Los Angeles / SoCal Jazz Scene

Khaled Ahmad · July-7th-2004, 06:59 PM

Sorry if this has been posted before, but I couldn't find any threads on the subject and felt a little jealous because New York had a thread and we here in L.A. don't!

So where do you guys go to check out jazz acts and play at jam sessions? The only place I know of thats near me (Orange) is a club called Steamer's Cafe in Fullerton. They have a jam session on Sunday, a big band night on Monday and shows rounding out the rest of the week. Does anyone else know of any good jazz clubs in the area or is Steamer's as good as it gets? Thankfully, Steamer's is a pretty good club, but I don't know any of the names that play there so I never know what are some good shows to check out.

petros · July-8th-2004, 02:10 AM

I'm going to be in LA this weekend. What time does the jam at Steamer's Cafe in Fullerton start? Is there a cover charge? Is the piano good, is it a grand piano?

Thanks
Petros

Khaled Ahmad · July-8th-2004, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petros

I'm going to be in LA this weekend. What time does the jam at Steamer's Cafe in Fullerton start? Is there a cover charge? Is the piano good, is it a grand piano?

Thanks
Petros

The jam starts at 8 and goes on until 12. Its a two dollar cover charge and a two-item minimum. There is a piano and I've heard one of the piano players that played it said it was the WORST piano in Orange County. It didn't seem to affect any of the players though

clinthopson · July-8th-2004, 11:08 AM

I've been to Steamers numerous times and can affirm that the piano could be better but players like Tamir Hendelman and Larry Fuller find their way around it pretty well.

That reminds me of the old joke about the pianist complaining to the club owner about the condition of the piano. The owner's response was "Wadda ya mean, we just had it painted."

RainyDay · November-9th-2005, 01:26 PM

How does the Jazz Bakery work? You can't buy tickets online but you order by phone by leaving a message? And you can't buy tickets more than two weeks in advance? Thanks.

Valerie · November-9th-2005, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainyDay

How does the Jazz Bakery work? You can't buy tickets online but you order by phone by leaving a message? And you can't buy tickets more than two weeks in advance? Thanks.

hi, rainy. i think everything is explained on their website but my recollection is that you can order by phone, only. the two-week advance may be correct. i'm not really sure about that. since it's a local call for me, if you want me to find out anything, please let me know and i'll be happy to do it.

clinthopson · November-9th-2005, 01:59 PM

The O.C. Musicians' Union, Loc. 7 is sponsoring their 35th annual Live Music Festival at the Anaheim Mariott on Sunday, Nov. 20.

This event, which features fine local talent is always a lot of fun.

This year some of the players are Peggy Dusuesnel, a fine pianist and singer; my favorite guitar player, Ron Eschete; Bobby Redfield's steaming Latin jazz group; Dewey Ernie, a singer who knows ALL the songs; sax virtuoso Kim Richmond; Buddy Childers big band; Gary Gould doing his Klezmer thing; the funniest jazz comedian of all time, Pete Barbutti and a whole lot of other fine players and bands.

It runs from noon to midnight.

I hope we can see some of our other LA JC compatriots.

RainyDay · November-9th-2005, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

hi, rainy. i think everything is explained on their website but my recollection is that you can order by phone, only. the two-week advance may be correct. i'm not really sure about that. since it's a local call for me, if you want me to find out anything, please let me know and i'll be happy to do it.

Valerie: Thanks. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something about how to order tickets. Can you order tickets from a live person when the box office opens at 7 PM or is the only way to do it is to leave a message? Thanks.

Valerie · November-9th-2005, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainyDay

Valerie: Thanks. I wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something about how to order tickets. Can you order tickets from a live person when the box office opens at 7 PM or is the only way to do it is to leave a message? Thanks.

i think the only way is on the voicemail. i don't ever recall any phone that rings there. i used to volunteer in the "box office" a couple of times a month but that was several years ago.

if you want me to purchase tickets in advance for you, i'd be happy to do so.

