Fri. May 18 -- World-class percussionist Munyungo Jackson puts his talents behind a band of his choosing (and he can get anyone). At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. May 18 -- The present non-acronymic iteration of
CAB still features the toppermost of fusionistic genii: drummer Virgil Donati, bassist Bunny Brunel, keyboardist Nick Smith and guitarist Alex Machacek. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sat. May 19 -- Vocalist Dwight Trible taps his melismatic connection to the ancestral fountain. In Bar Fedora in vegan restaurant Au Lac, 710 W. First St., downtown 90012 (behind REDCAT); 7:30 & 9:30pm; $20-$25 (students $10) plus two-item minimum, reservations advisable at www.saturdaynightjazzdtla.com; underground parking; www.saturdaynightjazzdtla.com.
Sat. May 19 -- An evening of solo improvisations by three very different extremists: guitarist Joe Baiza, bass electro-droner Devin Sarno and multi-instrumentalist Jason Kahn. At Coaxial Arts Foundation, 1815 S. Main St., downtown 90015; 8pm; $5; www.coaxialarts.com.
Sat. May 19 -- Sleuthing out some intriguing corners of jazz history, it's keyboardist Theo Saunders and saxist Chuck Manning, cradled by bassist Harvey Newmark and drummer Mark Stevens. At Desert Rose Restaurant, 1700 N. Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz 90027; 7-11pm; free, reservations advisable; (323) 666-1166; desertroserestaurant.com.
Sat. May 19 -- Double Naught Spy Car rip the rad instrumentals; read my live review here. In the bar of Taix Restaurant, 1911 Sunset Blvd., Silver Lake 90026; 11pm; free; www.taixfrench.com.
Sun. May 20 -- Chris Wabich (frame drums) and Dimitris Mahlis (oud) are Wahid, finding that place where Western ears intersect with the Middle East. At Clockshop, 2806 Clearwater St., Frogtown 90039; doors 6pm, show 7pm; $20; beer & wine; www.clockshop.org.
Sun. May 20 -- Cuban Fest has Cuban singer Pedro Calvo, some local rhythm killers and probably food better than you can get on the island itself. At La Plaza de Culturas y Artes, 501 N. Main St., downtown 90012; noon; $25 tix here.
Sun. May 20 -- Danish Viking metalmen Tyr head a solid bill with excellent Israeli melodic heftsters Orphaned Land, plus Ghost Ship Octavius, Aeternam. At the EchoPlex, 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park 90026; doors 6pm; $28; 21+; www.attheecho.com.
Wed.-Thurs. May 23-24 -- If you wanna behold a roomful of rock/fusion guitar students geekin' to the max, don't miss Tony MacAlpine (Planet X) and Vinnie Moore (UFO), backed by bassist Pete Griffin and drummer Gergo Borlai. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30pm; $40; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Thurs. May 24 -- Tortoise guitarist Jeff Parker (8pm) flows with the electrical currents solo; Smile Lines (Greg Saunier and Rozie Jordan, 9pm) I dunno, but I trust the bookers. A presentation of Angel City Arts' Sonic Labyrinth series at MorYork Gallery, 4959 York Blvd., Eagle Rock 90042; 7:30pm; $10; www.angelcityarts.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.