Fri. Nov. 22 -- Sharp-minded saxist David Binney resides, presides and decides with burgeoning cohorts. 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. Nov. 23 -- Imaginative inward/outward pianist Joshua White leads a quartet with bassist Dean Hulett and drummer Tyler Kreutel. 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. Nov. 23 -- Donald Dean has drummed for Kenny Dorham, Les McCann, Jimmy Smith and other icons, but I first saw him swing with Horace Tapscott, which helps explain why you're certain to hear the cream of South L.A. in his ensemble. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. Nov. 23 -- Exciting young pianist Jamael Dean (son o' Donald!) and his grooving Afronauts (including Carlos Niño) are among the musicians sharing carbon dioxide with the trees. At La Tierra de la Culebra Park, 240 S. Avenue 57, Highland Park 90042; starts 1pm, Afronauts probably an hour or two later; FREE; all ages.
Sat. Nov. 23 -- Anthony Wilson plays guitar and composes, both with a twist of inviting originality. His quartet includes his favorite local pianist, Josh Nelson, plus bassist David Piltch aand drummer Jay Bellarose. 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. Nov. 24 -- Carlos Niño & Friends is not that distinctive of a band name, because everyone feels like a friend of the ayatollah-bearded percussionist/radio host, who is celebrating the release of his new "Bliss On Dear Oneness," a delightful atmospheric/rhythmic cure for holiday stress. Tonight's exceptional Friends include hand drummer Randy Gloss, pianist Jamael Dean, stringman Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, saxist Aaron Shaw, multi-instrumentalist Dexter Story and more. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Tues. Nov. 26 -- They're from South Carolina, not Egypt, but Nile enjoy adding Tuttistic images and the occasional gong to their technical death metal, and we like it. Read my review of their new album here. With Terrorizer, Dark As Death, Insineratehymn, Disciples of Death, Delusional Fate, Bodily Ruin. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 5:30pm; $30; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
Wed. Nov. 27 -- Hey, a sludge band from Sweden, not Portland! Talkin' 'bout the slow, majestic pound of Monolord. With Blackwater Holylight, Yidhra. At Teragram Ballroom, 1234 W. Seventh St., downtown 90017; doors 8pm; $25; www.teragramballroom.com.
Wed. Nov. 27 -- A credentialed and sparky quartet: alto man David Binney, bassist Tim Lefebvre, guitarist Nick Reinhart and drummer Eric Gardner. 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.