Music from Across the Globe and Right Here at Home on Tap This Week on the Westside

Compiled by Tomm Carroll
Music Critic

Fri., Feb. 11-Thurs., 17 -- It’s a regular United Nations of music this week on the Westside with the world sounds of such countries as South Africa, Ireland and Mexico among the highlights, along with some of the finest local acts. Following are the best bets for the next seven days

Friday
Georgia-born jazz vocalist Lizz Wright, who made her unforgettable Los Angeles debut in 2002 by stealing the spotlight during a Billie Holiday Tribute concert at the Hollywood Bowl, has lived up to her potential as a new jazz vocal star. The soulful contralto has taken the jazz scene by storm with her widely acclaimed 2003 Verve debut, Salt, a sultry and eclectic mix of standards and original compositions laced with generous helpings of soul, gospel and R&B. She headlines a double bill tonight at UCLA’s Royce Hall on the Westwood campus.

Lizz Wright and Stefon Harris

Opening the show is vibraphonist-composer Stefon Harris and his band Blackout. Blazing new trails with his unrivaled passion, brilliant ideas and jaw-dropping virtuosity, this classically trained musician has continuously pushed the boundaries of his genre. Harris is the recipient of numerous honors, including two Grammy nominations and top spots on several critic’s polls. The recent Blue Note release, Evolution, showcases Harris’ ever-evolving talent and vision.

From her first recorded appearance as a lead vocalist with Ireland’s celebrated traditional Celtic group DeDanaan in 1981, to her tenth and latest solo disc, Don't I Know, the great Maura O'Connell has married an unmistakable deep, rich voice with an equally undeniable talent for finding what's most potent in a song to successfully pull the listener right along with her to the music's very heart. Get an early jump on St. Patrick’s Day and catch O’Connell tonight at McCabe’s Guitar Shop in Santa Monica.

Saturday
As the world acknowledges the passing of a decade since the end of apartheid, two of South Africa’s national treasures join forces in an evening of healing and transcendence at UCLA’s Royce Hall. The sweet, joyously radiant a cappella harmonies of Ladysmith Black Mambazo continue to permeate the hearts and minds of audiences around the world with a renewed energy, as the next Mambazo generation -- featuring leader Joseph Shabalala’s four sons -- inherits the torch. The group’s most recent album, Raise Your Spirit Higher, was recorded in the wake of the unsolved murder of Shabalala’s wife and is abundant with Zulu-gospel praise alongside cautionary tales about racism in post-apartheid South Africa.

Preceding Ladysmith is Vusí Mahlasela, whose music was a source of hope for South Africans under apartheid. Now in the post-apartheid era, his work continues to inspire a message of peace. The accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader and performer has drawn the attention of many important musicians, including fellow South African Dave Matthews, who made it possible for Mahlasela’s music to be heard in the US.

Saturday
"La Negra," Graciana Silva is the first lady of son jarocho, traditional music from Veracruz, Mexico. With direct, impassioned vocals and complex yet effortless counterpoint on harp, her music integrates vigorous African rhythms with Spanish melodies and Olmec Indian narratives. In this show at the Harold M. Williams Auditorium on the Getty Center grounds in the Sepulveda -- her West Coast debut -- she is joined by longtime friends Felipe Ochoa Reyes on jarana and Miguel Romero Uscanga playing requinto.

Sunday
Pure, unadulterated soul, cabaret style, is supplied by The Toledo Show at Santa Monica’s premiere blues haunt, Harvelle’s tonight and every Sunday.

Monday
Treat your sweetie to some Valentine’s Day jazz at the Jazz Bakery in Culver City this evening, when vocalist Izzy Chait and his Quintet are joined by Rachel Alejandro for an evening of love songs.

Tuesday
Purported Next Big Thing from Down Under, The John Butler Trio brings some dreadlocked Aussie funk/folk (check out his take on The Beatles’ “Across the Universe”) to Temple Bar in Santa Monica. Sharing the bill are Amy Obenski and Beth Wimmer.

Wednesday
The name of tonight’s competitors in the Battle of the Bands at Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica Pier sound like a double bill at a porno house: The Cavesluts and The Original Booty Burglars.

Thursday
And while we’re talking sleaze, the folks at Santa Monica’s 14 Below present a “Tribute to Guns n' Roses n’ Hollywood Rock n’ Roll” with such cover-boys as The Grommits, Omega, Zoomorphic and The Bo Dukes.