Moment’s Notice is 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 Sunday. And if you want to let us know about a show on the horizon, or share any other feedback, drop us a line!
Steve Turre Sextet — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
A soulful and expressive soloist whether on trombone, his primary instrument, or conch shells, which have become no less a trademark, Steve Turre is always at home leading a midsize wrecking crew like this one. Drawing from a personal history that includes notable tenures with both Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Ray Charles — and a track record that most recently produced the album Generations, with his son, Orion, on drums — Turre enlists some fine younger players in this edition of his sextet. He also welcomes his daughter, the singer Andromeda Turre, as a featured guest.
April 19 and 20 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $50; tickets and information.
Byron Landham Group — Tuesday, Settlement Music School
If you’ve paid any attention to the jazz scene in Philly over the last 30 years, you’ve surely noted the consummate swinging professionalism of drummer Byron Landham. For this Jazz Bridge concert, he’ll lead a trio with Lucas Brown on organ and Victor North on saxophone. (The Settlement Music School’s Advanced Study Jazz Ensemble, led by Tony Miceli, will play a half-hour opening set.)
April 16 at 6:30 p.m., Settlement Music School Germantown Campus, 6128 Germantown Avenue, free; more information.
Gabriel Meyer 5+1Tet — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
A trombonist currently enrolled at the Boyer College of Music and Dance at Temple University, Gabriel Meyer has lately been accruing steady mileage as a bandleader and arranger. He’ll make his first appearance as a leader at the Rite of Swing Cafe, leading his 5+1Tet, with Josh Klamka on piano, Jake Miller on guitar, Eli Pace on bass and Greg Masters on drums. Joining them as a special guest is John Swana, playing EVI (electronic valve instrument).
April 18 at 4:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 North Broad Street, free; more information.
Exit Zero Jazz Festival — Friday through April 21
The spring edition of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival sees the beach town of Cape May, NJ reopening for the season, and its lineup this year feels similarly rich with renewal. Among the featured artists performing across five venues are Tarbaby, trumpeter Theo Croker, singer Camille Thurman, the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio, and a few ace quartets led respectively by saxophonist Branford Marsalis and pianists Joey Alexander and Christian Sands.
Friday through Sunday, Cape May, NJ, $60 on Friday and Sunday, $100 on Saturday, $180 for a three-day pass, with VIP options; tickets and information.
Alex Claffy Quartet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A native of the greater Philadelphia area, born and raised in Chester County, Alexander Claffy has become a fixture on the scene in New York, as both a sideman and an emerging bandleader. (For a taste of his recent solo output, hear “Brother,” a new piece recorded with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and vibraphonist Simon Moullier.) He’ll focus on the music of Cole Porter in this quartet one-nighter, featuring saxophonist Tim Green.
April 20 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $85 and $105, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Wolf Eyes with Anthony Braxton, Marshall Allen — Friday and Saturday at Solar Myth
The Detroit-bred industrial noise duo Wolf Eyes has a history of sonic provocations with Anthony Braxton, the legendary composer, multireedist and educator who join them here in a rescheduled one-nighter that’s been sold out for a while. They’ll stick around for a second night with the Sun Ra Arkestra’s near-centurion alto saxophonist, electronics artist and bandleader, Marshall Allen, and its guitarist, DMHotep. Brace for impact.
April 19 (with Anthony Braxton) and 20 (with Marshall Allen) at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, Saturday $35, Friday sold out; buy tickets for Saturday.
