Nick Gomez Drops Latest Single, 'Stimulus'

Nick Gomez

LOS ANGELES - As Nick Gomez walked his first Hollywood red carpet last Thursday night, it was a night to celebrate multiple professional accomplishments made possible by his personal decision to get sober.

Gomez’s new jazz-funk single, “Stimulus,” dropped on August 22. That same day, “Hollywood Grit,” the first feature film for which the saxophonist composed the score and cowrote, produced, and arranged the music for the jazz club-set noir thriller, was released in 22 AMC Theatres. Gomez is also marking the sixth anniversary of his sobriety.   

“Stimulus” was written about the period of uncertainty that followed Gomez's decision to get sober.

“‘Stimulus’ was born out of one of the most uncertain moments of my life. I made the decision to get sober in August of 2019. Six months later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Like everyone else, I found myself in survival mode—unsure, uninspired, and just trying to get through each day. Eventually, I found my way back to music. When those economic stimulus checks started going out, that (financial) spark gave me the freedom to pick up my horn, write again, and turn a strange time into something joyful. ‘Stimulus’ channels the spirit of joy, freedom, and gratitude into song,” said Gomez, who plays tenor saxophone on the high-energy song that he wrote and produced for his “The Blue One” EP, which was issued earlier this year.

Pulling from the classic funk grooves evocative of James Brown and Motown Records, “Stimulus” is a full-throttle workout on which Gomez gives each member of his quartet - guitarist Jon Gus, Hammond B3 organist Steve Aguilar, bassist Russell Walters, and drummer Joshua Zeigler – a turn to rip a solo before the saxman lets loose his own impassioned wails. Trumpeter Chris Lawrence adds horn power to the track that began collecting radio playlist adds on August 25. Gomez and his band released a video for “Stimulus” (https://youtu.be/Js-M3cGMwV8) on Monday.

“We went old-school with the video, with some modern and fun surprises. It was shot at Total Access Studios in Redondo Beach, California. Like all my videos, it’s a fun watch. It really translates the vibe and energy of ‘Stimulus,’” said Gomez, who will begin a three-month residency on October 12 at the Lighthouse Café in Hermosa Beach, playing one show per month.

An eight-time Emmy Award nominee, Gomez composed sixty minutes of music for “Hollywood Grit,” which stars Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Linda Purl, and Patrick Duffy. The musician has been collaborating with the film’s director and co-writer, Ryan Curtis, since 2014. Music plays a leading role in the movie set in a Hollywood jazz club, and Gomez was allowed to compose the film score and co-write eight new songs with Gus and Sarah Cardenas. Gomez also produced and arranged ten songs for the detective movie that astutely balances corruption, loss, addiction, and comedy. The film soundtrack, featuring a mix of big band, straight-ahead, contemporary, orchestral, avant-garde, and free-style jazz, along with elements of R&B, pop, and funk, is now available (https://ffm.to/nqjxwwb), as is the film score. 

The Los Angeles-born Gomez grew up on Hollywood film and television sets with his family, who work in the industry. His first musical instrument was a clarinet, but by the time he attended Berklee College of Music, he had transitioned to playing the saxophone. Gomez has released six albums, and he’s placed multiple singles on the national charts. His music has appeared in films, television shows, commercials, and comedy specials, including “Katt Williams: Live.” Gomez hopes that “Hollywood Grit” was the first of many red-carpet premieres.

For more information, visit https://www.nickgomez.net.

 

Dave Koz Brings His 'Friends Summer Horns Tour' To The Hollywood Bowl

Smooth Summer Jazz Dave Koz + Friends Summer Horns

By Darlene Donloe

Saxophonist Dave Koz is planning to hit all the right notes when he brings his Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns Tour to the iconic Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, Aug. 31.

This ultimate summer serenade promises to be a harmonious blend of jazz, funk, and R&B, featuring the saxophone mastery of smooth jazz legend Koz joined by Jonathan Butler, Kayla Waters, the Ohio Players and the summer horns of Marcus Anderson (saxophone), Jeff Bradshaw (trombone), Leo P (baritone saxophone), Evan Taylor (trumpet), vocalists Marcel Anderson and Marcus Anderson, with special guest R&B legend Regina Belle. 

Koz, a Grammy-nominated saxophonist and global jazz ambassador, has been a staple in the music industry for over three decades. 

With 12 No. 1 albums on Billboard's current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Koz has a reputation for getting the crowd moving. 

