Joe Brotherton, photo by Marc Rothchild

>> Butch Warren played with the finest in jazz throughout the 1960s, including Thelonious Monk and Dexter Gordon. He has gone through periodic rough spells over the past several decades, and let’s just say that a conversation with him can lead to some interesting places. That’s just one of many reasons to catch the legendary bassist and his band on Wednesday nights at Columbia Station (2325 18th Street, NW). Call 202-462-6040 for set time and cover information.

>> Songstress Nicole Henry made her name interpreting the Great American Songbook. Over her last couple of releases, she has started to depart from standards by incorporating original and more obscure material. Henry performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Thursday afternoon, the Historical Society of Washington, D.C. presents a lunch time concert featuring pianist and local mainstay Peter Edelman. The concert will take place at 801 K Street, NW. 12 to 1:30 p.m. Free

>> Billy Cobham burst onto the scene in the 1970s and turned the drumming world on its ear while working with such trailblazing acts as Miles Davis and John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra . The legendary skinsman will lead his own group through a four night stand at Blues Alley, beginning on Thursday. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $43 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.

>> Blues harmonica player Bruce Ewan and the U.S. Navy Commodores team up for a double bill this Friday at Jazz in the Garden. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Free

>> This Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz, saxophonist Will Scruggs and B3 organist Nate Shaw team up to co-lead the funky CC Booker III, a group dedicated to the soul-jazz sound of Ray Charles, Booker T & the MGs, and King Curtis. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $16.

>> Local trumpeter Joe Brotherton plays in a variety of settings all over town, notably with DCist fave Thad Wilson as part of his Monday night jazz orchestra at Bohemian Caverns. This Friday and Saturday, Brotherton’s own quintet will be at the historic club, backing soulful saxophonist Stephen Riley. Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15.

>> DCist interviewed bassist Matt Grason to preview his performance with jazz/hip-hop collective Motel at Unbuckled 7. This Saturday, he will be leading his straight-ahead jazz group at HR-57. The band will feature New York’s Jostein Gulbransen on guitar, whose 2007 release, Twelve, was a top pick by the critics of The Village Voice. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $12.