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 6/29 - Gonzalo Bergara & Friends & Jam at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill
Gypsy jazz guitarist Gonzalo Bergara has been gaining attention around L.A. and is working his way into more and more venues. The last Monday of each month he hosts a jam session at Joe's Great American Bar & Grill in Burbank, featuring a set from his band followed by an open jam that includes many of the area's finest gypsy jazz players and other strong local jazz players. A late-night gig of note is saxophonist Katisse Buckingham's quartet at Seven Grand in downtown L.A.
Tuesday 6/30 - Susan Krebs Quartet at Cafe 322
Cafe 322 in Sierra Madre has become an area jazz hotspot for those northeast of L.A. Tuesday night's lineup includes vocalist Susan Krebs, backed by a very able trio with Theo Saunders on piano, Ryan McGillicuddy on bass, and Sinclair Lott on drums, with special guests expected as well. Krebs appears with the same trio Friday night at Spazio in Sherman Oaks.
Wednesday 7/1 - Steve Smith & Vital Information at Catalina
Drummer Steve Smith has been one of the most respected in jazz and rock for the last three decades. Wednesday begins a three night stand for Smith with his long-time fusion band Vital Information, which also features Baron Browne on bass, Vinny Valentino on guitar, and veteran Santana keyboardist Tom Coster. This is the first area appearance for Smith and Vital Information in some time, and not to be missed. Wednesday-Friday.
Thursday 7/2 - The Hornets at The Baked Potato
Yellowjackets fans have three nights to celebrate with the return of The Hornets, featuring the most well-known lineup of Yellowjackets. Saxophonist Bob Mintzer is joined by keyboardist Russell Ferrante, Jimmy Haslip on bass, and long-time drummer Will Kennedy. Thursday-Saturday, and reservations are highly recommended.
Friday 7/3 - Rickey Woodard with the John Heard Trio at Charlie O's
Long-time Charlie O's house bassist John Heard celebrates his 71st birthday Friday night at Charlie O's in Van Nuys. Saxophonist Rickey Woodard headlines, with Lanny Hartley on piano and the ageless legend Roy McCurdy on drums. Cake will be served.
Saturday 7/4 - Eliseo Barrero Quartet at Spazio
For those who'd rather celebrate the 4th with musical fireworks, Spazio in Sherman Oaks is a good bet for Saturday night. Bassist Eliseo Barrero leads a strong quartet featuring Jimmy Branly on drums, Katisse Buckingham on reeds, and the excellent young pianist Mahesh Balasooriya.
Sunday 7/5 - Shogun Warrior at The Baked Potato
The holiday weekend ends with a Sunday performance from one of the area's best live bands, Shogun Warrior. Keyboard wiz Jeff Babko is joined by fellow Jimmy Kimmel Live! bandmate Toshi Yanagi on guitar, John Daversa on trumpet and EVI, Mike Elizondo on bass, and Toss Panos on drums. This fusion jam band is one of the most consistently musical and interesting anywhere in L.A., evoking memories of the early 1970's bands of Miles Davis.
Jazz is rhythm and meaning.
– Henri Matisse
D.C. al capone: you betta go back to the beginning, capiche?