The Summer Horns tour celebrates the iconic horn sections of the 1970s, blending classic hits with modern arrangements. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 13, Koz and the Summer Horns were en route to a performance in Napa when their plane was delayed.  The group was scheduled to perform as part of the Blue Note Summer Sessions at the Meritage Resort on Friday, Aug. 15. However, their flight from St. Louis to Seattle was diverted to Boise, Idaho.

Without missing a beat, the group took out their instruments and turned a delayed flight, due to mechanical issues, into an impromptu in-flight concert in the aisle of the plane.  

The performance, which included a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s ‘You Haven’t Done Nothing,’ was captured on video and went viral. 

Dave Koz

I spoke to the jazz saxophonist - prior to the concert on the plane - about his upcoming Hollywood Bowl concert. The August 31 concert, celebrating Labor Day weekend, will mark the 11th time Koz (DK) has headlined the iconic venue.

DD:  What inspired you to create “The Ultimate Summer Party!”  Dave Koz and Friends Summer Horns Tour, and what’s the vision behind it?

DK: The music. We take it back to the bands of the past. I grew up listening to bands like Tower of Power. Tower of Power is the first album I bought. It’s an appreciation for the music that made you who you are. The music shaped us.

DD: Touring can be therapeutic.

DK: We’ve been on the tour for three weeks. As complicated as our world is, this music is washing over people and making them feel good. It’s the power of the horn section.

DD: What’s the power of the horn section?

DK: We’re going back to 2013, the original horns were Mindy Abair, Richard Elliot, and Gerald Albright. We wanted to pay tribute to the songs we loved. Every other year, it morphs and changes. This year features a full horn section, delivering that raw power. I want to make the music mine. When you take on a cover, how do you make it your own? If you can’t make it your own, you should leave it alone.

DD: How do you capture the essence of summer in your music, and what can fans expect from your "Ultimate Summer Party" tour?

DK: The venue helps a lot when it comes to capturing the essence of the summer. The Hollywood Bowl is the quintessential venue in the world.  There is nothing like the Hollywood Bowl. I grew up in L.A., and my parents would take me, my brother, and my sister there. There is something for everybody at the Bowl. It doesn't matter what’s happening on stage. 

DD: How do you plan to make this Labor Day weekend show unforgettable for your fans?

DK: It’s a beautiful night of music. We have Jonathan Butler, Kayla Waters, Ohio Players, and Summer Horns - Evan Taylor, Jeff Bradshaw, Leo P, the Anderson Brothers (Marcel and Marcus), and special guest Regina Belle. All of those in one night at the Hollywood Bowl. That should give everyone a big smile.

Dave Koz

DD: Can you give us a sneak peek at the setlist for the Hollywood Bowl show?

DK: We are doing the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire, Tower of Power, Frankie Valli, and the Four Seasons. We will cover ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.’ We will do some stuff by Stevie [Wonder], and, of course, we’ll do some of my hit songs. Regina Belle and Marcel Anderson will sing together. This show is tightly orchestrated. 

DD: Are there any plans to record or release new music in conjunction with the tour?

DK: We did it at the beginning of the summer. We got together in the studio. We recorded a new version of ‘Vehicle,’ which was done by the Ides of March. There hadn’t been many covers of that song. It’s a great song.

DD: What should I know that I didn’t ask you about the show?

DK: We are privileged and honored to take this show to the Hollywood Bowl. I refer to it as the L.A. version of Carnegie Hall.

Smooth Summer Jazz, Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns with special guest Regina Belle, Hollywood Bowl, 6:30 p.m., August 31, 2025 – tickets starting at $44.90 (plus fees). 

International City Theatre Announces 2026 Season

LONG BEACH, Calif. (August 18, 2025) – International City Theatre has announced a 2026 season of five plays that reflect our capacity to overcome adversity.

“Our next season features two dramas, two comedies, and a musical, each of which celebrates our unflagging ability as humans to push through difficult times and emerge stronger than ever,” says artistic director caryn desai [sic]. “It’s an opportunity for audiences to reflect, laugh, and sing together, and to remember that better days lie ahead.”

Launching the season in February, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the crowd-pleasing musical comedy revue with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music by Jimmy Roberts that tackles modern love in all its forms. Four actors play over 40 roles in a collection of scenes and songs that scale the dizzying spectrum of male/female relationships, revealing the difficulties and joys of connecting with another person at nearly every stage of life. (February 20 through March 8; previews on February 18 and February 19)

Next up is the world premiere of Warsaw, a new drama by British playwright and screenwriter Paul Webb (Selma). Shortly after September 11, 72-year-old Krystyna fights for her life in a Brooklyn hospital following a car accident. As she emerges from a medically induced coma, four people wait and reveal the reasons why her survival is vital to them. (May 1 through May 17; previews on April 29 and April 30.)

