So you made it through the arctic chill. Maybe you caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights. You’re starting to think about holiday plans. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves — there’s still time to pause and savor a gig or two. Here’s what we came up with. And please note: Moment's Notice will take Thanksgiving week off, so the next edition goes out on Nov. 30. (If you don't already get these listings in your inbox, sign up now!)
Spotlight: Tim Berne & Tyler Bullock — Nov. 23, Black Squirrel Club
In his low-key, grudging fashion, saxophonist and composer Tim Berne has been a prolific mentor over the last few decades, using his bandstand to sharpen the skills and sensibilities of more than one generation of younger collaborators. Earlier this month, I saw him perform at Jazzfest Berlin with one of these, Gregg Belisle-Chi, who deftly handles the guitar duties in a new trio called Capotosta, and has also dug into Berne’s music for a solo project.
Pianist Tyler Bullock, recently honored with the Larry J. Bell Young Artist Award from The Gilmore, isn’t an obvious choice for Berne’s next protégé; his style has tended to run more inside-track, befitting his training at Juilliard. But that’s one reason why Rio Sakairi, artistic director of The Jazz Gallery, thought to pair Bullock with Berne as part of that organization’s Mentoring Series. She thought the experience would destabilize Bullock in a healthy way, and that he’d take well to the challenge.
Judging by a performance this fall at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, that was an excellent idea. Like some other pianists in the extended Tim Berne Universe, including Craig Taborn and Matt Mitchell, Bullock knows how to execute the thorny intricacies of his writing while staying open to digression and disruption. Next Sunday, mentor and mentee will take the stage at the Black Squirrel Club with drummer Tim Angulo, and sparks are sure to fly.
Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m., Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah Street, $20-$25; tickets and information.
Mariel Bildsten Septet — Thursday, Temple Performing Arts Center
Mariel Bildsten is an astute young trombonist of terrific presence, which hasn’t gone unnoticed: she’s been featured in bands led by Jon Batiste, Jennifer Hudson and many others. For this installment of the Rite of Swing Jazz Cafe, she’ll lead something resembling an all-star band, featuring trumpeter Bruce Harris, saxophonists Chris Lewis and Jarien Jamanila, pianist Joe Block, bassist Sam Harris, and drummer Willie Bowman.
Nov. 20 at 4:30 p.m., Temple Performing Arts Center, 1837 North Broad Street, free; more information.
Jeff Lorber — Thursday and Friday, South Jazz Kitchen
Elevate, the most recent album by Cheltenham-raised keyboard veteran Jeff Lorber, is an aptly titled offering that reflects his entire approach to smooth funk and jazz fusion. The album features a few guests, including Snarky Puppy guitarist Mark Lettieri, and at least one unexpected cover: “Spanish Joint,” from D’Angelo’s album Voodoo. Find out whether it turns up alongside fare like “Jeff’s Groove” on this edition of the Unscripted series at South.
Nov. 20 at 6:30 and 9 p.m., Nov. 21 at 7 and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $45-$52; tickets and information.
Tony Miceli Quintet — Friday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
Philadelphia’s own vibraphone ace, Tony Miceli, pursues a rhythmically assertive brand of post-bop in this quintet, featuring saxophonist Chris Farr. For this weekend one-nighter, they’ll welcome Joe Magnarelli as a special guest on trumpet. He’s certain to shine in this setting, especially with the flexible support of a top-shelf rhythm team, with Dave Brodie on bass and Byron Landham on drums.
Nov. 21 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, $95 and $115, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Aidan McKeon / Matthew Rotker-Lynn Quintet — Saturday, 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 teams up with guitarist Matthew Rotker-Lynn to lead a quintet with Victor North on saxophones, Dave Brodie on bass and Byron Landham on drums.
Nov. 22 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, $100 and $120, with dinner packages; purchase tickets.
Untethered Trio — Saturday, The Rotunda
This freeform collective of dauntless improvisers — spearheaded by Paul Giess on pocket trumpet and electronics and Grant Calvin Weston on drums — has a bracing recent release titled Grasping for the Moon, with Timothy Ragsdale on bass. The album was recorded live, which is the best way to hear such a far-seeking band; for reference, see this recent video filmed in Elkins Park. For this presentation by the Producer’s Guild, Untethered will perform two sets, with an opening set by Keepsake 1 Million.
Nov. 22 at 7:30 p.m., The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut Street, $15 to $33.85; purchase tickets.
