Concerts

LUCKMAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA “Old Wine, New Bottles.” Brilliant concept, taking jazz pieces from back as far as the teens and ’20s to see what happens . . . Check out Greg Burk’s take in Beauty/Noise. CAL STATE L.A., Luckman Complex, 5151 State University Dr.; Sat., Jan. 28, 8 p.m. (323) 343-6600 or (213) 480-3232.

WAYNE SHORTER & THE L.A. PHILHARMONIC These jazz-meets-the-Phil gigs are always a risky proposition . . . the swing and improv of jazz don’t mesh well with the vast sound of a full orchestra. Still, Wayne Shorter’s tunes, and even his solos, have a certain something — a lilt? something askew? — that is probably just as influenced by Dead White Male composers as by the blues. So who knows? If his latest quartet (pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Pattitucci, drummer Brian Blade) can handle the hard-edged frailty of JuJu with such grace, then Villa-Lobos shouldn’t be a problem. And besides, Wayne Shorter gets to solo on Bach . . . now that’s a trip. WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL, First St. & Grand Ave., dwntwn.; Sat., Jan. 28, 8 p.m. (323) 850-2000.

TIM HAGANS, CLAY JENKINS “The Music of Lee Morgan.” That’s a lot of good music for trumpeters Hagans and Jenkins to pick from. They are joined by the sax section of Danny House, Jerry Pinter and Greg Smith, trombonist Dave Woodley, and the rhythm section of bassist Putter Smith and drummer Joe LaBarbera. Presented by the American Jazz Institute. CLAREMONT McKENNA COLLEGE, Pickford Auditorium, 500 E. Ninth St., Claremont; Mon., Jan. 30, 8 p.m.; free. (626) 795-6413.

Clubs

THE BACK ROOM AT HENRI’S, 21601 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Intimate, affordable, good eats, full bar. Fri.-Sat., 8 p.m.-mid.; weeknights 6:30-9:30 p.m. No cover. (818) 348-5582.

Fri.—Always a joy to hear these two go at it: saxophonist Pete Christlieb and trumpeter Carl Saunders get together with The John Hammond Trio.

Sat.—Outside of Afro-Cuban jazz, there aren’t many trombone stars, but Bill Watrous ought to be one. With The John Hammond Trio.

Thurs.—Call club for info.

THE BAKED POTATO, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City. 9:30 & 11:30 p.m. Cover varies. All ages. (818) 980-1615.

Fri.-Sat.—C.A.B. with guitarist Tony MacAlpine, bassist Bunny Brunel, keyboardist Steve Weingart and drummer Virgil Donati.

Sun.—Vocalist Rehya Stevens, featuring keyboardist Dennis Hamm, bassist Wayne Lothian and drummer Christopher Allis.

Mon.—Guitarist Joel Hoekstra & Undefined with Walter Fischbacher on keys, bassist Ric Fierabracci and drummer Joel Rosenblatt.

Tues.—Drummer Jason Harnell’s trio with organist Joe Bagg.

Wed.—Exceptional quartet of pianist Otmaro Ruiz with saxist Ben Wendel, bassist Jimmy Johnson and drummer Jimmy Branly.

Thurs.—Honeybreath and Nothin’ Personal.

CAFE CORDIALE, 14015 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. A session cats’ hang; lots of fusion and jazzy R&B. Beer & wine. Music begins 9:30 or 10 p.m. No cover. All ages. (818) 789-1985.

Fri.—The Brothers Thick.

Sat.—Triple Scale (featuring drummer Joey Heredia).

Wed.-Thurs.—Call club for info.

CAFE METROPOL, 923 E. Third St., dwntwn. Rocco sets up the jazz downtown. Food, beer/wine. Music 8-10:30 p.m. (213) 613-1537 or www.roccoinla.com.

Fri.—Sensitive horticulture from a local master and his skilled band: pianist Alan Pasqua’s Jazz Collective with saxist Jeff Ellwood, bassist Darek Oles and drummer Andrew Fockel; $10. (Greg Burk)

Sat.—Expect everything from austere spaces to classically influenced melodies when Italian avant-garde percussionist Andrea Centazzo strokes his equipment; $10. (Greg Burk)

Thurs.—Some of the newer saxophone colossi are way out West: The Ben Wendel Group, with saxist Wendel, drummer Nate Wood, guitarist Larry Koonse, pianist Gerald Clayton, trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and bassist Joe Sanders; $5.

