Singer/songwriter Gazarek is known for seamlessly mingling her uniquely intimate style with the musical and improvisational elements of jazz while Vasandani is simply one of the hottest jazz vocalists/songwriters/bandleaders working today. Recently, Vasandani won the 2010 DownBeat Critics Poll for best Male Jazz Vocals in the Rising Star category. And Gazarek was voted one of the Best New Artists in the JazzTimes Readers Poll.

Sara Gazarek

Gazarek is a talented young artist on an amazing musical journey who has emerged as a strikingly original artist with limitless potential. In a follow up to Yours, Gazarek’s widely hailed 2005 debut focusing on American Songbook standards, she delivers a sensational sophomore effort with Return to You. Born and raised in Seattle, Gazarek grew up without much exposure to jazz.

Her preliminary jazz education started during high school and as a senior, she was awarded the first-ever Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation Outstanding Jazz Vocalist Award at the Essentially Ellington Festival in New York City.

She studied at the prestigious Thornton School of Music at USC. In 2003, Gazarek was awarded the 2003 Downbeat Student Music Award for Best Collegiate Vocalist. Shortly after the publication hit the press, she was asked to perform with Oleta Adams, Karrin Allyson, and Diane Schuur as the “as yet undiscovered talent” on the Concord Jazz Festival Tour. Simultaneously, Gazarek joined Barry Manilow, Allyson, and Schuur as a Stiletto Entertainment (management) client and was soon being booked by the industry giant, William Morris.

John Clayton, a mentor and teacher at USC, produced her first album, and insisted she develop the arrangements herself with the band she’d been performing with. She found musical soulmates in her group and the resulting record was a debut that was released to national and international rave reviews. It ranked in the Top 10 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Charts, Top 10 on the iTunes top Jazz Album Downloads (US, UK, Switzerland, and Belgium), No. 1 on the iTunes Top Jazz Album Downloads (Germany, France), No. 5 on the Jazz Week Radio Charts, No. 4 on the HMV (Japan) chart. In addition, Gazarek was voted the No. 3 Best New Artist in the JazzTimes Readers Poll. saragazarek.com

Sachal Vasandani

Vasandani’s sophomore CD, We Move, on Mack Avenue Records was produced with a team of top-flight studio sages (John Clayton, Doug Wamble and Al Pryor). We Move finds Vasandani (who also serves as a producer) maturing as songwriter, tune stylist and bandleader in the wake of his breakout 2007 debut, Eyes Wide Open (Mack Avenue Records).

Vasandani was born in Chicago and grew up in a household where all kinds of music was appreciated. In pursuing his love for music at the University of Michigan, he began to be recognized as a talent of the future, most notably by DownBeat magazine, which awarded him Collegiate Jazz Vocalist of the Year in 1999.

After moving to New York, Vasandani quickly became a part of the jazz scene, and made a musical home in storied clubs like the Zinc Bar. And after the release of his breakthrough debut recording, he toured extensively supporting Eyes Wide Open. He opened for such disparate artists from jazz trumpeter Chris Botti to pop singer Joan Osborne.

On We Move, Vasandani has ample support from his trio comprised of pianist Jeb Patton, bassist David Wong and drummer Quincy Davis. The band has been a group since 2001. Vasandani notes that in addition to their instrumental support, two band members also contributed songs, including Patton’s “Horizons” that is paired with the romping, upswing “Once in a While” (by Michael Edwards and Bud Green) and Davis composed the music on “Ring Road (Back to You).”

In addition to his originals, Vasandani puts his spin on songs from the jazz songbook and canon,including Rodgers & Hart’s “There’s a Small Hotel” with a Vasandani intro (“Escape”) that gives the standard a fresh feel. Also on the CD are “No More,” the Hubert Laws/Jon Hendricks ‘70s song; the Bloom/Kohler tune “Don’t Worry About Me;” “Poinciana;” “There Are Such Things” (by Stanley Adams, Abel Baer, George W. Meyer); “The River of St. Marie” by Joe Williams; and Thelonious Monk’s “Monk’s Dream” (with lyrics by Hendricks). sachalvasandani.com

Performance Info:

Date: September 24th-25th, 2010 (7:30 pm, 9:30 pm)

Location: Orange County Performing Arts Center (Samueli Theater)

Tickets: $49 – will go on sale August 22nd. They will be available online at OCPAC.org, at the Center’s Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling 714.556.2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Services office at 714.755.0236. The TTY number is 714.556.2746.

