Fri. Jan. 4 -- Funny that I still think of L.A.'s Warbringer as new kids in thrash, when they've been working like oxen for more than a decade and five albums. With Ophiuchus, Democide, Anathemma, Fallacy, Plague, Corrupt. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 6pm; $20; all ages; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
Fri. Jan. 4 -- Happy birthday, Nels Cline and Alex Cline.
Sun. Jan. 6 -- One of L.A.'s prime outward stimulators, trumpeter Daniel Rosenboom, leads a hefty combo featuring guitarist Tim Conley, pianist Joshua White, bassist Tim Lefebvre and drummer Tina Raymond. Opening is multi-instrmentalist and singer Will Salmon's ever-evolving Open Gate Theater, exercising the talents of drummer Alex Cline, singer Dwight Trible, bassist Miller Wren and visualist Ted Lamoureaux. At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 7pm; $10; (626) 795-4989.
Sun. Jan. 6 -- The quintet of trumpeter Elliott Caine plays the enduring Blue Note legacy of Lee Morgan. Did you see the documentary about Lee and his wife, "I Called Him Morgan" (before I shot him)? Good stuff. At Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 7:30pm; $20; (323) 466-2210; www.catalinajazzclub.com.
Mon. Jan. 7 -- Call to see if Jeff Parker is still playing here on Mondays. At ETA, 5630 N. Figueroa St., Highland Park 90042; 9pm; $5; 21+; full bar; food; (323) 274-4755; www.etahlp.com.
Thurs. Jan. 10 -- Keyboardist Wayne Peet steers a superduper quartet with drummer Ellington Peet, incredible bassist Roberto Miranda (whom he met with Horace Tapscott eons ago) and electronified windman Andrew Pask. Read my review of Peet's new/old "What The?" (featuring Nels Cline) here; Peet will have copies on hand, so buy one, it's awesome. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.
Thurs.-Fri. Jan. 10-11 -- Formed in 1983, Bay Area deathsters Possessed still feature lead ranter Jeff Becerra. Thursday with Letum Ascensus, Subliminal, Vile Descent, Delusional Fate, Masked Jackal, Chamuco; Friday with Dark as Death, Gravedanger, Luna 13, Syn Absence, Corrupt, Disciples of Death, Letum Ascensus. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 6pm; $25 Thu., $100 Fri.; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.