Uwishunu.com

Percussionist Lenny Belasco and vibraphonist Khan Jamal

Vibraphonist Khan Jamal has been making music in Philadelphia and elsewhere for over 40 years, but he’s never really received the recognition he deserves. His influences include jazz vibe greats like Lionel Hampton and Cal Tjader, but he clearly has a unique voice on his instrument. He’s worked with jazz musicians including Philly Joe Jones, Mal Waldron, Sunny Murray, and Byard Lancaster, and recorded 13 albums of his own. Recently, he’s been performing with percussionist Lenny Belasco, playing for morning commuters in Suburban Station.

The two will be performing together Friday night at Center City’s Moonstone Art Center (the new incarnation of Robin’s Books) as part of the premiere of Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone, a new monthly night of live music presented by Matt Feldman (aka Feldie), host of the Lucky Old Souls radio program on G-town Radio.

More after the jump!

“I like to mix things up,” Feldie explains. “I might play a blues track from Bobby “ËœBlue’ Bland next to a ballad by Ben Webster and then a piece by Ornette Coleman. I think it keeps people paying attention and makes people hear things in new ways. The Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone series will reflect the same spirit.” Future shows, which will take place on the 2nd Friday of each month, will include jazz, R&B, international sounds, and lots of music that’s difficult to categorize.

Also performing on Friday is percussionist/griot Robert Kenyatta, an engaging performer with an infectious sprit. A student of African percussion for more than half a century, Kenyatta has performed all over the world and played with a wide range of artists, including Sonny Rollins, Wilson Pickett, and jazz bagpiper Rufus Harley.

Lucky Old Souls @ Moonstone
Khan Jamal / Lenny Belasco Duo and Robert Kenyatta
Friday, March 13 at 9 p.m.

Moonstone Art Center
110 S. 13th St., 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA
$10, BYOB
www.robinsbookstore.com