Related posts:

1. Interview With Jazz Vocalist Sara Gazarek
2. Kurt Elling Among Artists Announced For OCPAC’s 2009-2010 Jazz Series
3. Jazz Bassist Esperanza Spalding To Play OCPAC November 6th-7th

Highlights & Schedule

• Thursday’s Grand Opening Night will feature a stunning tribute to Frank Sinatra with the Patrick Williams’ Orchestra conducted by Terry Woodson, in SINATRLAND. Said one reviewer of the “10-star tribute to the Chairman” album- “If you like a well-disciplined big band sound, you gotta hear the Sinatraland Orchestra. You’ll love it!” Closing the evening will be a big band tribute to Benny Goodman with clarinet virtuoso- Ken Peplowski!

• Friday evening will kick off with Ken Peplowski, Gilbert Castellanos, Bill Cunliffe, Paul Keller and Lewis Nash in swinging set of the Great American Songbook, followed by the legendary Jimmy & Tootie Heath quartet featuring Cunliffe and Bob Magnusson. Jackie Ryan and the Tamir Hendelman Trio will follow and closing this second great night of straight ahead jazz will be famed drummer Jeff Hamilton and his Trio which features Tamir Hendelman and Christoph Luty!

• Saturday night will open with one of the most recorded drummers in jazz- Lewis Nash and his Friends, followed by trumpeter and vocalist Byron Stripling who will be joined by Dan Barrett, Paul Keller, Jeff Hamilton and Bill Cunliffe. Marlena Shaw and the Bill Cunliffe Trio will be next and closing the evening will be the Holly Hofmann Quartet with Strings in a tribute to Duke Ellington! Holly will feature Mike Wofford on piano, Christoph Luty on bass and Jeff Hamilton on drums, along with special guest- Byron Stripling.

• Sunday Evening will start by featuring one of the hottest young guitar players on today’s jazz scene- Graham Dechter who will be joined by veterans Jeff Hamilton, John Clayton and Tamir Hendelman. And continuing with
some comedy relief will be Dave Frishberg who is certain to perform many of his classic hits including “Peel Me a Grape”. Byron Stripling and Marlena Shaw will team up for the first time and bringing the weekend to a swinging
close will be the renowned Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

More Info

Details

Tickets are now available for the complete four night, three-day package including one Jazz Brunch. Prices are $350/375. Individual reserved seats are priced at $65/$70 for evening performances and $40/50 for the Grand Opening Sessions, $30 each for “Friday, Saturday & Sunday By the Pool” and $50 for each Jazz Brunch. For tickets to the 10th Annual Newport Beach Jazz Party, call the Jazzline at 949.759.5003 or for complete artist appearance times and an order form visit our website at newportbeachjazzparty.com.

Those wishing to have a weekend getaway may also enjoy the Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa special rate of $154 per night for a standard room, $164 for Pool/Music View, $174 for Ocean Music View and $179 for Concierge. For hotel reservations call Marriott at 949.640.4000 and ask for the Newport Beach Jazz Party rate.

Free self-parking will also be available for attendees.

The Newport Beach Marriott
900 Newport Center Dr.
Newport Beach, CA
newportbeachjazzparty.com

Related posts:

1. Guitarist Jim Hall To Play Birdland, Nov. 10th-14th
2. 2nd Annual “Company of Heaven Jazz Festival” At Cornelia Street Cafe: Jan. 8th-10th
3. 11th Annual Latin Culture Celebration At Berklee: A month Of jazz performances & clinics

Make Reservations

Background

Al Williams—drummer, entrepreneur and promoter of jazz—has a well-earned reputation as a musical mover and shaker. Williams was born in Pasadena, California, and his love affair with music began at the age of eight when he began studying the clarinet. During high school, he played in the school band, the Boys’ Club Concert Band, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Youth Band. At the age of seventeen, he finally convinced his parents to let him pursue and develop his interest in playing drums, which has continued to be his main musical love.

