Heavy snowfall and Arctic temps are here, and we hope you’re doing something cozy. But look past the next day or two, and recognize that when you’re ready to break out of the igloo, some terrific music is just ahead. Nothing like great jazz to warm the soul!
Georgia Heers — Friday and Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
She may not have an album out yet, but Georgia Heers has already achieved liftoff as an extravagant young jazz-vocal talent. Perhaps you saw her on Broadway in the stage adaptation of George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck — or in the live broadcast carried on CNN. She portrayed a CBS studio singer, performing live with a band, in the role originally carried in Clooney’s 2005 film by the great Dianne Reeves.
Heers, who originally hails from South Carolina and studied at both Oberlin and Juilliard, has the evident talent and composure for this level of exposure. And she works with some of the finest musicians on the scene. For this weekend stand at Chris’, she’ll be backed by a trio with Micah Thomas on piano, Jason Clotter on bass and Anwar Marshall on drums. Don’t miss your chance to hear her on the way up, and consider this a preview for the debut album that’s surely coming soon.
Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30 on Friday, $35 on Saturday, with dinner packages; tickets and more information.
String Explorations + Connor O'Neill Trio — Wednesday, Black Squirrel Club
Here’s a chamber-jazz double bill on a string. Headlining is String Explorations, a triumvirate of smart composer-improvisers with an ecumenical approach to musical style: violinist Sara Caswell (above), guitarist Matt Davis, and bassist Chris Coyle. Opening up is a trio led by guitarist Connor O’Neill, with Mervin Toussaint on saxophone and Gabriel Godoy on bass.
Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., Black Squirrel Club, 1049 Sarah St, $21.40; tickets and more information.
Winard Harper & Jeli Posse — Friday and Saturday, South Jazz Kitchen
A hard-bop drummer of exuberant poise and broad experience, Winard Harper has a steady vehicle in Jeli Posse, a band of younger torchbearers. For this weekend hit at South, the lineup includes trumpeter Ted Chubb, saxophonist Anthony Ware, pianist Nicholas Masters, guitarist Charlie Sigler, and bassist Anthony Perez.
Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 North Broad Street, $30; tickets and information.
Luke Carlos O’Reilly Quartet — Saturday, Cellar Dog
Pianist Luke Carlos O’Reilly has long been a key fixture in the Philly jazz scene, and with his recent trio album, Leave the Gate Open, he’s making some noise beyond his hometown. This Saturday he leads a quartet at Cellar Dog, a lively spot around the corner from the Kimmel Center; the rhythmic clatter from pool and ping pong tables will add to the atmosphere.
Jan. 31 at 7 p.m., Cellar Dog, 258 S 15th St, $10 cover; tickets and information.
