Thanksgiving week is here, and as we all get ready for a holiday table — whether you’re celebrating at home or out of town, with a few friends or a whole mess of family — there’s always a good reason to get out and hear some music. We’re here with options both before and after turkey day. Don’t forget to tune in to our special programming on Thursday night, too. Happy Thanksgiving!
Spotlight: Orrin Evans and The Captain Black Big Band — Friday, Perelman Theater
Earlier this month, pianist Orrin Evans and The Captain Black Big Band received its third consecutive Grammy nomination in the category of Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. The album in question is Walk A Mile In My Shoe, whose title refers to Evans’ longtime experience with neurofibromatosis, which (among other things) requires him to walk with a cane. “My musical journey is closely connected to my medical journey,” he has explained, “and this record is me opening the door into what I’ve lived with for years.”
But it would be misleading to characterize the album in terms of struggle, because its spirit is decidedly upbeat. This is the first Captain Black Big Band release to put a strong emphasis on vocals: it features guest turns by Joanna Pascale, Paul Jost and Bilal (who talked about his deep-rooted jazz affinities in the most recent episode of The Late Set podcast). All three of those distinctive vocalists will be featured guests on this hometown concert, which should also provide a stellar showcase for the band’s surefooted soloists, including saxophonists Caleb Wheeler Curtis and Todd Bashore.
Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m., Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $59 to $69; purchase tickets.
West Philadelphia Orchestra presents Brassgiving! — Wednesday, Black Squirrel Club
The West Philadelphia Orchestra is a self-described “avant village folk brass band,” inspired in part by klezmer and Balkan brass traditions. (You may have caught them at a local wedding, bar or bat mitzvah, or community block party.) This “Brassgiving” party should be a great option if you have family in town for the holiday.
Nov. 27 at 7:30, Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street, $10, purchase tickets.
Aidan McKeon Quintet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A tenor saxophonist who came up through the Philly jazz pipeline before continuing his training at Juilliard, Aidan McKeon favors an old-school tone but a modern sense of phrase. He’ll lead a five-piece band this week with Tyler Henderson on alto saxophone, Alex Claffy on bass, Joe Peri on drums — and as a featured guest, one of his former mentors, Victor North, also on saxophones.
Nov. 29 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95, and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Chris’ Jazz All Stars — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Regulars at Chris’ Jazz Club will know why this ensemble warrants the title of an all-star crew. Along with bassist Alex Claffy and drummer Joe Peri, the lineup includes pianist Tyler Henderson and guitarist Matthew Rotker Lynn — and as a special guest, saxophonist Sam Dillon, a native New Yorker who has logged time in a wide array of big bands, and more than a few small groups as well.
Nov. 9 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $100 and $120, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Minas Quintet: Tribute to Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66 — Saturday, World Cafe Live
Sergio Mendes, who died in September at 83, was a bossa nova ambassador to the American pop charts, notably with his band Brasil ‘66. A formative influence on both guitarist Orlando Haddad and pianist and singer Patricia King, the co-founders and leaders of Minas, Mendes’ Brasil ‘66 music will provide a flexible focus for this special tribute concert. Along with King and Haddad, it will feature John Swana on EWI, Andrew Neu on saxophone and flute, Steve Beskrone on bass and Tom Cohen on drums.
Nov. 30 at 8 p.m., World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, $30 in advance, $35 day of show; purchase tickets.
