Steve Lehman Quintet

Sat., Jan. 12, 8 p.m., $12, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., arsnovaworkshop.com.

by Shaun Brady

jazz

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In order to fully grasp the complexity of the music on his latest disc, it might help to be, as alto saxophonist Steve Lehman is, a doctoral candidate in composition at Columbia University. The eight new pieces on his latest CD, On Meaning (Pi), utilize a number of advanced techniques, from metric modulations to spectral harmony to irrational rhythms and microtonal backgrounds — for all I know, there could be a toe-tapping melody somewhere in there derived from the migration patterns of narwhals. But ultimately none of that matters, except to the extent that Lehman has created environments that draw compelling performances of great urgency and vigor from his scintillating quintet. There's not a hint of theorizing when trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson and the leader blaze around each other, or when bassist Drew Gress (who will be replaced for this date by Matt Brewer) slinks between the dreamlike vibes of Chris Dingman and Tyshawn Sorey's muscular drumming.

Sat., Jan. 12, 8 p.m., $12, Philadelphia Art Alliance, 251 S. 18th St., arsnovaworkshop.com.