Fri. Dec. 12 -- Contemp/straight-ahead keyboardist Sunnie Paxson has put together an all-star trio featuring drum lord Alphonse Mouzon, with secret special guests. (Dunno who, but she's recorded recently with the likes of Stanley Clarke and Munyungo Jackson.) At Vitello's Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City 91604; 8pm; $15-$140; (818) 769-0905; www.vitellosjazz.com.
Fri. Dec. 12 -- Beginning a large aquatic creature of a week at the Whale, the Blue Note-ish organ & piano of Larry Goldings (with bassist David Piltch, drummer Jay Bellerose and percussionist Sebastian Aymanns) goes well with a martini. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $20; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Dec. 13 -- For a guitarist-drummer duo, Charlie Hunter & Scott Amendola do more than fill up the space, they blow out the walls. At the Mint, 6010 Pico Blvd., LA 90035; 8pm; $22; (323) 954-9400; www.themintla.com.
Sat. Dec. 13 -- Lyrical pianist Cyrus Chestnut and multivalent saxist James Carter, both modern masters, lead a quartet with my favorite bassist and drummer, TBA. A presentation of the Jazz Bakery's Movable Feast at the Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood 90028; 8pm; $30; www.jazzbakery.org.
Sat. Dec. 13 -- Pianist Billy Childs always has something intelligent and original to propagate, this time with trumpeter Mike Cottone, saxist Bob Shepard, bassist Carlitos del Puerto an drummer Jamire Williams. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $20; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Dec. 13 -- Mainstreamish jazz meat from trumpeter Elliott Caine complements the steak on your plate. At Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 9:30pm-midnight; no cover; (323) 254-9138.
Sun. Dec. 14 -- Most post-Duke big bands bore me, but not that of trumpeter John Daversa, who is uncommonly aware that Stan Kenton rests in peace. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Mon. Dec. 15 -- Those who remember bassist Nick Rosen for his youthful work with Henry Grimes and Arthur Blythe will not be surprised at the wide range of connections he's made, so when this particular dude announces a night of his original music in duo with a number of singers plus special guests, one suspects that it won't be "Melancholy Baby." At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $15; 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Tues.-Wed. Dec. 16-17 -- Special event: Alto man Steve Coleman, inspirational genius of the funky modern avant, presents Five Elements featuriing trumpeter Jonathan Finlayson, guitarist Miles Okazaki, bassist Anthony Tidd and drummer Sean Rickman. (Look to the future, since his bands have included the likes of Cassandra Wilson, Greg Osby and Ralph Alessi.) At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $25 ($20 advance purchase advised); 21+; parking $5 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Thurs. Dec. 18 -- The thunder and rain of L.A. atmo-metal progsters Intronaut lines right up with the weather. Support comes from Ides of Gemini, Silver Snakes, The Great Wall. At the Roxy, 9009 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 8pm; $15; (310) 278-9457; www.theroxy.com.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here and MoshKing's metal listings here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here.