From playwright Peter Quilter, author of International City Theatre hit productions of End of the Rainbow and Glorious!, comes the American premiere of Allegra. Allegra is full of joy. So much of it that she can’t stop herself from bursting into song. Sometimes the music is only a fantasy in her head… at others, it results in a loud and disruptive performance that causes chaos. Her brother Ronen and housekeeper Anna must somehow control her eccentricities — and avoid more angry visits by the local policeman. However, is this possible without destroying the great happiness that fills Allegra's heart? (June 12 through June 28; previews on June 10 and June 11.)

August will see the Los Angeles premiere of Conscience, a new play by Joe DiPietro about trailblazing Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, the first senator to stand on the Senate floor and publicly rebuke Senator Joseph McCarthy, who rose to power using post–World War II anti-Communist hysteria and ruined the lives of those who opposed him. Margaret Chase Smith’s “Declaration of Conscience” speech was a public act of defiance at a time when both Democrats and Republicans were cowed into silence for fear of retribution. (August 28 through September 13; previews on August 26 and August 27.)

Closing out the season in November, the West Coast premiere of The Laugh Track by Wendy MacLeod (House of Yes, Slow Food) goes behind the scenes as I Love Lucy head writer Madelyn Pugh fiercely and hilariously navigates the male-dominated entertainment industry. Based on the real-life experiences of Hollywood’s first female TV writer, this play shines a light on the inner workings of America’s beloved sitcom and the woman who paved the way for women in the writers’ room. (November 6 through November 22; previews on November 4 and November 5.)

Recognized by Long Beach as the City’s resident professional theater company, International City Theatre is the recipient of over 500 awards, including the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle’s prestigious Margaret Harford Award for “Sustained Excellence” and the LADCC’s 2016 Polly Warfield Award for an “Excellent Season.” In addition to its professional theater productions, ICT offers six community and educational outreach programs each year. The company’s commitment to the community also includes ongoing collaborations with Long Beach’s African American community and other groups and organizations. Former Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe called ICT “a cultural treasure.”

All performances take place Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

For more information about ICT’s 2026 season and to purchase subscriptions or single tickets, call (562) 436-4610 or visit www.InternationalCityTheatre.org

 

& Juliet: A Review

The cast of '& Juliet'

By Darlene Donloe  

The Ahmanson Theatre's production of & Juliet, which opened Friday, Aug. 15, is so hot it leaves the stage blazing. 

The show opens with William Shakespeare and his wife Anne Hathaway, arguing over what would make a better ending to Shakespeare’s latest tragedy, ‘Romeo and Juliet.’

Hathaway wants Juliet to have a second chance at love, while Shakespeare wants a tragic ending.

A high-energy must-see, with Rachel Simone Webb shining as the titular lead character, ‘& Juliet’ has something for everybody.

There’s music, dancing, vibrant lights, an intriguing story, and lots of comedy.

In this reimagined jukebox musical version of Shakespeare's classic tale, Juliet refuses to let her story end with Romeo. 

Instead, she seizes control, rewriting her fate for a second shot at life and love on her own terms.

The show uses pop songs from the 90s and 2000s, written by Max Martin, to drive the narrative and is praised for its fun, energetic, and empowering atmosphere. 

Webb brings Juliet's journey to life with infectious energy and charm.

As the protagonist navigates self-discovery, friendship, and new romance, Webb's performance is both captivating and empowering. 

Her powerful vocals shine in iconic pop anthems like "Roar" and "Since U Been Gone," which are boldly reimagined for the stage.

The music in ‘& Juliet’ is a key element that drives the story forward. 

The musical features a modern pop-infused score with catchy and upbeat numbers. 

The creative team has done an excellent job of incorporating popular pop songs into the show, making it a must-see for fans of music and theater.

Some of the notable songs include "I Want It That Way,” “Baby One More Time,” “Oops!.. I Did It Again,” “I Kissed A Girl,” “It’s My Life,” “Love Me Like You Do,” “Problem/Can’t Feel My Face,” “Everybody,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”

There are plenty of fun and upbeat numbers adding to the show's energetic vibe.

The music is expertly woven into the narrative, blending seamlessly with the story to create a unique and captivating theatrical experience. 