While in college, Williams organized his first band, The Modern Jazz Majors, and their enthusiastically-received performances at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach launched him into the beginnings of a music career, a career that ultimately branched off into two directions—an entrepreneurial /promotional direction, and, of course, the development of his own musical artistry as a drummer and band leader.

As a band leader, he has three well-received recordings to his credit. Sandance and Let’s Celebrate, bring together international favorites like Grammy Winner Poncho Sanchez, Roy Ayers, The Jazz Crusaders’ Wayne Henderson, and vocalist Barbara Morrison, and his latest Meeting At The Crossroads.

Location:
Spaghettini Grill & Jazz Club
3005 Old Ranch Parkway,
Seal Beach, California 90740
(562) 596-2199
www.spaghettini.com

Related posts:

1. Visit Spaghettini Italian Grill & Jazz Club in Seal Beach
2. Bruce Forman: Presented by The California Jazz Arts Society
3. Bernie Williams To Perform With The Les Paul Trio At Iridium Jazz Club

More Info

The Group

These amazing musicians, all members of the new Tonight Show Band with Conan O’Brien, are sure to wow the captive and enthralled audience with their energized and exuberant show. The Jerry Vivino Quartet – featuring Jerry Vivino (sax, flute, and vocals), Mike Merritt (bass), James Wormworth (drums), and Scotty Healy (piano) – are not only among the most talented musicians in the scene today, but are also considered the most entertaining.

It wasn’t too long ago the Jerry Vivino got his first gig out in L.A., and it was also at Vitello’s for the Red Carpet Jazz Series. They received rave reviews from various sources, including the LA Jazz Scene, commenting that “they put on one hell of a show, not to be missed.”

What better way to bring in the new year than with a spectacular group of musicians who just love to play together. Join in the fun at Vitello’s on New Years Eve.

Performance Details

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
(7:00pm, 10:00pm)

The Jerry Vivino Quartet
w/ Mike Merritt, James Wormworth & Scott Healy

Sets:
Early show $50 includes Italian buffet or pre-fixe menu. Late show $75 includes dancy party, Italian buffet, party favors and champagne toast. All are members of the Tonight Show Band.
Reservations are Recommended.

Location:
Vitello’s Jazz Upstairs
4349 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City, CA
(818) 769-0905
http://www.vitellosrestaurant.com

Related posts:

1. Upstairs At Vitello’s: Studio City’s new addition for jazz entertainment
2. The Baked Potato in Studio City, California: An intimate setting for jazz lovers
3. Al Williams Jazz Society Plays At Spaghettini: Dec. 26th

Get Tickets

Artist Info & Albums

Mike Stern got his start as a guitar player with Blood, Sweat & Tears at age 22. He moved to New York City, where he was recruited by Miles Davis to play in Miles’ celebrated comeback band of 1981. During his three-year period with Miles, Stern appeared on three recordings with the jazz maestro – Man with the Horn, Star People and the live We Want Miles. He toured with Jaco Pastorius’ Word of Mouth Band from 1983 through 1985 and returned to Miles’ lineup for a second tour of duty that lasted close to a year.

In 1985, Stern recorded Neesh, his first recording as a leader, for the Japan-based Trio label. A year later, he made his debut on Atlantic with Upside Downside, featuring such celebrated colleagues as David Sanborn, Jaco Pastorius, saxophonist Bob Berg, bassists Mark Egan and Jeff Andrews, keyboardist Mitch Forman and drummers Dave Weckl and Steve Jordan. Over the next two years, Stern was a member of Michael Brecker’s potent quintet, appearing on Don’t Try This At Home.

