January 8-14, 2004

cover story

Jazz

by Nate Chinen

Groovin' High

Jan. 10, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999. Although part of a Dizzy Gillespie tribute series, this evening forgoes the trumpet heroics. Pianists Mulgrew Miller and James Williams join singers Janis Siegal and Luciana Souza, and a rhythm section of bassist Ben Street and drummer Adam Cruz. Expect plenty of sparks on this Latin-tinged outing.

Wayne Shorter Quartet

Jan. 16, Kimmel Center. The enigmatic saxophonist/composer has emerged as jazz's resident wise man, and his flagship ensemble walks a fine line between angular abstraction and pedal-to-the-floor swing. This is deservedly the season's most highly anticipated show.

Josh Roseman Unit

Jan. 19, Houston Hall, 3417 Spruce St., 215-898-INFO. Roseman is the go-to trombonist on many a downtown project, and his own group packs some serious wallop. The swampy funk-fusion of Treats for the Nightwalker (Enja) evokes the Art Ensemble (in its funkier moments) and Medeski Martin & Wood (in its freer flights).

Newport Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Tour

Jan. 21, Kimmel Center. The lineup on this tour spans two generations and a range of jazz styles, with such heavies as James Moody, Cedar Walton and James Carter on board. The common denominator? Balls-out swing and rollicking good humor.

Jason Moran and The Bandwagon

Feb. 6, Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and the Parkway, 215-763-8100. If you caught him with Cassandra Wilson in the fall, you know that Moran is a pianist with portent. His trio has evolved into one of the most original small units in jazz, and one of the most ceaselessly compelling.

Jane Monheit

Feb. 14, Kimmel Center. One could hardly imagine a more appropriate date on Valentine's Day. Monheit's voice is as angelic as they come, and her ingénue's pose belies a carefully cultivated musicality.

Philly All-Star Jazz Night

March 5, Kimmel Center. More proof of our city's continuing jazz legacy. Guitarist Pat Martino teams up with kindred spirit keyboardist Jim Ridl, while the Joey DeFrancesco Trio does its groove thang. Add special guests James Moody and John Blake, and stir.

A Night in Tunisia

March 27, Kimmel Center. If Gillespie's tune set the standard for a fusion of jazz and its African roots, Randy Weston has devoted a lifetime to expanding the notion. His African Rhythms Trio continues to explore the endless possibilities of the hybrid genre; they'll be joined here by underrated saxophone giant Billy Harper.

Kurt Elling

April 2-3, Zanzibar Blue, Broad and Walnut sts., 215-732-5200. With Man in the Air (Blue Note), the eclectic crooner once again showed melodic surefootedness and a savvy sense of repertoire. Recent club dates in New York and Chicago have shown him very much on top of his game. A can't-miss.

Lizz Wright

April 3, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011. The fresh-faced Atlanta native made a solid, soulful debut with Salt (Verve). But it was her live performances that set the buzz ablaze. She's still finding her feet, but Wright already has a worldly voice and a stirring way with a phrase.

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette

April 7, Kimmel Center. Their last Kimmel concert was marred by a piano Jarrett deemed substandard. At intermission, a substitute instrument was wheeled out, leading to a second half so much brighter and more passionate that the band seemed to have been newly born. Such moments of transcendence are what make this still the greatest piano trio in existence.

Wynton Marsalis

April 25, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900. Jazz's most visible spokesman is, thankfully, still a musical heavyweight. And he's never better than when leading his own rip-roaring group.