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Jazz Vocalist Barbara Morrison's 60th Birthday Celebration
By Staff Writer

Celebrate the life and legacy of Barbara Morrison when the acclaimed jazz and blues vocalist commemorates her 60th birthday and 35th anniversary in show business on Saturday, September 12th at the John Anson Ford Theatre (located at 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East), from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Directed by Gloria Hendry, the concert will feature special guests Tierney Sutton, Gerald Wilson and a surprise appearance by a legendary sax musician. Other artists scheduled to appear include noted performers Ernie Andrews, Wycliff Gordon, and a coterie of top LA jazz musicians all celebrating 60th birthdays.

Now at the height of her powers, Morrison has clearly redefined the role of the jazz and blues vocalist within the jazz idiom. Standing apart from the styles of her contemporaries, Morrison has seduced generations of fans and fellow musicians with her melodic, two-and-a-half-octave voice. Her tone is perfectly suited for slow ballads, yet she handles up-tempo swinging blues and jazz songs with the utmost ease. Her influence on blues and jazz -- not just among vocalists, but across the entire musical spectrum -- is immeasurable. As characterized by The Los Angeles Times, "She can be as playful as Ella, as thoughtful as Sarah, and as naughty as Etta."

Morrison has performed and recorded with some of the most influential and iconic figures in jazz and blues, including legends Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody, Ron Carter, Etta James, Esther Phillips, David T. Walker, Jimmy Smith, Ray Brown, Johnny Otis, Dr. John, Kenny Burrell, Terence Blanchard, Joe Sample, Cedar Walton, Nancy Wilson, Mel Torme, Joe Williams, Tony Bennett, and Keb' Mo (Kevin Moore).

Blue Lady Records, Morrison's Los Angeles-based record label, is the current home to her catalog of blues and jazz recordings. The label is dedicated to the preservation of soul and jazz recordings and features some of Morrison's finest moments on record, available on such great recordings as Barbara Morrison: Live At The Dakota, Barbara Morrison Live at the 9:20, Think of You Joe, I'm Gettin' Long All Right, I Know How To Do It, Live Down Under, and Visit Me.

In addition to her active touring schedule, Morrison is an Assistant Professor in the Ethnomusicology Department at UCLA, where she has taught for the past 13 years.

Barbara Morrison's 60th birthday celebration also commemorates her 35th anniversary in show business, a reminder of her longevity and the amazing performances that continue to make her a star in demand at top venues and jazz festivals around the world.

For tickets and information please call 310-462-1439 or visit http://www.barbaramorrison.com.

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Steve Vai Releases New Live DVD/CD
By Emily Wilson

Guitarist Steve Vai knows where the wild things are. He has them in his memory. After years of playing guitar on tour and recording with artists like David Lee Roth, Frank Zappa, Ozzy Osborne, and others, he has a backlog of unforgettable stories and rich musical experiences that would make the average rock music fan salivate with jealousy.

But his career hasn't only been about fanciful touring with famous musicians. It's been a career of focus, inspiration, and meticulous, incredible musicianship, proven by his extensive catalog of successful solo recordings and his faithful fan base.

His latest, the upcoming DVD and Live CD release, "Live in Minneapolis--Where the Wild Things Are," (to be released September 29) is his vision come to life; a showcase of his imagination, talent and continuing drive to simultaneously improve and perfect his musical craft.

"This DVD was one of those creative moments when I said, 'OK I'm going to put a band together,"' said Vai. "I'm going to build a band that's unique and I'm going to do a DVD that's powerful, intense, accessible, uplifting, and theatrical to the best of my ability, with the tools at my disposal. And I believe I did that."

The DVD is a 2 hour and 40 minute dazzling showcase of his sold-out performance at the State Theater in Minneapolis filmed during his "Sound Theories" world-tour. Singing, playing acoustic, and of course, electric guitar, Vai unleashes his intricate, studied and wild talents on the entranced audience. In addition, Vai plays alongside violinists Alex DePue and Ann Marie Calhoun, whose tandem talents add another layer to the intensity that fans expect from a Steve Vai live show.

But it wasn't easy to find violinists that understood Vai's vision for the tour. The violin auditions were difficult, he said, because there were either rock violinists who played too hard, only shredding, or classical violinists too conservative to achieve the desired intensity. But just when Vai resigned to the fact that he might need to give up his violin vision, he auditioned DePue and Calhoun.

"They both have tremendous intonation and musicianship, and they're fun people and wonderful to tour with. It enabled me to take my music to a whole new level," he said.

And Vai is always trying to transcend to that new, next level to ensure that his music is continuously innovative and relevant. From the moment he tapped on a piano key at age 5, he felt a kinship and understanding with music that was magnetic. So powerfully magnetic, in fact, that it would have taken more personal effort to resist a career in music than to give in and pursue it.