The 90’s was a good time for Stern, producing many of his most classic and favorite albums still being enjoyed today. His acclaimed 1993 release, Standards, earned him the pick of Best Jazz Guitarist of the Year by the readers and critics of Guitar Player magazine. He followed that up with two hard hitting offerings – Is What It Is (1994) and Between The Lines (1996) – both of which scored Grammy nominations. In 1997, he recorded Give And Take with bassist John Patitucci, drummer Jack DeJohnette, percussionist Don Alias and special guests Michael Brecker and David Sanborn.

Stern’s ninth release for Atlantic was a six-string summit with colleagues Bill Frisell and John Scofield that was appropriately titled Play. His Voices (2001) release, his first foray into vocal music, was also another Grammy nominee. Stern received his 4th Grammy nomination for the 2006 release Who Let The Cats Out?. Stern joined the renowned Yellowjackets for Lifecycle, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2008.

In August 2009, Stern released his most recent album, Big Neighborhood. Aiding him in this latest chapter in his never-ending quest for the new and better groove is a long list of talented guests: guitarists Steve Vai and Eric Johnson; bassist-vocalists Esperanza Spalding and Richard Bona; jamband godfathers Medeski Martin & Wood; drummers Dave Weckl, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cindy Blackman and Lionel Cordew; bassists Chris Minh Doky and Lincoln Goines, saxophonists Bob Franceschini and Bob Malach, trumpeter Randy Brecker and keyboardist/producer Jim Beard.

More Artist Info

Performance Details

December 19th (8:00pm, 10:00pm)
December 20th (7:30pm, 9:30pm)

Cover: $20-$30, depending on day

Get Tickets

Location:
Catalina Bar & Grill
6725 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood California 90028
Phone: (323) 466-2210
http://www.catalinajazzclub.com

Related posts:

1. Hollywood’s Catalina Bar and Grill Presents “A Tirbute To Ella Fitzgerald” – August 19th, 2008
2. 52nd Monterey Jazz Festival: Sept. 18th-20th, 2009
3. Mike Lang at Catalina Bar & Grill Featuring Abraham Laboriel Sr & Walter Rodriguez

The event will take place on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the private Sherman Oaks estate of noted director and producer Oz and Lynne Scott

Event Details

The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), a premier scholarship organization that supports deserving college students with financial need, will host the 4th Annual JAZZ on the Grass benefit concert (JAZZ) on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Held at the private Sherman Oaks estate of noted director and producer Oz and Lynne Scott, JAZZ features three-time Grammy Award winner James Ingram and a list of nationally and internationally-renowned artists including multi-Grammy nominated recording artist Patrice Rushen, Grammy and Tony nominated singer/songwriter Brenda Russell, and world-class drummer and percussionist Ndugu.

Rooted in the Robinson legacy of promoting social causes through art, JAZZ on the Grass boasts four hours of live musical performances, wonderful cuisine, and a silent auction. Hosted again this year by Mistress of Ceremonies, Pat Prescott of 94.7 The WAVE, JAZZ raises funds for JRF to continue its all-encompassing commitment to young people, including the provision of financial support, mentoring, professional development, internship and job placement, and the imparting of practical life skills. With nearly a 100 percent graduation rate, JRF has earned the distinction as one of the nation’s most effective scholarship organizations.

Tickets:

JAZZ on the Grass represents the foundation’s diverse fundraising strategy and continues to broaden its fan base. Tickets to this exclusive event are on sale until September 6th for the “Early Bird” price of $250. For additional information or to purchase tickets to this limited-seating engagement, please contact ELMS Entertainment at 323-936-5052. For artist updates or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.jackierobinson.org/events/lajazz.php

Related posts:

1. Cafe Cordiale & Keyboardist David Garfield To Host Carlos Vega Tribute Concert
2. Get Ready For The LA Modern Jazz Series At The Whitefire Theater
3. Sonny Rollins To Play The Tarrytown Music Hall: Benefit concert for Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

Artist Info

Kyrgyzstan prodigy Eldar Djangirov took an interest in the piano at age three, began serious studies while still in elementary school, catching the ear of Dr. Billy Taylor at 11. After appearing with Taylor on CBS Sunday Morning, Eldar and his family relocated to Kansas City where he could pursue his interest in jazz through studies with local musicians and at Interlochen.

