You're probably aware that 2026 is the centenary for Miles Davis and John Coltrane. This week brings not one but two celebratory offerings, from keyboardists on opposite ends of the sonic spectrum. It also connects a Danish drummer with three local avant-garde legends, and sees the start of the Berks Jazz Fest in Reading. Can you really justify staying in? (Subscribe now to make sure you never miss a Moment's Notice.)
Spotlight: Emmet Cohen: Miles and Coltrane at 100 — Friday, Miller Theater
Among the many centennial tributes to Miles Davis and John Coltrane this year, few are racking more mileage than this one — a touring concert package led by pianist Emmet Cohen, who’s made a trademark out of jazz traditionalism with a millennial sheen. Cohen, whose weekly livestream “Live From Emmet’s Place” has become a popular phenomenon, comes to this tribute with all due respect but also the sincere conviction that Miles and Trane are masters whose music should speak in the present tense.
He has the best possible partners for such a task, starting with his excellent front line, which features Jeremy Pelt on trumpet and Tivon Pennicott on tenor saxophone. Cohen heads up a rhythm section that’s no less suited to the task, with Reuben Rogers on bass and Joe Farnsworth on drums. This band will be cookin’ (and relaxin’, and steamin’, and workin’).
Mar. 20 at 7:30 p.m., Miller Theater, 250 S Broad Street, $53-$96; tickets and information.
Kresten Osgood with Bobby Zankel, Marshall Allen & Dave Burrell — Wednesday, Solar Myth
A Danish drummer who can exude a joyous sense of swing even as he stretches the form, Kresten Osgood may be familiar to some WRTI listeners as the host of our limited-series podcast Dangerous Sounds. He’s in town this week to connect with some local heavies: pianist Dave Burrell, and saxophonists Marshall Allen and Bobby Zankel. (The show is already sold out, but it couldn’t hurt to join a waiting list.)
Mar. 18 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 S Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
Boscov Berks Jazz Fest — Thursday through March 29, Reading, PA
A regional staple since the early ‘90s, the Berks Jazz Fest unfolds in a clutch of venues around Reading, with a stylistic focus that favors the smoother end of the spectrum. Kicking off with a 35th Anniversary Celebration, this week’s offerings include the Yellowjackets, trumpeter Brian Culbertson, and saxophonist Najee (all on Friday); a double bill of Pieces of a Dream and Four80East with Jeff Kashiwa (Saturday); trumpeter Chris Botti (Saturday); and Maysa with DJ Carl Cox and saxophonist Mike Phillips (Saturday).
Mar. 19-29, various venues in Reading, PA, various prices; tickets and information.
GEORGE — Thursday, Solar Myth
There is no literal George in GEORGE, an electro-acoustic chamber ensemble led by the inexhaustibly creative drummer and composer John Hollenbeck. With Sarah Rossy and Chiquita Magic on vocals and synthesizers, and Anna Webber on tenor saxophone and flutes, it’s a band that makes a feast of textural contrast and timbral exploration. This hit at Solar Myth will serve as an early taste of Looking for Consonance, which is due for release in May.
Mar. 19 at 8 p.m., Solar Myth, 1131 S Broad Street, $30-$35; tickets and information.
Rachel Z: Tribute to Miles and Trane — Thursday, South Jazz Kitchen
To state the obvious: Emmet Cohen isn’t the only musician toasting Miles and Trane this year. But you’d be hard pressed to come up with a more differently shaded tribute than this one, spearheaded by the keyboardist Rachel Z. A former collaborator to Wayne Shorter, she has a poplike sensibility that shines through on Sensual, her most recent album. How she’ll choose to apply that filter to the music at hand will be a fun discovery.
Mar. 19 at 6:30 and 9 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 N Broad Street, $39; tickets and information.
Willie Jones III Quartet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A sharp and swinging drummer who lights a fire under any bandstand lucky enough to have him, Willie Jones III is also a resourceful bandleader and label owner; his imprint, WJ3, releases his own music as well as albums by his peers. One of those peers, alto saxophonist Justin Robinson, is a regular member of the Willie Jones III Quintet, which also features a sharp young rhythm team of pianist Tyler Bullock and bassist Danton Boller.
Mar. 21 at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
