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.