CTRL+Z

CTRL+Z

Sat, Nov 23

CTRL+Z is a dynamic fusion of world class musicians hailing from the realms of rock, jazz, and progressive music. Thomas Lang- drums Marc Bonilla- guitar/vocals Ric Fierabracci- bass Alex Machacek- guitar Jonathan Sindelman- keys Featuring a repertoire of original works and songs from iconic figures such as Keith Emerson, Peter Gabriel, Asia, Chick Corea, Billy Cobham and more! 

Doug Webb/David Binney Quintet

Doug Webb/David Binney Quintet

Sat, Nov 30

Doug Webb- tenor & soprano saxophones David Binney - alto saxophone Tony Austin- drums Chris Colangelo- bass Mitch Forman- keys Doug Webb was born in Chicago and moved to California at the age of 3. He is a graduate of Edison high school in Huntington Beach, CA and received a Bachelor of Music from Boston’s Berklee College of Music. He began playing the clarinet at the age of 8 and added saxophone and flute at 15. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife Alex and his son, Ryan. Over his career Webb has played and recorded with such notable talents as Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Sal Marquez, Stanley Clarke, Quincy Jones, Mat Marucci, Kyle Eastwood, Billy Childs, Rod Stewart, Carly Simon, Art Davis, Kenny Rogers, Bonnie Raitt, Pancho Sanchez and Vikki Carr. He played with the house band for the Dennis Miller TV show, the Jimmy Cleveland orchestra and continues to tour with the Doc Severinsen big band. He has recorded music for hundreds of movies and television programs. He solos on the sound track for Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby and Jersey Boys. Webb has been featured on hundreds of recordings. "...a strikingly original composer, leader, conceptualist."-DownBeat Magazine "David Binney possesses one of the most original minds in contemporary music."- Stereophile Acclaimed as a considerable and highly individual compositional talent, saxophonist David Binney is one of the most prolific jazz musicians on the scene today. Winning praise from critics and colleagues alike, David was recently singled out by Jazz Times as one of a handful of "players who have created an alternative jazz-scene... all of whom are playing adventurous, original music." David has recorded 25+ albums as leader or co-leader and recorded on more than 400 other albums. David was born in Miami, Florida, and raised in Southern California. At the age of 19 moved to New York City and lived there for many years. He now resides in Los Angeles. And Produces records and performs worldwide. He also mixes and masters records. Creator/Producer of the band that was David Bowie's Blackstar. David also works in the Electronic music realm and his 2022 Ambient record Where Infinity Begins has been streamed close to 1,000,000 times as of this writing. Known for his performances and recordings with such prestigious groups as Knower (Louis Cole, Genevieve Artadi), Chrissie Hynde, Gil Evans, Maria Schneider, Jim Hall, Vince Mendoza, Uri Caine, Vinicius Cantuaria, Carlinhos Brown, Norah Jones, Antonio Sanchez, Wayne Krantz, Chris Potter, Nguyen Le, Miles Okazaki, Joe Locke, Edward Simon, Dan Weiss, Alex Sipiagin, Joel Harrison, Bobby Previte, Cecil McBee and countless others. David was also a co-founder of the hard-edged quintet "Lost Tribe" and the open-form collective quartet "Lan Xang." David’s distinctive saxophone sound and innovative compositions have been heard from basement clubs in New York to jazz festivals in Europe and the world. David has also appeared with Aretha Franklin at Carnegie Hall, and with Jamiroquai, Maceo Parker, to name a few. He has produced all of his own 30 albums, and many others including two of the Lost Tribe releases, 7 Donny McCaslin releases and a Scott Colley “The Architect of the Silent Moment”.. David started his record label, Mythology Records, in 1998. David also created the group the Donny McCaslin group that eventually became the group on David Bowie’s #1 record Blackstar. He has won the Downbeat Critics Poll 3 different times in the Alto Saxophone category. And placed in Producer, Album, et al.. Has had front cover features in Downbeat and Jazz Times, featured in the NY Times Art section, and many other publications. 

