Danish pianist Søren Møller performs on Saturday with an expert quartet as part of the Nordic Jazz Festival. Courtesy usa.um.dk
by Giovanni Russonello
Editorial board
Twins Jazz hosts a handful of young northern European talent this weekend as part of its annual Nordic Jazz Festival, including the ruminative but venturesome Danish pianist Søren Møller and his expert quartet. Saxophonist Ravi Coltrane is also in town. Find details on those performances and many more in this week’s edition of “Weekend in Jazz,” a listing of every D.C. jazz show on our radar. Our favorites have a 
label, and as always, you can read CapitalBop’s full listings directly at our D.C. jazz calendar, if you’d rather. Happy hunting!
FRIDAY, JUNE 22
cb picks:
- The Sing-Off Duo, Westminster Presbyterian, 6 p.m.
Ahmad Jamal, Strathmore, 8 p.m.- Ravi Coltrane, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
- IPA (Nordic Jazz Fest), Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m.
- Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.
John Lee, Jazz in the Garden, 5 p.m. | Flavorful guitarist John Lee goes out looking for adventure – he finds it in the crevices between notes, mismatching scales and a broad palette of effects pedals. Free. View event on calendar | Jazz in the Garden website
The Sing-Off Duo, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6 p.m.| At this installation of Westminster Presbyterian’s weekly “Jazz Night,” Christie Dashiell and Integriti Reeves – two outstanding vocalists from the Afro-Blue Vocal Band – take the stage together. That band is a collection of Howard University music students and recent alumni that almost prevailed on NBC’s The Sing-Off last year. Dashiell has a rivetingly rich voice, with range and sensitivity and an effortless attention to detail. Whether singing over a reharmonized Stevie Wonder tune or a jazz standard, Dashiell almost always sounds like she’s smiling, her voice a welcoming hearth that sizzles and warms. Reeves, currently a graudate student at Howard, is enamored with the work of classic jazz vocalists like Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald. It’s Billie Holiday whom Reeves emulates the most, singing ballads in a sibilant, brooding tone. $5 cover for adults, no cover for attendees under 16, no minimum. View event on calendar | Westminster Presbyterian Church website
Veronneau, Vienna Town Green, 7 p.m. | Virginia-based quartet Veronneau recently released an album paying tribute to Jazz Samba, Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s 50-year-old pioneering bossa nova record. With a two-acoustic-gu
Karen Gray Trio, Sala Thai (Bethesda), 7 p.m.| Commanding vocalist Karen Gray sings laid-back renditions of jazz standards in a drumless trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Triple Double Jazz Band, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | Consisting of Joey Whitney on tenor sax, Ed Gallagher on guitar, Alan Pachter on bass and Tom Reed on drums, the Triple Double Jazz Band plays straightforward
Night & Day Trio, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | The Night & Day Trio plays traditional, swing-oriented jazz, featuring Renée Tannenbaum on vocals, Mike Suser on piano and vocals and Dennis Johnson on saxophone. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Chris Prince & Lance Jackson, Urban Eats, 7:30 p.m. | No description available. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Urban Eats website
Sharón Clark Quartet, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Vocalist Sharón Clark sings with fervor and soul, plus impressive precision. She’s one of D.C.’s top jazz singers. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental Hotel website
Angela Winbush, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | R&B singer Angela Winbush became famous in the 1980s as part of the duo René & Angela, but now tours as a solo artist. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $43 cover, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Updated: The Ahmad Jamal concert has been cancelled. Ahmad Jamal, Music Center at Strathmore, 8 p.m. | Pianist Ahmad Jamal, an octogenarian with more than half a century of indelible contributions to the jazz legacy behind him, washes his music in Caribbean dance rhythms and jouncing sensitivity. He’s one of the most influential, and generally under-appreciat
Ravi Coltrane, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | A warm-blooded tenor saxophonist with a range of musical inclinations, Ravi Coltrane is one of this jazz generation’s leading lights. He might not have the level of influence of his father, John Coltrane, but that’s not a very fair comparison. Musically, Ravi Coltrane has the capacity to carry on the legacy of past generations with gripping swing and swift reinterpretatio
Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 9 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player Peter Edelman every Friday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” No cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
Alfredo Mojica, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Alfredo Mojica, who sang at Bossa for years with the group Sin Miedo, unites salsa, jazz and Latin American balladry. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa profile
IPA (Nordic Jazz Fest), Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m. | IPA arrives from Norway to participate in Twins’ annual 2012 Nordic Jazz Festival, bringing its raucous and confrontational dynamic, which draws heavily on the influence of Don Cherry, Ornette Coleman and Albert Ayler. The band includes Atle Nymo on saxophone/clari
Antonio Parker, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Alto saxophonist Antonio Parker’s playing is swingin’ and soulful, with a bright, aggressive tone. He casually sprinkles neo-soul and R&B influences into his otherwise straight-ahead bop, and his improvisation shows a redolence to Kenny Garrett’s. View event on calendar | HR-57 website
Robbie Wancowicz Ensemble w/Jenny George, Black Fox Lounge, 9 p.m. | Jenny George can’t yet drink legally at Black Fox Lounge, but she’s a prescient young vocalist who takes on jazz standards with strength and sensitivity. Here she appears with the Robbie Wancowicz Ensemble. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox profile
Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile
SATURDAY, JUNE 23
cb picks:
- Ravi Coltrane, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m.
- Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m.
- Søren Møller (Nordic Jazz Fest), Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m.
- Donvonte McCoy, 18th Street Lounge, 10:30 p.m.
Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
Charles Woods, Johnny’s Half Shell, 6 p.m. | Saxophonist Charles Woods plays and has recorded in both free and straight-ahead jazz styles, but for his regular gig at Johnny’s Half Shell he keeps things within the traditional bop realm. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Johnny’s Half Shell website
Bob Schwartz Quartet, Extra Virgin Restaurant, 7 p.m. | Saxophonist Bob Schwartz leads a quartet in lighthearted, straight-ahead renditions of jazz classics. Here he appears alongside his wife, Nina, a vocalist. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Extra Virgin website
Mark Mosley Trio, Sala Thai (U St.), 7 p.m. | Baltimore guitarist Mark Mosley plays a slick hand as a smooth jazz guitarist, but he can also hunker down on serious bop. He performs laid-back straight-ahead here with his trio. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Triple Double, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Consisting of Joey Whitney on tenor sax, Ed Gallagher on guitar, Alan Pachter on bass and Tom Reed on drums, the Triple Double Jazz Band plays straightforward
Jacqui Simmons & Friends, Sala Thai (Petworth), 7 p.m. | Jacqui Simmons sings jazz standards with a heartfelt and elegant presentation. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Sala Thai website
Nancy Scimone, Henley Park Hotel, 7:30 p.m. | Nancy Scimone reaches into the jazz and popular American songbooks during this weekly gig at the Henley Park Hotel in downtown D.C., where she’s accompanied by a pianist. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Henley Park’s website
Angela Winbush, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | R&B singer Angela Winbush became famous in the 1980s as part of the duo René & Angela, but now tours as a solo artist. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $43 cover, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Todd Googins, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 8 p.m. | Todd Googins calls himself a “vocal design” artist, meaning he offers voiceovers, jingles and vocal production services. At this show, he’ll be singing standards in front of a jazz combo, but who knows – holler loud enough for the theme from the latest Midas commercial and you just might get it. Careful what you wish for. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Mandarin Oriental Hotel website
Lydia Lewis Trio, Tasting Room, 8 p.m. | Tasteful drummer and composer Lydia Lewis leads her trio in background fare at the Tasting Room, a wine bar in Friendship Heights. She’s consistently joined by expert side musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Tasting Room website
