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: Duane Eubanks Quintet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
He isn’t the most famous jazz musician in his family, but Duane Eubanks has a sterling reputation as a trumpeter-bandleader — not to mention his impressive track record as a sideman in New York, with the likes of Dave Holland and Mulgrew Miller. His story began here in Philadelphia, and he hasn’t been a stranger over the years. You might even say there’s a discernible Philly attitude on a swinging album like his Live at Smalls, released in 2018. Of course, that truth will be even more self-evident during a hometown gig with Abraham Burton on tenor saxophone, Jordan Williams on piano, Santi Debriano on bass and Byron Landham on drums.
Mar. 2 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85 and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Fima Chupakhin — Thursday, Penn Live Arts
A pianist and composer from eastern Ukraine, Fima Chupakhin has emerged as a resourceful young voice on the contemporary scene; see his auspicious 2019 debut Water, featuring the singer Vuyo Sotashe. Appearing here as part of Penn Live Arts’ interdisciplinary series “Ukraine: The Edge of Freedom,” Chupakin presents the world premiere of a resilient, resolutely hopeful commission titled The Song of Tomorrow.
Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m., Harold Prince Theater, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street, $42; purchase tickets.
Red Baraat — Thursday, Music Hall at World Cafe Live
Led by the irrepressible percussionist Sunny Jain, Red Baraat is a Brooklyn band that harnesses the ebullience of North Indian bhangra with the streetwise side of jazz and hip-hop. Perhaps you caught their recent performance as part of NPR’s Toast of the Nation, or a Tiny Desk Concert that prompted Bob Boilen to call them “the best party band I’ve seen in years.” If not, consider yourself duly briefed for a show that should put the “leap” in leap day.
Feb. 29 at 8 p.m., Music Hall at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, $20 to $25; purchase tickets.
The Bad Plus — Friday, Solar Myth
A few years ago, The Bad Plus overhauled its sound and personnel, transforming from a piano-bass-drums power trio to a more slippery four-piece band. Founding members Reid Anderson and Dave King, respectively on bass and drums, still hold down the core of its sound; newer members Ben Monder and Chris Speed, on guitar and reeds, bring it into new terrain. For a recent taste, try “Electric Face,” a standalone single released last year. (Their show at Solar Myth is sold out, but you can join a waiting list and hope for the best.)
March 1 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, sold out; more information.
Diana Krall — Friday in Bethlehem, Saturday in Hershey
It has been a few years since Diana Krall released This Dream of You — her most recent album, a songbook offering handsomely produced with lush orchestral strings. On her concert tour, which glides through Lehigh County and the surrounding area this weekend, she’ll draw from that and other low-gloss jazz-pop fare, with only the finest accompaniment.
March 1 at 8 p.m., Wind Creek Event Center, 77 Sands Boulevard, Bethlehem, $49.50 to $168. March 2 at 7:30 p.m., Hershey Theatre, 15 E Caracas Avenue, Hershey, $55 to $295.75. For tickets and more information, see Diana Krall’s tour page.
