Since being founded in 1985, the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra has earned the title of Southern California's premiere big band. Tonight's performance at the Ford Amphitheatre, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, marked the group's 20th anniversary. The program featured a variety of congratulatory notes for the group, including a full-page, four-color one from a Diana and Elvis, whoever they might be. And that wasn't the only cause for celebration on the evening; as Jeff Hamilton explained from the

If there is any truth to the old saw that you can judge a man by the company he keeps, then George Duke will come out alright. The veteran keyboardist headlined the final evening of the Hollywood Bowl's 2005 jazz series, a presentation entitled An Evening of Jazz Sophistication with George Duke & Friends. Among Mr. Duke's friends performing this evening: Billy Cobham, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Bobby Hutcherson, Christian McBride, Airto Moriera, Dianne Reeves and Joe Sample. On hand

The 18th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival was held on the weekend of August 12th-14th, 2005 under clear skies in Rainbow Lagoon Park. The yearly event is presented by Rainbow Promotions, who really lived up to its name by bringing an international line-up of musically and culturally diverse artists to this year's edition. Featured performers included Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui, South African trumpet legend Hugh Masekela, the British groove-meisters Down to the Bone and a special tribute to Ame

Tony Bennett, at age 79, remains the leading vocal interpreter of the Great American Songbook. Performing a concert titled Tony Bennett: The Art of Song at the Hollywood Bowl, the great singer seemed as ageless as the wonderful tunes he delivered. Opening the proceedings was a small version of the Los Angeles Philharmonic with a short set of early 20th century jazz under the baton and trumpet of Jeff Tyzik. The worlds of jazz and concert music at times intersect, and the LA Phil has sh

Tonight's entry in the Hollywood Bowl's 2005 Jazz Series was co-titled as An Evening With Concord Records and A 75th Birthday Tribute To Ray Charles. The cream of the label's roster of artists were on hand, performing three sets. The bands of Gary Burton and Poncho Sanchez were each featured individually, while The Concord All-Star Big Band closed the evening out with a tribute to Charles under the baton of Quincy Jones. All three sets featured a variety of special guests, includin