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: Arturo O'Farrill & the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra — Friday at Rowan University
A standard-bearer and a powerhouse in the realm of Latin big bands, the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra extends a family legacy: its pianist and bandleader, Arturo O’Farrill, follows in the footsteps of his father, Chico O’Farrill, who helped set the musical template. For the boldness of their vision and execution, Arturo and the ALJO have won a slew of Grammys — most recently for Fandango at the Wall in New York, which took Best Latin Jazz Album at last year’s awards. Appearing under the auspices of the Marie Rader Presenting Series at Rowan University, the band will welcome a guest vocalist, Claudia Acuña, and perform a range of music that speaks eloquently en clave.
Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m, Pfleeger Concert Hall, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ, $20 to $75 (free for Rowan students); tickets and information.
Jonathan Michel Quartet — Friday and Saturday at Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Bassist Jonathan Michel grew up in New England, and he’s now based in New York City. But he spent enough formative time on the scene in Philly to be considered one of our own. He has assembled an excellent crew for the task: Jimmy Greene on saxophones, Shamie Royston on piano, and the redoubtable Lenny White on drums.
Jan. 26 and 27 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85 and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Nite Bjuti — Friday at Solar Myth
A collaboration between three dynamic women — Candice Hoyes on vocals, Mimi Jones on bass and Val Jeanty on turntables and percussion — Nite Bjuti (pronounced “night beauty”) conjures a music at once futuristic and folkloric. Their preoccupations run toward ancient wisdom, electronic textures, freedom and its complications. The group released a self-titled album last year, but it’s clear that the live experience is the best way to grok their alchemy.
Jan. 26 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $25; purchase tickets.
Maci Miller — Saturday and Jan. 28 at South Jazz Kitchen
A jazz singer with a bell-like tone and a surefooted style, Philadelphia’s own Maci Miller has a new album, Nine, that showcases those and other strengths. She performs at South with a trio led by pianist Aaron Graves, with Mike Boone on bass and Byron Landham on drums.
Jan. 27 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Jan. 28 at 6 and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $25; purchase tickets.
Marshall Allen’s Ghost Horizons — Jan. 28 at Solar Myth
At 99, saxophonist and electronic artist Marshall Allen is still a force in motion: he took part in Ars Nova Workshop’s Nublu takeover during the NYC Winter Jazzfest last weekend, and then led a concert of Sun Ra’s poetry at Solar Myth. Next Sunday he’ll return there to lead a special edition of his Ghost Horizons band, with James McNew of Yo La Tengo on bass and Charlie Hall of The War on Drugs on drums. (Playing guitar is Allen’s Sun Ra Arkestra bandmate DM Hotep.)
Jan. 28 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 S. Broad Street, $30; purchase tickets.
