Kirkland Group First Up at Club

Kenny Kirkland, the invigorating pianist whose bold Wednesday night performances at the Bel Age Hotel’s Cafe Brasserie have been responsible for much of that Westside jazz room’s recent success, this week inaugurates Southern California’s newest jazz venue.

Kirkland, the “Tonight Show” keyboardist, leads his quartet, with bassist Nedra Wheeler, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts and percussionist Molina, Thursday through next Saturday in Cabrio’s Jazz Note Nightclub, located in the Sheraton Metro Centre Hotel in Norwalk. Showtimes are 8:45 and 10:15 p.m.

Jim Vaughn, who also books jazz talent for Lunaria in Los Angeles and Maxwell’s in Huntington Beach, selects the artists appearing at Cabrio’s, where music will be on tap Thursdays through Saturdays. “I’m going to try and have a national act once a month, with strong, original local talent the rest of the time,” said Vaughn. Pianist Gerald Wiggins’ trio arrives Feb. 25-27.

The lounge, which is two-tiered, with the bar located apart from the listening area, seats 110 people. Vaughn said cover charges will be $8-$10, with a $5 minimum.

The Sheraton Metro Centre is located at 13111 Sycamore Drive, Norwalk, two miles from the 5 and 605 freeways interchange.

Information: (800) 553-1666, (310) 863-6666.

Of Things Latino: Trumpeter Charlie Sepulveda, who has played Los Angeles with such Latin heavyweights as Tito Puente and Eddie Palmieri, makes his debut here as a leader, fronting a sextet Tuesday at Glam Slam. Information: (213) 747-4849.

Sepulveda’s latest release, “Algo Nuestro” on Antilles Records, is replete with startling, bravura performances--not only from the leader, but from saxophonist David Sanchez and pianist Edward Simon as well. The trumpeter, who cites Lee Morgan and Kenny Dorham as major influences, says that his is not your usual Latin jazz band.

“I’m trying to move Latin jazz, take it out of the traditional forms like the mambo, and stretch it,” he says. “My concept is to have a sort of ‘60s Miles Davis group, with Afro-Caribbean rhythms behind it.”

The Oxnard-based Estrada Brothers, Ventura County’s finest Latin jazz group and a band that marvelously emulates the style of the late Cal Tjader, makes its first L.A. appearance Saturday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., at T.Q.’s Bar and Grill, 5226 E. Pomona Blvd. Information: (213) 722-7992.

In the Bins: Pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi’s trio tribute to her idol, Bud Powell, “Remembering Bud--Cleopatra’s Dream,” has been released on Evidence Records. The date, formerly available only in Japan, includes treatments of such classic Powell compositions as “Tempus Fugit,” “Dance of the Infidels” and the comely “Celia.” . . . Tenor saxophonist Plas Johnson’s “Hot, Blue and Saxy” (Carell Music) features the swarthy-toned musician offering such favorites as “Save Your Love for Me,” “I’m Just a Lucky So and So” and “Hittin’ the Jug.”

Critic’s Choice: Joey Calderazzo, the New York-based pianist who plays Tuesday through Feb. 21 at Catalina Bar & Grill, has always liked to play with a lot of fury, but he keeps softening his stance, so that, more and more, warmth rather than heat, comes into his performances. At Catalina’s, bassist John Patitucci and drummer Dave Weckl will give this leading-edge pianist plenty of help.