Holiday Heat- A Sizzling Latin Christmas with Freddie Ravel All Star Band

Holiday Heat- A Sizzling Latin Christmas with Freddie Ravel All Star Band

Thu, Dec 05

Grammy-nominated performer, communication expert and business visionary With an unparalleled career that has consistently transcended the boundaries of music, culture and thought leadership, Freddie Ravel toured with Brazilian master Sergio Mendes, directed the legendary band that bridged black and white America - Earth, Wind and Fire, performed on the silver screen with the Queen of Pop - Madonna, rocked stadiums with Afro-Latin-Blues-Rock icon Carlos Santana, performed the Grammys with Prince, cut tracks with Kanye and led the teams behind J. Lo, Jimmy Kimmel and Lady GaGa to become the “Expert’s Expert” on multi-generational integration. Piano and Vocals: Freddie Ravel Drums and Percussion and Vocals: Tiki Pasillas Guitar and Vocals: Michael O'Neill Bass and Vocals: Hussain Jiffry 

Derek Frank

Derek Frank

Fri, Dec 06

Direct From Los Angeles... Seventies-Inspired Funky Instrumental Jams From Former Gwen Stefani/Shania Twain Bass Player and His 7-piece LA Supergroup. Derek Frank- Bass Anthony King- Guitar Dan Fornero- Trumpet Demian Arriaga- Percussion George Shelby- Saxophone Matt Hankle- Drums Tom Amend- Keyboards/Flute Derek Frank has built a career as a touring bass player, traveling the world with such icons as Shania Twain, Gwen Stefani, Air Supply, and many others. In the downtime on these gigs, he discovered a private music world inspired by the cultural debris of his 1970s childhood. Years ago, the bassist-composer began to write the kind of music he used to hear on 1970s TV and movies. Today, Derek is leaning into the solo artist side of his career with his third solo album, Origin Story, released March 25, 2024 on all streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl. Origin Story boasts Derek's strongest instrumental jazz-funk compositions to date. "I used to love the music in Dirty Harry movies, and in the Wonder Woman and The Incredible Hulk television series," the LA-based artist says. "When I finally found my voice as a solo artist, I decided to make that kind of music along with jazz and funk as the main influences." Derek and his handpicked five (sometimes seven)-piece band blend funk, blues, soul, jazz, southern rock, and seventies soundtrack music into a genre all their own. Derek's compositions feature tight arrangements, slinky grooves, telepathic band interplay, and restrained virtuosity where chops are implied but not flaunted. His solo work has garnered critical acclaim from such taste- making outlets as Bass Magazine, Guitar World Magazine, American Songwriter Magazine, Bass Player Magazine, Music Connection Magazine, "Everyone Loves Guitar Podcast," and "The Bass Shed Podcast", not to mention a Hollywood Independent Music Awards nomination for Best Instrumental Song. He's earned favorable comparisons to Lettuce, Vulfpeck, Cory Wong, Snarky Puppy, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Karl Denson (who guests on Origin Story), and John Scofield. Previously, Derek has released Let The Games Begin (2009), and the aptly- titled Eleven Years Later (2020). Derek has fond memories of growing up in Pittsburgh, watching 1970s TV and movies, and 1980s MTV. He discovered his love for the bass when he first picked one up off the wall of a music store while he was waiting for a guitar lesson. Derek later formally studied bass, and eventually moved to Los Angeles to be a professional musician. Since then, Derek has emerged one of the most in demand touring and studio bassists in Los Angeles. He has worked with a "who's-who" of A-list artists, including the aforementioned Gwen Stefani, Shania Twain, Shakira, Kelly Clarkson, Air Supply, Aly & AJ, Victoria Justice, Dancing With the Stars, Daniel Powter, Palaye Royale, Mindi Abair, The Boneshakers, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, and countless others. As the title implies, Origin Story is an instrumental homage to his roots in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. "I often reminisce about my childhood, thinking of the David Byrne lyric: 'How did I get here?,'" Derek says. "The songs on this album loosely sketch experiences of my early years, before I discovered my calling and current profession as a bass player." In what's become a tradition with Derek's solo records, he opens the 8-song album up with the funky, 1970s cop chase song, "Demon On Wheels," replete with wah wah bass. The name is pinched from the late 1960s cartoon Speed Racer, and the monster jam features Las Vegas's Fat City Horns. The percolating 16th notes on "The Yinzer" tastefully touch on Jaco Pastorius, but the overall compositional structure nods to the work of Karl Denson (The Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, the Rolling Stones) who makes a cameo on the track. The slippery fusion funk of "Paperboy Blues" recalls Head Hunters-era Herbie Hancock, and features abstract Jimmy Herring-like jazz guitar melodies. Up next, catch Derek and his band performing in sweaty nightclubs, at jazz & jam band festivals, and wherever live groove music is showcased. You can also see Derek rolling through town with major artists at a theater or arena near you—he'll continue pulling double duty as a hired gun. "I feel grateful to have my day job as a session and touring musician," he says. "But now I am also focusing on using my bass playing in service of my own music." 

