Well, the Phillies season has come to a crushing end. But all is not lost — certainly not on the live-music landscape. This week is absolutely stacked, with a Nels Cline residency, a Michael Mayo drop-in, and a Makaya-and-Shabaka double bill that'll make a trip to Princeton look well worth it. Read on for more details, and let us know if you have a tip or other feedback for us.
Spotlight: Nels Cline & Friends — Tuesday through Thursday, Saturday
The last time guitarist Nels Cline collaborated with Ars Nova Workshop on a commission, it was 2018, and the project was Lovers (for Philadelphia) — an orchestral, atmospheric, site-specific piece that became a featured episode of Jazz Night in America. This time out, Cline is stretching his output over four nights, with as many different ensembles. Each performance promises to capture something special in the art of spontaneous musical cohesion.
First up on Tuesday is a trio with the pedal steel virtuoso Susan Alcorn and the percussionist and electronics artist Booker Stardrum. Wednesday brings a dynamic four-piece with Gregg Belisle-Chi on guitar, Jorge Roeder on bass and Chad Taylor on drums. On Thursday, Cline will team up with his life partner, the electronics artist Yuka C. Honda. And to close things out on Saturday, he’ll knock about in a seasoned improv duo with drummer Glenn Kotche, his band mate in Wilco. (Note that Saturday is a standing show; the others will be seated.)
Oct. 15-17 and 19 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $35-$40; tickets and information.
Don Braden and the Webb Thomas Trio — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A jazz revamp of canonical ‘70s soul? Yeah, it’s been done, with varying degrees of artistic success. But there’s reason to take note of Don Braden’s work in this mode, especially on the spirited new album Earth Wind And Wonder, Volume 2. Like its preceding volume, this recording finds Braden — a surefooted tenor saxophonist, flutist, composer and arranger with more than 40 years of seasoning — reimagining classic songs by Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire. He does so here with expert backing from the Webb Thomas Trio.
Oct. 18 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Michael Mayo — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
The jazz vocal tradition is always an evolving proposition, but rarely does that notion feel truer or more affirming than in the output of Michael Mayo. Fly, his brand-new album, captures the forces of energy and creativity that he brings to the art form, on reimagined standards (“Just Friends”) as well as earnest original songs (“Bag of Bones”). The album features A-list collaborators like drummer Nate Smith and bassist Linda May Han Oh; whoever comes to South this weekend, they’ll meet Mayo at a high bar.
Oct. 18 and 19 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
Afro-Cuban All Stars — Saturday, Miller Theater
Juan de Marcos González, best known in this country as a founding member and bandleader of the Buena Vista Social Club, has also earned acclaim for his stewardship of this accurately titled ensemble, which generally features the likes of singer Emilio Suarez, flutist and baritone saxophonist Tony Garcia, and trumpeter Carlos Frank Iraola. Don’t be surprised if the ushers at the Miller Theater encourage dancing in the aisle.
Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street, $25-$85; tickets and information.
Makaya McCraven and Shabaka — Saturday, McCarter Theatre Center
This double bill features two of the most heralded alchemists in modern music. McCraven, a bandleader, producer and self-described “beat scientist,” has created his own sound world out of the synthesis of jazz and hip-hop. Shabaka, formerly known as Shabaka Hutchings, is something of a sound philosopher, as he demonstrates on his latest album, Perceive its Beauty, Acknowledge its Grace. Each artist was mesmerizing at this year’s Newport Jazz Festival, and the same should hold true here, in a two-and-a-half hour concert with a 20-minute intermission.
Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m., Matthews Theatre, McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ, $33-$73; tickets and information.
Anthony Wonsey Quartet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A pianist with a style both lyrical and soulful, Anthony Wonsey has worked near the center of the modern mainstream for more than 25 years, notably in an association with the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove and the legendary drummer Louis Hayes. For this one-nighter, he leads a quintet with Antione Drye on trumpet, Steve Carington on saxophone and EWI, Will Lyle on bass and Charlie Shefft on drums.
Oct. 19 at 7:30 and 9:30, Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $35, $105, $125, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
