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This Week in Jazz

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The Duende Quartet
>> Alfonso Velez's music falls squarely in the singer-songwriter category. But his band, which includes jazzer Will Rast and Fugazi alum Jerry Busher, adds a twist to his sound. Velez & Co. will be performing tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20 + $12.50.


>> A hot set of local musicians will be performing on Thursday at Twins Jazz, in the form of the Duende Quartet. In 2007, Duende was one of six jazz quartets chosen to tour internationally on behalf of the State Department. The group consists of ace pianist Harry Appleman, bassist Josh Schwartzman, and hand percussionists Sam Turner and Mark Merella. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Also on Thursday, Rob Coltun, owner of the Bossa Bistro & Lounge, leads his own group, Improviso, at the club. 10 p.m. No cover

>> George Winston, a pianist often recognized for his seasonal recordings, is known for his commitment to American rural folk traditions. However, he also cites the music of New Orleans as a deep influence, and he will pay tribute to the Crescent City and Gulf Coast this Thursday through Saturday at The Barns of Wolf Trap. Thursday and Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

>> It's ladies night this Friday at the historic Bohemian Caverns. Vocalist Akua Kyerematin will front a group led by outstanding pianist Janelle Gill. On Saturday, the club will feature the Latin jazz sounds of Baltimore's Com Voce. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $18.

>> We listed this one incorrectly last week, but now it's really happening: Cuban piano sensation Chuchito Valdez, son of master pianist Chucho Valdez, will be performing this Friday and Saturday at HR-57. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $20

>> Also Friday and Saturday, Twins Jazz will host saxophonist Kelly Shepherd and his band, Nomad Stories. The group features Baltimore's own rising star, Joel Holmes on piano. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> On Saturday, Jazz Night in Southwest hosts an evening of female jazz vocalists, led by local mainstay Esther Williams. 6 to 9 p.m. $5

>> In 1963, saxophonist John Coltrane and vocalist Johnny Hartman teamed up for the sparkling album, Dedicated to You. On Saturday, crooner Kurt Elling teams up with saxophonist Ernie Watts, the Ethel String Quartet, and the Laurence Hobgood Trio at the Kennedy Center to recreate that legendary recording. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. set are sold out, but seats at the 9:30 p.m. set are still available. $30

>> NoVa based big band, Swing Shift, brings its classic sound to Blues Alley on Monday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Fans of traditional blues should head down to Blues Alley on Tuesday to catch veteran guitarist Memphis Gold, who has played with the likes of The Temptations and Martha Reeves. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

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By Sriram Gopal in on February 25, 2009 10:31 AM

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