PUTTING THIS RIGHT UP TOP!
Why? Because sometimes, somehow, you can lose track of the most important thing, and this week I almost did. Love Revisited, with co-founder Johnny Echols on guitar, is playing a rare gig in an unusual place, the Federal Bar in N. Hollywood, and they are playing two of their greatest albums, back to back, note for note: “Da Capo,” and “Forever Changes.” Not interpreted but note for note, and I can promise you, from past experience, it will be like hearing the original band 54 year ago, just a few yards away. Sun 2 p.m., Federal Bar, North Hollywood, $25.
THANKFUL FOR MUSIC PEOPLE
I have so much to be thankful about living in Santa Monica that yesterday’s CURIOUS CITY column left some out.
I write a lot about HARVELLE’S, our nearly a century old blues bar on Fourth Street downtown, because they have a great variety of live music seven nights a week, and much of it is a find. (That means: really good, but not everyone knows about it.) Credit goes to longtime owner and booker Cevin and his partners for four years now, Json and Damian. I was a little concerned to have “new guys” come in (but from the shuttered Liquid Kitty, a really special dark, intimate, cozy bar on Pico, so they had good cred). They have made for a great team that not only recognizes Harvelle’s historic place here, but has improved everything from the booking to the decor to the sound to the paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling and walls for dancers to do their things. And sometimes those things, right in front of you, rival Cirque du Soleil.
The pandemic closure seems to have finally gotten to booker and Jane of all trades Koko Peterson at McCabe’s, who has left for greener or at least open pastures. (McCabe’s will be rolling with live shows again after the new year.) She did a fantastic job during her years there, and we in Santa Monica and all of LA are richer for it. Thanks and best of fortune, Koko.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:
EM THE MASTER -- I’ve been giving EM’s show a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for months now and still do. “The Master”? Too much hype on the marquee? Not if you can back it up, and EM does. She sings, dances, has dancers. She crawls across the floor like a reptile, gripping the mic and never missing a beat. She doesn’t play the piano, she attacks it. Uses her voice as an instrument in creative ways. Her energy is nonstop and seemingly limitless. Writes terrific songs perfect for her act, and she may remind you some of a more energetic Lady Gaga with whom she co-authored a New York Times bestseller. Yeah, this gal has more talent than anyone has a right to. And she’s putting it on display, right here in your backyard, every Tuesday, for a pittance. Hmm, what should you choose? An artery-clogging burger, coke and fries for 10 bucks, or something that will hit you and make you grin, and that you will remember. Every Tues 9:30 p.m., Harvelle’s, DTSM, $10.
RECOMMENDED:
TONIGHT! - HAMILTON -- I think I can only go wrong by not recommending it, from what I’ve heard and read. Best hurry, it might end soon! Tonight - Thurs, Fri, Sat, Tues, Wed, next Thurs 8 p.m., Sun 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m., also Sat 2 p.m., Pantages Theater, Hollywood, $49-3000+, depending on date/time.
LA OPERA presents ROSSINI’s “CINDERELLA” -- What’s wrong with some comedy with your superb music score and spectacular sets? Comedy acting ain’t easy, you know, and this production of the classic fairy tale is getting rave reviews. What’s wrong with retelling the well-known tale of poor Cinderella bucking her imposed social status and wanting to snag the hottest dude in the kingdom and live happily ever after? With all the screen time lately for Princess Diana, another one who wouldn’t settle for her imposed status, this is in fact timely. Sat, Wed 7:30 p.m., Sun 2 p.m., Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, DTLA, $18-282.
JEFF ELLWOOD QUARTET -- This has to be a “cautionary” recommendation because while I can personally attest to the creativity and accomplishments of the band members, I have never heard Elwood, whose gig it is. And the descriptions on the Sam First website make me wonder a little. What would I be getting into? Genius, or chaos? “Known as a consummate improviser with a compelling approach to the tenor saxophone…” Compelling. Improviser. Good things but, cautionary. “Grammy-winning pianist Bill Cunliffe says that Ellwood ‘is his own man who always brings a fresh perspective to any project.’” Hmmm. But his pianist for this show, Alan Pasqua, one of my favorites, said that Ellwood “is one of my favorite tenor saxophonists on the planet.” Oh. Well, okay. With accompanists for this show being Pasqua, Darek Oles on bass and the renowned drummer Joe LaBarbera, this becomes a good bet, and RECOMMENDED. This performance will feature the music from his pandemic-released CD “The Sounds Around the House,” which features all the superb players here plus, another of my favorites, guest sax master Bob Sheppard. Sat 7:30, 9 p.m., Sam First, LAX, $25.
COMING ATTRACTIONS: THE SKATALITES, Venice West, 12/3; CHARLIE HUNTER - SCOTT AMANDOLA DUO, Venice West, 12/4; PONCHO SANCHEZ and His Latin Jazz Band, Catalina Jazz Club, 12/10-12; JOHN MAYALL, WALTER TROUT, Saban Montclair, 12/12; LIBRARY GIRL, Ruskin Group Theater, 12/12; TAKE 6 CHRISTMAS, Pepperdine, 12/15; X, BLASTERS, Henry Fonda, 12/16; LA SANTA CECILIA, Novo, 12/17; STEVIE WONDER’S 23rd HOUSE FULL OF TOYS BENEFIT CONCERT, Microsoft Theater, 12/18.
Charles Andrews has listened to a lot of music of all kinds, including more than 2,000 live shows. He has lived in Santa Monica for 34 years and wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world. Really. Send love and/or rebuke to him at therealmrmusic@gmail.com
