Greg Boyer>> The Moutin Reunion Quartet, led by Francois and Louis Moutin, siblings raised in Paris who moved to New York to pursue music, has earned praise from critics on both sides of the Atlantic. They will be playing Twins Jazz tonight. Tickets to the 8 and 10 p.m. sets are $15 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The Navy Commodores is one of several military big bands in the area and boasts some terrific musicians and a diverse songbook. They’ll play 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Blues Alley. Tickets are free, but you need to call the club in advance to reserve seats. 202-337-4141
>> Few instrumentalists have received as much recent praise as pianist Vijay Iyer, whose 2009 release, Historicity, topped numerous jazz critics’ polls. Known for juggling a number of projects, Iyer will perform at the Mansion at Strathmore with Tirtha, a collaboration with guitarist Prasanna and percussionist Nitin Mitta. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are sold out, but it’s worth contacting the box office for last minute availability.
>> A native of France now based in New York, saxophonist Jerome Sabbagh is slowly establishing himself as a musician to watch. He’ll be playing with his trio on Thursday at AU’s Katzen Arts Center on Thursday as part of Jazz Appreciation Month. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. show are $25.
>> Fusing funk, rock and blues with the rhythm and melodies of his native West Africa, Baba Maal has been at the forefront of the world music scene for nearly two decades. Maal will perform and 8 p.m. show on Thursday at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. Tickets are $15-$35 + fees.
>> If you haven’t seen Frederic Yonnet, then you are missing out on one of the most innovative and technically proficient musicians out there. The French native, now based in the D.C. area, tours the world and simply plays the harmonica in ways that will make your jaw drop. He’ll be at Blues Alley on Thursday and Friday for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets are $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Three Stars alum Thad Wilson assembles a group of top notch local musicians, including fellow Three Stars alum Reginald Cyntje, at Jazz Night in Southwest for a tribute to the great Duke Ellington. 6 to 9 p.m. $5
>> Jammin’ Java is the place afrobeat fans need to be on Friday. The club is hosting a double bill of propulsive grooves with Three Stars alum Will Rast‘s Funk Ark, and the 14-piece fire of Chopteeth. 7 and 10 p.m. sets. $15
>> Fusion and funk-jazz fans should make it a point to check out The Funk Masters this Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. The group features a rotating group of musicans anchored by trombonist Greg Boyer (Prince, P-Funk), bassist Gary Grainger (John Scofield, Dennis Chambers) and drummer Todd Harrison (Jazz Ambassadors). Other musicans playing this weekend are Three Stars alum Jeff Antoniuk and keyboardist Jon Ozment (House of Soul). Tickets to the 9 and 11 p.m. sets are $15 + $12 minimum/surcharge.
