The Jazz Voyager is heading west once again to the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley where film producer Mack Sennett built his studio lot on twenty acres in 1927 and subsequently where the surrounding area became known as Studio City. It is there that I will be entertained at The Baked Potato jazz club. This small storied venue offers up an array of its namesake and world class jazz.
I’ll be flying in a day early to visit LA’s Natural History Museum, a nostalgic architecture drive-by of the Brady Bunch house and for some stargazing at the Griffith Observatory. This weekend performance heating up the stage is by six time Grammy winner, pianist and composer Billy Childs. A recipient of several commissions he has worked with orchestras and symphonies, as well as leading his ouw groups.
The Baked Potato is located at 3787 Cahuenga Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604. For more information visit https://www.thebakedpotato.com.
Baptiste Herbin Trio ft André Ceccarelli releases his new album “Django!” For this new album, Baptiste, for the first time, called upon an artistic director. He found in Daniel Yvinec an enlightened and stimulating interlocutor, who after hearing him play a Django theme during a jam session, suggested the subject of this album to him.
Together, they then shape a repertoire that draws a fascinating universe around the guitarist; some of his emblematic compositions skillfully rethought, intoxicating musette waltzes, to which are added a choro dedicated to him by Herbin, the moving homage of the pianist John Lewis, and a stunning reinterpretation of “Night and Day” in which Baptiste takes up the original solo of Django harmonized for two saxophones with an elegance and a naturalness that confirm the merits of the enterprise.
Baptiste Herbin – sax | Sylvain Romano – bass | André Ceccarelli – drums
In a career spanning some four decades, the vivacious Clairdee has performed as an internationally touring artist who’s collaborated with some of America’s most celebrated jazz masters, including Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Cyrus Chestnut, Russell Malone and Ken Peplowski.
Deeply informed by the music’s departed masters, Clairdee puts a personal stamp on whatever she sings, a gift aptly described by the inimitable Nancy Wilson, who declared that “in the tradition of all great vocalists she infuses each song with her own unique style while always remaining true to the song itself.” Equally at home singing various idioms in an array of settings, in addition to leading her own world-class band, Clairdee works with symphony orchestras, big bands, and intimate duos.
Clairdee’s discography as leader includes four highly regarded albums on her Declare Music label. “A Love Letter to Lena,” garnered international press and was acknowledged in three categories in the 2020 Grammy® first round nominations.
Tickets: $30 per show
Seating is first come, first serve. Recommend arriving early.
In a career that has spanned over 65 years, international jazz vocal legend Mary Stallings has earned a unique place in modern jazz. After decades of performing around the globe alongside a who’s who of talented collaborators, while quietly accumulating a series of thoughtful and well respected recordings, she still continues to challenge her boundaries and creative potential. Yet it is her deep connection to her roots and the community that nurtured her talent that reveal her artistry. Utilizing a wide and diverse repertoire, Stallings music expresses a profound spiritual essence combined with a love for that community that supported her. “This music is deep. lt is a life force. lt is a history of people’s lives and struggles. It is not just a bunch of notes., she explains. For this historic performance at Keys, Mary returns to the Neighborhood where she first began her artistic journey, decades ago.
Tickets: $40 per show
Seating is first come, first serve. Recommend arriving early.
The drummer was exposed to music at a young age, receiving formal musical training at the age of three. After graduating from Waukegan East High School, Smith attended Berklee School of Music, graduating in 1981. Smith has recorded 200 albums with various artists, as well as two solo albums. He has toured with, among others, Sting, Dave Holland, Sonny Rollins, Willie Nelson and Steve Coleman. He is a former member of The New York Jazz Quartet, and was the drummer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno band, led by Kevin Eubanks, from January 30, 1995 until the show’s end on May 29, 2009. Smith was also the drummer for the Jay Leno Show band in 2009-10.
Chris Lowery – trumpet
Dale Fielder – alto
Alex Johnson – tenor
Lemar Guillary – trombone
Adam Ledbetter – piano
Rene Camacho – bass
Christian Moraga – percussion
$25 1st Set Inside Seating (+$4.25)
$20.00 2nd Set Inside Seating (+A$4.25)
$15.00 Patio Seating (+$4.25) | A live video concert you are NOT inside the club
