminished the quality of her work as a singer with a unique way with a song. Here’s a rare chance to hear her up close and personal. The Rrazz Room. (415) 394-1189.

New York

(Dec. 29 – Jan. 3) Chris Botti‘s trumpet playing continues in rare form, as he finishes up his epic three week run at the Blue Note. (212) 475-8592

(Dec. 29 – Jan. 3) Struttin’ With Some Barbecue. Straight ahead, hard driving, New Orleans-tinged jazz at its best. With Henry Butler, piano, Donald Harrison, alto sax, Sean Jones, trumpet, Wycliffe Gordon, trombone, Ben Wolfe, bass, Ali Jackson, drums. The Jazz Standard. (212) 447-7733.

HIlary Kole

(Dec. 30 – Jan. 3). The Bad Plus. Still at the cutting edge of contemporary jazz, the trio of pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson and drummer Dave King continue to be influential pathfinders for imaginative young jazz players. The Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

Dec. 31. Hilary Kole with the Chico O’Farrill Jazz Orchestra. Any night with Kole’s singing is a night to remember. New Year’s Eve with Kole and the O’Farrill Orchestra should be something to preserve in a memory book. Birdland. (212) 581-3080.

Dec. 31. (Thurs.)  New Year’s Eve with Liz Callaway.  The mellifluous voice and dramatic interpretive style of Broadway’s Callaway will be heard in two shows: Passage of Time at 8:30, featuring tunes from her recent CD; The Best of Liz at 10:30, with “Meadowlark,” “Memory,” “The Show Goes On” and champagne at midnight.  The Metropolitan Room.  (212) 206-0440.

Los Angeles

- Aug. 4. (Tues.) Chuck Berghofer’s Midnight Jazz Band. Whenever bassist Berghofer steps into the leader’s role, you can count on the fact that he’ll be surrounded by world class players. And the Midnight band is no exception, with Gary Foster on alto sax, Tom Ranier on piano and Joe La Barbera on drums. Charlie O’s. 994-3068.

- Aug. 4. (Tues.) Jean Shy. Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Pop, Rock — Jean Shy does it all, investing every note she sings with her own inimitable sense of soul. Bar Melody. (310) 670-1994.

Gil Evans and Miles Davis

- Aug. 5. (Wed.) “Miles Davis/Gil Evans: Still Ahead.” Trumpeters Terence Blanchard and Nicholas Payton take on the difficult task of playing the Miles Davis roles in the now classic orchestrations created by Gil Evans for the recordings Porgy and Bess, Sketches of Spain and Miles Ahead. The all-star cast also includes drummer Jimmy Cobb, bassist Christian McBride, drummer Peter Erskine and saxophonist/tubaist Howard Johnson. Vince Mendoza conducts and Miles Evans (Gil Evan’s son) is the music director. The Hollywood Bowl. (310) 850-2000.

- Aug. 5. (Wed.) Frank Potenza. Guitarist, educator (at USC) and protege of Joe Pass, Potenza takes an evening away from the classroom to display his briskly swinging style in an organ trio setting with B-3 master Joe Bagg and drummer Ryan Doyle. They’ll be playing selections from the album Old, New, Borrowed & Blue. Steamers. (714) 871-8800.

- Aug. 5. (Wed.) John Proulx. Pianist/singer performs selections from his new CD, Baker’s Dozen: Remembering Chet Baker. Featuring trumpeter Ron Stout, bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

- Aug. 6. (Thurs.) David Sanborn. Alto saxophonist Sanborn — whose sound and style impacted a generation of young saxophonists — makes a rare local club appearance in the Los Angeles suburb of Agoura Hills. Canyon Club. (805) 583-6700.

Estaire Godinez

- Aug. 6. (Thurs.) Estaire Godinez. She plays wildly diverse percussion, she’s a passionate singer, and she brings dynamic electricity to every song she touches. All of which should make for an exciting night in Bel Air. Vibrato. (310) 474-9400

- Aug. 6. (Thurs.)) Wild Magnolias. Mardi Gras in August. The Magnolias combine roots New Orleans music with wildly colorful, on-stage flamboyance. The Skirball Center, (310) 440-4500

- August 7. (Fri..) Lyle Lovett and Madeleine Peyroux. The perfect match of a pair of popular music’s most idiosyncratic performers. Impossible to lock into any single genre, Lovett and Peyroux always offer compelling performances. The Greek Theatre. (Also at the Santa Barbara Bowl on Sun. Aug. 9.)

Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang

- Aug. 7 & 8. (Fri. & Sat.) Herbie Hancock and Lang Lang with the L.A. Philharmonic. Two titans of the contemporary piano world display their very different musical orientations. Let’s hope there’s an opportunity for them to jam together (if they can agree on what to play). The Hollywood Bowl. (323) 850-2000.

- Aug. 7 – 9. (Fri. – Sun.) 22nd Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival. Funk, fusion, crossover and jazz pop in the spotlight with Patti Austin, Norman Brown, David Sanborn, Ledisi, Les McCann, Hiroshima, Ramsey Lewis, Paul Brown, Marc Antoine and numerous others. The Long Beach Jazz Festival. Lagoon Park. http://www.longbeachjazzfestival.com. (562) 424-0013.