RainyDay · November-9th-2005, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

i think the only way is on the voicemail. i don't ever recall any phone that rings there. i used to volunteer in the "box office" a couple of times a month but that was several years ago.

if you want me to purchase tickets in advance for you, i'd be happy to do so.

That's nice of you to offer. I have to sort out who is going, etc. If the voicemail is the way to go, then that's what I will do. Do they reserve specific seats or is it first come, first seated? I'm so Yoshi's indoctrinated I'm having a hard time with considering another way to do things. A sure sign of age, I guess.

Valerie · November-9th-2005, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RainyDay

That's nice of you to offer. I have to sort out who is going, etc. If the voicemail is the way to go, then that's what I will do. Do they reserve specific seats or is it first come, first seated? I'm so Yoshi's indoctrinated I'm having a hard time with considering another way to do things. A sure sign of age, I guess.

when you arrive to buy a ticket, you choose where you want to sit from a board that is posted. wherever there isn't already an "X" is where you can sit. i don't know how they do the seating with advance ticket purchases although i think maybe they will assign you one of the best seats available that evening.

there are really no "bad seats" at the bakery. it's theatre seating. rows and rows of plastic chairs! it's a small house though. i'm not good at approximating but maybe only seats a couple of hundred.

p.s. i'm going to guess that you're planning on seeing regina!

RainyDay · November-9th-2005, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

when you arrive to buy a ticket, you choose where you want to sit from a board that is posted. wherever there isn't already an "X" is where you can sit. i don't know how they do the seating with advance ticket purchases although i think maybe they will assign you one of the best seats available that evening.

there are really no "bad seats" at the bakery. it's theatre seating. rows and rows of plastic chairs! it's a small house though. i'm not good at approximating but maybe only seats a couple of hundred.

p.s. i'm going to guess that you're planning on seeing regina!

Good guess! I'm treating my sister. I've never seen Regina with her own band.

Peterdubya · November-9th-2005, 07:42 PM

What, You're Not Seeing Her At Yoshi's???

Valerie · November-9th-2005, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peterdubya

What, You're Not Seeing Her At Yoshi's???

oh, another country heard from!!! LOL!!!

Ron Thorne · November-9th-2005, 10:36 PM

First of all, welcome, Khaled!

You'll notice that I don't live in or even near L.A., but I do get in the vicinity now and then. In addition to the suggestions already offered here, I always pick up a copy of L.A. Weekly and scour the jazz section. You can find them at music shops, libraries, etc., and they're FREE.

Also, here's a direct link to L.A. Jazz.com., where you can find additional information and links to clubs with websites.

I've heard that there are quite a few places to hear "live" jazz in and around L.A., including some places with no cover or minimum.

Imagine that.

Finally, here's a link to the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

Have fun!

John P. Cooper · November-10th-2005, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petros

I'm going to be in LA this weekend. What time does the jam at Steamer's Cafe in Fullerton start? Is there a cover charge? Is the piano good, is it a grand piano?

Thanks
Petros

What ype of jazz do you like?

RainyDay · November-10th-2005, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peterdubya

What, You're Not Seeing Her At Yoshi's???

Jeez, I've been caught cheating. Uh, the Jazz Bakery is just a friend!

Will it help if I tell you I got into the 2 PM Stanley Clarke show? He cooked once he went electric. "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" smoked. And it was good to see the all purpose Bay Area brass section in the band line up. Those guys are terrific.

clinthopson · November-10th-2005, 11:51 AM

Re: Steamers

Terence Love runs the only true jazz club in Orange County at Steamers. The shows are scheduled to start at 8 but usually run a bit late.

The piano is ok.

The seats are uncomfortable, many folks bring cushions.

There is a small cover, like $10.

The food is not bad.

Get ther early since the place usually fills up.

