This Week in Jazz
Bill Frisell
>> The Vocal Workshop is an 8-week performance course designed by local musicians Chris Grasso and Paul Pieper that culminates with a live performance. Catch the latest batch of students and learn more about the program tonight at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Bassist Stanley Clarke turned the jazz world on its ear when he burst onto the scene in the late 1960s and early '70s, first as an acoustic musician and then pioneering fusion with Return to Forever. He will be performing with pianist Hiromi and drummer Lenny White on Thursday at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $45 (preview forthcoming).
>> Always known as a singer's singer, Rachelle Ferrell's music ignores conventional boundaries and incorporates any and every style of African American music. She starts a four night stand at Blues Alley on Thursday. Tickets to the nightly 8 and 10 p.m. sets are a pricey $60 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Pianist Larry Brown has long been a regular of the local scene, leading a group that includes many of the area's best, including saxophonist Peter Fraize and trumpeter Kyle Funn. Brown will lead his group this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest, along with guest vocalist Bonnie Harris. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> It was only this past spring that guitarist Bill Frisell delivered a masterful performance at Wolf Trap that showed how taste and restraint can make for a wonderful evening of music. Frisell will return to the area on Friday, performing at the Kennedy Center along with long time colleagues Tony Scherr and Kenny Wolleson. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $35.
>> Pianist Benito Gonzalez has racked up an impressive list of credits in the 10 years or so that he has been in this country, ranging from Kenny Garrett to Pharaoh Sanders. He'll bring his technical mastery and Latin fire to Twins Jazz this weekend, playing 9 and 11 p.m. sets featuring saxophonist Azar Lawrence. Tickets are $20.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker and AJ Parham this Friday and Saturday, respectively. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12.
>> Circus of Saints is a loose knit collective of musicians from up and down the East Coast who convene from time to time in various configurations to explore the possibilities of groove and group improvisation. They'll be performing on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 8 p.m. Call 202-776-0088 for cover information.
>> Guitarist Duke Robillard has been blues messenger throughout his 30 year career, having lent his talents to artists from Bob Dylan to Tom Waits. He'll be at Blues Alley on Monday, playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Trumpeter Wayne Bergeron has carved out an impressive career as a session musician in L.A., having played on over 300 film and TV scores, as well as albums by many a marquis artist. He'll be the featured soloist on Tuesday at Blues Alley, playing with a big band led by Dave Detwiler, longtime lead trumpeter for the Army Blues. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.