This Week in Jazz
Lena Seikaly
>> Led by composer/director Billy Fox, Blackbirds and Bullets is a sextet that combines jazz improvisation with rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic influences from Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. They'll be on the Millennium Stage tonight. 6 p.m. Free
>> Avant-garde collective The Fourth Wall presents European free jazzers, the Frode Gjerstad Trio, with Paal Nilssen-Love & Nick Stephens, tonight at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information. 8 p.m.
>> Led by Grammy nominated brothers Zaccai and Luques, the Curtis Brothers Quartet aims to expand the palette of Latin jazz. The band will be at Twins Jazz on Thursday. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Renowned guitarist Al di Meola made his name in the 70s with Chick Corea's Return to Forever. In recent years, his focus has shifted from electric jazz to world music centered around his stellar acoustic guitar work. Catch this master on Thursday at Wolf Trap. 8 p.m. $35
>> One of the most sampled artists in music, legendary vibist Roy Ayers strike's the perfect balance between jazz and R&B. He kicks off a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Blues Alley. Tickets are $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> An eclectic night of music is sure to be on tap this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. The band features saxophonist Marshall Keys, along with violinist Matvei Sigalov and keyboard ace Federico Pena. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> It's been a while since we profiled Leonard Brown & Joyful Noise, a group led by the father of Bohemian Caverns owner Omrao Brown. The elder Brown, who is a professor of music at Northeastern University, will be playing the club on Friday and Saturday. Tickets to the 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets are $15.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker and A.J. Parham on Friday and Saturday, respectively. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12
>> Saxophonist and D.C. native Ron Sutton leads his group through 9 and 11 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. Tickets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Trachy/Lacy Collective, led by saxophonist Seth Trachy and percussionist Russell Lacy, both alums of the Kennedy Center's Jazz Ahead program, will perform on Saturday at the Millennium Stage. 6 p.m. Free
>> Charlie Hunter is a virtuoso guitarist who has raised the bar on his instrument, while appealing to jazz and jam band fans alike. He'll be performing with a trio on Saturday at Jammin' Java. 9:30 p.m. $15
>> Chaise Lounge is a local sextet specializing in a brand of lounge jazz that was quite popular in the 1960s among the college set. The band will play the Millennium Stage on Sunday. 6 p.m. Free
>> Saxophonist David Sanborn is one of the few jazz musicians to cross over to pop success without sacrificing his musical integrity. He will bring his R&B flavored sound to the Birchmere on Sunday for a set featuring dynamo organist Joey DeFrancesco. 7:30 p.m. $45
>> Saxophonist Braxton Cook is one of the area's most promising young jazz musicians, having been selected to perform at the Grammy's with a group of 30 high school musicians from across the country. Catch this up-and-comer on Sunday at Twins Jazz. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Local blues man David Cole leads a group at Blue Monday Blues, the blues counterpart to Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Hailing from the Great White North, where it is considered an up-and-coming jazz group, trumpet/bass/drums trio Chicago Goes West makes a trip south of the border to visit Twins Jazz next Tuesday. Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> Many mistake Big Band Caliente to be a salsa band because of its name, but in fact it is a true Latin jazz orchestra in the vein of those led by Arturo Sandoval and Desi Arnaz in the 40s and 50s. The 18-piece group will be at Blues Alley next Tuesday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.