Saturday, September 1 | Bennie Maupin | Bluewhale (Downtown)
Bennie Maupin is a Los Angeles jazz treasure. The multi-instrumentalist has given us beautiful horn solos on Herbie Hancock albums like Head Hunters and one of the finest tenor solos ever on Lee Morgan’s “Caramba.” His ECM record Jewel in the Lotus remains one of my favorite albums of all time. Click HERE for more information.
Here is Bennie performing on The Jazz Network show, hosted by my old friend and colleague Zan Stewart:
Saturday, September 1 | La Santa Cecilia | Burton Chace Park (Marina del Rey)
The Mexican-American band La Santa Cecilia has really taken off with their unique blend of pan-Latin American sound and rhythms. Lead vocalist La Marisoul has a terrific voice. This FREE concert takes place in Burton Chace Park, a scenic delight over the water at the end of Mindanao Way in Marina del Rey. Get there early for parking, as this show will be packed. Click HERE for more information.
Thursday, September 6 | Ricardo Silveira Group | Bluewhale (Downtown)
Veteran Brazilian guitarist Ricardo Silveira’s career extends back to his Verve albums of the 1980’s. A superb musician, Silveira’s work is filled with ample amounts of joy and saudade. The Bluewhale provides an intimate venue for the show, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find guitar students there taking notes. Click HERE for more information.
Friday, September 14 | Helen Sung Quartet | Bluewhale (Downtown)
The fine jazz pianist Helen Sung fronts an exceptional group. She collaborates with American poet Dana Gioia on her new album, Sung with Words, which features John Ellis on saxes, Reuben Rogers on bass, and Kendrick Scott on drums. This will be a record release concert for the new album. Click HERE for more information.
Here she is having fun with bassist Ron Carter playing “In Walked Bud” by Thelonious Monk:
Friday, September 21 | Madeleine Peyroux | The Broad Stage (Santa Monica)
American singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux busked on the streets of Paris as a teenager, after moving there with her mother. Her recorded career took off in 2004 with her wonderful second album Careless Love. Peyroux’s smoky voice reminds many listeners of Billie Holiday. Click HERE for more information.
Listen to Peyroux sing Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love”:
Saturday, September 22 | Jugalbandi | San Gabriel Mission Playhouse (San Gabriel)
The name “Jugalbandi” refers to a playful musical competition, akin to a jam session, classical Indian music style. This rare Jugalbandi performance will feature the interplay of both Hindustani (Northern) and Carnatic (southern) Indian music, two distinct traditions and styles that don’t often come together. Sitarist Sharhiz Parvez will represent the Hindustani side, while violinist Lalgudi Krishnan will represent the Carnatic. Premium seating VIP tickets come with a vegetarian dinner plus a pre-concert lecture on “Math Patterns in Indian Music.” Click HERE for more information.
Here is a playful Jugalbandi between veteran tabla master Zakir Hussain and sitarist Jayanthi Kumaresh. Watch them jam!
Monday, September 24 | Katie Thiroux Trio | Bacchus’ Kitchen (Pasadena)
I liked the playing of upright bassist Katie Thiroux the minute I heard her 2015 debut album Introducing Katie Thiroux. A superb musician who also sings/scats, Thiroux has been praised by both audiences and critics. The Boston Globe called her “an enchanting singer, a poised and polished acoustic bassist, and an accomplished composer.” Bacchus’ Kitchen is a restaurant that holds monthly concerts. Tickets include a three-course meal in between sets so you can make an evening of it. I have not been to the restaurant, but reviews look good! Click HERE for more information.
Here’s a taste of Thiroux on solo bass then with her group, playing at the Berklee College of Music:
