There's not many people who know more about jazz in Los Angeles than Scott Yanow. He's written nine books on jazz and has covered jazz as a journalist and critic since 1975, examining everything from bebop to Afro-Cuban jazz. See his work in the Los Angeles Times and L.A. Jazz Scene. Scott gave www.discoverlosangeles.com the scoop on LA's jazz scene, what it offers and where to go.

How would you describe LA's jazz scene to someone visiting LA?
Well, there's a lot of jazz in LA partly because of the studios here and because there are major big bands based in LA. There's also a fair number of clubs. It's a pretty healthy city as far as jazz goes. You can't really go club hopping like you can in New York, but if you go to one or two clubs a night, you can keep yourself busy.

How would you compare LA's jazz scene to other cities? You mentioned New York.
I believe the musicianship is as high as it is in New York or Chicago. Maybe it's because of the weather. The jazz scene in LA always has been laid back, cooler, relaxed. In New York there's a definite urgency (maybe because they're trying to stay warm). Some of the music [in LA] is that way. It's a cooler jazz. The sax's tend to have softer sounds, for example. It's just softer in general.

What does jazz contribute to the city of LA?
Jazz is self-expression and individuality. That's what's great about the music. The best musicians are being themselves. They know the rules of the music but they're able to express themselves by bending the rules or changing them. The key is to have a distinctive sound. If you see a jazz musician a few straight nights, usually it's different each night. In jazz you want to hear them stretch themselves. As far as the city, it's one of the great art forms, so it definitely helps the cultural atmosphere.

What are the jazz clubs you just can't miss in LA?
There are two main clubs that feature nationally famous and internationally famous musicians: Catalina's in Hollywood and the Jazz Bakery. Catalina's is more of a jazz club with a drink minimum. The Jazz bakery is more for listening. It's like a small concert hall. Even if you only go to those two you'll get a nice cross-section of the jazz here. Charlie O's and Spazio are pretty good clubs, too. La Ve Lee has good Latin jazz.

What kind of jazz is out there right now? Is there a range, or is it pretty specific?
It's mostly modern jazz. Certain kinds of jazz you'll find. Not too much Dixieland, which I'm disappointed about. Some swing, which you'll find at The Derby. But bebop up until soul jazz — modern jazz – that's pretty well covered. Fusion would be in certain spots like the Baked Potato.

Where do you think jazz in LA is going? What direction?
I think it's gradually getting more popular. The festivals help. In LA, the Playboy Jazz Festival is a pretty good one and it's a great party for two days. There are also concerts in UCLA and Hollywood Bowl. You get to see several different groups, and that often inspires people to go visit the clubs. That helps. It's always getting better. The scene is healthy.