"I was flooded with an infinity of musical ideas. I realized how all the music I was hearing was constructed. It was just something I was aware of," he said. "And it's not a unique talent, that's the way composers hear things. They see music and they know how to make it go from their imagination to reality. So my life has been a series of cultivating that musical voice into reality."

Soon after that piano tap came the guitar lessons. And after that came 30 plus years and counting of successful recordings, collaborations, and tours. Vai somehow continues to release albums, and in the current case, DVDs too, that captivate and resonate with audiences, which in turn inspires Vai to record and create more music; thankfully for us all.

"What inspires me is when people respond to what it is you're doing. When an artist reaches into themselves, they're expressing their own little secret being," he said. "And when other people respond and find value in it, it makes you feel that you're contribution is being appreciated and is valid and even, in some cases, vital. That's an inspiration to an artist."

Jerry Vivino Upstairs at Vitello's in Studio City
By Debra Graff

The Jerry Vivino Quartet featuring Jerry Vivino (sax, flute, and vocals), Mike Merritt (bass), James Wormworth (drums), and Scotty Healy (piano) performed in their first West Coast gig, Upstairs at Vitello's Jazz Lounge in Studio City, as part of the Thursday Red Carpet Jazz Series. These amazing musicians, all members of the new Tonight Show Band with Conan O'Brien, wowed the captive and enthralled audience with their energized and exuberant show. The crowd responded with foot stomping, cheering, and applauding, dancing in their seats to swingin' tunes, such as "Pent Up House," off Jerry's smokin' CD, 'Walkin with the Wazmo.' Jerry delighted the attentive crowd with his robust earthy tone and Louis Armstrong like tenor style, joking with them about being confused with his brother, Jimmy Vivino, guitarist for the Tonight Show. "The title of my next CD will be 'The Jerry Vivino Quartet - Don't Call Me Jimmy.'"

Jerry twirled and danced, while playing tenor and soprano sax and flute in one song, displaying his lyrical and melodical genius across the wide spectrum of instruments. He kept the band movin' and groovin' at a fast pace and everyone stepped up their game. The crowd adored Jerry's remarkable crooning on "Sunny Side of the Street," barking like dogs each time he sang the word 'rover.' Frequently acknowledging the expertise of his band members, Jerry allowed them ample time for their divine solos.

Jerry was beaming as he talked about working with Conan. "I have the greatest job in the world. It's a never ending blessing." He's grateful to play at Vitello's and have a creative outlet where people come to listen. "It's important to find the NY in LA and develop a relationship with a club like this." The band was ecstatic to be at this sophisticated venue with curtains in the back, low ceilings, candles on the tables, and a gorgeous piano.
Accomplished drummer, Worm-worth, who's been playing with Jerry for about 25 years, says Jerry is serious about the music but not too serious, so he's willing to have a good time and entertain people. "Jerry is open and welcoming, making the audience feel like friends, and he has a great heart."

Talented bassist, Merritt, loves performing with Jerry because they've built up a "vibe," by playing together so often. "When we're away from the Tonight Show, we can cut loose, stretch, blow, have fun, and see where it goes. Jerry is unique because he's always mindful of the crowd and the environment." Master pianist, Healy, who's played with Jerry since 1985, says "he's fun to play with."

Several local artists were honored and enthusiastic when Jerry asked them to join the band, including vocalist Brooke Lundy, belting out "At Last"; drummer Craig Pilo, (who played with Jerry in Frankie Valli's band) on Sonny Rollins' "St. Thomas"; Michael Dees singing "Day In Day Out;" and superb vocalist, Denise Donatelli on "My Romance."

Bob Comden, writer for LA Jazz Scene, described the quartet as fresh and exciting. "They put on one hell of a show, not to be missed."

Alan Gruskoff, bass player for Steely Jam, was glad to see the band, coming from the NY jazz scene, at a comfort level in LA. "I've admired them with the Max Weinberg 7 for the past ten years."

April Williams, who runs the Red Carpet Jazz Series, only books top of the line acts. She is a gracious hostess, always making sure the musicians are comfortable. "I am pleased to have Jerry Vivino as part of our own landscape. I salute these fine musicians, who have practiced every day for 6-8 hours since they were very young, just to perform here for three hours. My father, Maurie Harris, played trumpet with Doc Severinson's band for 22 years. If he were alive, today he'd be so proud of this next generation of the Tonight Show Band."

Thursday Red Carpet Jazz Series

Upstairs at Vitello's Jazz Lounge
4349 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-769-0905

"The Hippest new Jazz Room in Studio City"
www.vitellosrestaurant.com

$15 cover with drinks, dinner or snacks.

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