CAFE 322, 322 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. Full bar. Fine Italian food at great prices, full bar — a cool hang and a great jazz room. Music 7-11:30 p.m. No cover, no min. (626) 836-5414.

Fri.-Sat.—Very fine jazz vocalist Judy Wexler with pianist Karen Hammack, bassist Ryan McGillicuddy and drummer Tim Pleasant.

Sun.—Night at the Opera with pianist Danny Guerrero.

Wed.—The Jazz Jam Session.

Thurs.—Pianist Matt Politano’s trio.

CATALINA BAR & GRILL, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. Modern elegance. Tues.-Sat., 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.; Sun., 7:30 & 9:30 p.m. Cover varies. All ages. Full bar. Full menu. (323) 466-2210.

Fri.-Sun.—Tom Scott. The L.A. Expressman’s nice new Bebop United features Phil Woods and Ronnie Cuber, among others.

Tues.—Louie Cruz Beltran & His Latin Jazz Orchestra.

Wed.—Vocalist Tierney Sutton’s Grammy-nomination party.

Thurs.—For jazz guitar, he’s the living taproot: The Kenny Burrell Quartet. (Greg Burk)

CHARLIE O’S, 13725 Victory Blvd., Van Nuys. The best jazz at this players’ hang. No cover. Restaurant & full bar. 21 & over. (818) 994-3058.

Fri.—Excellent swing and bop trumpeter Bobby Shew with The John Heard Trio (pianist Jon Mayer, drummer Roy McCurdy).

Sat.—Fine mix of blues and beyond from saxophonist Rickey Woodard with The John Heard Trio (including pianist Larry Fuller).

Sun.—Pianist Karen Hernandez, with John Heard, drummer Lorca Hart.

Mon.—Pianist Pat Tuzzolino’s quartet with Sam Most on sax/flute, great drummer Billy Paul and conguero Ray Armando.

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Tues.—Pretty gutsy guitarist Thom Rotella’s Fourtet with pianist Rich Eames, bassist Luther Hughes and drummer Roy McCurdy.

Wed.—Terrific hard bop from trumpeter Nolan Shaheed’s quintet with alto saxist Zane Musa.

Thurs.—The Gil Bernal Quartet celebrating the legendary Gil’s birthday.

CLUB TROPICAL, 8641 Washington Blvd., Culver City. Full bar and Salvadoran food. Cover varies. (310) 559-1127.

Fri.—Sounds of the Shona as Cryptonoche presents the Masanga Marimba Ensemble. This is the mbira that Thomas Mapfumo put to guitar, a music yet untapped by jazzers.

Mon.—Aussie drummer Tim Davies’ Big Band. Definitely not retro-swing.

Thurs.—Cryptonight presents Nels Cline & Friends performing the music of Andrew Hill: It’s testy stuff, but with guitarist Cline, accordionist-electronicist Andrea Parkins, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, cornetist Bobby Bradford, bassist Devin Hoff and drummer Scott Amendola onboard — good God, that group could play anything. (Greg Burk)

COLOMBO’S, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock. Italian lounge with red-leather everything. Full bar. No cover. (323) 254-9138.

Sun.-Mon.—TheErik Ekstrand Trio; each Mon. hosting TheEagle Rock Jazz Jam Session.

Tues.—Vocalist Sonji Kimmons.

Wed.—Jimmy Spencer and Karen Hernandez.

Thurs.—Straight-ahead Rio Fiumara–Tom Armbruster Quartet and guests.

THE DOWNBEAT CAFÉ, 1202 N. Alvarado St., Echo Park. Great food and java with a beatnik vibe. Music 7:30-9:30 p.m. No cover. (213) 483-3955.

Wed.—The Downbeats with Vince Meghrouni.

HOLLY STREET BAR & GRILL, 175 E. Holly St., Pasadena. Nice room; restaurant and full bar. No cover/min. (626) 440-7267.

Fri.—Latin jazz from Mark Townes, 7-10 p.m.

Sat.—Saxophonist D.A. Bookman.

Sun.—Jazz guitarist Jesse Bradley, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Wed.—Byron Miller’s B-Jam Night, 9:30 p.m.-mid.

Thurs.—Call club for info.

