David Murray and Kahil El’Zabar team up for a duo performance at Rhizome on Sunday (Photo by Angela Bennett).
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21
Charles Covington is not only a respected jazz musician and educator who has taught at Howard University and the Peabody Conservatory, but he is also a U.S. Life Master in chess. He and veteran area drummer Nasar Abadey perform as a duo at Alice’s Jazz & Cultural Society. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
Chaise Lounge performs a style of sophisticated yet easygoing jazz that was epitomized by releases on Capitol Records in the early ’60s, and which was commonly heard in coffee shops on every college campus before social upheaval changed things. The band plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $22.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Recess Bureau, a fusion band out of Connecticut, plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz tonight. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Foggy Bottom Whomp-Stompers specialize in prohibition-era jazz styles like dixieland and gypsy jazz that were popular in the 1920s and ’30s. The band plays the Bossa Bistro & Lounge. 9 p.m. $5 at the door.
THURSDAY, JUNE 22
The blind and incredibly gifted guitarist-songwriter Raul Midon comes to the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. 8 p.m. $35 plus minimum and surcharge.
Soul Train award winning vocalist Nicole Henry plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Blues Alley. $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
The Twins Jazz Orchestra plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at the U Street venue. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23
Vocalist Juanita Williams brings her group to Jazz in the Garden. 5 to 8:30 p.m. FREE
Area trumpeter Nico Sarbanes pays tribute to the great Chet Baker at Jazz Night in Southwest. 6 to 9 p.m. $5 at the door. The following day, jazz writer Rusty Hassan gives a lecture on Baker at the same venue. 1 p.m. FREE
Busy area vocalist Aaron Myers leads his band at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
In 1980, guitarist Pat Martino, who was well established in the jazz community, suffered a brain aneurysm that left him with no memories of playing music. Through years of practice and rehab, he learned to play guitar again and returned to the instrument’s top ranks. Martino will lead an organ trio on Friday and Saturday at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $27.50 plus minimum and surcharge.
Pianist Bob Murad is a pianist and composer who has been performing in the D.C. area since he first arrived in the late ’80s. His trio plays 9 and 11 p.m. sets on Friday and Saturday at Twins Jazz along with guest trumpeter Kenny Rittenhouse. $15 plus minimum and surcharge.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24
The Petworth Jazz Project returns for its monthly concert. This month’s event begins with a 6 p.m. performance for the kiddies followed by Colonies, a trio comprised of Matt Henderson (piano), Mike Okusami (bass), and Paul Jung (drums). The band plays 7 and 8 p.m. sets. FREE
Vocalist Akua Allrich brings her eclectic mix of jazz, soul, and African influences to bear at Mr. Henry’s. 8 to 11 p.m. Two item per person minimum.
Vocalist Lori Williams plays The Alex from 8 to 11 p.m. $20 minimum, reservations recommended.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25
Area pianist Joe Vetter plays 8 and 10 p.m. sets at Twins Jazz. $10 plus minimum and surcharge.
Subcontinental Groove is a loose group of veteran South Asian musicians from the local music community that assemble periodically for an evening of improvised jams. The collective will convene at the Bossa Bistro & Lounge in its downstairs stage. 8:30 p.m. FREE (Disclosure: I’ll be playing drums at this show).
David Murray is an incredibly prolific saxophonist who has released 150 recordings under his own name while also collaborating with the biggest names in jazz. He joins forces with percussionist Kahil El’Zabar at Rhizome. El’Zabar formerly chaired of the internationally acclaimed Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians and has performed all over the world with his Ethnic Heritage Ensemble. The two have a long-running musical relationship that will no doubt assert itself during this 9 p.m. set. $20.
MONDAY, JUNE 26
Chris Potter is a musician’s musician. His formidable skills as a saxophonist and composer has led to work with bassist Dave Holland, jazz icon Herbie Hancock, and a host of other luminaries. Potter recently put out his latest album, The Dreamer Is The Dream, and its supporting tour makes a stop at Blues Alley for 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $30 plus minimum and surcharge.
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
Journeyman pianist Peter Beets leads his trio at Blues Alley. 8 and 10 p.m. sets. $25 plus minimum and surcharge.
