Charles Gayle Trio

Jazz

It's fitting that Charles Gayle should bring his trio to St. Mary's Church, since he wields his tenor like a preacher. His lengthy (often set-length) improvisations, tinged with gospel melodies, strain heavenward with upper-register howls and knotty harmonic leaps. Gayle has also been known to preach in a more literal fashion, launching into political and religious tirades, sometimes, in full makeup, in the guise of Streets the Clown. As uncompromising as he is unpredictable, Gayle lived on the streets of New York for 20 years while playing for change in the subway. That spiritual commitment to music comes through in every note, and for this gig he brings along a strong rhythm section to provide the amens. Hillard Greene is an athletic, inventive bassist who interacts ecstatically with Gayle (check out 1992's amazing Repent) and Lou Grassi's propulsive drumming should up the adrenaline even further.

Thu., Dec. 2, 9 p.m., $12-$15, St. Mary's Church, 3916 Locust Walk, 215-386-3916.

—Shaun Brady

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