by Giovanni Russonello

Welcome to this week’s installation of “Weekend in Jazz,” our list of every D.C. jazz show on our radar. Our favorite shows have a label. As always, you can read CapitalBop’s full listings directly at our monthly calendar, if you’d rather. Happy hunting!

FRIDAY, JAN. 28

cb picks:

• Justin Kauflin Trio, Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, 6 p.m.
• John Scofield, Joe Lovano & Bill Stewart, Strathmore, 8 p.m.
• Matvei Sigalov, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.

Justin Kauflin Trio, Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, 6 p.m. | Young pianist and recent Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead Program alum Justin Kauflin is fluid and roaming on the keyboard, and swings with the understated ease of an old-timer. The Virginia Beach native has been blind since the age of 11, though his ear seems to serve him marvelously. Free. View event on calendar | Millenium Stage website

Sharón Clark Quintet, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. | Vocalist Sharón Clark sings jazz and soul tunes with infectious fervor, not to mention impressive precision. She performs in this week’s installment of a Washington tradition: Westminster Presbyterian Church’s “Jazz Night.” Every Friday night, the house of God becomes a hub for fish frying, communing and jamming on straight-ahead jazz. As usual, this week’s band includes some of D.C.’s finest jazz musicians: Chuck Redd on vibes, Chris Grasso on piano, Tommy Cecil on bass and Lenny Robinson on drums. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website

Potomac Jazz Project, Icehouse Café, 6:30 p.m. | The Potomac Jazz Project is a quartet that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes (and even some pop covers) with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. It’s led by bassist Stan Hamrick, and its rotating lineup often features some of D.C.’s great musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Icehouse Café website

Karen Gray Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 6:30 p.m. | Commanding vocalist Karen Gray is joined by guitarist Dave Mosick and bassist Jim McIntyre in her laid-back renditions of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Triple Double Jazz Band, Sala Thai (U St.), 6:30 p.m. | Consisting of Joey Whitney on tenor sax, Ed Gallagher on guitar, Alan Pachter on bass and Tom Reed on drums, the Triple Double Jazz Band plays straightforward, straight-ahead versions of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Night & Day Trio, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | The Night & Day Trio plays traditional, swing-oriented jazz, featuring Renée Tannenbaum on vocals, Mike Suser on piano and vocals and Dennis Johnson on saxophone. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 7 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. But B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s website

Updated: John Scofield, Joe Lovano & Bill Stewart, Strathmore Music Center, 8 p.m. | Not only does this trio include some of the world’s absolute masters on their respective instruments; its musicians have proven themselves to be co-conspirators of remarkable vision and cohesion. Although the bass-free trio is a relatively novel setup for them, guitarist John Scofield, saxophonist Joe Lovano and drummer Bill Stewart have been sporadically recording and performing together in a range of settings for over 20 years. All three presided over the New York scene during the so-called young lions era, when neo-classicism reigned and the backlash against fusion’s excesses was in full swing (if you will). But they watched the movement like a passing train, going to no great lengths to stand in its way but showing little interest in climbing on board. Scofield’s clawing electric guitar sound is immediately recognizable, and he’s given to spiking an extended funk jam with wet, rock-ish riffs — but he swings with the baddest of them. Lovano and Scofield have each amassed gargantuan recorded oeuvres, which span from tributes to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to free improvisations to straight-ahead quartet sessions to heavily arranged, mini-orchestral suites. Stewart, meanwhile, has made fewer records as a leader but is known for his ceaseless patter, always precise but never predictable. Cover varies, no minimum. View event on calendar | Strathmore website

Roy Ayers, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Vocalist and vibraphonist Roy Ayers — beloved by acid-jazz fans, hip-hop heads and disco lovers — now touts around the title “King of Neo-Soul Music.” His days as an experimental jazz musician found him partnering with greats Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Hubert Laws and others. Nowadays, Ayers typically sings sultry ballads over programmed drums and synthesizers. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $37.75 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Eric Byrd and Lyle Link, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Vocalist and pianist Eric Byrd sings with the full-throated force of a ’70s soul singer, but man does he swing. The music is sure to be both straight-ahead and soulful with Lyle Link on saxophone, Bhagwan Khalsa on bass and Alphonso Young Jr. on drums. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental Hotel website

