Welcome to Moment’s Notice, WRTI’s regular guide to the Philadelphia jazz scene. We’re here to tip you off to the best shows during the week ahead. Sign up now to receive this service in your inbox every week. And if you want to let us know about a show on the horizon, or share any other feedback, drop us a line!
Spotlight: Terrace Martin — Wednesday, City Winery
The alto saxophonist, record producer and beat-maker Terrace Martin has already had a prolific year, and he’s far from finished. Through a partnership between his label, Sounds of Crenshaw, and the conglomerate BMG, Martin is releasing six albums in 2023. The latest — I Left My Heart in Ladera, a smooth-R&B collaboration with singer Alex Isley, the Isley Brothers scion — dropped just a couple of days ago. It follows Nova, a joint release with the producer and singer James Fauntleroy; Curly, which features conferes like saxophonist Kamasi Washington; and Fine Tune, stocked with guests like harpist Brandee Younger. What will a Terrace Martin tour sound like, in the face of this profusion of music? You know the best way to find out.
Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m., City Winery, 990 Filbert Street, $35 to $50; purchase tickets.
The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
A north star in modern big band navigation for more than half a century, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra still carries on its Monday-night tradition in New York — reason enough for a pilgrimage. But this week, the band rolls up to a nearer destination, performing a free concert on the Temple campus. It’ll be a short commute for at least two of the band’s stalwarts: Boyer College of Music and Dance faculty members Terell Stafford (trumpet) and Dick Oatts (lead alto saxophone).
Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 N. Broad Street, free; more information.
Adegoke Steve Colson’s Universal Generations — Friday, Solar Myth
A subtle searcher on piano, Adegoke Steve Colson has been performing for more than half a century with the vocalist Iqua Colson — his wife, and another elder in the AACM. She appears as a featured guest with Adegoke’s Universal Generations Trio, which is otherwise made up of two simpatico younger musicians from the ranks of Irreversible Entanglements: bassist Luke Stewart and drummer Tcheser Holmes.
Oct. 27 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 S. Broad Street, $30; purchase tickets.
Cyrus Chestnut Trio — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
On My Father’s Hands, his latest album, pianist Cyrus Chestnut offers a program that plays straight to his considerable strengths: gospel assurance, hard-boppish aplomb, and a lyricism that trades sentimentality for emotional clarity. He drops by Chris’ Jazz Cafe for two sets by his working trio.
Oct. 28 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85 and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Ulysses Owens, Jr. Big Band — Oct. 29, Penn Live Arts
Drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. has powered top-flight bands led by Kurt Elling and Christian McBride. He’s just as adept in the driver’s seat of this big band, which released its debut album, Soul Conversations, in 2021, and was later crowned Rising Star Large Ensemble in the DownBeat Critics Poll. Owens and his entourage brought the fire to Penn Live Arts last season, and it was such a hit that they’re back again.
Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., Zellerbach Theater, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, $29 to $59; purchase tickets.
