January's Best Jazz Concerts

From an evening of vocal duets to a combo-meets-choir concert to a celebration of southwest swing -- January's jazz offerings make for a colorful mix. Also on tap: a novel mid-month series of concerts at Blues Alley devoted to French jazz artists.

Jan. 5-6, Neal Smith Quartet at Twins Jazz. No doubt some folks will want to check out this U Street engagement just to hear pianist Cyrus Chestnut. But not only does drummer/bandleader Neal Smith have a very impressive resume, much the same can be said for saxophonist (and frequent Dave Holland collaborator) Mark Gross and bassist Dezron Douglas. Look for a mix of original tunes and choice standards.

Jan. 10, Aga Zaryan at Blues Alley. Here's a chance to hear a widely acclaimed Polish jazz vocalist who has studied in the United States with the likes of Madeline Eastman and Rebecca Paris.

Jan. 12, Brooks Tegler Quintet at the Natural History Museum's Smithsonian Jazz Cafe. A prolific Washington-based drummer, bandleader and swing era champion, Tegler always revives vintage sounds in ways that ring true, so don't be surprised to find some folks dancing in the aisles. By the way, you can also hear Tegler's band at the Starland Cafe in Washington on Sunday evenings.

Jan. 13, Rene Marie and Kevin Mahogany at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater. This promises to be an inspired pairing, an evening of vocal duets that likely will be distinguished by Marie's interpretative finesse and Mahogany's robust baritone.

Jan. 14, The Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion at the Rams Head Tavern. Actually, several members of this all-star touring troupe are primarily associated with smooth jazz, acid jazz or soul-jazz. No matter. Vibraphonist Roy Ayers tops a lineup that includes trombonist Wayne Henderson, flutist Bobbi Humphrey, organist Lonnie Liston Smith, saxophonist Ronnie Laws and singers Jon Lucien and Jean Carne.

Jan. 15, Pierrick Pedron at Blues Alley. A reedman known for his melodic approach to swing, Pedron kicks off a three-night series of concerts in Georgetown featuring French jazz artists.

Jan. 16, Mina Agossi at Blues Alley. With a repertoire that embraces both Thelonious Monk and Jimi Hendrix, to say nothing of curious novelties, this chanteuse isn't going to appeal to some jazz fans, but no one can accuse her of being dull or unimaginative.

Jan. 17, Sylvain Luc at Blues Alley. Luc, who rarely comes to town, has released a series of acclaimed CDs that document his mastery of acoustic jazz guitar. Balancing exceptional technique with engaging lyricism is his strong suit.

Jan. 18, Cyrus Chestnut at Blues Alley. A Washington favorite long before he landed major label deal, the pianist has developed a highly distinctive repertoire that borrows from both jazz and gospel traditions. Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's also one of the most engaging jazz artists of his generation.

Jan. 19, Ramsey Lewis at The Music Center at Strathmore. The jazz piano legend doesn't appear in town nearly often enough, so any performance is welcome. But this one, which features Lewis in concert with the Washington Performing Arts Society's Men and Women Gospel Choir, is likely to be both memorable and resounding.

Jan. 20, John Eaton at the Barns of Wolf Trap. Always insightful and entertaining, pianist-raconteur Eaton's visits to Wolf Trap are a special treat for pop and jazz fans alike. "The Swinging Thirties" is the subject this time around, a program inspired by the likes of Cole Porter, Yip Harburg, Benny Goodman and Count Basie, among many others. Given Eaton's wit and scholarship, concert-goers are sure to be both amused and enlightened.

Jan. 25-28, John and Bucky Pizzarelli at Blues Alley. This welcome engagement marks a family affair for the Pizarrellis, both masters of the seven-string guitar. Since patriarch Bucky is a walking repository of classic pop and jazz tunes, and son John has developed similar traits, chances are they'll often turn back the clock to swing era time, together and alone.

Jan. 25-27, NSO Pops: Doc Plays The Duke: Doc Severinsen Presents the Music of Duke Ellington at the Kennedy Center. The program is brimming with Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn gems, both familiar and relatively obscure, and of course you can count on hearing some skyscraping trumpet work from the NSO's special guest. Incidentally, many of the arrangements were written by reedman Tommy Newsom, Severinsen's longtime band mate on the "Tonight Show."

Jan. 26, Chuck Redd and Jeff Hamilton at the Natural History Museum's Smithsonian Jazz Café. Vibist Chuck Redd has been a Washington favorite since his days as a drummer, accompanying guitarist Charlie Byrd. Here he teams up with drummer-big bandleader Jeff Hamilton for a cozier collaboration that will undoubtedly place the emphasis on swing.

Jan. 30, Jeff Antoniuk and Jazz Update at Blues Alley. Saxophonist Antoniuk will be unveiling tunes from Jazz Update's debut CD "Here Today," including several original pieces that reveal his impressive skills as a composer. Some of his key influences are also evident on the recording, thanks primarily to the fresh takes on tunes written by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk and Benny Golson. In addition to the reedman, Jazz Update features three gifted musicians well known to area jazz fans: pianist Wade Beach, bassist Tom Baldwin and drummer Tony Martucci.

Jan. 31, Asleep at the Wheel at the Birchmere. Texas swing is always the thing matters most when Ray Benson brings his multiple Grammy-winning ensemble to town. And as much as Benson enjoys recording with guest artists, the band's shows at the Birchmere tend to be more focused and a lot more fun.

Next month: Scores of jazz musicians -- international headliners and aspiring artists alike -- will gather in Rockville for the annual East Coast Jazz Festival.