October 11, 2010

Jonathan Kreisberg


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Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Damn good show

August 6, 2010

Andrew Boyle Group


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Originally uploaded by GryphonD
A great way to spend a chilly L.A. night.

August 2, 2010

7/26/10 Hang.


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Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Pushed my ISO to the limit with these, and i'm pretty satisfied. Enjoy!

April 28, 2010

Brandon Bae Trio/Quintet


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Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Another night with BB & friends. Great music, great crowd.
Enjoy.

April 13, 2010

Joon Lee Quartet


Joon Lee Quartet
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Blue Whale owner Joon Lee taking the mic, and showing his vocal prowess. Being coupled with a seasoned trio made for an exciting concoction of organic music making.
Joon Lee voice
Bevan Manson on piano
Tom Rizzo on guitar
Brad Dutz percussion

Enjoy.

L.A. Jazz Quartet


L.A. Jazz Quartet
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Larry Koonse on guitar
Chuck Manning on sax
Darek Oles on bass
Kendall Kay on drums

Simply- Killin'

Monday Night Hang feat. Bob Reynolds

This M.N.H. had a special guest Bob Reynolds, who some may recognize from his John Mayer collaborations. The group played a few of his originals, and a couple standards. Great hang.

March 16, 2010

richard sears quartet


richard sears quartet
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
It was great to be back at the Blue Whale after work kept me away for two weeks. The Richard Sears Quartet (Richard Sears on rhode/organ,
Patrick Wolff on tenor sax, Adam Ratner on guitar, Hamir Atwal on drums) took everyone on a stellar journey with their many original tunes, and a couple of funky covers. They were truly a treat to listen to. Enjoy the photos!

February 21, 2010

Brandon Bae Quintet


Brandon Bae Quintet
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Guitarist Brandon Bae brings back the heat with his newly assembled quintet (Guitar - Brandon Bae, Saxophone - Dan Weidlein, Piano - Sam Hirsh, Bass - Jonathon Richards, Drums - Andrew Boyle). Armed with foot tapping standards, and heart moving original ballads, they created a blissful atmosphere that I would like to revisit. Check out the photos!

Jam Session #3


Jam Session #3
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Yet another successful jam session Monday night. As usual the House band (Hamilton Price on bass, Kevin Kanner on drums, Charles Altura on guitar and Walter Smith III on Tenor Sax) was on fire. Also kudos to all of the other musicians who participated. Enjoy the photos.

February 14, 2010

Brandon Bae Quartet


Bae Quartet
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
Hailing as the youngest group musicians to hit the Blue Whale stage, the Bae Quartet sounded like seasoned pros ( Brandon Bae on guitar, Daniel Weidlein on tenor sax, Nick Campbell on bass, and Andrew Boyle on drums). It's not everyday that you hear musicians that are barely legal play with the soul of a 40 year old. I'm looking forward to the Bae 'Quintet' this Thursday 2/18. Come check them out.

February 13, 2010

Bob Sheppard Trio


Bob Sheppard Trio
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
This was the second time i've happened to catch Bob Sheppard at the Blue Whale, and like the first time I left with a smile of satisfaction. You can clearly hear his influences who are widely varied in style, and range from Henderson to 'Trane, and Desmond to Adderly. In this picture set you will see two different rhythm sections. The first featuring Matt Gordy on drums, and the second including Gabe Noel on bass and Mike Green on drums. Check em' out when they come back!

February 12, 2010

Koonse Trio


Koonse Trio
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
The Larry Koonse Trio (Larry Koonse on guitar, Darek Oles on bass,
Chuck Manning on sax) was 'killin' as expressed these days. Larry's tone is just meaty, silky goodness, and not to mention his chops! Chuck Manning complemented the trio well with his flashy tenor lines, and Darek Oles took everyone on a journey with his expressive bass solos. Simply beautiful.

Jam Session #1


Jam Session #1
Originally uploaded by GryphonD
The premiere of the Monday night jam session was a total success. T'was a packed house, and the house band was ridiculous (Hamilton Price on bass, Kevin Kanner on drums, Charles Altura on guitar and Walter Smith III on Tenor Sax). If you want to test your chops come on down, all are welcome. Enjoy the pics!

Blue Whale Bar


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Originally uploaded by GryphonD

February 10, 2010

Welcome to my Photoblog

This photoblog was created to express the atmosphere of live jazz through the medium of photography. I will hope to convey the visceral connection established between the musicians , and their craft. This will serve as a hub for the latest pictures taken of the many jazz artists to perform at the Blue Whale jazz venue. As you should know, despite being relatively young, the Blue Whale hails as one of the most pleasantly abstract jazz venues in Los Angeles. It's chic, comfortable and cozy. Not to mention it boasts some of the most talented musicians in town. If you're not up for a show, stop by the bar, and let the charismatic bartender/musician 'Mitch' mix you up a delightful concoction. While you're at it, give a shout to the owner/musician 'Joon Lee' who's hovering around the venue most of the time.


The Blue Whale's location: 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Stree. Suite 301 Los Angeles, CA, 90012.Phone: 213.620.0908. Show Times: Mon - Sat: 8:00 pm - 2:00 am

The Blue Whale may be difficult to find the first time: Go to the north-east corner of Los Angeles Street and 2nd Street. The Kyoto Grand Hotel is on the corner…go east, and you will find Weller Court, (a Japanese 3 story mini-mall). Underground parking (free with validation) can be found by a round yellow "P" sign, just east of the hotel. The Blue Whale is on the 3rd floor Suite 301.
Find it on Facebook! (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Los-Angeles-CA/blue-whale/146100549976)

Thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy.