Fri. Feb. 14 -- Fearsome multi-instrumentalist Jesse Sharps (The Gathering, Horace Tapscott) teams with three-string saz player Nyofu Tyson for jazzy jamz and explorations of Turkish poetry. Is L.A. the best or what? At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Fri. Feb. 14 -- Danny Janklow Elevation Band features the rising saxist with an impressive quintet including pianist Josh Nelson, vibraphonist Nick Mancini, bassist Benjamin J. Shepherd and power drummer Gene Coye. 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; $25; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Fri. Feb. 14 -- Elliott Caine points his trumpet at the microphone in 2020, and 1960 jazz comes out, along with compatible originals, abetted by his able combo. At Saladang Garden Restaurant, 383 S. Fair Oaks Blvd., Pasadena 91105; 7-10pm; no cover; (626) 793-5200.
Sat. Feb. 15 -- Guitarist Paul Lacques and Double Naught Spy Car (10:30) whip out psycho instrumentals that will leave you panting. With Star Party (9:30), Sweet and Cruel (11:30), Comprehend (12:30). At Maui Sugar Mill Saloon, 18389 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana 91356; no cover; two-drink minimum; free parking; (818) 344-0034.
Sun. Feb. 16 -- Grammy-winning singer and keyboardist Patrice Rushen gushes original R&B and urban fusion from the golden age. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $2; www.theworldstage.org.
Sun. Feb. 16 -- Roots singer Julie Christensen makes a triumphant return to L.A. fronting a Stone Cupids Alumini band featuring Rick Shea, Joe Woodard, Tom Lackner, Karen Hammack and more, not to mention special guests such as Chris D., Rain Perry and yer crazy uncle. She's got a moody new acoustic album, "Sad Clown," too. At McCabe's, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405; 8pm; $20; (310) 828-4497; www.mccabes.com.
Mon. Feb. 17 -- KAZE is yet another cunning disguise for the atmospheric keyboards-trumpet duo of Satoko Fujii & Kappa Maki, plus a couple of abstractionist Frenchmen, trumpeter Christian Bezos and drummer Peter Menard. 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; $15; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Mon. Feb. 17 -- Guitarist Ross the Boss (Manowar, Dictators) shreds the melodic proto-metal. Photo by Frank Schwichtenberg. With Hammered, Prima Donna Rising, HyperSonicChaos. At the Whisky, 8901 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood 90069; doors 6pm; $20; (310) 652-4202; www.whiskyagogo.com.
Tues. Feb. 18 -- Tuneful pianist-composer Richard Sears leads a quartet with tenor man Raffi Garabedian, bassist Martin Nevin and drummer Adam Starkopf. 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; $15; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Wed. Feb. 19 -- Cosmic Vibrations With Dwight Trible exploits the mighty exhortations of the singer plus the saxes of Pablo Calogero, the congas of Derf Reklaw, the bass of John B. Williams and the world percussion of Christopher Garcia, past masters all. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 8pm; $15-$25; food, beer, wine on the patio; www.justjazz.tv.
Thurs. Feb. 20 -- The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund commemorates the 10th anniversary of Dio's passing with a mess of performances by his classic Dio band and more, plus industry awards presented by the likes of Tommy Lee, Glenn Hughes and Sebastian Bach. At Avalon, 1735 Vine St., Hollywood 90028; doors 6pm; $25-$400 tix here.
Thurs. Feb. 20 -- Two ensembles of wild improvisers: the sax-bass-drums trio of Yves Charuest, Lisle Ellis & Peter Valsamis, and the bass-reeds-bass trio of Lisa Mezzacappa, Charles Sharp & Jeff Schwartz. At Industry Café and Jazz, 6039 Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232; 8pm; pay what seems right; Ethiopian & soul food, beer & wine; (310) 202-6633; www.industrycafela.com.
Thurs. Feb. 20 -- Improv plus electronix in surround sound! It's the quartet of drummer Maury Baker, saxist Jim Goetsch, guitarist Daniel Coffeng and bassist Carl Royce. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.