Matvei Sigalov, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 p.m. | Violinist Matvei Sigalov came to the United States eight years ago from his native Russia, and since then he’s accumulated a history of successes. He has performed in venues such as the Kennedy Center and New York City’s Iridium jazz club, where he was a sideman for the late legend Les Paul. He loves to experiment with textures on his electric violin, only adding to his strong improvisational sensibility. He’ll be performing with Marshall Keys on saxophone, Vadim Neselovskyi on piano, Michael Bowie on bass and Nate Jolley on drums. Two separate sets at 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. $18 cover in advance, $22 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Ramzy and the Brothers Handsome, Twins Jazz, 9 p.m. | Vocalist, keyboardist and soulful composer Ramzy Suleiman sings a bit like Ray Charles (his idol) and thinks a bit like Noam Chomsky. The poppish R&B singer will probably never write as many books as Chomsky, but he does deliver thoughtful social commentary over a hopelessly funky backdrop. And he’s equally comfortable letting the funk fly on a Raphael Saadiq cover, or a love song of his own creation. It’s all over a groove that’s sparse but warm as a wool blanket, supplied by bassist John Daise and drummer Jason Edwards. Two separate sets at 9 & 11 p.m. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player Peter Edelman every week leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

DeAndre Howard’s Collector’s Edition, Utopia, 11 p.m. | Trumpeter DeAndre Howard’s weekly engagement at Utopia brings hordes to the restaurant and bar every Friday night. He and his small group, Collector’s Edition, play standards with a friendly, inviting touch, and they add to the positive vibes already flowing throughout the room — especially when Howard tosses aside the trumpet to sing a spontaneous blues. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Utopia profile

SATURDAY, JAN. 29

cb picks:

• Matvei Sigalov, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.
• Elijah Jamal Experience, Utopia, 11 p.m.

Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 7 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. But B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s website

Jacqui Simmons, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Jacqui Simmons sings jazz standards with a heartfelt and elegant presentation. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Mark Mosley Trio, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | Baltimore guitarist Mark Mosley plays a slick hand as a smooth jazz guitarist, but he can also hunker down on serious bop. He performs laid-back straight-ahead here with his trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Yamomanem Jazz Band, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. |  The Yamomanem Jazz Band plays a faithful take on New Orleans jazz, conjuring the days of King Oliver and early Louis Armstrong with its lush brass section. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Lena Seikaly & Potomac Jazz Project, 7 p.m., Extra Virgin Restaurant | Vocalist Lena Seikaly sings jazz standards with a confident and playful demeanor, displaying a haziness reminiscent of Esperanza Spalding as well as a deference to traditional greats. The Potomac Jazz Project is a quartet that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes (and even some pop covers) with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. It’s led by bassist Stan Hamrick, and its rotating lineup often features some of D.C.’s best musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Extra Virgin’s website

John Eaton, Wolf Trap, 7:30 p.m. | John Eaton is a beloved local devotee of the swing era, and he’s well-known for his solo piano performances. Rather than perform improvisation-based interpretations of the showtunes that later became jazz standards, Eaton plays largely faithful recitations. Here he’s performing music from the decade that produced perhaps the most tunes in the jazz canon, the 1930s. $25 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Wolf Trap website

Roy Ayers, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Vocalist and vibraphonist Roy Ayers — beloved by acid-jazz fans, hip-hop heads and disco lovers — now touts around the title “King of Neo-Soul Music.” His days as an experimental jazz musician found him partnering with greats Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Hubert Laws and others. But nowadays, Ayers typically sings sultry ballads over programmed drums and synthesizers. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $37.75 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Kristine Key Quartet, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m.| Delicate-voiced and plaintive singer Kristine Key is joined here by Andrew Adair on piano, James King on bass and John Lamkin on drums. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental Hotel website

Matvei Sigalov, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 p.m. | Violinist Matvei Sigalov came to the United States eight years ago from his native Russia, and since then he’s accumulated a history of successes. He has performed in venues such as the Kennedy Center and New York City’s Iridium jazz club, where he was a sideman for the late legend Les Paul. He loves to experiment with textures on his electric violin, only adding to his strong improvisational sensibility. He’ll be performing with Marshall Keys on saxophone, Vadim Neselovskyi on piano, Michael Bowie on bass and Nate Jolley on drums. Two separate sets at 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. $18 cover in advance, $22 at the door, no minimum View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Kaos Theory, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | Kaos Theory is a smooth funk band. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Ramzy and the Brothers Handsome, Twins Jazz, 9 p.m. | Vocalist, keyboardist and soulful composer Ramzy Suleiman sings a bit like Ray Charles (his idol) and thinks a bit like Noam Chomsky. The poppish R&B singer will probably never write as many books as Chomsky, but he does deliver thoughtful social commentary over a hopelessly funky backdrop. And he’s equally comfortable letting the funk fly on a Raphael Saadiq cover, or a love song of his own creation. It’s all over a groove that’s sparse but warm as a wool blanket, supplied by bassist John Daise and drummer Jason Edwards. The Brothers Handsome are joined for this gig (their second of the weekend at Twins) by vocalist Alice Laurissa. Two separate sets at 9 & 11 p.m. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. Vie?w event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