Webb's portrayal of Juliet is a testament to her talent, making this production an unforgettable experience. 

The show features a talented cast, including Teal Wicks, Paul Jordan Jansen, and Kathryn Allison, with impressive choreography by Jennifer Weber and direction by Luke Sheppard.

David West Read’s witty book provides a playful and humorous approach to the classic tragedy.

There’s a lot to unpack in the show, including some thought-provoking themes about the power of choice. The show’s positive and empowering message also includes the feminist perspective, and allows people to love who they love.

The creative team expertly weaves together music, comedy, and romance, creating a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

The set design by Soutra Gilmour and costumes by Paloma Young add to the show's vibrant atmosphere.

& Juliet is a celebration of independence, resilience, and rewriting your ending. 

With its high-energy performances, catchy music, and empowering message, this musical is not to be missed. 

Don't let Romeo's tragic tale fool you – Juliet's story is just beginning, and it's a wild ride. 

This show is chock full of strong performances by every member of the stellar cast and catchy tunes.

‘& Juliet,’ directed by Luke Sheppard, stars Webb, Paul-Jordan Jansen, Teal Wicks, Corey Mach, Nick Drake, Kathryn Allison, Michael Canu, Mateus Leite Cardoso, Naima Alakham, Camille Brooks, Nella Cole, Lois Ellise, Josh Fermin, Virgil Gadson, Ishmael Gonzalez, Kenneth Onesimus Goubran, Shelby Griswold, Christopher Robert Hanford, Jourdan Ibe, Josh Jordan, Nicole Lamb, Yoshi Maysonet, Usman Ali Mughal, Kyra Smith, and Francisco Thurston.

‘& Juliet,’ Ahmanson Theatre, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. Tues.-Thur., 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 1 and 7 p.m. Sundays, through September 7, 2025, tickets start at $47.15, 213 628-2772, wwwCenterTheatreGroup.org 

‘& Juliet’ moves to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, September 9-21, 714 556-2787. 

Runtime: 2 hours and 25 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. 

On the DONLOE SCALE: D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likeable), O (oh, yeah), and E (excellent), ‘& Juliet’ gets an E (excellent).

 

 

Joe Taylor Releases His "Last Boat Home"

 

BENNETTS POINT, SC (11 AUGUST 2025): Guitarist Joe Taylor’s physical and musical homes have been transitional in recent years, which is exhibited on his two latest recordings. Last year’s “Westside Chill” captured Taylor in his New York City environs, where he took subways, buses, and planes to get home on a contemporary jazz-influenced album, which was reflected in the image on the album’s cover. The cover of the new “Last Boat Home,” which arrives from Moonwatcher Music on August 22, shows Taylor awaiting “the last boat” for the final transition to his new musical home - a rootsy blend of instrumental Americana blues and jazz.

During transitional moves, people often call on friends, which is exactly what Taylor did to usher in this new sound and style. He invited three of his accomplished New York City-based musician friends to embark on the transformational journey with him. Pianist Jeff Franzel (Frank Sinatra, Shawn Colvin, Mel Torme, Dianne Reeves, Sammy Davis, Jr.), bassist Paul Adamy (Freddie Hubbard, Phoebe Snow, Joan Osborne, Carly Simon), and drummer-percussionist Ray Marchica (James Brown, Roy Buchanan, Barbra Streisand, Jimmy Webb) traveled to Taylor’s Bennetts Point, South Carolina fortress to spend a week in his island studio, Salt Creek Recording. There, the four friends cowrote and coproduced ten new songs for “Last Boat Home,” which required a second weeklong visit to complete.

“There are two places I have been able to call home. Having lived most of my adult life in Manhattan, it became home. The familiar neighborhoods and many wonderful people I know all over the city gave me a sense of refuge in what can be a daunting environment. My Southern home is a more natural environment, having grown up on the water down here. Upon my return, I wanted to build a place where my musical friends could comfortably stay and create, away from the pressurized atmosphere of New York City. I built the house for my wife, Stacey, and me, with a state-of-the-art recording studio with guest quarters for our visiting friends. This has become a way to offer some creative refuge, perhaps as a way of thanking them for embracing me when I first ventured to New York,” said Taylor who introduced his “city slicker” guests to the Southern lifestyle on the water during evening hangs on the boat, shrimp dock, and at B&B Seafood’s general store.  

Two tracks from “Last Boat Home,” the title cut and “Goodnight Gracie,” were issued as singles to whet the appetite of listeners. Taylor describes writing, recording, and producing the album as truly a collaborative creation.

