Concerts

GEORGE CABLES Latest of the David L. Abell Memorial Jazz Salons features this outstanding player who was Art Pepper’s favorite pianist. Cables’ swinging straight-ahead solos grace many a session from the ’70s to the ’90s. LENART AUDITORIUM, FOWLER MUSEUM, UCLA, Wstwd. (Lot 4, off Sunset Blvd., parking $8); Sun., Jan. 7, 1 p.m.; $18, $9 students. (310) 206-3269.

PLAS JOHNSON The Pink Panther tenor is otherwise known as an excellent blues and hard-bop player, but check out his extended work on Gerald Wilson’s “Come Back to Sorrento” … that is some pure emotion there. With pianist Llew Matthews, bassist John Giannelli and drummer Gerryck King. Cover includes refreshments; reservations suggested. GIANNELLI SQUARE, 19451 Londelius St., Northridge; Sun., Jan. 7, 3 p.m.; $20. (818) 772-1722 or e-mail giannellisquare@sbcglobal.net.

Clubs

THE BACK ROOM AT HENRI’S, 21601 Sherman Way, Canoga Park. Intimate, affordable, good eats, full bar, coldest suds in town and one helluva house band. 8 p.m.-mid.; no cover. (818) 348-5582.

Fri.—A series of live recording nights in this room opens with tenor Pete Christlieb and trumpeter Carl Saunders, with the house’s John Hammond Trio. These two make for one of the best, perhaps the best, regular horn duets/duels in town, and will make this a great live album.

Sat.—Hammond continues recording, this time with guitar master Ron Eschete with The John Hammond Trio.

THE BAKED POTATO, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City. Fusion heaven. 9:30 & 11:30 p.m.; cover varies. Food and full bar. All ages. (818) 980-1615.

Fri.—The Michael Landau Trio with bassist Dustin Boyer, drummer Trevor Boyer.

Sat.-Sun.—Call club for info.

Mon.—Elvis Lives! With Pete Wilcox as Elvis, and drummer Clem Burke (Blondie), guitarist Danny B. Harvey (“King of Rockabilly”), bassist Trent Scroh, Teddy “Zig Zag” Andreas (“from Alice Cooper and Guns N’ Roses”) on organ, and keyboardist Don Randi.

Tues.- Thurs.—Call club for info.

CAFE METROPOL, 923 E. Third St., dwntwn. Rocco brings some rad jazz to this intimate spot. Great food, beer/wine. Music 8-10:30 p.m.; $5. (213) 613-1537 or www.roccoinla.com.

No music till Jan. 12.

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

Fri.—V.R. Smith.

Sat.—Judy Platt.

Sun.—Opera to Broadway with pianist Danny Guerrero.

Thurs.—Jazz vocalist Roger Cairns.

CATALINA BAR & GRILL, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hlywd. Modern elegance in a roomy venue. 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.—String-tapping guitarist Stanley Jordan.

Tues.—Some fiery playing in store from saxist Justo Almario with pianist Patrice Rushen, bassist Abe Laboriel and drummer Max Almario.

Wed.—Bassist Lyman Medeiros’ The Funky Supervillain CD release.

Thurs.—The Kenny Garrett Quartet. With an alto reminiscent of Bird and soprano of Trane, you know you are going to get some passionate, furious music. The occasional smoove numbers slipped onto his albums might throw the purists, but check him out … the man uplifts the whole room. Thru Sun.

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

Fri.—Highly regarded vocalist Julie Kelly with The John Heard Trio, with the stellar pianist Bill Cunliffe and drummer Roy McCurdy.

Sat.—Very hard-swinging night with saxist Don Menza and the same John Heard Trio (pianist John Beasley).

Sun.—The Karen Hernandez Trio with bassist John Heard.

Mon.—Trombonist The Geo Valle Swing City Big Band, 17 pieces; $10 cash cover.

Tues.—The Jack Sheldon California Cool Quartet. And California Cool is his latest and is indeed cool.

Wed.—Fine and entertaining stuff from The Cross Hart Jazz Experience featuring altoist Zane Musa.

Thurs.—The Don Menza Quartet. The powerful saxophonist brings along bassist Chris Conner, guitarist Mark Waggoner and drummer Steve Schaeffer.

CHAYA BRASSERIE, 8741 Alden Dr., Beverly Hills. Fun but pricey restaurant (though a not-so-pricey bar). Music from 7 p.m. No cover/min. (310) 859-8833.

Sun.—Vocalist Margo Reymundo.

