Buck Hill>> Inner Loop is a collective of D.C.musicians blending the improvisation of jazz with the programming and looping of electronica. They’ll be upstairs at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge tonight. 9 p.m. Call 202-667-0088 for cover information.
>> Guitarist Rodney Richardson is a familiar face around town, playing with a variety of groups. He’ll be leading his own band tonight at U-topia in a tribute to the great John Coltrane. The ensemble will feature bassist Eric Harper, drummer David McDonald, and special guest saxophonist Elijah Balbed. 9 p.m. No cover.
>> Local woodwind artist Cesar Cartagena leads the Markov Jazz Process tonight at Twins Jazz. The trio features Henry Nam (piano) and Behzad Habibzai (drums). Call 202-234-0072 for set time and cover information.
>> A classic example of a working musician, guitarist Rory Stuart has spent nearly 30 years in New York, leading his own bands, playing with some of the city’s best, and teaching at the New School. He’ll be leading his group tonight through 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. Tickets are $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Blues great Keb’ Mo’ plays a 7:30 p.m. set tonight at the Birchmere. It’s sold out, so time to consult Craig.
>> In an interesting collision of worlds, the D.C. Primary Care Association is holding its 12th annual meeting on Thursday, titled Hard Times in the Land of Plenty: A conversation with the blues. The program is a discussion on health care reform and what lessons can be learned from blues music. Things that make you go “hmmm…” The meeting will incorporate discussions with, and performances by, blues musicians. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $20 suggested donation.
>> NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston has been on the scene for over 50 years, and pioneered the incorporation of African rhythms into jazz. He’ll be playing 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley on Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $30 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Local drummer/vibist Chuck Redd calls on the area’s best female jazz musicians to lend a hand this Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. His band will include monster bassist Amy Shook, along with saxophonist Leigh Pilzer and trombonist Jen Krupa. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Jon Irabagon, the talented winner of the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition, will be playing the Kennedy Center‘s KC Jazz Club on Friday. Stay tuned for a full preview later this week. Tickets to the 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. sets are $15.
>> Local jazz hero Buck Hill has been a fixture on the local scene for 50 years. Earning the praise of greats like Sonny Rollins, the 82-year old saxophonist has one of the most soulful sounds you’ll ever hear. Hill will return to Twins Jazz on Friday and Saturday night for 9 and 11 p.m. sets. Tickets are $15.