Elijah Jamal Experience, Utopia, 11 p.m. | Young powerhouse tenor saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed heads up one of the swinginest shows on U Street every Saturday night. His sound drips with the blues, and from the bell of this 20-year-old’s horn seem to rise the ghosts of Coleman Hawkins and Dexter Gordon. With the Washington City Paper‘s 2010 Best New D.C. Jazz Musician award under his belt, Balbed can always be expected always to deliver the goods. No cover, 1-drink minimum View event on calendar | Utopia profile

SUNDAY, JAN. 30

cb pick:

• Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 12 p.m.
• Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kennedy Center, 7 p.m.

Kevin Pace Trio, Chef Geoff’s, 11 a.m. | Kevin Pace has a strong command on the bass and an intuitive ear as a composer. He puts both on display at the restaurant Chef Geoff’s, where he performs every week during Sunday brunch. This is background music, but that’s because of the environment, not the performance — which is anything but second-rate. (To hear Pace stretch out a bit more, catch him at Utopia with the Bobby Muncy Quartet, every Wednesday except the third of the month.) No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Chef Geoff’s website

Jolley Brothers, B. Smith’s, 12 p.m. | The Jolley Brothers, Noble on keyboard and Nate on drums, play thrice a weekend at B. Smith’s, the upscale soul-food restaurant in Union Station’s massive East Hall. The Jolleys, who perform with a bassist, comprise one of D.C.’s most exciting and auspicious acts. With roots in gospel, soul and the modal bop of the 1960s, the brothers (who also compose prolifically) bring some of the most creative elements in the African-American music canon forward into the 21st century, all while stamping it with their own distinctive flavoring. B. Smith’s is a restaurant first, and the music remains in the background – no matter how expertly played. But as far as jazz brunch goes, it’s hard to top the Jolleys’ music. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | B. Smith’s website

Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

Jazz Jam, Dahlak, 6:30 p.m. | This jazz jam presents a friendly, relaxed environment where professionals and amateurs can play together. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Dahlak profile

Potomac Jazz Project, Laporta’s, 6:30 p.m. | The Potomac Jazz Project is a quartet that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes (and even some pop covers) with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. It’s led by bassist Stan Hamrick, and its rotating lineup often features some of D.C.’s best musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Laporta’s website

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Kennedy Center, 7 p.m. | Led by trumpet master Wynton Marsalis, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra is the nation’s most renowned big band, and its musicians clearly don’t take that distinction lightly. The group has a broad repertoire that draws mightily from the Duke Ellington songbook, but Marsalis and other members also compose prodigiously. Their original works thrust the music theory and musical theories that undergird classic orchestral jazz into today. (For instance, Marsalis wrote the entire score for the 1997 album “Blood on the Fields,” which told the story of two enslaved Africans through wildly lush, versatile and, at times, undeniably modern music.) This performance at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall is presented by the Washington Performing Arts Society. Cover varies ($35-$85), no minimum. View event on calendar | Kennedy Center website

Roy Ayers, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Vocalist and vibraphonist Roy Ayers — beloved by acid-jazz fans, hip-hop heads and disco lovers — now touts around the title “King of Neo-Soul Music.” His days as an experimental jazz musician found him partnering with greats Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Hubert Laws and others. But nowadays, Ayers typically sings sultry ballads over programmed drums and synthesizers. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $37.75 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Noah Getz, Twins Jazz, 8 p.m. | Alto saxophonist Noah Getz is proficient in both the classical and jazz idioms. He performs here with a jazz trio featuring pianist Nathan Lincoln-DeCusatis and bassist Luke Stewart (who is also an editor for CapitalBop). $10 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player every Sunday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar |Columbia Station profile

Cheryl Jones Trio, Utopia, 9 p.m. | Singer Cheryl Jones has a weekly engagement every Sunday at Utopia, where she sings with depth, force and clarity. Jones is equally likely to sing jazz standards, pop tunes or gospel classics. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Utopia profile

Rachel Panay, Black Fox Lounge, 9 p.m. | Vocalist Rachel Panay sings jazz with her quartet. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox Lounge website

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