Tom Meek, a Los Angeles-area native, grew up in Ohio with a father who was a noted regional swing drummer and a library of thousands of jazz and popular recordings. He began working in radio at 11, as a coffee house DJ at 13, and as a commercial television producer at 15. In the late 1960's Meek began listening to rock and jazz fusion with pioneering artists including Don Ellis, Blood Sweat & Tears, Chicago, and The Mahavishnu Orchestra, and has remained a jazz, fusion and music aficionado since, with an emphasis on virtuosity. In the 1970's, Tom began producing what eventually became dozens of radio, television and video segments featuring live recordings and musician interviews, and expanded that to newspapers over the past decade. Meek began a television consulting practice in the mid-1980s, which has expanded to include other high-tech and IT areas with clients worldwide. In the mid-1990's Meek began exploring the possibilities of music and information distribution via the Internet. He has gone on to develop various Web sites, written extensively for Wikipedia and blogs about fusion and jazz music and musicians, and serves as a audio/video producer and consultant for musicians and events. Tom is also the editor of the Greatest Fusion Lists and Forums at DigitalDreamDoor.com. He is currently working on a music-related book and various music, production and consulting projects. Meek comes to LAJazz.com with an emphasis on what's happening live and locally, and is a frequent attendee at clubs and venues around Southern California, along with many people who travel here from locations worldwide, to see some of the best music being made nightly anywhere on the planet. Tom can be reached via e-mail at fusion07mp3@gmail.com, or visit his site at: www.myspace.com/fusion07mp3
Monday 8/25 - Jim Szilagyi Trio at Jax Bar & Grill
Glendale's Jax Bar & Grill has as much of an old-style neighborhood bar feel to it as nearly in venue in Southern California. On Monday night Jax plays host to veterans Jim Szilagyi on piano, Harvey Newmark on bass and Mark Stevens on drums. The three combine effortlessly for the closest thing you're likely to hear to a classic Bill Evans-style trio for years, and tonight celebrates a CD release as well. Check it out - these three are always worth a listen.
Tuesday 8/26 - John Pisano's Guitar Night with Howard Alden
Two guitar veterans team up for the August finale in John Pisano's Tuesday Guitar Nights at Spazio in Sherman Oaks. Howard Alden has been a figure in mainstream jazz for decades, and he and Pisano are teaming for a tribute to Django Reinhardt, joined by Jim Hughart on bass.
Wednesday 8/27 - John Pizzarelli and Jessica Molaskey at Catalina.
Another guitarist of long-standing note is John Pizzarelli, son of the legendary Bucky Pizzarelli. Beginning Wednesday for five nights he's joined at Catalina in Hollywood by vocalist Jessica Molaskey, who's been making a considerable name for herself in New York for the past several years, with the fact the two are husband and wife adding to their musical chemistry.
Thursday 8/28 - Katisse at The Baked Potato
Woodwind wizard Katisse Buckingham celebrates his birthday with a Thursday night gig at Studio City's The Baked Potato. Katisse blends jazz, soul, hip-hop, rap and more into a unique fusion of styles, joined by the excellent supporting cast of Dennis Hamm on keyboards, Dan Lutz on bass, Chris Wabich on drums and the amazing Judith Hill on vocals, who is worth the price of admission alone.
Friday 8/29 - Ernie Watts with the Gerry Gibbs Trio at Spazio
Saxophone veteran Ernie Watts has been a jazz fixture for more than 30 years. Here he joins up with three outstanding young players in Andy Langham on piano, Edwin Livingston on bass and Gerry Gibbs on drums.
Saturday 8/30 - Jeff Richman All-Stars at The Baked Potato
Guitarist Jeff Richman works with many of the best players in contemporary music. Saturday night is another example as he's joined by three super virtuosos including Mitchel Forman on keys, Jimmy Earl on bass and Simon Phillips (Jeff Beck, Toto) on drums. Expect this one to be burning.
Sunday 8/31 - John Daversa Contemporary Big Band at The Baked Potato
Trumpet and EVI wizard is the only bandleader brave enough to try fitting a 17-piece big-band into Studio City's The Baked Potato, and he manages to pull it off while putting out some of the freshest big band music around. Gene Coye, Jerry Watts, Ron King and Phil O'Connor are among the many excellent players in this band.
Jazz is rhythm and meaning.
– Henri Matisse
D.C. al capone: you betta go back to the beginning, capiche?
