Written by DCist contributor Sriram Gopal

There is some great jazz coming up in the area. Make some time to check out these upcoming shows:

>> On Thursday, guitar great John Abercrombie brings his quiet intensity to Blues Alley for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. Accompanying him are Masada alumnus Joey Baron on drums, bass maestro Marc Johnson, and Mark Feldman on violin. This is a lineup of wonderful musicians who are all band leaders in their own right. While Blues Alley may be tough on the wallet, seeing this group of heavyweights in such an intimate and historic room is sure to be a real treat for jazz aficionados. Abercrombie's music is also accessible, so it would be a good show for those trying to develop a taste for jazz. Ticket information is available on the web site; keep in mind there is also a $10 food/drink minimum.

Hint to potential patrons of Blues Alley: On nights when there is a low turnout for the 10 p.m. set, the club often reduces, and sometimes eliminates, the cover charge for the second set for those who attend the first set, though the food/drink minimum still applies. Who can beat 2-for-1 for great music?

>> We plan to check out New York-based keyboardist/composer Vijay Iyer and hip hop poet Mike Ladd this Friday. The pair, with the help of special guests, join forces to present "Still Life with Commentator" at GW's Lisner Auditorium (tickets online). Iyer has already earned the reputation of one of the most important and groundbreaking jazz musicians of his generation by drawing from all styles of music. "Still Life" represents his latest foray into this experimental musical world. The show, beginning at 8 p.m., is a concert presentation of the theatrical piece of the same name that garnered rave reviews when it recently held residence at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. GW students should note that a limited number of student discount tickets will be available at the box office on the night of the show.

>> There are likely less than 10 working big bands in the country and half of those are in D.C., thanks to the service bands. Next week, Blues Alley presents three military big bands, The Army Blues on Monday, the Navy Commodores on Tuesday, and The Air Force Airmen of Note on Wednesday. Though the bands rarely play any risky material, their repertoire is diverse, ranging from Ellington to Basie to more contemporary pieces. The arrangements, often scored by the band members themselves, are hot and the playing is always top notch. There is no cover for the nightly 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets, but there is the standard food/drink minimum.

>> On Tuesday, the versatile and dynamic multi-instrumentalist Omar Sosa brings a spicy mix of Afro-Cuban, world, and electronic music to the Lincoln Theater. His band is comprised of Julio Barreto on drums, Childo Thomas on bass guitar, and Mola Sylla on vocals. Sosa, unlike many jazz musicians, is not afraid to give a performance at his shows without sacrificing the musicianship that is the foundation of great jazz. The result is an energetic and uplifting concert experience that leaves audience members smiling. Tickets to the 8 p.m. performance will be distributed at the Lincoln's box office one hour before the show on a first come, first serve basis.