Fri. Jan. 20 -- Moris Tepper is one of those musicians who make you wonder what's wrong with a world where everybody can go see him for free (but you ain't complaining). The strength of his songwriting, the distinctiveness of his voice, the tweakiness of his sonic palette, the perverted realness of his lyrics . . . well, buy him a sarsaparilla, at least. Black Widows close. In the bar of Taix Restaurant, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake 90026; 10:30pm; free; www.taixfrench.com.
Sat. Jan. 21 -- Can't get enuf guitar shred? By the end of this one, you will: Uli Jon Roth (early Scorpions, seven-string inspiration, pictured), Richie Kotzen (latter-day Poison and Mr. Big), Tony MacAlpine (Planet X, fusion insanity), Bruce Kulick (Kiss, WASP), plus five bands I don't know, celebrating the pagan rite known as the NAMM Show. At the Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 7:30pm; $23; 18+; www.keyclub.com; (310) 274-5800.
Sun. Jan. 22 -- Other axmen fear Allan Holdsworth (Tony Williams, Gong) more than death. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $30; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Tues. Jan. 24 -- Postfusion-funky Ohm guitarist Chris Poland may be best known for his '80s Megadeth trailblazing, but he started as a jazzbo, and he's versatile enough to be juicing the late set with PolCat, a quartet featuring the truly outstanding Chicago gutjazz saxist Frank Catalano (pictured). An occasion. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $20 per set; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Wed.-Sun. Jan. 25-29 -- Trumpeter Roy Hargrove is a slippery SOB, knocking from traditional bop to hip-hop at a momen't notice. Although he broke in a couple decades back as a trad revivalist, and maybe he sounds best plowing that furrow, give him credit for tuning in to his own generation. Bet he won't rock the beatbox much for the posh oldsters here. At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 8 & 10pm; $22-$35; (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Thurs. Jan. 26 -- Lap-steel guitarist Paul Lacques and Double Naught Spy Car are taking the checkered flag on their Thursday surf & crank instrumental residency, not just a pit stop -- draining the oil, canceling the insurance, and that's more than enough automotive metaphors. In the bar of Taix Restaurant, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake 90026; 10:30pm; free; www.taixfrench.com.
Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here and MoshKing's metal listings here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here.