by Giovanni Russonello
Editorial board

There’s plenty of variations on classic, swinging jazz to choose from this weekend, from Whit Williams at Westminster Presbyterian to Tim Whalen at Twins Jazz. Then at the Caverns, the excellent Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles will bring his danceable, Afro-Caribbean style. There’s info on all those shows and many more in this week’s edition of “Weekend in Jazz.” As always, you can find our full listings at CapitalBop’s D.C. jazz calendar. Our favorites have a label. Happy hunting!

FRIDAY, JULY 19

cb picks:

• Whit Williams Quintet, Westminster Presbyterian, 6 p.m.
• Tim Whalen Septet, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m.
• Etienne Charles, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• Donvonte McCoy Quintet, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m.

Whit Williams Quintet, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m. | The Baltimore-based Whit Williams is a strong, swinging saxophonist, who’s been mentoring younger musicians in the area for decades. Here he performs with Leo Maxey on trumpet, David Lowe on bass, Joel Nygren on piano and Gary Jenkins on drums. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website

Karen Gray Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m. | Commanding vocalist Karen Gray sings laid-back renditions of jazz standards in a drumless trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

L’Tanya Mari & Friends, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Singer L’Tanya Mari is influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, singing jazz with depth and soulful warmth. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Petworth Jazz Project, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 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 lineup rotates. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Tim Whalen, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | The agile and sturdy pianist Tim Whalen is also a talented arranger, composer and orchestrator. He appears here with a medium-sized group featuring some of D.C.’s best, who will play Whalen’s arrangements of the compositions of Wayne Shorter, the legendary saxophonist who recently turned 80. The band includes Marty Nau on alto saxophone, Lyle Link on tenor sax, Joe Herrera on trumpet, Victor Barranco on trombone, Zack Pride on bass and Carroll Dashiel on drums. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $16 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Klymaxx, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | A major presence on the 1980s pop and R&B scene, Klymaxx is responsible for hits such as “The Men All Pause,” “Meeting in the Ladies Room,” “Sexy,” and “I Miss You.” Two separate sets at 8 and 10 p.m. $55 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Etienne Charles, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Etienne Charles is a Trinidadian jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist who blends Calypso, Latin jazz and straight-ahead. He has a clear, winding trumpet attack made of smooth plunges and sturdy climbs. It’s defined by a strong undercurrent of rhythm. His 2011 album, Kaiso, emphasizes the West African roots of his Caribbean musical heritage. Now he’s touring behind a soon-to-be-released followup, Creole Soul. Here he leads his own combo in what is likely to be an infectious, dance-inducing evening of music. $20 cover online, $25 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Antonio Parker Quartet, HR-57, 9 p.m. | The alto saxophonist Antonio Parker’s playing is swinging and soulful, colored by a bright, aggressive tone. He casually sprinkles neo-soul and R&B influences into his otherwise straight-ahead bop, and his improvisation shows a redolence of Kenny Garrett. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

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

Alfredo Mojica, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Alfredo Mojica, who sang at Bossa for years with the group Sin Miedo, unites salsa, jazz and Latin American balladry. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa 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. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

SATURDAY, JULY 20

cb picks:

• Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m.
• Tim Whalen Septet, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m.
• Etienne Charles, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
• Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m.
• Donvonte McCoy Quintet, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m.

Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m. | HR-57, a reliable destination for strong, swinging jazz, recently added weekend brunch shows to its itinerary. The musician leading the way, Donvonte McCoy, is one of the best in the city. He plays the trumpet with focus and power and a contemporary rhythmic swagger, never overstating his case but easily drawing a soulful essence from the horn. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

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

Charles Woods, Johnny’s Half Shell, 6 p.m. | Saxophonist Charles Woods plays and has recorded in both free and straight-ahead jazz styles, but for his regular gig at Johnny’s Half Shell he keeps things within the traditional bop realm. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Johnny’s Half Shell 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

Full Ascent, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | This jazz band plays in a number of traditional styles, from hard-bop to Dixieland to calypso. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website

Tim Whalen Septet, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | The agile and sturdy pianist Tim Whalen is also a talented arranger, composer and orchestrator. He appears here with a medium-sized group featuring some of D.C.’s best, who will play Whalen’s arrangements of the compositions of Wayne Shorter, the legendary saxophonist who recently turned 80. The band includes Marty Nau on alto saxophone, Lyle Link on tenor sax, Joe Herrera on trumpet, Victor Barranco on trombone, Zack Pride on bass and Carroll Dashiel on drums. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $16 cover, $10 minimum.View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile

