Fri. Feb. 16 -- Saxist Justo Almario always has first-rate bandmates who dig his big tone, flexible swing and love of every kind of jazz. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 8pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Feb. 16 -- Former Bad Plus drummer Dave King puts his heavy foot into an avantarian trio with pianist Matt Mitchell (Tim Berne) and bassist Billy Peterson (Steve Miller!). 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 $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Feb. 17 -- A treasured connection to Ornette Coleman's Texas roots, as well as the roots of L.A. outjazz, cornetist Bobby Bradford jams with the ensemble Elevated Mantra (pianist Will Alexander, bassist Lester McFarland and drummer Mark Pino); Alexander mixes in his award-winning poetry; Andrew Choate has a chat with Bobby & Will; everyone goes home enlightened. At Beyond Baroque, 681 Venice Blvd., Venice 90291; 8pm; $10; (310) 822-3006; www.beyondbaroque.org.
Sat. Feb. 17 -- What's a master class? In this case, it's ace vibraphonist Nick Mancini talking about jazz's connection to the blues. Then Mancini's quartet with clarinetist John Tegmeyer, bassist Jordan Richards and percussionist James Yoshizawa shows ya how it's done by performing originals and standards. Open to the public!. At Sound Roads Music, 3017 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405; master class 5pm, $15; concert 7pm, $20.
Sat. Feb. 17 -- Josh Homme's Queens of the Stone Age got famous by getting high and jamming loud in the desert; so could you maybe, if you've got that much talent. At the Forum, 3900 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305; 7pm; $35; www.ticketmaster.com.
Sun. Feb. 18 -- Passionate saxist Michael Session carries the Horace Tapscott torch high as he conducts the grooving, wild-jamming Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, which never fails to elevate your sneakers. Photo by Warren Berman. With Black Nile, plus DJ Mark Maxwell and DJ Jesse Justice. At Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Drive, Frogtown 90039; 7:30pm-1am; $25; 21+; www.zebulon.la.
Sun. Feb. 18 -- When Black History Month gets celebrated here it means something extra, starting with an African fashion show and then dipping into the freedom reggae of Kojo Lion and Ijahken. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 5-8pm; looks like it's FREE; www.theworldstage.org.
Sun. Feb. 18 -- The 17-member Alan Chan Jazz Orchestra inaugurates the Year of the Dog post-contempo style. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $20; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sun. Feb. 18 -- Relax with the easy bop intelligence of trumpeter Elliott Caine's combo. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 7:30-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Wed. Feb. 21 -- All Pigs Must Die lives in rad death metal after Converge died; confusing. With Baptists. At the Hi-Hat, 5043 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; doors 8pm; $15; www.hihat.la.
Wed. Feb. 21 -- Greek stoners 1000mods = Electric Wizard + Can. With Telekinetic Yeti. At Resident, 428 S. Hewitt St., downtown 90013; doors 8pm; $20; www.residentdtla.com.
Thurs. Feb. 22 -- Greek vets Septicflesh lavish symphonic blackened death; Dark Funeral owns Swedish black-metal corpsepaint cred going back a quarter century. With Thy Antichrist. At the Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., downtown 90013; 7pm; $30; 18+; www.ticketfly.com.
Thurs. Feb. 22 -- Clear your brain for the ensemble of mathematically provable alto saxist David Binney. 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.
Thurs. Feb. 22 -- Rob Waller and Paul Lacques of I See Hawks in L.A. preview their next collection of individualistic urban country balladry. With Secret Emchy Society, Dean Thomas. At Stories Bookstore, 1716 Sunset Blvd., Echo Park 90026; 7:30pm-ish; free.
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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.