“Rather than come in with pre-conceived compositions, we each came with snippets and threads of grooves, melodies, and colors, and fed off each other’s vibes and ideas - live and on the spot. We wanted the whole record to have that old-school rootsy feel of an ‘in the studio’ recording. Having played with these master musicians in various recording and live situations in New York City over the last thirty or so years, we all fell right into that pocket that occurs when longtime musical friends are let off the leash together,” Taylor said.   

The album opens with “Last Boat Home,” on which Taylor emotes lyrically on his McGill Resonator guitar while Gary Morse adds steel guitar accents. Franzel’s piano serves as a protagonist on the emotional ballad.

Adamy wrote the gorgeous melody for “Goodnight Gracie” for his beloved dog, Gracie, while Taylor switches to an electric guitar to recall the late George Burns’s signature sign-off.

A simple and modest man, Taylor laughs when discussing the title of “Mason Jar,” another electric guitar-led tune that shuffles into Steely Dan-like territory.

“During playback, while we were sitting in the control room, Paul was keeping time with a pencil on my wine glass, which is invariably a Mason jar. All my pals laugh at my inelegant use of a Mason jar when I have a glass of wine, but it comes from my grandfather, who was an actual moonshiner who served his toxic mixture in a Mason jar." 

On “I See A Spider,” Taylor’s electric guitar slinks along deliberately, winding its way into a call-and-response banter with Franzel’s genteel piano. Taylor Bennett's Point home is nestled in the middle of the ACE Basin Wildlife Preserve. His big city guests anticipated seeing various forms of wildlife during their stay, but the spider that entered the recording studio was the only wildlife they encountered.

Veering off into the exotic, “Bumba Meu Boi” has a Brazilian jazz feel, providing Marchica with the opportunity to show off his formidable percussion skills.

Taylor pulls from another unexpected source on “Burnin’ Daylight.”

“I stole the opening lick from the Luther Vandross tune ‘Never Too Much’ in fond remembrance. I got to hang with Luther a little bit at Sony Studios in New York when I was recording my album ‘Spellbound’ and Luther was in the next studio over. One night, I walked in, and he had ordered bags and bags of Mrs. Fields’ chocolate chip cookies that were spread out all over the credenza with gallons of milk for everyone. He was a kind and lovely man,” recalled Taylor fondly.

“Melba” is a cozy and affectionate tune penned for Franzel’s late mother, who used to come watch her son and Taylor play gigs in New York City nightclubs.

Dancing to a distinctly New Orleans rhythm, “Royal Street” is named for Taylor’s favorite part of the French Quarter.  

“We always stay at the Cornstalk Inn on Royal Street. On our last trip, our beloved bloodhound, Ida Mae, was with us, and she loved NOLA, too. Great memory of her lying at the door of Preservation Hall listening to the music. She was a true aficionado and had been on the tour bus and on stages with us all over the country,” shared Taylor.

Adamy constructed a fun bassline for the groovy “Well, I Reckon,” while his funky bass groove on the album closer, “Kinda Greasy,” sets a Memphis soul vibe.

Taylor will reunite with Franzel, Adamy, and Marchica for four upcoming concert dates to launch “Last Boat Home.” They have a pair of Michigan shows slated for August 20 and 21 in Elk Rapids and Glen Arbor, respectively, followed by a pair of South Carolina dates on September 5 in Charleston and in Camden on September 6.

Taylor’s 1988 solo debut album, “Mystery Walk,” led to a record deal with RCA/Victor for 1995’s “Spellbound.” His releases consistently landed on the Billboard contemporary jazz albums charts. An in-demand session musician and record producer, Taylor has collaborated with a wide array of artists such as Dave Koz, Donna Summer, Nile Rodgers, Al B. Sure!, and Andrew Lloyd-Webber. Composing music for other media, his television and film resume includes “Stephen King's Golden Years,” Discovery Channel's “SpyTek” with Roger Moore, ABC Television's “Turning Point,” and A&E's “Spies.”

The “Last Boat Home” album contains the following songs:

“Last Boat Home”

“Goodnight Gracie”

“Mason Jar”

“I See A Spider”

“Bumba Meu Boi”

“Burnin’ Daylight”

“Melba”

“Royal Street”

“Well, I Reckon”

“Kinda Greasy”

To pre-save “Last Boat Home,” please go to https://orcd.co/lastboathomealbum.

For more information, visit http://www.joetaylormusic.com.