This Week in Jazz
>> It's been over a year since Chick Corea last came to the area. He will return tonight to Strathmore, for this week's top pick. Corea and guitar legend John McLaughlin began their collaboration 40 years ago, playing in Miles Davis's pioneering electric groups. Their group, called The Five Peace Band, will include bassist Christian McBride, drummer Brian Blade, and saxophonist Kenny Garrett. All but the premium seats are sold out. 8 p.m.
>> Pianist Larry Brown has long been a regular on the local scene. He'll be performing 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Three Stars alum Brad Linde has two interesting shows this week. Tonight, he will be paying tribute to influential bebop saxophonist Gigi Gryce at Utopia, 9 p.m (no cover). On Thursday at Twins Jazz, Linde & Co. will play another tribute show, this time to pianist Sonny Clark, who played on numerous Blue Note recordings during the 50s and 60s. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Charlie Young, professor of saxophone at Howard University, leads a top flight group of musicians on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Saxophonist Brian Settles is all over the place nowadays, notably playing with Three Stars alums Thad Wilson and Lenny Robinson. He will lead his own group through 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. $15. After the show on Saturday, stick around to check out the potent duo of keyboardist Federico Pena and drummer Sean Rickman for Jazz After Hours. Midnight. $5
>> The Kennedy Center has an impressive lineup of shows this weekend. On Friday, pianist and D.C. native Marc Cary brings his Focus Trio plays 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets at the KC Jazz Club ($15). Grammy winning bassist John Clayton will team up with his son, pianist Gerald Clayton for sets at the same times on Saturday ($25).
>> Saxophonist and Howard University grad Richard Clay has won an NEA grant for composition. On Friday and Saturday, he will lead a group that will include pianist Harry Appleman and drummer Tony Martucci at Twins Jazz. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Smooth jazz pianist David Benoit sets up shop this Friday through Sunday at Blues Alley. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $37.75 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje will lead his own group through a special afternoon concert on Sunday at Twins Jazz. 3 p.m. $12
>> Ljova and the Kontraband plays a genre-defying blend of chamber music, gypsy melodies, jazz, and tango rhythms. They will perform on the Millennium Stage next Monday. 6 p.m. Free
>> Local vocalist Pam Parker's repertoire ranges from standard jazz to pop and R&B. Her group will perform on Monday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $18 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.