Uwishunu.com

Alash, performing on Wednesday at the Rotunda with Elliott Levin and Marshall Allen

Jazz and more… Where I’ll be and where you should be…

MONDAY 12/8/08
Ellipsis plays Bjork’s Vespertine
Tritone, 1508 South St.
The last installment of Ellipsis’s Cover Project should be cool, as the band creates a live remix of Bjork’s 2001 release. Joining Ellipsis regulars John Stenger (keys) and Justin Leigh (drums) for this performance are Paul Gehman on bass, Ryat on vocals and Tim Conley on guitar, the latter two both of the band As Human. 9 p.m., $5

TUESDAY 12/9/08
Lucky Thompson & the Budesa Brothers’ Blue Tuesday Open Mic & Jam Session
Showcase Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave.
Veteran drummer Lucky Thompson has played with greats like Nina Simone and Patti LaBelle during his long career and led jam sessions all over the city (including at Natalie’s Lounge, where he was the music director for more than 10 years). Lucky and brothers Rich Budesa on keys and Rob Budesa on guitar are single-handedly keeping Philly’s great organ trio tradition alive. If you haven’t heard them play at the Showcase, a neighborhood bar with a friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, then you’re missing out on an essential part of Philly’s jazz scene. You never know who might stop by, but if we’re lucky Donald Washington will come through with his tenor sax and Denise King will stop by and sing a few. 8 p.m., FREE

WEDNESDAY 12/10/08
Alash and Extra Special Terrestrial Guests (Marshall Allen, Elliott Levin, et al.)
The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St.
Mind-blowing Tuvan throat singing from Alash and free improvisation from the legendary Sun Ra Arkestra maestro Marshall Allen, who, at age 85, doesn’t appear to slowing down in the least, and saxophonist/flutist Elliott Levin, who gives his all every time he plays. In case that wasn’t clear, yes, Alash and Marshall & Elliott will be performing together. You don’t want to miss this. 8 p.m., FREE

THURSDAY 12/11/08
Ian O’Beirne
Chris’ Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St.
I’ve never actually heard saxophonist Ian O’Beirne, who plays with Highbrid and the Lars Halle Jazz Orchestra, but I’ll jump at any opportunity to hear drummer Matt Scarano, a member of Ben Schachter’s sorely missed re:trio. Also in O’Beirne’s quartet (called Jones) are 19-year-old bassist Ryan Kuhns, who blew my mind at last week’s bass duo show with Micah Jones, and guitarist Ross Bellenoit, who was a member of Amos Lee’s touring band. 9 p.m. $10 ($5 for students)

FRIDAY 12/12/08
Ron Horton Sextet performs Andrew Hill’s Passing Ships
Settlement Music School, 416 Queen St.
One of the great albums of one of jazz music’s greatest composers, performed by a group led by trumpeter Ron Horton, who was a member of Andrew Hill’s sextet from 1998 until 2003. Joining Horton are Tony Malaby on tenor saxophone, Scott Robinson on baritone saxophone, Ben Allison on bass, Frank Kimbrough on piano, and Tim Horner on drums. This is an Ars Nova Workshop show. Visit the ANW website for more information. 8 p.m., $15 (seating is very limited)

SATURDAY 12/13/08
The Philadelphia Sessions: Anam Owili-Eger fundraiser
Dr. Watson’s Pub, 216 S. 11th St.
Singer/songwriter/pianist Anam Owili-Eger will play with four different bands as the Philadelphia Sessions, an organization dedicated to using music to enhance Philadelphia’s reputation abroad, raises money for Anam’s February 2009 tour of Switzerland. On this diverse bill are The Living Sample (hip hop / drum “Ëœn’ bass), Bruce Torres (pop/rock), Kelvin Cochrane & Steve LaMonica of the Absolute Zeros (rock/soul), and Anam’s own group.
8:30 p.m. $10 (remember, it’s a fundraiser)

SUNDAY 12/14/08
Kieran Hebden & Steve Reid
International House Philadelphia, 3701 Chestnut St.
Kieran Hebden is the soul member of Four Tet. Steve Reid is a percussionist who played in the Apollo Theater’s house band under the direction of Quincy Jones before going on to play with a long list of jazz and R&B greats, including Miles Davis, Fela Kuti, and Fats Domino. For more information on this singular collaboration, visit www.arsnovaworkshop.com. 8 p.m. $25 ($20 for IHP members, $17.50 for students)

Lucky Old Souls is my weekly web radio show… 2 hours of jazz, blues, pop standards, early rock & roll, soul, and more, plus occasional guests from Philly’s music scene. I don’t get too hung up on genre distinctions on the show, and my music picks reflect the same spirit. Listen live every Tuesday from 2-4 P.M. on gtownradio.com, or visit myspace.com/luckyoldsouls for free downloads of past shows.