Tanya Tagaq

- Aug. 8. (Sat.) Tanya Tagaq. Tagaq, who has worked frequently with Bjork, is a Canadian Inuit who specializes in the difficult, but always fascinating to hear, throat-singing style. Based in Inuit traditions, she has transformed the style into a strikingly contemporary expression. Solo a cappella artist Hyperpotamus opens the bill. Grand Performances. (213) 687-2190

- Aug. 9. (Sun.) Chris Walden celebrates the 10th anniversary of his Big Band. Special guests include Carol Welsman, Tierney Sutton, Courtney Fortune and Christopher Cross. With possible Surprise guest appearances by Michael Bolton and David Foster. 8 p.m. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-22110.

- Aug. 9. (Sun.) The Lanny Morgan 6. Alto saxophonist Morgan leads his contemporary bebop band of trumpeter Bob Summers, tenor saxophonist Doug Webb, pianist Tom Ranier, bassist Chuck Berghofer and drummer Steve Schaeffer. The Lighthouse Café. (310) 376-9833.

- Aug. 9. (Sun.) “A Tale of Two Princes: Prince William “Buddy” Colette and Prince Charles Mingus.” The music of both composers will be performed, and guest artists will sit in to honor Buddy Colette’s 88th birthday. 11 a.m. brunch. Catalina Bar & Grill. (323) 466-2210.

San Francisco

- Aug. 3. (Mon.) Elin, Rising jazz star Elin has been drawing rave reviews from New York and Miami to Peru and the Canary Islands. Born in Sweden to Peruvian and Irish parents, her comfortable multi-culturalism brings a rich colorful diversity to her music. Brazilian vocalist. Opening for her — San Diego’s talented young vocalist Sacha Boutros. Yoshi’s Oakland. (510) 238-9200

Charlie Haden

- Aug. 7 – 9. (Fri. – Sun.) Charlie Haden leads his Quartet West in a celebation of his 72nd birthday weekend. With pianist Alan Broadbent, tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts and drummer Rodney Green. Yoshi’s San Francisco. (415) 655-5600.

San Jose

- Aug. 7 – 9. (Fri. – Sun.) The San Jose Jazz Festival. Featuring Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Wild Magnolias, Denise Donatelli, Pete Escovedo, Bill Henderson, Allen Toussaint, Winard Harper, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Lionel Loueke and dozens of others. All in all, there will be over a hundred concerts on nine stages throughout the three days of the Festival. With prices as low as $15 a day ($10 on Friday). with children 12 and under free, it is surely one of the best musical bargains of the summer, anywhere. San Jose Jazz Festival. (408) 288-7557.

New York

Tessa Souter

- Aug. 3. (Mon.) Tessa Souter. One of the few exceptional standouts in the crowded field of female jazz singers, Souter performs material from her about-to-be-released CD, Obsession. Her live performances are far too rare, so don’t miss this one. The Blue Note. (212) 475-8592

- Aug. 4 – 6. (Tues. – Thurs.) Greg Osby, Playboy magazine’s “Jazz Artist of the Year,” leads his sextet — vocalist Sara Serpa, guitarist Nil Felder, pianist Frank LoCrasto, bassist Matt Brewer and drummer John Davis – in selections from the album, 9 Levels. The Village Vanguard. (212) 255-4037.

- Aug. 6 – 9. (Thurs. – Sun.) Ernestine Anderson Quartet. At 80-something, Anderson brings a lifetime of atmospheric insight to each phrase, making her performances into virtual master classes in the art of jazz singing. She’s backed by tenor saxophonist Houston Person, whose 30 plus years with Etta Jones taught him something about jazz singing, as well. Jazz Standard. (212) 576-2252.

Boston

Claudia Acuna

- Aug. 7. (Fri.) Claudia Acuna discovered jazz in her native Chile and — even though her last CD, En Este Momento, featured Spanish language songs — her jazz skills continue to grow, enhanced by the velvet sound of her voice. the rhythmic lift of her phrasing, and an unerring way with a lyric. RegattaBar. Cambridge. (617) 395-7757.

- Aug. 7. (Fri.) Leny Andrade. The always-swinging Brazilian jazz/bossa nova singer performs with the Cesar Camargo Mariano/Romero Lubambo guitar duo. Sculler’s. (617) 562-4111

Washington, D.C.

- Aug. 6 – 9. (Thurs,. – Sun.) Freddy Cole. There’s a trace of the same Cole family vocal timbre in his voice that was present in his brother Nat Cole. But Freddy is very much his own man, singing with the interpretive qualities of a jazz master. Blues Alley. (202)337-4141

London

Judy Carmichael

- Aug. 3 – 15. (Mon. – Sat.) (except for the 9th.) Judy Carmichael will be adding vocals to her versatile piano stylings in a performance celebrating her new CD, Come and Get It. The Boisdale of Belgravia. London.