CapitalBop kicks off 2015 with The Preparation, three nights of creative music taking place at Union Arts this Saturday through Monday. >> Johnny Britt‘s trumpet playing has been compared to that of Miles Davis, while his voice reminds people of Marvin Gaye’s sound. The talented musician will be at Blues Alley tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets.
>> Trumpeter Marlon Jordan was among the crop of “young lions” that came out of New Orleans in the ’80s and ’90s. Hailing from a musical family, he recorded several well-received albums for Columbia Records between ’88 and ’92. Jordan is touring in support of his latest album, You Don’t Know What Love Is, and will be at Twins Jazz tonight for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $16 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Guitarist Jack Waugh and pianist Jack Harrison lead their Jack^2 Quartet on Thursday at Twins Jazz. Both are area natives currently studying in well-regarded university programs. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Vinx earned his stripes singing backup for the likes of Stevie Wonder and Sting. The percussionist/vocalist often tours solo, but he will be at Bohemian Caverns on Thursday with Scott Kinnison on drums, Scott Kiefner on upright bass and Andre Vasconcelos on guitar. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Jessica Boykin-Settles is one of D.C.’s finest jazz singers and she’ll bring her considerable talents to bear at Dukem Jazz on Thursday. 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover.
>> Guitarist Chris Thomas King is best known for the Robert Johnson-esque character he portrayed in the hit Coen Brother’s film, O Brother, Where Art Thou? While that role recreated a certain place and time, he has devoted his career to bringing the blues into the 21st century. King will bring his contemporary sound to Blues Alley on Thursday for a four night stand of 8 and 10 p.m. sets. Tickets $24 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Vocalist Kristine Key leads a group on Friday at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets $5.
>> The Young Lions was among the earliest local jazz acts we profiled here on DCist. The fiery trio of pianist Allyn Johnson, bassist Kris Funn and drummer Quincy Phillips will feature special guest saxophonist Quamon Fowler during their 8 and 10 p.m. sets this Friday and Saturday at Bohemian Caverns. Tickets $18 in advance/$23 at the door.
>> Pianist Mark Meadows gained much critical attention with his latest album, Somethin’ Good. He has assembled some of the local scene’s finest to join him for 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz. His band will include vocalist Rochelle Rice, bassist Eliot Seppa and drummer CV Dashiell. Tickets $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Local guitarist Cristian Perez teams up with vocalist Ranjani Prabhakar on Saturday at Bloombars for a performance that fuses the Latin and classical Indian traditions. 8 to 10 p.m. Tickets $10.
>> CapitalBop continues to kill it with the shows it has been presenting. Just weeks after inaugurating its Traveling Loft series, CapitalBop kicks off 2015 with The Preparation, three nights of creative music taking place Saturday through Monday at Union Arts. Each night features two or three acts and there are no weak links in the program. Highlights include Baltimore-based trumpeter Dave Ballou with LEAP, ace local drummer Lenny Robinson with Lafayette Gilchrist and Tarus Mateen, and guitarist Anthony Pirog. The duo of saxophonist and MacArthur “genius” Ken Vandermark with trumpeter Nate Wooley closes the event. 7 p.m. doors. $10 for each night or $28 for an event pass.
>> The New York Times recognized Matt Mitchell as a Pianist on the Rise. He has played as a sideman with the likes of Dave Douglas and Rudresh Mahanthappa. Mitchell joins drummer Ches Smith for a duo performance on Sunday at Bohemian Caverns. 7 and 8:30 p.m. sets. Tickets $15 in advance/$20 at the door.
>> Counter Culture is an ensemble lead by guitarist Andrew Latona. The quartet plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets on Sunday at Twins Jazz. Tickets $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
>> Vocalist Heidi Martin is a familiar face in area clubs, and has been for quite some time. She will be playing Bohemian Caverns every Tuesday this month as the historic club’s Artist-in-Residence for January. 7:30 and 9 p.m. sets. Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door.