JAX, 339 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Noisy, crowded, but grab a table beside the tiny stage and see some fine jazz on a good night. Lunch and dinner. No cover/no min. Full bar. Over 18. (818) 500-1604.

Fri.—Laurie Melan.

Sat.—Blues from Gas House Dave.

Sun.—Django-isms from The Hot Fab Djazz Club.

Mon.—Jazz pianist Marty Harris.

Tues.—Victoria Corrigan.

Wed.—The Others.

Thurs.—Great jazz from trumpeter Jack Sheldon’s California Cool Quartet at their regular haunt.

THE JAZZ BAKERY, 3233 Helms Ave., Culver City. Prime-time players in a concert setting. Beer, wine. 8 & 9:30 p.m. (Half-price student-rush tickets with ID, 21 & under.) (310) 271-9039.

Fri.-Sun.—The Vinicius Cantuaria Quartet: Maybe it’s his adopted Gotham home, but his is a dark-edged bossa, the saudade propelled by an irresistible rhythmic pulse set by the masterful Brazilian drummer Paulo Braga. Highly recommended. (Also Sun., 6 p.m.: Sing! Sing! Sing!)

Mon.—The Christian Hernandez Quintet, and the guitarist/bassist is joined by with saxist Craig Cammell, trumpeter Emile Martinez, bassist Joshua Crumbly and drummer Kenny Wollesen.

Tues.-Thurs.—Mose Allison. With bassist Tom Warrington. ’Nuff said.

LA VÉ LEE, 12514 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. Mediterranean cuisine. Showtimes 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. Full bar. All ages. (818) 980-8158.

Fri.—Killer descargas from Poncho Sanchez.

Sat.—J.P. & Ms. B CD-release party.

Tues.—Marco Mendoza, Joey Heredia and Renato Neto.

Wed.—Guitarist Scott Henderson, keyboardist Scott Kinsey, bassist Jimmy Earl and drummer Gary Novak.

Thurs.—Latin funk from Sheila E’s C.O.E.D., with Rhonda Smith, Kate Dyson, Cassandra O’Neal, once-upon-a-time P-Funk singer Lynn Mabry, and special guests Prince’s Wendy & Lisa. Should be fun.

MAGGIANO’S, 189 The Grove Dr. Italian cuisine right by Farmers Market. No cover/no min. Music 6:30-9 p.m. (323) 965-9665.

Fri.—The Joshua Heath Trio.

Sat.—Pat Tuzzolino.

Wed.—Call club for info.

Thurs.—Latin-tinged standards from Margo Reymundo.

MICELI’S, 1646 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hlywd. Venerable Italian eatery features excellent jazz pianists. No cover. Full bar. All ages. (323) 466-3430.

Fri.-Sun.—Brian O’Rourke.

Mon. & Thurs.—Phil Palermo.

Tues.—Ross Tompkins.

Wed.—Cal Bezemer.

THE MONEY TREE, 10149 Riverside Dr., Toluca Lake. Hallowed old nightspot/restaurant. No cover. All ages. (818) 752-8383.

Fri.—Saxist Michael Rose’s trio with Linda Smith.

Sat.—The Nina Beck Trio with Marie Jacobs.

Sun.—Bassist Big Al (with pianist Matt Weisberg, drummer Brad Elliott) hosts the jazz jam.

Mon.—Blues with Alex Rebar.

Tues.—The Frank Wilson Trio.

Wed.—The Gregor Blues Quartet.

Thurs.—Call club for info.

PHLIGHT, 6724 Bright Ave., Whittier. Restaurant is a new jazz spot in old Whittier. No cover, no min. All ages. (562) 789-0578.

Fri.—Patrice Belmaster, 8-11 p.m.

Sat.—Guitarist Jeff Richman, 8-11 p.m.

Sun.—Vocalist Judy Wexler (with pianist Karen Hammack), 7-10 p.m.

SPAZIO, 14755 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks. California cuisine. No cover; two-drink min. Music from 7:30. Full bar. All ages. (818) 728-8400.

Fri.—Guitarist Al Viola with saxist-flutist Sam Most, bassist Richard Simon, drummer Brian Newbury.

Sat.—Very entertaining jazz vocalist Gene Diamond with his quartet including pianist Karen Hernandez, bassist Lou Shoch, drummer Jack LeCompte.

Sun.—Brunch with guitarist Mark Towns and bassist Carlitos del Puerto from 10:30 a.m.; then, at 8 p.m., pianist Bevan Manson with bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Danny Pucillo.

