This Week In Jazz
>> Rachelle Farell, one of the few vocalists who successfully straddles the line between jazz, R&B and pop, will be playing at Blues Alley tonight, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Sets are at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. The rather outrageously priced tickets are available here. $60 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Two local ladies of jazz come to Twins Jazz tonight for our first must see. Trombonist Jen Krupa, a member of the Navy Commodores Jazz Ensemble, and baritone saxophonist Leigh Pilzer, a faculty member at the University of Maryland, will lead a quintet at the U Street Club. Call (202) 234-0072 for showtime and cover information.
>> Boston-based jazz-funk trio Analog Planet bring their diverse repertoire to Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call (202) 234-0072 for showtime and cover information.
>> Our next must-see takes place on Friday as pianist Tigran Hamasyan (pictured right) takes the stage at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club. This winner of the 2006 Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition takes the stage for 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
>> Jazz lovers face a tough choice on Friday, as we have yet another must-see concert. Some of the areas finest musicians will gather at Jazz Night in Southwest for a heartfelt tribute to Thelonious Monk. The band will include saxophonists Buck Hill and Lyle Link, drummer Maurice Lyles, and other fine musicians. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. $5
>> Veteran sax man Odean Pope, of the late Max Roach's band, comes to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets. He will be playing with Craig McIver on drums and Lee Smith on bass. Tickets are $20.
>> There is another fine show at the KC Jazz Club on Saturday, as the Greg Osby Five performs at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.
>> Our last must-see of the week takes place next Sunday as an exciting double bill comes to Lisner Auditorium. Jason Moran (pictured left) and The Bad Plus will take the stage for an adventurous evening of piano-based jazz. We'll have a more in depth preview for you in coming days. Tickets are $25 to $45 with a limited number of student discount seats available at the Lisner box office. 7 p.m.
>> Genre blending guitarist Miche Frambo comes to the Bossa Bistro & Lounge on Sunday for a 9:30 p.m. set. Call (202) 667-0088 for cover information.
>> One of Mexico's most well-known jazz ensembles will be performing at the Millennium Stage on Sunday. Pianist Eugenio Toussaint will lead bassist Agustin Bernal and drummer Gabriel Puentes for the 6 p.m. show. They will bring along 7-year old cornet prodigy Geoffrey Gallante as a special guest. Free.
>> Local vibist/drummer Chuck Redd, a member of Charlie Byrd's renowned trio, will bring his quartet to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets. As a special treat, veteran guitarist Frank Vignola will be joining the group. Tickets are available here. $25 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Journeyman guitarist Jimmy Bruno comes to Blues Alley next Tuesday for two sets. Tickets are $20 + $10 food/drink minimum.
Photos from artist websites