Still in his early teens, he went on to win top prizes at the 2001 Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival and the 2002 Peter Nero Piano Competition; in 2004 he appeared on Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz, her youngest guest ever (at the time).

Following two well-received independent releases (Handprints, 2003 and Eldar, 2005), Eldar signed with Sony Classical in 2004, releasing another Eldar featuring John Patitucci and Michael Brecker. Next came Live at the Blue Note with Roy Hargrove and Chris Botti, earning four stars from Downbeat and the review, “Few musicians on any axe swing like Eldar…his groove is intense and overwhelming. It’s not the flash and fire that should stir interest in Eldar. It’s what he does when the razzle-dazzle dies down and we sense substance within and beyond his pyrotechnics.” The New York Times also noted his “formidable technique wedded to a mature grasp of musical structure.”

In 2008, his third Sony release, Re-Imagination, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Album, topped for the award by Herbie Hancock’s River. Here Eldar moved away from strictly acoustic arrangements with electronics and the programming of DJ Logic. Noted Paula Edelstein (JazzUSA.com), “With the release of Re-imagination… jazz pianist Eldar documents his transition from youthful prodigy to a creative artist with something to say.”

Performance Details

October 29th – 31st (8:00 pm, 10:00 pm)
November 1st (7:30 pm, 9:30 pm)

$18-$25, depending on day and time (get tickets)

Catalina Bar & Grill
6725 West Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood California 90028
Phone: (323) 466-2210
www.catalinajazzclub.com

Related posts:

1. Catalina Bar & Grill Welcomes Bebob Guitarist Kenny Burrell & Quartet
2. Pharoah Sanders Visits Catalina’s In LA August 29th
3. Antoinette Montague Performs With The Queens Jazz Orchestra

On Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 Spencer will be in Los Angeles, booked to play the Hotel Cafe. Show time is schedule 7:00 pm, and tickets can be purchased at the door. All Your Jazz will be on hand for this one, and a review of the concert can be expected!

About The Artist

Spencer Day, a uniquely American singer/songwriter, has been enjoying a remarkable musical career. The release of his much anticipated third CD, Vagabond, is his most ambitious and accomplished musical endeavor to date. It spotlights his own distinctively expressive style of American contemporary music, a blend of jazz, pop, soul and folk. His smooth baritone voice interprets his original compositions with compassion and a touch of humor. The album sets the tone for the 21st-century American Songbook.

In New York City, Spencer received rave reviews in Time Out and Backstage magazines, having performed to enthusiastic audiences at the Town Hall, Joe’s Pub, and the Canal Room. He has headlined at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, The Sheldon Concert Hall in St Louis, and the Dakota in Minneapolis.

Spencer recently opened for Rufus Wainwright at the Napa Valley Opera House and appeared at both the Monterey Jazz Festival and the Tanglewood Jazz Festival, by the invitation of Jazz legend Marian McPartland in celebration of her 90th birthday.

- More Album Info
- Follow Him On Facebook

Performance Location:

Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, CA was voted The Best Music Venue in LA by CItysearch editors in 2006. And Paste Magazine listed us as one of Americas Top 40 Music Venues. Enjoy the great music, food, and overall one-of-a-kind environment.

Hotel Cafe
1623 1/2 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
www.hotelcafe.com

Related posts:

1. Spencer Day Concert Review: Hotel Cafe in Hollywood
2. Spencer Day To Release Concord Jazz Debut Album: Vagabond
3. Latin Jazz Giants Orchestra To Play The Mayan In Los Angeles

Kenny Burrell has been amazing us with his unique approach to jazz guitar playing, and it is pretty easy to say that he has left a mark on the way guitar is viewed and used in jazz. Appearing among some of the finest jazz musicians/artists jazz has seen, his 40+ year career has influenced many and astounded most. If you’re in town, take a trip down to Catalina’s October 2nd-5th and get a glimpse of one of southern California’s greatest jazz guitarists and composers.