Mon.—Eliseo Latin Jazz Quintet, with bassist and vocalist Eliseo, sax and flute man Frank Fontaine, pianist Tom Regis, conguero Eddie Delafe and timbalero Victor Montanez.

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Tues.—John Pisano’s Guitar Night with Carl Verheyen.

Wed.—Call club for info.

Thurs.—Chops and rhythms galore when the exciting drummer Jimmy Branly brings in a trio featuring the fascinating pianist Otmaro Ruiz.

TEN 20 CAFÉ at the WYNDHAM BEL AGE, 1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., W. Hlywd. Plush Strip digs with quite the view out the windows or at the bar. No cover, two-drink min. Pay-to-park. Music from 7 p.m. (310) 358-7702.

Fri.—11 O’Clock News Band.

Mon.—The Cross-Hart Experience.

Thurs.—Cabaret Night.

VIBRATO GRILL & JAZZ, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Bel Air. Crowded with power diners early but gets jazzier later. Piano duos 6:30-8:30 p.m. No cover, $20 min. on Fri.-Sat. Sets from 9 p.m. Full bar. All ages. (310) 474-9400.

Fri.—The very tasty drumming of Joe LaBarbera leading his quintet.

Sat.—Closed for private party.

Sun.—Bassist Pat Senatore Duo.

Tues.—Pianist Biff Hannon Duo.

Wed.—The Pat Senatore Duo.

Thurs.—Patrick Berrigan & the Hot Club of San Diego.

VINTAGE CAFE & BISTRO, 2032 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena. Great atmosphere, hearty fare, good vibe. BYO vino. Music 7-10 p.m. No cover. (626) 296-3320.

Fri.—Blue Metro.

Sat.—Guitarist Reiner Scivally.

Sun.—Tony DiGiovanni Trio jazz brunch, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tues.—Tony DiGiovanni’s cooking jazz jam.

THE WORLD STAGE, 4344 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park. Workshops on Sat. morning (junior jazz), Mon. night (drums), Tues. night (vocals). Free unless noted. (323) 293-2451.

Fri.—Alto saxist Michael Session and a host of all-stars present a jazz-packed fund-raising tribute to Phil Ranelin, who’s recovering from a car wreck, 8 p.m.; $10.

Sat.—Saxist Azar Lawrence, 9 & 11:30 p.m.; $10.

Sun.—Sisters of Jazz jam session, 7:30 p.m.-mid.

Thurs.—Jazz Jam Session.

Other Jazz

Nicely swinging pianist David Arnay and guest bassist perform at TheParkway Grill, 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena; every Fri., 7:30-11:30 p.m.; no cover. (626) 795-1001.

Bobby Matos brings his loose and jamming Latin jazz band to Bones and Blues,WLCAC Center, 10950 S. Central Ave.; Fri., Jan. 27, 8 p.m.; $15 advance, $25 at door. Plenty of BBQ available. (323) 563-5639.

Thom Rotella hosts TheSunday Jazz Guitar Brunch with guest John Pisano at La Vecchia, 2654 Main St., Santa Monica; Sun., Jan. 29, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; no cover. (310) 399-7979.

Lighthouse All-Star drummer Bobby White’s quartet at The Lighthouse Café, 30 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach; Sun., Jan. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; free. (310) 372-6911.

The rarely uttered phrase “very exciting bassist” applies whenever Jennifer Leitham brings in her trio (pianist Josh Nelson, drummer Randy Drake) at Chaya Brasserie, 8741 Alden Dr., Beverly Hills; Sun., Jan. 29, 7 p.m.; no cover, no min. (310) 859-8833.

Inspired hard boppers Donavan-Muradian Quartet (usually with saxist Chuck Manning or trumpeter Kye Palmer) at Buster’s Coffee & Ice Cream, 1006 Mission St., S. Pasadena; every Sun., 7:30-10 p.m. (626) 441-0744.

Pianist Suezenne Fordham’s Chamber Jazz Piano Trio (bassist Dave Culwell, drummer Darren Ross) perform everything from Monk to Piazzolla to Bartók to Bobby Bradford at Eagle Rock Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock; Sun., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.; $10 suggested donation. (626) 795-4989.

