David Weiss (bottom row, center) and The Cookers.

Like a fine wine, jazz musicians also develop with age and experience. Decades spent on stage allow a player to find a unique voice, discarding technical obstacles and the overt influences that may hinder some younger players. The Cookers, a group formed by trumpeter David Weiss, embodies this notion. The septet features musicians with over 250 years of collective experience, which includes over 1,000 recordings. They will be performing tonight and tomorrow at the historic Bohemian Caverns.

“One thing that generation has taught me is that they know how to be in bands,” said Weiss, who, at 46, is the junior member of the group. “Another thing is that they’re like-minded guys. Though all their styles are different, they have a certain common denominator too.”

The Cookers began with a different lineup and focused on the music of trumpeters Freddie Hubbard and Lee Morgan, even taking their name from a 1965 Hubbard recording, Night of the Cookers. After changing personnel, the band has settled into its current form. Most of the members came of age in the ’50s and ’60s when the hard bop and post-bop eras were in full bloom. The ensemble sound stems from its chief composers, tenor saxophonist Billy Harper, pianist George Cables and bassist Cecil McBee. These three writers all have contrasting styles that add depth to any Cookers performance. While Harper’s tunes tend to be more aggressive, lush harmonies and elegant melodies characterize Cables’ work. The band also includes Weiss and Eddie Henderson on trumpet, veteran drummer Billy Hart and another “youngster” (if one can call a 49-year-old that) in alto saxophonist Craig Handy.

Though Weiss is technically the bandleader, he is quick to say that his role is not to direct musicians of this caliber, but rather to provide the framework in which they have the room to shine.

“My fingerprints are all over it, but sometimes it’s like being a good general manager and putting the best team on the court,” he said. “I’m glad they’re doing this for me, but they’re doing it because they like it.”

Weiss also explained that while he expected to be educated by this experience, his learning has not been about the nuts and bolts of music. Instead, he gained a deeper understanding of the level to which he is expected to play.

“You’re standing next to Billy Harper and he has just finished playing, Now what are you going to do?” said Weiss. “With The Cookers, it’s just standing next to those guys and knowing what won’t cut it.”

The band has released two albums, 2010’s Warriors and 2011’s Cast the First Stone. Audiences can expect this weekend’s sets to draw heavily from these two recordings. However, there is a third recording in the works, so Weiss noted that there will be some newer material as well. This gig is also a homecoming of sorts for some band members who spent their youth in the District and would hear music at the Caverns during its heyday. Given the level of experience, musicianship and nostalgia, the performances will not disappoint.

“One thing that’s undeniable about this band is the power. These guys came up in an era where the music was just bigger,” explained Weiss. “That usually hits the audience in a certain way.”

The Cookers will perform 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets tonight and tomorrow at Bohemian Caverns. $35.