CLUB 1160 at THE RAMADA HOLLYWOOD, 1160 N. Vermont Ave., Hlywd. Downstairs, low ceilings, full bar. $5, no min. 9 p.m. (323) 315-1845.

Tues.—Trumpeter Brian Swartz & the New Quintet (with excellent saxist Matt Otto). A great session, and players are welcome.

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

Sun.-Mon.—TheEricEkstrandTrio; each Mon. hosting TheEagle Rock Jazz Jam Session.

Tues.—Vocalist SonjiKimmons.

Wed.—JimmySpencer and KarenHernandez.

CROWNE PLAZA LAX HOTEL, 5985 W. Century Blvd., L.A. Restaurant and full bar. No cover. $15 min. Music 6-10 p.m. (310) 642-7500.

Tues.—KKJZ’s “Ones to Watch” with vocalist Tish Oney and her quartet.

Thurs.—The Jennifer Leitham Trio.

DINNERHOUSE M, 1263 W. Temple St., Echo Park. Music 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; min. $6 bar, $12 lounge. (213) 482-3828.

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Fri.—The Theo Saunders Trio. This man can really stretch, finding all kinds of things.

Wed.—Pianist Tom Garvin.

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.—Always fun and fired up, hard-bopping reedman Vince Meghrouni and The Downbeats.

FOUR POINTS HOTEL SHERATON, in the Atrium Club, 9750 Airport Blvd., near LAX. Restaurant/bar. 7-11 p.m. No cover/min. (310) 649-7024.

Tues.—Vocalist Yvette Stewart.

HAL’S BAR & GRILL, 1349 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice. Restaurant and full bar. No cover/min. (310) 396-3105.

Sun.-Mon.—Call club for info.

HOLLYWOOD PARK CASINO, 3883 W. Century Blvd., Inglewood. No cover/min. Music from 7:30 p.m. (310) 330-2800.

Tues.—Poncho Sanchez.

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/min. Full bar. Over 18. (818) 500-1604.

Fri.—Pianist George Brittenham.

Sat.—The Laurie Melan Quartet.

Sun.—Preston Smith.

Mon.—The Alexandra Caselli Quartet. Excellent stuff from this pianist.

Tues.—Violinist Chris Murphy and trio.

Wed.—Bill Wysaske; Theo Saunders on piano.

Thurs.—Trumpeter Jack Sheldon in his weekly spot. Catch him on a good night here and it’s something special.

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.—Great jazz when bassist John Patitucci brings along his Wayne Shorter–band compatrioton drums Brian Blade, plus guitarist Adam Rogers. (Sun. matinee with The Bill Cantos Quartet, 4 p.m.)

Mon.—The Max Haymer Trio with Nick Schaadt and Nathan Highland.

Tues.—The Agoura High School Jazz Band plays Ellington.

Wed.-Thurs.—The Benny Golson Quartet. The man was there, with Clifford Brown and Tadd Dameron and the Jazztet and everybody. He wrote a stack of tunes that have become classics (“I Remember Clifford,” “Killer Joe”). And he is very much still here, blowing some beautiful horn, telling some wonderful stories, and connecting. Absolutely recommended. Thru Sun.

LAND ON 2ND STREET, 366 E. Second St., dwntwn. Now the focal point for the jazz underground, this is a great little spot with a loft-scene vibe. Music from 9 p.m. Full bar, and food served till 2 a.m. Cover as noted. (323) 680-0047.

Mon.—Jazz from trombonist Martin Sullivan and ensemble, 8 p.m. And baritone saxist Adam Schroeder fronts his ensemble, 9:30 p.m.; $5 cover, $10 min.

Tues.—The 2nd Street Jazz Jam Session hosted by pianist Gary Fukushima, piano; with bassist J.P. Maramba and drummer Miles Senzaki, 10 p.m.; no cover, $5 min.

Wed.—Out there where Middle Eastern sounds and chamber music swirl together, it’s percussionist Brad Dutz with clarinetist Jim Sullivan, cellist Ira Glansbeek and oboe player Paul Sherman, 8 p.m.; $5 cover, $10 min.

Thurs.—The Chuck Manning Quartet. Tenor Manning is by turns restrained and powerful, and his imaginative music (originals and lesser-known standards) is always best in these smaller rooms, 8 p.m.; $5 cover, $10 min.

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.—Very energetic world fusion from violinist Karen Briggs & Friends.

Sat.—Brazilian-centered sounds from the excellent and vivacious vocalist Katia Moraes & Sambaguru.

Tues.—Marco Mendoza, Joey Heredia and Steve Weingart.