RainyDay · December-7th-2005, 08:01 PM

My sister and I caught Regina Carter at the Jazz Bakery over the Thanksgiving weekend and had a great time. She killed! She was great!! Sorry, I couldn't stop myself, knowing how some folks just hate my reviews.

The Jazz Bakery is a cool place. The seating/reservation situation is unusual but we had front row seats, as it worked out. Carter played an entirely different set from what I's heard at Yoshi's the week before. The only constant was the Ellington blues number. She didn't play any classical this time out. Unfortunately this show was over a week ago, I didn't take notes, and my memory is shot regarding the playlist. On the last song, the percussionist wailed on the timbales. He's wonderful. Nice crisp, nimble, playing. The pianist had more solos this time out and because we were close, I could watch his hands. This is such a fine band. If you are a Carter fan and she's coming your way, check her out.

clinthopson · February-23rd-2006, 02:22 PM

On Sunday, March 5, at 8 p.m., my son, JC Hopkins will be performing at the Ritz (I'll post the address later) with members of his NYC band plus some local talent.

I hope some of the LA JC crowd and friends can make it.

Valerie · February-23rd-2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinthopson

On Sunday, March 5, at 8 p.m., my son, JC Hopkins will be performing at the Ritz (I'll post the address later) with members of his NYC band plus some local talent.

I hope some of the LA JC crowd and friends can make it.

that's great news, clint! i will most definitely try to make it. i forget where the ritz is but i know you'll supply all the pertinent details.

clinthopson · February-27th-2006, 11:34 AM

I goofed, the place is The Mint
6010 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90035

on the south side of Pico Blvd. Midway between La Cienega Blvd. and Fairfax Ave.
Supper Club Doors open 7:30 pm. Dinner, full bar, 21 and over.

JC's show is at 8 p.m.

Come one come all.

Valerie · February-27th-2006, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinthopson

I goofed, the place is The Mint
6010 West Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles CA 90035

on the south side of Pico Blvd. Midway between La Cienega Blvd. and Fairfax Ave.
Supper Club Doors open 7:30 pm. Dinner, full bar, 21 and over.

JC's show is at 8 p.m.

Come one come all.

well, that club i know! what is very sad for me is that i didn't realize the gig was on oscar night and i'm going to a party. SHOOT!!!!

clinthopson · February-28th-2006, 04:27 PM

Valerie,

If the party gets too boring, your name will be at the door.

I have a feeling the crowd will be sparse, but whatthehell.. .

Valerie · February-28th-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinthopson

Valerie,

If the party gets too boring, your name will be at the door.

I have a feeling the crowd will be sparse, but whatthehell.. .

thanks so much, clint. i'm really disappointed, to say the least! but even if the party (there are only four of us!) gets boring, it doesn't matter to me as i'm just glued to the screen. the less chatter the better. really sorry it's not a different night. hope i get another chance as soon as possible!

clinthopson · March-1st-2006, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

thanks so much, clint. i'm really disappointed, to say the least! but even if the party (there are only four of us!) gets boring, it doesn't matter to me as i'm just glued to the screen. the less chatter the better. really sorry it's not a different night. hope i get another chance as soon as possible!

I guess I'm one of those who desn't give a damn about the Oscars.

I'll probably record it just to see if Jon Stewart takes good shots at Bush.

Valerie · March-1st-2006, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clinthopson

I guess I'm one of those who desn't give a damn about the Oscars.

I'll probably record it just to see if Jon Stewart takes good shots at Bush.

from what i'm told, there are very few "real men" who like the oscars (except ChrisD)!

Chris D · March-1st-2006, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valerie

from what i'm told, there are very few "real men" who like the oscars!

Hey!

clinthopson · March-2nd-2006, 12:00 PM

Donna doesn't give a damn either. . .

John P. Cooper · March-2nd-2006, 01:14 PM

http://jazzcornertalk.com/speakeasy/...ad.php?t=15149

Post Oscar show at The Derand dancers who would rather hear live music than stay at hime watching post AA round-ups and re-runs.