Joe Lovano.>> Last night, we had the privilege of being at Blues Alley to catch the second set of Joe Lovano‘s Us Five. Lovano’s masterful saxophone sound sets the tone for the band. Bassist Esperanza Spalding shows that even though she’s the genre’s fastest rising cross-over star, she is also claiming her space among its best bass players. Pianist James Weidman glues everything together. The biggest surprise comes from drummers Otis Brown III and Francisco Mela, whose musicality and simpatico drive the quintet forward. It’s a pricey ticket, but jazz fans that miss this band are doing themselves a disservice. Us Five will play 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight and tomorrow. $37.50 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> Read yesterday’s preview for full details about tonight’s Marcus Miller performance at The Howard Theatre. 6 p.m. doors/8 p.m. show. $45 in advance/$50 at the door.
>> Formed in 1996, AJQ is comprised of veteran musicians who bring a lot of experience to their approach to straight-ahead and Latin jazz. They will perform 8 and 10 p.m. sets tonight at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Smooth jazz saxophonist Yancyy performs 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Thursday at Twins Jazz. $10 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> Vocalists George Johnson and James Zimmerman celebrate the art of jazz vocalese [wordless singing] on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Larry Carlton is a guitarist who can do it all, and has a resume to prove it. The 19-time Grammy nominee has four of those awards under his belt and has performed on over 100 gold or platinum albums with the likes of Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton and Fourplay. He will be leading his own group on Friday at The Hamilton. 8:30 p.m. $38-$54 + fees.
>> Sachal Vasandani is a rarity in jazz, in that he’s a vocalist whose performances center around his original compositions. His smooth delivery is readily accessible and he always surrounds himself with top flight musicians. Vasandani will be at Bohemian Caverns on Friday and Saturday for 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. sets. $22.
>> Brazilian guitarist Rogerio Souza teams up with some of the area’s most accomplished Latin jazz players on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. The band includes drummer Alejandro Lucini, bassist Leonardo Lucini, saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk and pianist Wayne Wilentz. 9 and 11 p.m. sets. $15 + $10 food/drink minimum.
>> HR-57 hosts regulars Antonio Parker (Friday) and Kent Miller (Saturday). 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. $15.
>> Vibraphonist Roy Ayers is a soul-jazz legend, and next to icon James Brown, considered hip-hop’s most sampled artist. On Friday, Ayers will begin a three night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $35 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> The annual Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition has shined a spotlight on many young lions who have risen to be the genre’s brightest stars. This year’s event, which takes place this weekend, will focus on the drums. A full schedule of events and ticket information is available here.
>> “Peace on Earth” is an extended composition by John Coltrane that he performed only once, during a tour of Japan in 1966. To celebrate the jazz master’s birthday, local bassist Luke Stewart assembled a group of area musicians to recreate the experience on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. Stewart’s group will open for a duo featuring reedist Joe McPhee and bassist Dominic Duval. Part of Transparent Productions’ Sundays @ 7 series. 7 p.m. $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
>> The Bad Plus is one of the most distinctive groups in jazz. We’ll run a full preview on Friday, but for now you should know that they’ll be playing at The Hamilton on Sunday. 7:30 p.m. $30.50 + fees.
>> New York’s Kelly Ash is a vocalist with extensive training in jazz, but her original material also draws from soul, folk and pop influences. She will pay a visit to D.C. to play Twins Jazz on Sunday. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $10 +$10 food/drink minimum.
>> World-jazz trio The Fourth Stream will perform with special guest and Carnatic violinist Rangashree Varadarajan on Sunday at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 8:30-11:30 p.m. $3.
>> Blue Monday Blues hosts the Clarence Turner Blues Band. 6 to 9 p.m. $5.
>> Local vocalist/trombonist Eric Felten brings his big band to Blues Alley on Monday for a performance that will feature venerable trumpeter Randy Brecker. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
>> On Tuesday, Blues Alley kicks off a series of shows celebrating gypsy jazz pioneer Stephane Grappelli with sets from area violinist Bruno Nasta. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $20 + $12.50 minimum/surcharge.
