‘Tis the season for all kinds of listening. As we near the end of the year, I’ve gathered some of its Essential Jazz Discoveries — historical finds and breakout debuts — and our jazz hosts are preparing to drop a Best of 2024 roundup, which you’ll find on our site later this week. I also want to remind you about our Holiday Gift Guide, in case you’re still shopping for the music-lover in your life. This will be our last Moment’s Notice of the year, and so it spans the next two weeks. We’ll be back on Jan. 5 with a spring preview. Happy Holidays! — Nate Chinen
Spotlight: Samara Joy: A Joyful Holiday — Dec. 23, Marian Anderson Hall
This time last year, Samara Joy rolled up to the Miller Theater with her gospel-singing family, The McLendons, touting a new EP, A Joyful Holiday. The spirit was irrepressible, the singing was transcendent, and the special guests were a delight. (Along with Elder Goldwire McLendon, a nonagenarian still singing his heart out, they included saxophonist Kirk Whalum.)
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What’s happened in the year since? For starters, Joy added another Grammy award to her tally — and scored another two nominations, for that Christmas EP. At the invitation of WRTI, she joined her father and grandfather for a special reflection at Mother Bethel AME Church. She graduated to the big stage at the Newport Jazz Festival, and released her third full-length album, Portrait, which expands both her instrumental palette and her artistic ambitions. It all bodes well for this year’s edition of A Joyful Holiday in concert, at Marian Anderson Hall.
Dec. 23 at 7 p.m., Marian Anderson Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, 300 South Broad Street, $45-$109; tickets and information.
Mendoza Hoff Revels —Dec. 19, Solar Myth
Last year, guitarist Ava Mendoza and bassist Devra Hoff jointly released a gnarly, ferocious album titled Echolocation, which I included in The 10 Best Jazz Albums of 2023. It harks back to the tumultuous energies of the storied Downtown Scene, but with a fresh perspective and a committed band ideal. Tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock steps in for James Brandon Lewis here; as on the album, Ches Smith will provide the right thrashing power on drums.
Dec. 19 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $30 advance, $35 day of show; purchase tickets.
Benny Benack III Quintet Holiday Show — Dec. 20, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Several years ago, trumpeter and singer Benny Benack III collaborated with the Steven Feifke Big Band on a jolly album titled Swingin' Season's Greetings. (Along with the likes of “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” it includes the possible future chestnut “My Girlfriend is an Elf.”) Benack leads a smaller coterie here, but won’t be scaling back on the holiday spirit; he’ll also have reinforcements in the form of guest vocalist Michael Stephenson.
Dec. 20 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $100 and $120, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Anaïs Reno and Her Trio — Dec. 21, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
On her spirited new version of “White Christmas,” Anaïs Reno spikes the Irving Berlin nog with a dash of Ahmad Jamal’s take on “Poinciana.” Reno, a promising young jazz singer, will make the song a centerpiece in this holiday engagement, which features the same sterling rhythm team, with Adam Birnbaum on piano, Martin Wind on bass and Keith Balla on drums.
Dec. 21 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $35, $105 and $125, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound featuring David Murray — Dec. 21, Solar Myth
Alto saxophonist and composer Bobby Zankel, a stalwart of the Philadelphia avant-garde continuum, was born on Dec. 21, 1949 — which means this engagement will take place on his 75th birthday. He’ll celebrate in the company of peers, including pianist Sumi Tunooka, vocalist Ruth Naomi Floyd and drummer Pheeroan akLaff, among others in his Warriors of the Wonderful Sound. Joining as a distinguished guest is David Murray, a fellow warrior whose tenor saxophone and bass clarinet graced Francesca, one of the year’s must-hear albums.
Dec. 21 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $35 advance, $40 day of show; purchase tickets.
Behn Gillece Trio — Dec. 22, Cellar Dog
Behn Gillece is a vibraphonist with a bright and bustling style — and a resourceful small-group composer, as he demonstrates on Stick Together, a fine album released this year. He’ll lead a trio in this hit at Cellar Dog, a brand-new club around the corner from the Kimmel Center; the rhythmic clatter from pool and ping pong tables will add to the atmosphere.
Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., Cellar Dog Philly, 258 South 15th Street, $5-$10, tickets and information.
Chris’ All-Star Quintet — Dec. 27 and 28, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Truth in advertising applies to this year-end engagement at Chris’ Jazz Cafe, which will feature some bright lights on the New York hard-bop scene (several with Philadelphia roots). The most prominent among them is Peter Bernstein, an ever-crisp and lyrical guitarist; also in the mix are saxophonist Aidan McKeon, pianist Joe Block, bassist Alex Claffy and drummer Joe Dyson.
Dec. 27 and 28 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $35, $105 and $125, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