At Hal’s Bar & Grill: drummer Quentin Dennard plays Sun., Jan. 29, 8-11 p.m.; and guitarist Phil Upchurch plays Mon., Jan. 30, 9 p.m.-mid.; 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; free. (310) 396-3105.

Pianist Larry Nash & Jazz Symphonics play The After Work Jazz Cool Down (hosted by James Janisse) at Hollywood Park Casino, 3883 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood; Tues., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m.; no cover, no min. (310) 330-2800.

Vocalist Sherry Williams with pianist John Rodby and bassist Harvey Newmark at The Four Points Hotel Sheraton LAX Atrium Club, 9750 Airport Blvd.; Tues., Jan. 31, 7-11 p.m.; no cover, no min. (310) 649-7024.

The Dale Fielder All-Star Jazz Experiment. Sax man Fielder’s albums are a rich mix of New Thing and Blue Note swing, so this could be some great music, especially for the uninitiated at this non-jazz club. Nice lineup, too, with trumpeter Richard Grant, guitarist Jacques Lesure, pianist Mike Telesmanic, bassist Bill Markus, drummer Don Littleton (and special guests). At The Mint, 6010 W. Pico Blvd.; Tues., Jan. 31, 7:30-9 p.m. (323) 954-9400.

Time to check out saxist Kamasi Washington at his weekly jam at 5th Street Dick’s, 4305 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park; every Tues., 9 p.m.; $5. (323) 296-0040.

Trumpeter Brian Swartz’s quintet with saxophonist Matt Otto (as well as altoist Matt Zebley, pianist Brian Friedland, bassist Nick Rosen and drummer Jens Kuross) leads the jazz jam session in The 1160 Lounge at The Ramada Hollywood, 1160 N. Vermont Ave.; every Tues., 9 p.m.; $5 cover, no min. (323) 315-1845.

Cathy Segal-Garcia’s jazz jam in The Muddy Moose Lounge at The Sportsmen’s Lodge, 12833 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; every Wed., 8 p.m.-mid.; no cover. (818) 755-5000.

The Underground Jazz Movement with the very expressive multi-saxophonist Dale Fielder, guitarist Jacques Lesure, pianist Greg Gordon-Smith, bassist Edwin Livingston and drummer Thomas White are at Cabrini’s Jazz Alley, 5664 W. Third St.; every Wed., 8 p.m.-mid.; $5. (323) 938-0259.

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A drummer who worked with Cannonball Adderley and Horace Silver, Roy McCurdy fronts his trio with pianist Marty Harris and bassist Richard Simon at Sangria, 68 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach; Wed., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m.; free. (310) 937-4693.

The Gene Stone Quartet. The veteran West Coast drummer is joined by special guest saxist (and Bay Area legend) Vince Wallace, the very fine pianist Theo Saunders and bassist Putter Smith. At The Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5400 W. Century Blvd.; Wed., Feb. 1, 7-10 p.m.; no cover, $10 min. (310) 216-5858, Ext. 7225.

Vocalist Julie Kelly with pianist Larry Fuller, bassist Tony Dumas and drummer Roy McCurdy are at TheCrowne Plaza LAX Hotel, 5985 W. Century Blvd.; Thurs., Feb. 2, 7-10 p.m.; no cover, $10 min. (310) 642-7500.

Pianist David Garfield, bassist Carlos Del Puerto and drummer Kevin Crabb play Viva Italia, 19563 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana; every Thurs., 6:30-9:30 p.m.; no cover, no min. (818) 996-8008.

The remarkable bassist/vocalist Kristin Korb, with pianist Llew Mathews and drummer Kevin Kanner, plays her really appealing jazz at the Grill in The Westin Long Beach Hotel, 333 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach; Thurs., Feb. 2, 6-10 p.m.; no cover, $15 min. (562) 436-6536.

Guitarist Grant Geissman, with a groovin’ new release, Say That, brings in a quintet with saxist Brian Scanlon, pianist Emilio Palome, bassist Trey Henry and drummer Ray Brinker, at The Vic, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica; Thurs., Feb. 2, 8 & 10 p.m., $20; and, at mid., The Dan Osterman Quartet, $5. (888) 367-5299.

The George Kahn Quartet, featuring saxist Eric Marienthal, at The Silhouette Jazz Café, 245 E. Olive St., Burbank; Thurs., Feb. 2, 8 p.m.-mid.; no cover. (818) 556-5299.

—Brick Wahl

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