Klymaxx, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | A major presence on the 1980s pop and R&B scene, Klymaxx is responsible for hits such as “The Men All Pause,” “Meeting in the Ladies Room,” “Sexy,” and “I Miss You.” Two separate sets at 8 and 10 p.m. $55 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Etienne Charles, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | Etienne Charles is a Trinidadian jazz trumpeter and multi-instrumentalist who blends Calypso, Latin jazz and straight-ahead. He has a clear, winding trumpet attack made of smooth plunges and sturdy climbs. It’s defined by a strong undercurrent of rhythm. His 2011 album, Kaiso, emphasizes the West African roots of his Caribbean musical heritage. Now he’s touring behind a soon-to-be-released followup, Creole Soul. Here he leads his own combo in what is likely to be an infectious, dance-inducing evening of music. $20 cover online, $25 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Cubista, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Cubista is a salsa band that plays at Bossa every Saturday. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa profile

AJ Parham, HR-57, 9 p.m. | AJ Parham is a smooth, deep-voiced vocalist who sings R&B with inflections of jazz. But on the bandstand at HR-57, where he’s long been a stalwart performer, Parham often tries his hand at jazz standards. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 9:30 p.m. | Lyrical bassist Steve Synk, a music major at the University of Maryland, leads a young trio that explores music ranging from standards to originals, groove-based contemporary jazz to swinging bop. No cover, one-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. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile

SUNDAY, JULY 21

cb picks:

• Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m.
• Mr. HO’s Orchestrotica, Bohemian Caverns, 7 & 9 p.m.
• Elijah Jamal Balbed, Bethesda Blues & Jazz, 7:30 p.m.
• Sharón Clark, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m.

 
Gospel Brunch, The Hamilton, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Every Sunday morning, the Hamilton presents two sets of rafters-raising gospel, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Two separate shows at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $25 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | The Hamilton website

TBA, Acadiana, 11 a.m. | Performer TBA. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Acadiana website

Jazz Brunch: Donvonte McCoy, HR-57, 11:30 a.m. | HR-57 – a reliable destination for strong, swinging jazz – recently added weekend brunch shows to its itinerary. The musician leading the way, Donvonte McCoy, is one of the best in the city. He plays the trumpet with focus and power and a contemporary rhythmic swagger, never overstating his case but easily drawing a soulful essence from the horn. $15 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 profile

Harlem Gospel Choir, Howard Theatre, 12 p.m. | The talented Harlem Gospel Choir, which has been active since 1986, performs a Sunday brunch show every week at the Howard Theatre. Either an all-you-can-eat buffet or an a la carte menu are available. Doors open at noon, and the music starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets vary ($35 for all-you-can-eat or $20 for admission and a la carte options in advance, $45 or $30 at the door). View event on calendar | Howard website

Todd Simon, Kellari Taverna, 12 p.m. | The sturdy and swinging pianist Todd Simon performs every Sunday in a duo setting; his accompanists vary from bass to guitar to saxophone, depending on the week. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Kellari Taverna 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

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

Mr. HO’s Orchestrotica, Bohemian Caverns, 7 & 9 p.m. | Mr. HO’s Orchestrotica, a band of four multi-instrumentalists, performs an original blend of world music, sourced from the flavors of East Asia, the Middle East, the Balkans and Latin America. It has a love for musical curios, too; sometimes the Orchestrotica expands its ranks to become a 22-piece orchestra, and plays Esquivel!’s 1960s space-lounge music. At the Caverns, the core quartet will play. Two separate sets at 7 & 9 p.m. $15 cover in advance, $20 at the door, no minimum. View event on calendar | Bohemian Caverns profile

Elijah Jamal Balbed, Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, 7:30 p.m. | The young tenor saxophonist Elijah Jamal Balbed – a lustrous rising star on the D.C. scene – handles his metallic, full-bore tone with conviction. He harks back to Dexter Gordon and Sonny Rollins, but refracts their lessons through the Young Lions of the 1990s and speaks in the lingua franca of present-day post-bop. Here he performs music from his recently released debut CD, the excellent “Checking In.” His band includes Mark Meadows on piano, Curtis Ostle on bass and Aaron Seeber on drums. $20 cover, $15 minimum for dining-area seating. View event on calendar | Bethesda Blues & Jazz website

Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Jazz Direct, Zoo Bar Café, 7:30 p.m.| This combo specializes in traditional New Orleans-style jazz. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Zoo Bar website

Sharón Clark, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | Vocalist Sharón Clark sings with fervor and soul, plus impressive precision. She’s one of D.C.’s top jazz singers. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $25 cover, $2.50 surcharge, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile

Lahla-Hadiya, Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | D.C. native Lahla Hadiya sings insistent, full-throated neo-soul. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $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 Peter Edelman every Sunday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” no cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile

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