Wed.—The Rhythm Dawgs: drummer Tom Brechtlein, bassist Jimmy Earl, keyboardist Jeff Babko and guitarist Toshi Yanagi.

Thurs.—The Dawn Bishop Band.

THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFE, 30 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Never give up on Ozzie! This legendary jazz spot is still a lot of fun. Restaurant & full bar. (310) 372-6911.

Sun.—The Med Flory Quartet. Entertaining bop from the alto saxophonist and Lighthouse veteran from way back.

Thurs.—A Lighthouse jazz jam.

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

Fri.—The Gaea Schell Trio.

Sat.—The Rachel Udall Quartet.

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.-Sat. & Tues.—Brian O’Rourke.

Sun.—Patricia Harrold.

Mon. & Thurs.—Phil Palermo.

Wed.—Cal Bezemer.

MR. B’s, 1333 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank. No cover; two-drink min. Music 7:30 p.m. Restaurant and full bar. All ages. (818) 845-1800.

Wed.—Trio Gonzalo.

Thurs.—The nice combo of vocalist Jimmy Spencer and pianist Karen Hernandez.

PASADENA JAZZ INSTITUTE, The Terrace Court on the second level of Paseo Colorado, 260 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. The irrepressible jazz entrepreneur Paul Lines has found a home for his PJI. Quality music every weekend. Music 8 p.m.-mid. Full bar and appetizers. Cover $10 (unless noted.) No min. All ages. (626) 398-3344 or www.pasjazz.org.

Fri.-Sat.—Call club for info.

PHLIGHT, 6724 Bright Ave., Whittier. Restaurant is a new jazz spot in old Whittier. Music 7-10 p.m. No cover/min. All ages. (562) 789-0578.

Sun.—Call club for info.

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Wed.—Jotty Johnson and Veronica Arroyo.

ROSALIE & ALVA’S PERFORMANCE GALLERY, 1417 W. Eighth St., San Pedro. Cover varies. Resvs. suggested. All ages. (310) 519-1314.

Sat.—The Brad Dutz Quartet. Dutz (on congas, frame drums and Middle Eastern percussion) performs with oboe and English horn player Paul Sherman, bass/G clarinetist Jim Sullivan and cellist Rachel Arnold for a mix of chamber and world music, and he says “10 free CDs will be given for those who answer trivia questions.” 8 p.m.; $10.

SANGRIA, 68 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Music from 6:30 p.m. No cover/min. All ages. (310) 376-4412.

Wed.—V.R. Smith.

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

Fri.—The John Belzaguy Trio. The bassist plays in all sorts of aggregations from hard Latin jazz to Benn Clatworthy madness to backing vocalists.

Sat.—Vocalist Jimmy Spencer with pianist Karen Hernandez.

Sun.—Scott Peters with Luke Alberti.

Mon.—Nice pianist Gaea Schell with bassist Chris Colangelo.

Tues.—John Pisano’s Guitar Night with Tommy Kay.

Wed.—Pianist Lou Shoch with Phil Small.

Thurs.—Pamela York with bassist Kristin Korb.

THE SPOT, 2032 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena. Vintage Café with a new name; this place is a happening little jazz room with hearty fare and BYO. Resvs. suggested. Music 7-10 p.m.; no cover, $15 min. (626) 296-3320.

Fri.—Great hard-bop trumpeter Nolan Shaheed.

Sat.—Vocalist Cathy Segal Garcia.

Sun.—Tony D’Giovanni jazz brunch, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Tues.—The popular jazz jam with Robert Russell, 8 p.m. This place gets packed.

Thurs.—Cabaret Night hosted by Simply Charles.

SUNNY’S SPOT, 3349 W. 43rd Pl., Leimert Park. Comfortable little loft with a very hip vibe and some lively jam sessions nightly. Dig the autographed wall. Music nightly 8 p.m.-mid. Java, juice & eats. No cover. (323) 291-4075.

Fri.—Jam session with the energetic trio of drummer Jerrell Ballard, bassist-guitarist Drew Simpson and bassist Lester McFarland. Some nice players drop by for this one.

Sat.—Bobby Dupree and Rose Gale’s jam session, 9 p.m.

Wed.—DJs spin Sun Ra and other classic jazz tracks at Omniverse.

TEN20 CAFÉ at BEL AGE HOTEL, 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.—Call club for info.

Wed.—Kevin Crabb & Friends with pianist David Garfield and bassist Tony Dumas.

