Fri. Dec. 28 -- Keyboardist Larry Goldings and his group lean toward the soul jazz with some modernistic touches. 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. Dec. 29 -- Veteran windman Bennie Maupin expands well beyond his youthful Miles & Herbie associations into artful realms of chamber jazz and individualistic blues flavorings. With bassist Darek Oles (one of the best anywhere), pianist David Arnay, drummer Kenny Sara, trumpeter Chris Williams (dig him in the Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra) and percussionist Eric McKain. Do your New Year's jazz celebrating tonight instead. 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; $35 ($25 students); 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sat. Dec. 29 -- Fiery Grammy-nommed Latin-jazz pianist Otmaro Ruiz cuts loose with a trio featuring bassist Dave Robaire and drummer Jimmy Branly. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $20 plus one-drink minimum per set; full bar; snacks; small parking lot in rear, reduced-rate validated parking at nearby Joe's Auto Park; (424) 800-2006; www.samfirstbar.com.
Sun. Dec. 30 -- Barbara Morrison, gutsiest of experienced souljazz singers, gives it to ya straight in a pre-New Year party with her band and special guests Cliff Brown (guitar) and Jay Jackson (vocals). At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 7:30pm; $25; (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Mon. Dec. 31 -- Ozzy Osbourne, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Jonathan Davis (of Korn) and Ice-T's Body Count bring the top-rung radness to Ozzfest's New Year's Eve extravaganza. At the Forum, 3900 Manchester Blvd., Inglewood 90305; 2:30pm; $20-$300; www.ticketmaster.com.
Thurs. Jan. 3 -- A formidable quartet of improvisin' outsters: drummer Joe Berardi, guitarist Carey Fosse, windman Ted Taforo and bassist Darryl Tewes, plugged in and FXed to the max. Tom Blatnik documents a taste here. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.