>> Beginning tonight, piano legend Ahmad Jamal (pictured with bassist James Cammack) continues his annual tradition of closing each year with a week-long residence at Blues Alley. Daily 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. sets begin tonight and run through Sunday. Tickets are $30 + $12.50 surcharge/drink minimum. On New Year’s Eve, the Keter Betts memorial band, which includes celebrated guitarist Paul Bollenback and local drumming ace Lenny Robinson, will join Jamal to ring in 2008 with 6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. sets. Information on the New Year’s packages is available here.

>> Local guitarist Miche Fambro performs tonight at Twins Jazz along with bassist Mark Foster and drummer Marty Knepp. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> 20-year old drumming wunderkind and Virginia native Billy Williams brings his quartet to Twins on Thursday. His talented group features Justin Kauflin on piano, Alan Parker on guitar, and Matt Hall on bass. Call (202) 234-0072 for set time and cover information.

>> Kelly Shepherd and Nomad Stories comes to Twins Jazz this Friday and Saturday for 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. sets. The Boston-based group specializes in acoustic music that is infused with global influences. Tickets are $20. The band will return to the club on New Year’s Eve as Twins offers a special ticket package for $75.