Bud Powell Celebration @ Birdland (New York, NY) - This week, Birdland celebrates the 90th birth anniversary of bebop jazz pianist (and New York native), Bud Powell. Two shows each evening: 8:30 & 11PM. http://www.birdlandjazz.com/
Fred Hersch/Esperanza Spalding/Richie Barshay @ Jazz Standard (New York, NY) - It's a five-night stand that shouldn't be missed. Tuesday through Saturday evening, the trio will be installed at Jazz Standard performing work from Hersch's new record, Floating. A week of talent including Fred Hersch (piano), Esperanza Spalding (bass & vocals), Richie Barshay (drums). http://jazzstandard.com/
Lou Donaldson Quartet @ Blue Note (New York, NY) - Alto sax player Lou Donaldson has been in the jazz game for quite a long time. An original Jazz Messenger (Clifford Brown, Art Blakey, Horace SIlver, Gene Ramey and many others) Donaldson was fundamental in building the Blue Note label. In 2013, his artistry was recognized and he was named a NEA Jazz Master. Thursday night, he'll lead his quartet on his home turf. Doors open at 9:45. http://www.bluenote.net/
The Heath Brothers @ Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola (New York, NY) - Head uptown to catch another NEA Jazz Master on Thursday evening. As is the case with the afore mentioned Lou Donaldson, tenor saxophonist Jimmy Heath was instrumental in the creation of the jazz scene. Heath has played with Miles Davis, John Coltrane - you know, the greats. Thursday evening, it's a night of bebop and straight ahead jazz with Albert Heath (drums); David Wong (bass) and Jeb Patton (piano). http://www.jazz.org/events/av-147345/606
Elaine Elias Trio @ Jazz Alley (Seattle, WA) - Brazilian singer/pianist Elaine Elias has recently pledged allegiance to Chet Baker with her most recent release, I Thought About You (A Tribute to Chet Baker). Now, we can't promise - but most likely she will be paying homage to the legendary trumpet player. Elias is joined by Marc Johnson (bass) and Graham Dechter (guitar). Thursday and Sunday evening - two shows each evening. http://www.jazzalley.com/
Marcus Roberts @ The Appel Room (New York, NY) - Another figure in the development of jazz is the pianist Marcus Roberts. Friday evening, Roberts will be playing alongside other great names in contemporary jazz. He'll be joined by the The Modern Jazz Generation featuring Thaddeus Expose and Raviv Markovitz (bass), Jason Marsalis (drums), Alphonso Horne & Tim Blackmon (trumpet), Ron Westray (trombone), Corey Wilcox (trombone & tuba), Ricardo Pascale (saxophone), Tissa Khosla (baritone & tenor saxophones), Stephen Riley (tenor saxophone) & Joe Goldberg (clarinet). http://www.jazz.org/