George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue - Holiday Soiree!

George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue - Holiday Soiree!

Sat, Dec 07

Led by pianist George Kahn and featuring three powerhouse lead singers - Courtney Lemmon, Gina Saputo, and Crystal Starr - this group delivers a blend of vocal jazz and blues that has wowed audiences from Beverly Hills to Bishop, CA. The George Kahn Jazz & Blues Revue is a musical force to be reckoned with. Their annual holiday show will feature songs from the new Holiday Soiree album filled with blues and R+B holiday classics as well as some new surprises (CDs and LPs available at the show). Featuring: Gina Saputo, Courtney Lemmon, Crystal Starr - vocals George Kahn - piano Robert Kyle - sax, Kris Bergh - tpt, Grant Geissman - guitar, Lyman Medeiros - bass, MB Gordy - Drums https://www.jazzandbluesrevue.com/ 

Barrelhouse Wailers

Barrelhouse Wailers

Fri, Dec 13

Swing Dancing!! With special guest, Walt Johnson on trumpet The Barrelhouse Wailers are an 8-piece powerhouse collective from Ventura, California that seamlessly blend traditional style hot jazz and vintage blues with original compositions to create a sound that's as timeless as it is electrifying. With their roots deeply embedded in the rich soil of American musical traditions, this dynamic ensemble has been captivating audiences since 2013 with their high-energy performances and masterful musicianship. Driven by their passion for authenticity and innovation, The Barrelhouse Wailers deliver a sonic experience that pays homage to the classics while pushing the boundaries of contemporary music. Their infectious energy and tight-knit chemistry on stage promise an evening of entertainment that will have you on your feet and moving to the rhythm. They have released 2 albums featuring original music and standards, “Day In, Day Out” 2019 and “Never Look Back” 2023 Both albums are available for digital download on Bandcamp and on all major streaming platforms. Karen Parkhouse - Vocals/Percussion Todd Temanson - Banjo David Leoncavallo - Bass Jim Wade – Tuba John C. Webb - Clarinet/Saxophones/Flute/Vocals "Skabone" Stan Middleton- trombone/vocals Bob Peyton- drums For more information, music, videos, and upcoming shows, please visit http://www.thebarrelhousewailers.com/. Follow us on : Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBarrelHouseWailers Instagram: @barrelhousewailers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BarrelhouseWailers 

The Squashed Grapes Alumni Show

The Squashed Grapes Alumni Show

Wed, Dec 18

O.G. Grapers unite for a reunion show featuring many talented musicians that got their start by playing at Squashed Grapes Including: RJ Root- Guitar David Gorospe- piano Tyler Hammond- drums Andy Hill- bass Jacob Scesney- saxophone Guil Juliao- bass Elias Vasquez- drums and other special guests to be announced! A very special night of jamming and reminiscing to celebrate the incredible careers of these amazing artists and the Squashed Grapes/The Grape's jazz journey... 

Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz & More Unplugged

Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz & More Unplugged

Thu, Dec 19

Advanced tickets $20 GA/$30 VIP $25/$35 at the door (subject to availability) Gregg Karukas Holiday Jazz and More Unplugged. John Leftwich-upright bass Joel Taylor-drums Charlean Carmon (John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Am. Idol) - vocals Grammy winning keyboardist and composer Gregg Karukas brings an intimate, unplugged jazz piano trio concert experience to complement his international touring; Holiday Jazz and More with special guest vocalist Charlean Carmon (Stevie Wonder, John Legend), playing some of his best known songs along with Brazilian and jazz classics. A prolific, genre-crossing veteran of the Contemporary Jazz scene, Gregg was a founding member of The Rippingtons (Moonlighting) in 1986, and has toured with Larry Carlton, Boney James, Dave Koz (Both Boney James and Dave Koz were members of Gregg's early bands, and decades later Gregg became musical director and featured artist on The Dave Koz Music Cruises), Sergio Mendes, Dori Caymmi, Ricardo Silveira, Peter White, Rick Braun, Shelby Flint, Melissa Manchester, Ronnie Laws, Alphonse Mouzon, Brenda Russell and Jeffrey Osborne. Originally from Bowie, MD, Gregg has lived in the Los Angeles area since 1982. Home For The Holidays / Nightowl Records Many contemporary jazz artists are criticized for their lack of inventiveness and lack of improvisation that marks a true jazz player, but even as keyboard whiz Gregg Karukas has topped the pop/jazz charts, his skill with improv and harmonic surprises has never ceased to amaze.Those looking for more of Karukas' jazz roots will find them on this lush, glorious holiday treat, which strips away the synthesizer and other electric appliances for a tender yet energetic trio date that truly captures the warmth and intimacy of the season, plus a softer side of Karukas his Positive albums only hint at. Eased along by the rhythm section of John Leftwich and Joel Taylor, Karukas weaves freshness into well-worn standards, offering a Vince Guaraldi-like treatment of "Oh Tannenbaum," simplifying "White Christmas" to haunting effect, and saving his most spirited improvs for a swinging, mind boggingly speedy tour through "Winter Wonderland." His acoustic piano touch has never been sweeter, crisper or more emotional than these interpretations. The ultimate in "Unplugged!" Jonathan Widran -LA JAZZ SCENE REVIEW 

The Lao Tizer Band

The Lao Tizer Band

Fri, Dec 20

THE LAO TIZER BAND Lao Tizer - keys Elliott Yamin - vocals Danny Janklow - sax, flute Anthony Crawford - bass Tony Austin - drums Munyungo Jackson - percussion "Jazz Group of the Year" nominee, The Lao Tizer Band, make their return to The Grape on Friday, December 20th in support of their brand-new Billboard-charting album & video release AMPLIFY. The new release is a major evolution for the group and includes 5 new original vocals and 4 new original instrumentals, with an all-star cast. The project was recorded and filmed all LIVE at legendary EastWest Studios in Hollywood with simultaneous 7-camera video shoot and a legendary cast of musicians. Joining keyboardist, bandleader and former "Best New Jazz Artist" nominee, Lao Tizer for the show are American Idol star, Elliott Yamin - vocals, drum phenom, Tony Austin (Kamasi Washington), GRAMMY-winning percussion legend, Munyungo Jackson (Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder), sax & flute wunderkind, Danny Janklow (MONKestra, Shelea), and Rolling Stone "2022 Bassist of the Year" nominee, Anthony Crawford (Jeff Lorber, Erykah Badu). Please join us as the group takes you on a high-energy musical ride through a variety of flavors and styles with an all-star cast of musicians. 

Phoenyx Big Band

Phoenyx Big Band

Sat, Dec 21

$15 advanced/ $20 at the door A local favorite, Phoenyx Big Band plays Swinging standards and unique Pop arrangements. Big band era jazz and swing with a modern twist as the Phoenyx performs standards by Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and spices things up with pop classics by Stevie Wonder, Van Morrison, Carole King, and more! Featuring Sophie Holt on vocals. Led by Burt Gutierrez on guitar. 

TD Lind & The Aviators

TD Lind & The Aviators

Fri, Dec 27

TD Lind & The Aviators is an indie rock band out of Southern California driven by old-soul storytelling, brawny vocals, and larger-than-life sound. Born in England, TD Lind signed a record deal at 19 years old and has since toured America and Europe for the last 30 years, sharing the stage with Sting, Bad Company, Wilco and many others. He has 4 critically-acclaimed albums, the last being produced by legendary producer Glyn Johns. In 2022, TD Lind joined up with producer and bassist David Franz (Iyeoka, Underground Sun), saxophonist Karl Hunter (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), drummer Greg Weiser (Danny McGaw), and guitarist Sam Kulchin (The Caverns). They are known for their unforgettable live shows, as featured on their “Into the Light” album, recorded and released in 2023. Their debut studio album “Golden” was released on August 21, 2024.