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.—Pianist George Cables with bassist Pat Senatore and drummer Ralph Penland. Cables has led many fine sessions, but is probably best known for his outstanding work as a sideman, with Dexter Gordon, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard and Art Pepper, to name a few. Nice, tasty stuff, and Penland should be a perfect fit.

Sat.—The very dynamic vibraphonist Nick Mancini. Definitely a player to check out.

Sun.—Saxophonist Nino Tempo celebrates his birthday. Sister April Stevens will come up for a tune or two.

Tues.—The Josh Nelson Trio. Very fine piano jazz.

Wed.—Bassist Pat Senatore’s duo.

Thurs.—A quartet featuring guitarist John Chiodini and pianist Emilo Palame.

THE VIC, 2640 Main St., Santa Monica. Hip spot; posh speakeasy motif. $20 cover. Sets from 8 & 10 p.m. Restaurant and full bar. (888) 367-5299.

Thurs.-Fri. —No music this week.

WESTIN LOS ANGELES AIRPORT HOTEL, 5400 W. Century Blvd., L.A. Restaurant and full bar. No cover. $15 min. Music 6-10 p.m. (310) 216-5858, Ext. 7225.

Wed.—Vocalist Pamela York with excellent bassist Kristin Korb and drummer Dick Weller.

THE WORLD STAGE, 4344 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park. Billy Higgins’ vision still lives. Workshops on Sat. morning (junior jazz) and afternoon (jazz); and on weeknights Mon. (drums), Tues. (vocals) and Wed. (words). (323) 293-2451.

Fri.-Sat.—The Love Supreme Jazz Allstars, 9 & 11:30 p.m.

Sun.—Sisters of Jazz jam session, 9 p.m.-mid.

Thurs.—Jazz Jam Session.

Other Jazz

Fine jazz pianist David Arnay and bassistatPARKWAY GRILL, 510 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena; Fri., Jan. 5, 7:30-11:30 p.m.; no cover. (626) 795-1001.

The Elliott Caine Trio (trumpeter Caine with pianist Rick Olsen and drummer Kenny Elliott) play at RED WHITE & BLUEZZ, 70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena; Fri.-Sat., Jan. 5-6, 9 p.m-mid.; no cover. (626) 792-4441.

The Kevin Crabb Trio play THE RACK, 6100 Topanga Blvd., Woodland Hills; every Sat., 10 p.m.; no cover. (818) 716-0123.

Vocalist Janis Mann in a tribute to Sarah Vaughan. Janis has woodshedded a year preparing for this one. Fine backup too, with pianist Karen Hammack, bassist Chris Colangelo and drummer Paul Kreibich. THE PALMIRA BAR & GRILL in theRadisson LAX Hotel, 6225 W. Century Blvd., L.A.; Sun.,Jan. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; no cover. (310) 337-6461.

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Thom Rotella hosts the Sunday Jazz Guitar Brunch at LA VECCHIA, 2654 Main St., Santa Monica; every Sun., 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; no cover. (310) 399-7979.

More good seventh-day jazz when drummer Kevin Crabb teams up with pianist Brian O’Rourke and bassist Adam Cohen at the Sunday brunch at CANTALINI’S, 193 Culver Blvd., Playa del Rey; every Sun., noon-3 p.m.; no cover. (310) 821-0018.

Later, across town, Kevin Crabb plays with pianist David Goldblatt and bassist Tony Dumas in Old Town at CLUB 41, 41 S. De Lacey St., Pasadena; every Sun., 6-9 p.m.; no cover/min. (626) 795-4141.

The great hard-bop outfit Donavan-Muradian Quartet (with saxist Chuck Manning or trumpeter Kye Palmer) plays in that Jazz Messenger style at BUSTER’S COFFEE & ICE CREAM, 1006 Mission St., S. Pasadena; every Sun., 4-6:30 p.m.; free. (626) 441-0744.

The M.V.A. Quartet, with saxist Charles Orena, guitarist Bruce Buckingham, bassist Jon Keenan and drummer Marc van Aken, plays jazz and some Latin tunes at INDUSTRY CAFÉ & JAZZ, 6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City; every Sun., 7:30-10:30 p.m.; no cover/min. (310) 202-6633.

Jazz is popping up all over the downtown area. This time it’s the postbopping Elliott Caine Quartet at the new all-straight-ahead Sun. nights at BORDELLO(formerly Pedro’s Blue Bongo), 901 E. First St., dwntwn.; Sun., Jan. 7, 8 p.m-mid.; no cover. (213) 687-3766.

Cathy Segal-Garcia hosts the 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.

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