The musical offerings span a wide range this week, from the enlightened fire of an avant-garde supergroup to the rhythmic uplift of Latin jazz — with a free outdoor festival for good measure. As always, Moment’s Notice has what you need to stay in the loop, and in the groove.
Karl Evangelista / Bobby Bradford / Andrew Cyrille / Rei Scampavia / Luke Stewart — Friday and Saturday, Solar Myth
There’s malleable fire in the music of guitarist Karl Evangelista, a new torchbearer for the improvising avant-garde. From his home base in the Bay Area, Evangelista has been developing a creative practice in tune with a liberation agenda. “Our project argues that Free Music is aspirational in character,” he says in press materials. “It liberates the performer, and in doing so, it envisions a tomorrow where all individuals are guaranteed freedom and equality.”
This weekend at Solar Myth, Evangelista convenes an intergenerational ensemble that will put those ideals into action. Among its members are two distinguished elders of the music, trumpeter Bobby Bradford and drummer Andrew Cyrille, who have each contributed to Evangelista’s recent work on record: Bradford appears on Solace Angels, released on Asian Improv Records in the spring, and Cyrille graces Bukas, due out on 577 Records next month. Joining these legends are the indefatigable Luke Stewart on bass, William Roper on tuba, and Rei Scampavia (Evangelista’s partner, in life and in the experimental duo Grex) on piano.
There’s a specific cultural dimension to this music, informed by Evangelista’s Filipino-American experience. In the Filipino language Tagalog, “bukas” can mean either “tomorrow” or “open,” depending on where you place the stress in pronouncing the word. Both meanings hold obvious relevance for a music that hurtles toward the unknown.
July 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 South Broad Street, $40 advance, $45 day-of-show; purchase tickets.
Bobby Zankel’s Wonderful Sound Six — Wednesday, Black Squirrel Club
In a tribute titled “Remembering John Coltrane,” Bobby Zankel brings his alto saxophone, his intrepid spirit and some fresh arrangements to the Black Squirrel, where he’ll lead an ensemble well suited to the task. His Wonderful Sound Six includes longtime associates like pianist Sumi Tonooka, drummer Pheeroan akLaff and bassist Lee Smith, along with younger seekers like tenor saxophonist Bryan Rogers.
July 16 at 8 p.m., Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street, $10-$20 sliding scale; tickets and information.
Arturo O’Farrill & Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble — Thursday, Atlantic City
Earlier this year, pianist and composer Arturo O'Farrill released Mundoagua: Celebrating Carla Bley — an imaginative tribute to a formative influence, featuring his flagship Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra. This week, O’Farrill will bring the midsize Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, a pared-down but equally dynamic band, to the free “Jazz on the Beach” series in Atlantic City, with an opening set by the Gina Roche Quintet.
July 17 at 7 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ, free; more information.
Conjunto Philadelphia — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
The music of pre-revolutionary Cuba — bolero, cha-cha-chá and són — provides endless inspiration for Conjunto Philadelphia, which released its self-titled debut album in 2019. The group includes Andres Cisnero on lead vocals and percussion, Greg Kettinger on Cuban tres, and Mike Boone on bass.
July 18 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival — Saturday, Saunders Park Greene
This free community jazz fest celebrates music and fellowship in active dialogue, with food trucks, a children’s village, and craft vendors on site in Saunders Park. The headliner this year is V. Shayne Frederick, a jazz singer with a burnished baritone and poise to spare. Also on the lineup are the incorruptible spoken-word poet Ursula Rucker, the dynamic drummer and bandleader Nazir Ebo, and saxophonist Chris Oatts with the Pretty Big Band.
July 19 at 12 p.m., Saunders Park Greene, 300 North Saunders Avenue, free; more information.
