Oct. 9
SaltmanKnowles has a single ambition: Melody. Bassist Mark Saltman and pianist William Knowles, both Howard music graduates and veterans of the D.C. scene, started the quintet specifically to combat the riffs and noodling they kept hearing; they want music that’s about lyrical tunes and memorable hooks. Their lush compositions make great ammunition for that cause, but the weapon that fires them is vocalist Lori Williams-Chisholm, distinguished by her clear voice, precise articulation, and the joy that’s evident in every note she sings. SaltmanKnowles plays Friday and Saturday nights at HR-57, 1610 14th St NW, $12.

Oct. 10
Forward-thinking bassist Dave Holland leads arguably the hippest quintet in progressive jazz, with unconventional approaches to form, harmony, and interplay between the musicians. Chalk it up to Holland’s uncanny ability to spot and coordinate talents–certainly it lends promise to any other combo he happens to be a part of. Take the Overtone Quartet: It includes Holland and saxophonist Chris Potter, two fifths of the Holland Quintet, but places them onstage with two jazz adventurers, pianist Jason Moran and drummer Eric Harland. The quartet played their first-ever gig in September, meaning their work here is sure to be fresh and exciting. The Overtone Quartet plays Saturday night at the Kennedy Center, $35.
Read More “Jazz Setlist: Oct. 8-14, 2009″ »

Thad Wilson’s Ugetzu Big Band, the Monday-night fixture at Bohemian Caverns, is this weekend celebrating the release of their new CD Movin’ On. (Disclosure: I authored the liner notes, gratis, for the disc.) Tonight they appear at the weekly Jazz Night festivities at Westminster Presbyterian Church in SW. It’s a low-key neighborhood gig, but it’s only $5, and they do offer food and drinks for an additional fee.

Tomorrow, though, is the big event: a combination CD release party and Christmas concert at the Caverns, which will also feature D.C. singer Sharon Clark. Two sets, 8:30 and 10:30, and admission is $18. It’ll feature both Christmas music and tunes from their standard live repertoire—which also comprise the CD, so you get an album preview to boot.