A former prodigy. A legend’s progeny. A rock star turned free-improv catalyst. It’s all in the mix this week on the Philly jazz scene — and as always, Moment’s Notice is here to fill you in and catch you up. Whatever your tastes, there’s something here for you. Subscribe now for free to get Moment's Notice in your inbox every week!
Spotlight: Steve Lehman Trio + 1 — Wednesday, Solar Myth
The music of Anthony Braxton has long loomed in the jazz imagination as an imposing sort of monument, more readily revered (or summarily rejected) than actively engaged. That’s partly because Braxton, who will turn 80 this summer, makes it feel like such an extension of his own irreducibly expansive mind. Still, it’s a missed opportunity, one that Steve Lehman — who like Braxton is primarily an alto saxophonist, and a composer of unwavering invention — has every intention of seizing. His riveting new album, plainly titled The Music of Anthony Braxton, consists of eight tunes (yes, we can call them tunes) that provide a productive framework for small-group interplay and exploration.
Lehman lives in Los Angeles, where he's on the jazz faculty at CalArts. (He was also among the tens of thousands who lost a home to the L.A. wildfires earlier this year.) He took on this challenge with trusted partners. His longtime trio features bassist Matt Brewer and drummer Damion Reid, musicians of acute technical prowess and the instinct to let it serve a combustible aim. Also aboard for this ride is the eminent tenor saxophonist Mark Turner, whose cool-toned fluency proves a handy foil to Lehman’s bladelike attack. The album was recorded live at the now-defunct club ETA; don’t miss this chance to hear Lehman & Co. knock these compositions around at Solar Myth.
March 26 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $35 advance, $40 day-of-show; purchase tickets.
Thurston Moore — Friday and Saturday, Solar Myth
He will forever be known as the guitarist, co-founder and former front man of Sonic Youth. But anyone with an interest in the improvising avant-garde is aware that Thurston Moore maintains an active presence there, with a range of partners. For this two-night residency, he connects with a pair of ingenious drummers, Tom Surgal and William Winant. Judging by footage from a recent performance at The Stone, the results will be cathartically charged.
March 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $35 advance, $40 day-of-show, Saturday sold out; purchase tickets.
Ace Yuji Williams Group — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Ace Williams is a trumpeter in his early 20s, beginning to make his mark on the scene. For this one-nighter, he shares a frontline with one of Philly’s own, tenor saxophonist Aidan McKeon, backed by a rhythm section that includes Tyler Bullock on piano, Daniel Song on guitar and bass, and Koleby Royston on drums.
March 28 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Firey String Sistas — Saturday, CEC Arts
Legacy is a baseline for Firey String Sistas, which consists of Detroit-born violinist Marlene Rice alongside two proud jazz scions: pianist-singer Mala Waldron and cellist Nioka Workman (respectively, the daughters of Mal Waldron and Reggie Workman). Drawing freely from modern jazz, soul, and chamber music, they make their Philadelphia debut with a strong, supportive rhythm team of bassist Belden Bullock and drummer E.J. Strickland.
March 29 at 7 p.m., CEC Arts, 3500 Lancaster Avenue, $35 (available at door or by calling 267-619-6195); more information.
Brandon Goldberg Trio — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
There’s still no way to avoid the word “prodigy” when discussing pianist Brandon Goldberg, who began playing at age 3, and recorded his first album at 11. He’s now 19, studying at Juilliard and winning over fans with his crisply articulate style. Last year he released Live at Dizzy’s, featuring a streamlined trio with Ben Wolfe on bass and Aaron Kimmel on drums; he appears at Chris’ this weekend with Kimmel and the venerable bassist Buster Williams.
March 29 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $100 and $120, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