Background on Kenny Burrell

Kenny Burrel was born in Detroit and grew up around music. From singing in choirs to playing the piano at home, his family life played a large role in his development and interest in music. His father was probably his biggest influence as a kid, playing a variety of string instruments, including the banjo and the ukulele. Burrell comments that his guitar skill came from somewhere, and some of his fondest memories go back to his dads playing while he was a young boy.

Burrell hit the music scene pretty early, playing along side T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Dizzy, and even Coltrane on his first major recording session in 1951. Despite keeping afloat (and even excelling) in that company, he decided to slow down a bit, enrolling at Wayne State University in Detroit and graduating with a B.A. in music composition & theory. During his time at Wayne State, he also took up classical guitar lessons under Joseph Fava, and this resulted in many techniques, like his unique finger-stlyle, that he still utilizes today.

After college, he began recording and touring, sitting in the with the Oscar Peterson Trio, Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and Thad Jones, among others. He also kept his foot in the door with pop, playing along side Tony Bennett, James Brown, and Lena Horn.

Since the 60’s, he has continued to play in various groups – small and large – racking up an astounding 90+ albums (way too many to mention here). He like variety and mixing it up, and it is always interesting to see what kind of group he is going to put together next. His music is a reflection of himself, symbolizing great thought and the pursuit of exploration. You won’t get bored with this guy!

What He Is Doing Recently:

When he isn’t touring and recording, he is a teacher at the University of California, Los Angeles and has been there for many years. His love for jazz goes beyond performance, and his urge to promote music – in all forms – is seen through his teaching efforts. He is the founder and director of the Jazz Studies Program at UCLA, where his is a professor of music and ethnomusicology. In addition, he is also spends his time as a lecturer and director of workshops on guitar and jazz studies and is the founder and president emeritus of the the Jazz Heritage Foundation.

He is a great performer, artist, and well-rounded musician who will not only wow you with his musical talents but entertain you with his great personality and presence. Stop by Catatlina’s this coming week and enjoy!

Let us know what you think – we would love to hear from you!

Catalina Bar & Grill
6725 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

For reservations and more information:
www.catalinajazzclub.com

Related posts:

1. Jazz Bakery Hosts New Year’s Eve Benefit: Featured artists include Kenny Burrell, James Moody and Benny Green
2. Catalina Bar & Grill: The spot for jazz in LA
3. Kitano Jazz Club Welcomes Saxophonist Jim Snidero & His Quartet

This week the Jazz Bakery in Culver City brings us The Antonio Sanchez Quartet, featuring David Sanchez (saxophone), Miguel Zenon (saxophone), and Scott Colley (bass). Three time Grammy award winner Antonio Sanchez will head the group on drums for these great preformances.

Antonio Sanchez:

Born in Mexico City, Antonio began playing drums when he was only five years. His talent and dedication was apparent right away, as he was performing professionally as a teenager. This would lead him to many great opportunities, moving to Boston to enroll at Berklee College of Music at the age of 22 and eventually graduating Magna Cum Laude in Jazz Studies.

Antonio has always expressed a great interest in education, and he has been featured at many performing clinics, drum festivals, and master classes around the world. Some of the festivals include the “Modern Drummer Festival Weekend”, “Zildjian Day” and the “Montreal Drum Festival” among many others.

2007 brought his first solo recording entitled Migration, which includes a huge cast of today’s most renowned jazz musicians – Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Chris Potter, David Sanchez and Scott Colley to name a few. It has gotten rave reviews from different publications all over the world.

Considered one of the most saught after drummers in the international jazz scene, has has performed and recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz including Chick Corea, Michael Brecker, Charlie Haden, Gary Burton and Toots Thielmans. In addition he is a member of the Pat Metheny Group and the Pat Metheny Trio with Chirstian McBride.

Make sure to come out and see one of these performances – they always bring a great and entertaining show.

Jazz Bakery
3233 Helms Ave.
Culver City, CA
(310) 271-9039

Related posts:

1. Ten-Time Grammy Award Winner George Benson To Perform At OCPAC
2. The Lou Donaldson Quartet To Play The Jazz Bakery
3. Omar Sosa Quartet For 4 Nights At The Jazz Bakery In Los Angeles