July 15-21, 2004

musicpicks

Kenny Werner Trio

JAZZ

His latest Half Note album is called Peace, and it's an unsurprising sentiment, coming from a guy who lectures, quite sincerely, on the Zen of jazz improvisation. Thing is, Werner's hardly an effete New Ager — he's got post-bop chops to rival the best of 'em, and sideman credentials ranging from Mel Lewis to Archie Shepp. The new record features a word-jumbled "All Things Are You" (guess which standard he's deconstructing?) and a Latin-ized take on Thelonious Monk's "Evidence." Not to mention a Wayne Shorter medley and the title track, Horace Silver's loveliest tune. Heeding Werner's beck and call — and making a few calls of their own — are bassist Johannes Weidenmöller and drummer Ari Hoenig, who together comprise one of the fiercest low-maintenance rhythm sections on today's scene. With Hoenig on his home turf and Werner in familiar environs, there's no telling what kinds of koans they'll uncover.

Sat., July 17, 9 p.m., Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131.

—Kyle Parker