Fri. Jan. 18 -- Groomed by South L.A.'s best, young saxist Randal Fisher continues the tradition with pianist Mahesh Balasooriya, bassist Michael Alvidrez, guitarist Nadav Peled and drummer Will Logan. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri.-Sat. Jan. 18-19 -- Saxist George Garzone forms a quite awesome melodic-jazz trio with drummer Peter Erskine, pianist Alan Pasqua and bassist Darek Oles, world-class veterans all. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $30 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.
Sat. Jan. 19 -- Trumpeter Elliott Caine's combo bops originals and deep tracks from jazz's classic era. At Colombo's Restaurant, 1833 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 9:30pm-midnight; no cover; (323) 254-9138.
Sun. Jan. 20 -- Elliott Caine. At the York Bar and Restaurant, 5018 York Blvd., Highland Park 90042; 7:30-10pm; no cover; (323) 255-9675.
Sun. Jan. 20 -- Sparky & outrooted pianist Joshua White leads a trio with bassist Dean Hulett and drummer Tyler Kreutel. 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.
Mon. Jan. 21 -- Finnish folk metal? Why, sure, you mean Ensiferum. Me, though, I'm looking more at the supercharged hi-tech riffery of Arsis (pictured). With long-running Greek deathsters Septicflesh, plus Witherfall, Thorns of Sin. At the Regent Theater, 448 S. Main St., downtown 90013; 6:30pm; $35; all ages; www.ticketfly.com.
Tues. Jan. 22 -- Frank Bello & David Ellefson (bassists for Anthrax & Megadeth) have made a record called "Get It Out," and they're gonna talk about it (and about their other bands, of course). At the Musicians Institute, 1655 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood 90028; 8pm; free if you RSVP and create a password here.
Tues. Jan. 22 -- Testament shredder Alex Skolnick is a sophisticated and wide-ranging axman, here fronting the fusionistic Skol Hamm Asylum with bassist Stu Hamm, drummer Joel Taylor and cellist Tina Guo . At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $30; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Wed. Jan. 23 -- Former Megadeth guitar foil Chris Poland rocks & fuses in Ohm, with bassist Rob Pagliari and drummer Carlos Cruz. At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $28; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Wed. Jan. 23 -- Boggling bassist Mark Dresser always puts together super-elite ensembles, here including pianist Joshua White, flutist Nicole Mitchell, trombonist Michael Dessen and violinist Keir Gogwilt. A must for the avant faithful. VENUE CHANGE: To make this evening a total knockout, the event celebrating the release of the box "Eric Dolphy, Musical Prophet" (buncha unreleased 1963 stuff) has been moved here from the Largo. A top band (David Binney, Henry Solomon, Bob Sheppard, Chris Williams, Simon Moullier, Tabari Lake, Peter Erskine) performs premieres from Dolphy's own charts; and Randall Roberts moderates a panel with box producers Zev Feldman and James Newton (the latter's flute playing owes much to Dolphy), plus Monk biographer Robin D.G. Kelley. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; Dresser 7:30pm, Dolphy 9:30pm; $15-$25 includes both shows; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Jan. 23 -- Chicago drummer Jerome Bryerton exploits his local influence with three outjammin' sets featuring L.A.'s finest: windman Vinny Golia, bassist Steuart Liebig and cornetist Dan Clucas. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $7 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Thurs. Jan. 24 -- Clarinetist Brian Walsh leads the Oakwood Improvised Music Ensemble, high-schoolers who know what from what. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.