Fri. Nov. 8 -- Wondrous bassist, composer and Tapscott torchbearer Roberto Miranda assembles a superb ensemble with keyboardist Wayne Peet, stringman Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, drummer Mekala Session and percussionist Nick Shuyler Baker. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Nov. 8 -- Extreme modernist trumpeter-composer Wadada Leo Smith receives UCLA's highest musical honor and directs performances of some of his works for string ensemble, piano (Vicki Ray!) and his own horn. Special event, slip in if you can. At UCLA's Ostin Music Center Ensemble Room 110A, 445 Hilgard Drive #2525, Westwood 90024; 7pm; free mandatory registration here.
Fri. Nov. 8 -- Revel in the loose-limbed Bay Area sludge & blastbeats of Ulthar plus more bands. At the Lexington, 129 E. Third St., downtown 90013; doors 8pm; $13; 21+; (213) 291-5723; lexbarla.com.
Fri.-Sat. Nov. 8-9 -- Rockin' guitar chopsman Michael Landau fronts a trio with bassist Jimmy Johnson and drummer Abe Laboriel Jr. (Fri.), and his Liquid Quartet with those guys and co-guitarist David Frazee (Sat.). At the Baked Potato, 3787 Cahuenga Blvd. West, Studio City 91604; 9:30 & 11:30pm; $30-$35; (818) 980-1615; www.thebakedpotato.com.
Sat. Nov. 9 -- Artistic director John Schneider and Partch present rare performances of microtonal demiurge Harry Partch's compositions with his personally designed instruments and help from violist Derek Stein, trumpeter Dan Rosenboom and saxist Ulrich Krieger. A Jacaranda presentation at First Presbyterian Church, 1220 Second St., Santa Monica 90401; 8pm; $45 tickets here.
Sun. Nov. 10 -- Joshua Redman blows a ton o' tenor from every angle with pianist Aaron Goldberg, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Gregory Hutchinson; plenty of support arrives via Midwestern melodic jazz groovers The Bad Plus. A CAP presentation at UCLA's Royce Hall; 8pm; $39-$119; www.cap.ucla.edu.
Wed. Nov. 13 -- Jen Shyu sings, dances and plays Asian instruments in mesmerizing fashion. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 7:30pm; $15-$25; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Nov. 13 -- Urbane alto man Remy Le Boeuf puts together a quiet but twisty quartet with pianist Vardan Ovsepian, bassist Karl McComas-Reichl and drummer Christian Euman. 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.
Thurs.-Sat. Nov. 14-16 -- Oh yeah, it's stirring pianist Joshua White in three successive nights with different trio mates including saxist Gavin Templeton and drummer Alex Cline (Thurs.); bassist Anna Butterss and drummer Christian Euman (Fri.); and bassist Dean Hulett and drummer Tyler Kreutel (Sat.). Hear him stretch. 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.