By Mike Joyce
washingtonpost.com Staff Writer
Friday, April 28, 2006 5:31 PM

A surefire jazz pick in May? Easy. The 11th Annual Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival. But don't overlook a new extended work by trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and Ghanian percussionist Yacub Addy, a concert that's likely to be among the year's most memorable.

May 2, Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra with Yacub Addy and Odadaa! at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. Fresh off the premiere performance of "Congo Square" in New Orleans, Marsalis and Addy will reprise their 80 minute cross-cultural homage to the Crescent City. Co-written by Marsalis and Addy, leader of the nine-member percussion ensemble Odadda!, the extended work is, according to the program notes, "inspired by the public square in New Orleans where, from the mid-1700s to the late-1800s, Africans gathered on Sunday afternoons to perform African rhythms, songs and dances on a variety of African and European instruments." The LCJO and Odadda! are always a treat to hear, and since this piece is dedicated to Marsalis's beleaguered hometown, expect a brassy, polyrhythmic celebration and a powerful emotional release.

May 2-7, Chick Corea Trio at Blues Alley. A reunion of sorts, this rare club engagement will team the great pianist and composer with percussionist Airto Moreira and bassist Eddie Gomez. Given the longstanding Corea-Moreira connection, there surely will be ample reminders of Return to Forever's glory days, but the trio promises to salute Miles Davis and Bill Evans as well.

May 6, Carl Allen at the Kennedy Center's KC Jazz Club. It takes a formidable drummer to do right by Elvin Jones's legacy, but Allen is clearly up to the challenges posed by this salute. Of course, the presence of pianist Mulgrew Miller is reason enough to check out this concert.

May 11-13 The Mary Lou Williams Women in Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater. The 11th annual edition promises a lot of vocal highlights, thanks to appearances by Dee Dee Bridgewater, Abbey Lincoln and Ernestine Anderson. No doubt pianist Jessica Williams will also contribute a standout performance. She's debuting a newly composed piece dedicated to jazz great (and festival founder and guiding light) Billy Taylor. Rounding out the program is a typically diverse array of newcomers and veterans, including pianist Daniela Schaechter, guitarist Mimi Fox and the indefatigable organist Trudi Pitts. Don't forget -- the festival's piano competition, held on May 12 at the Millennium Stage, is free to the public.

May 12, Benito Gonzalez at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. The Venezuelan-born pianist is well known in Washington jazz circles, but this prestigious showcase should be something special. His Latin roots and vigorous melding of swing and bop always delight audiences, and the support he'll receive from bassist Ben Street and drummer Adam Cruz should help fan the flames.

May 12, Anthony Wilson at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe in the Natural History Museum. The name may not ring a bell, but those who have recently seen Diana Krall in concert will recognize Wilson's masterly guitar work. The son of the great West Coast composer, arranger and bandleader Gerald Wilson, the guitarist has released several widely acclaimed albums that display his multifaceted talents in a colorful and often challenging variety of settings.

May 15-16, Mike Stern at Blues Alley. A guitarist's guitarist, Stern has retained a strong fusion jazz following since his stint with Miles Davis 25 years ago. So don't be surprised if you end up sitting next to a few slack-jawed players. Yet for all the energy and fire Stern generates on stage, his subtle harmonic finesse can turn an overworked pop standard into something fresh and glowing. By the way, powerhouse drummer Dave Weckl will anchor -- and animate -- the band.

May 18, Christian McBride at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Gallery. One of his generation's most engaging, prolific and sought-after musicians, McBride is often heard in a supporting role, playing acoustic and electric bass while touring with Pat Metheny and other big-ticket headliners. This is a chance to hear McBride stretch out in a cozy venue, and if past visits are any indication, his finely tuned virtuosity, playful spirit and jazz-to-funk repertoire will make for a potent combination. He also performs at the venue on May 20.

May 19, Chuck Redd at the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe in the Natural History Museum. Three reasons to check out this CD release concert: 1) Vibraphonist Redd's engaging way with swing, pop and bossa nova tunes have made him a Washington favorite. 2) "Remembering Barney," his new CD, salutes Redd's late friend and collaborator, guitar legend Barney Kessel. 3) Gene Bertoncini, another guitar great with a sublime touch and repertoire, will be joining Redd.

May 23, Frank Wess and Eric Felten at Blues Alley. Wess seldom has much to say on stage, which is fine with audiences because that means there's more time to enjoy his eloquent turns on tenor sax and flute. The 84-year-old Count Basie Band alum is sharing the bill with trombonist-vocalist Eric Felten, whose natural affinity for swing and classic pop is well-documented. Look for Wess to contribute some charming original compositions.

May 25, Conjura Quintet at Twins Jazz. What does Conjura conjure? Apparently, the sound of vintage Blue Note recordings, circa the '50s. B.J. Jansen heads up this well-regarded Philly ensemble, which showcases his baritone sax and Frank Stagnitta's trumpet -- shades of Blue Note, indeed.

May 31, Rick Whitehead Trio at Twins Jazz. Whitehead's guitar artistry is always evident, whether he's playing something slow and romantic or fast and fiery. His broad stylistic reach is another big plus that keeps things interesting. Look for hand-in-glove support and some inspired soloing from bassist John Previti and drummer Barry Hart, too.

Next month: Summertime and the livin' is outdoors, with smooth-to-straight ahead jazz concerts on tap at Wolf Trap and Merriweather Post Pavilion.