L.A. Jazz Fix to Host Concert for Homeless; Hamilton High Wins Two Student Awards

Pianist Milcho Leviev, the a cappella vocal group Terra Nova and the New Age-ish Mulholland Drive are among the jazz artists donating their services Tuesday at At My Place. The L.A. Jazz Fix concert is a benefit for Can-Do, an organization designed to help the homeless help themselves.

“One-third of the homeless can change their circumstances if they just get a little help, not a hand-out,” said Can-Do president Maureen Fagan. “We want to restore jobs, increase employment, all in all make economic opportunities for the homeless.”

The proceeds from the benefit--which also spotlights the London-based band Siljex and the local Latin/jazz group Colors--will go into a fund that also includes donations from L.A. Rock Fix, held March 29 at Club Lingerie. Additional upcoming benefits will include L.A. Reggae Fix, L.A. R&B;/Gospel Fix and the final Big Fix, all planned for this summer. “We hope to have a big star for the Big Fix,” said Fagan, who added that after the final event, Can-Do plans to open a facility and begin implementing its programs. Information: (213) 934-8830.

YOUTHFUL HONOREES: Two musicians and an instrumental group from Hamilton High School have received awards in the 12th annual down beat magazine Student Music Awards. Pianist Vernal Brown Jr. was chosen as best blues/pop/rock instrumentalist in the high school division, and the school’s combo was selected as the best blues/pop/rock instrumental group. In addition to a plaque, Brown earned a partial scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston for his taped performance, which was judged on such qualities as overall sound, presence or authority, technique, improvisation and phrasing by a panel that included local composer-bandleader Les Hooper, producer/composer Teo Macero and singer-musician Don Shelton, among others.

Additionally, Hamilton’s Julian Coryell, a guitarist, received an outstanding performance citation in the jazz instrumental soloist division.

NEW ROSTER: Here’s the current Monday-Friday deejay line-up at KKGO-FM (105.1), Los Angeles’ 24-hour commercial jazz outlet, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Dave Meyer, who was with the station in the late ‘70s, is back, working the morning-drive, 6-10 a.m. shift. He is followed by Laura Lee from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Jim Gosa, a 21-year veteran of KKGO who also recently passed the California bar exam, 2-6 p.m.; Chuck Niles, who’s been with the station since 1965, 6-10 p.m. (except Tuesdays); Sam Fields, who has put in 17 years at 105, mostly on graveyard, who is now heard 10 p.m.-2 a.m.; and newcomer Steve Henderson, 2-6 a.m.

***** “Black, Brown and Beautiful” (Bluebird) is a 1970 Oliver Nelson session that spotlights the great altoist Johnny Hodges on many tracks. Nelson, who died in 1975, provides rousing big-band settings for the long-favored Ellington soloist and Hodges responds with soaring statements on Duke’s “Echoes of Harlem,” “Creole Love Call” and “Empty Ballroom Blues,” as well as Nelson’s “Yearning,” where Hodges is edgy and vital. Leon Thomas’ throaty vocals are exhibited on three numbers, capped by a screaming “Welcome to New York.” One cut from Nelson’s experiment-with-electronics “Skull Session” is an ideal coda for this collection. . . .

*** 1/2 “On Solid Ground” (MCA) is guitarist Larry Carlton’s return to recording and touring (he appears Friday and Saturday at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano) after being shot by assailants outside his Hollywood area home last year. If Carlton suffered any lasting physical damage from the attack, you can’t hear it on this session. Playing with his trademark shiny, thick sound and relaxed jazz/blues/rock feel, Carlton offers Steely Dan’s “Josie,” Eric Clapton’s “Layla” and a slate of originals with conviction and poise. He’s especially tasty on the title track, a plaintive ballad. Saxman Kirk Whalam and keyboardist Terry Trotter are also featured.