Fri. Oct. 26 -- Can't describe it much better than Jacques Lesure Swingin and Groovin Collective, a stellar mainstreamish band featuring classic drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, polished saxist Ralph Moore and organist Pete Kuzma. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Oct. 26 -- Shake to the minor-key classicism and sad Armenian folk fusionistics of cellist Artyom Manukyan, with topline support from keyboardist Sam Barsh, bassist Tim Lefebvre and slammin drummer Gene Coye. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $20; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Fri. Oct. 26 -- Sonic Crime lavishes improvisational nihilist dread with trumpeter Chris Williams, guitarist Kirsten Carey and bassoonist Cody Putman. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $6 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Fri.-Sat. Oct. 26-27 -- Traditional but not conservative, South L.A. pianist Eric Reed puts it where you want it with drummer McClenty Hunter, alto man Tim Green and bassist Mike Gurrola. 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; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Oct. 27 -- Bargain of the week: Saxist Michael Session conducts the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, reviving the soul-stirring compositions of the late Horace Tapscott and maybe even Nate Morgan. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. Oct. 27 -- Mike Keneally does so much with guitar, voice, keyboards, composition and conception that "fusion" really don't say it, and Frank Zappa would concur if he were more readily reachable. With guitarist
Rick Musallam, guitarist Griff Peters and drummer Joe Travers. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $25; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Wed. Oct. 31 -- The unit of pianist Adegoke Steve Colson & singer Iqua Colson bring back the '70s community feel of African-rooted jazz. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 7:30pm; $20-$25; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Oct. 31 -- Wild, sensitive & proficient: the bass-sax-drums trio of Kyle Motl, Patrick Shiroishi & Paul Carter, a.ka. The Fall Through Night. Solo saxist Garrett Wingfield opens. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $6 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. Nov. 1 -- Muscular Kneebody electric bassist Kaveh Rastegar leads his own driving ensemble. 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. Nov. 1 -- Trip with Medicine Show, featuring the intellectual avantobatics of saxist Charles Sharp, guitarist Jonathon Grasse and and drummer Tom Steck. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $6 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.