Fri. Jan. 19 -- Trombonist Phil Ranelin, whose history stretches from Motown through revolution to the all-encompassing present, celebrates the birthdays of 'bone greats Melba Liston and J.J. Johnson. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Jan. 19 -- Before Marco Mendoza was a hotshot metal bassist with Whitesnake, Lizzy et al., he had the fusionistic El Trio (now featuring drummer Joey Heredia and keyboardist Renato Neto). At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Fri.-Sat. Jan. 19-20 -- Modern keyboardist Mark de Clive-Lowe pays tribute to peacegroove saxist Pharoah Sanders, whose enduring influence has surprised the cynical. The band includes experienced Pharoah compatriot Dwight Trible (hallelujah vocals) plus Corbin Jones (bass), Tommaso Cappellato (drums etc.), Teodross Avery (sax), Carlos Niño (percussion) and probably more. 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 $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Jan. 20 -- To cap off the Mike Kelley exhibit, the multifaceted artist's former Pasadena noise band, Extended Organ, gets back together with original members Joe Potts, Tom Recchion, Fredrick Nilsen, Paul McCarthy and Alex Stevens. Please also welcome Lonely Street and Telecaves. A SASSAS presentation at Hauser & Wirth, 901 E. Third St., downtown 90013; 7-10pm; FREE, reservations recommended here.
Sun. Jan. 21 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine's combo throws a few more originals into the hard-bop mix when he plays here. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 7:30-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Wed. Jan. 24 -- Megadeth co-founding guitarist Chris Poland joins bassist Rob Pagliari and drummer Carlos Cruz in Ohm, a fusion band that broke the fusion mold a long time ago. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Wed. Jan. 24 -- Ted Taforo plays sax and keyboards and sings and writes and all with bandmates Joe Salcedo (bass) and Kevin Valko (drums). Singer-guitarist Marcus Buser opens. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. Jan. 25 -- If you can't have Ronnie, you can still enjoy Dio Disciples, featuring members of his band such as Craig Goldy, Simon Wright and Scott Warren. With Doctors of the Earth, The Digital Masquerade, The Warning, Raven Tide, Three Days in the Grave, Lance Lapointe. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 7pm; $20; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
Thurs. Jan. 25 -- A drummer too amazing to play with any but the best, Virgil Donati assembles All Stars Alex Machacek, Steve Hunt and Evan Marien for one of those NAMM satellite gigs. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $30; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here. Read Brick Wahl's noirish music commentaries here.