Don’t look now, but July is almost behind us. And whether you feel like summer is whizzing by or dragging on, we’re here with objectively good news: excellent live music just keeps coming. This week brings a visiting legend, a hot band from across the pond, and a local institution celebrating a festive occasion. Read on to see what I mean.
Bill Frisell Trio — Aug. 3, Ardmore Music Hall
Guitarist Bill Frisell hasn’t been scarce in these parts: he played the Ardmore Music Hall as recently as last year, joining WRTI the following morning to tape a special episode of The Late Set. But there's a particular reason to take note of his upcoming return to Ardmore: he’ll be leading a rugged, rangy trio with Tony Scherr on bass and Kenny Wollesen on drums.
Frisell himself calls this trio “probably the most flexible, spontaneous group I play with.” An on-again, off-again proposition for about 25 years, the band can be heard on the “East” portion of his 2005 album East/West, and a companion, naturally titled Further East/Further West. Characteristically, the song selection on that album ranges from searching collective improv to songbook standards to country-pop tunes by Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash. Oh, and a disarmingly sincere take on the eternal Barbra Streisand vehicle “People,” from Funny Girl.
“The program can change from night to night depending on what kind of mood we’re all in, the size or sound of the room, the audience, what we have or had not had to eat that day, how much sleep we’ve had recently, how far we’ve traveled, etc. etc.,” Frisell explains on his website. Conditions look right for a memorable show.
Aug. 3 at 7 p.m., Ardmore Music Hall, 23 East Lancaster Avenue, $39.85 to $87.98; purchase tickets.
Vijay Iyer Trio + Adam O’Farrill — Thursday, Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City
Pianist-composer Vijay Iyer has been a powerful catalyst in improvised music over the last three decades, and some of his most influential work has involved the trio format. Here, as in a Winter Jazzfest show earlier this year, he adds a featured collaborator, the incisive trumpeter Adam O’Farrill, alongside Matt Brewer on bass and Jeremy Dutton on drums. It’s part of the free Chicken Bone Beach Series in Atlantic City, and will feature an opening set (at 7 p.m.) by the Keith Hollis Quartet.
July 24 at 8:30 p.m., Kennedy Plaza, Atlantic City, NJ, free; more information.
Kokoroko — Thursday, Union Transfer
The London-based jazz-meets-Afrobeat collective Kokoroko has been on a tear in the UK and beyond, especially since the release of its debut album on Brownswood Recordings in 2022. A second full-length release just landed, with a title that couldn’t feel timelier: Tuff Times Never Last. In support of the album, Kokoroko is embarking on a monthlong North American tour that kicks off with this show at Union Transfer. Bring your dancing shoes.
July 31 at 8 p.m., Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden Street, $39.70; purchase tickets.
Gerald Veasley’s Leo Birthday Bash — Thursday, South Jazz Kitchen
Gerald Veasley, the versatile bass guitarist and Philly jazz advocate, turns 70 this week — he was born on July 28, 1955 — and he’ll naturally be celebrating at South, where he presides over the Unscripted Jazz Series. He’s calling this a “Leo Birthday Bash,” celebrating everyone born under the sign of the lion, and featuring an array of special guests along with his working band.
July 31 at 6:30 and 9 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $35 and $39; purchase tickets.
The Steve Weiss Mallet Festival — Thursday through Saturday, Chris' Jazz Cafe
Just over a decade after the passing of Steve Weiss, the percussionist and instrument collector who established a thriving retail business in Willow Grove, this festival rolls on in his name. Its master of ceremonies is the vibraphonist Tony Miceli, who convenes an All-Star Philly Vibe Jam Session on Thursday, and welcomes the veteran drummer and vibraphonist Chuck Redd on Friday. The finale, on Saturday, is a Tribute to the Terry Gibbs Dream Band, featuring the Earl Phillips Big Band, Behn Gilece, Oliver Mayman and Morgan Walbridge.
July 31 through Aug. 2 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, prices vary; purchase tickets.
