Mid-August? We’re not sure how that happened, either. But fear not, summer vibes are still in place, and so is the music. This week brings two regal singers, a couple of swinging saxophonists, and plenty of soul.
Spotlight: Vanessa Rubin — Friday through Aug. 23, South Jazz Kitchen
For more than 40 years, Vanessa Rubin has excelled within a jazz-vocal tradition that values poise as well as prowess. Her silken timbre and laid-back phrasing speak to her mainstream appeal, but she’s also a jazz insider who has worked with Frank Foster’s Loud Minority Band, studied with Barry Harris, and portrayed Billie Holiday on the theatrical stage.
Rubin hails from Cleveland, and so did the subject of her most recent album, The Dream Is You: Vanessa Rubin Sings Tadd Dameron. It’s the first full-length vocal tribute to Dameron, who among other things was the most prominent composer-arranger of the bebop era. To hear Rubin sing and scat her way through a song like “Lady Bird” is to appreciate what a new vantage can do to freshen up a classic. She’ll do the same at South this weekend, with her trio.
Aug. 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., South Jazz Kitchen, 600 N Broad Street, $35; tickets and information.
Aidan McKeon Quartet — Friday, 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. His quartet here includes pianist William Hill III, bassist John Murray, and drummer Vinton Hines.
Aug. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $25, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Ken Fowser Quartet — Saturday, Chris’ Jazz Cafe
A tenor saxophonist with a robust and swinging style, Ken Fowser convenes a combo with a powerhouse organist, Brian Charette, in a featured role. Also in the soulful mix are Matthew Rotker-Lynn on guitar and Byron Landham on drums.
Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom Street, $30, with dinner packages; tickets and information.
Denise King Quintet — Saturday, Cellar Dog
Jazz, gospel and R&B are all strong in the mix for Denise King, who’s been a stalwart on the scene in Philadelphia for decades, and still brings a regal presence to any setting. In this case it’ll be at Cellar Dog, where the bandstand shares a vibe with billiards and brews; expect Ms. King to command the room.
Aug. 22 at 8 p.m., Cellar Dog, 258 S 15th Street, $10; tickets and information.