Steve Synk Trio, Columbia Station, 8:30 p.m. | Lyrical bassist Steve Synk, a music major at the University of Maryland, leads a young trio that explores music ranging from standards to originals, groove-based contemporary jazz to swinging bop. No cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
Ravi Coltrane, Bohemian Caverns, 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. | A warm-blooded tenor saxophonist with a range of musical inclinations, Ravi Coltrane is one of this jazz generation’s leading lights. He might not have the level of influence of his father, John Coltrane, but that’s not a very fair comparison. Musically, Ravi Coltrane has the capacity to carry on the legacy of past generations with gripping swing and swift reinterpretatio
Søren Møller (Nordic Jazz Fest), Twins Jazz, 9 & 11 p.m. | Danish pianist Søren Møller writes music that’s bright, bristling and chilled – but as he unfurls tight-fisted harmonies, a very questioning human warmth emerges. He appears here as part of the 2012 Nordic Jazz Festival, in a quartet stuffed with some of the strongest young talents in jazz: Lage Lund on guitar, Zack Lober on bass and Damion Reid on drums. Two separate sets at 9 and 11 p.m. $15 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile
Ajay Parham, HR-57, 9 p.m. | Ajay Parham is a smooth, deep-voiced vocalist who sings R&B with inflections of jazz. But on the bandstand at HR-57, where he’s long been a stalwart performer, Parham often tries his hand at jazz standards. $12 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | HR-57 website
Cubista, Bossa Bistro, 9 p.m. | Cubista is a salsa band that plays at Bossa every Saturday. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Bossa profile
Dee Stone, Black Fox Lounge, 9 p.m. | Dee Stone sings soul, blues, jazz and rock. The first set of every performance is usually comprised of jazz standards. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Black Fox Lounge profile
Donvonte McCoy, 18th St. Lounge, 10:30 p.m. | Arguably the city’s best jazz trumpeter, Donvonte McCoy plays every Friday and Saturday at the hip 18th St. Lounge. He likes to mix in some funk as well during the lounge gig, and he’s liable to inflect a touch of Chuck Brown-esque groove into his combo’s treatment of classic bop tunes by the likes of Miles Davis and Freddie Hubbard. After all, the setting is that of a dance club, not a jazz joint – no tables and chairs or hushed applause after every solo. Cover varies ($5-10), no minimum. View event on calendar | 18th St. Lounge profile
SUNDAY, JUNE 24
cb picks:
- D.C. Jazz Jam w/Jeff Antoniuk, Dahlak, 6:30 p.m.
- Janel & Anthony/Jean Cook & David Brown, Bohemian Caverns, 7 p.m.
Gospel Brunch, The Hamilton, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. | Every Sunday morning, the Hamilton presents two sets of rafters-raising gospel, along with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Two separate shows at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $25 cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | The Hamilton website
Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Direct, Acadiana, 11 a.m. | Joe Brotherton is a punchy trumpeter who ranges widely on the spectrum encompassing jazz, world music and neo-soul; here he leads his own combo at Acadiana’s weekly jazz brunch. No cover, 1-drink minimum. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Acadiana website
Harlem Gospel Choir, Howard Theatre, 12 p.m. | The talented Harlem Gospel Choir, which has been active since 1986, performs a Sunday brunch show every week at the Howard Theatre. Either an all-you-can-eat buffet or an a la carte menu are available. Doors open at noon, and the music starts at 1:30 p.m. Tickets vary ($35 for all-you-can-eat or $20 for admission and a la carte options in advance, $45 or $30 at the door). View event on calendar | Howard website
Jam Session with Peter Edelman, Columbia Station, 4 p.m. | Pianist Peter Edelman, a constant presence on the D.C. jazz scene for years now, leads an afternoon jam session every Saturday and Sunday. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile
D.C. Jazz Jam w/Jeff Antoniuk, Dahlak, 6 p.m. | This jazz jam presents a friendly, relaxed environment where professionals and amateurs can play together. For this installation of the jam’s Monthly Masters series, tenor saxophonist Jeff Antoniuk takes center stage, jamming and offering guidance to younger musicians. No cover, no minimum. View event on calendar | Dahlak profile
Potomac Jazz Project, Laporta’s, 6:30 p.m. | The Potomac Jazz Project is a quartet that takes on modern and classic jazz tunes (and even some pop covers) with a showmanly flair, as well as skill. It’s led by bassist Stan Hamrick, and its rotating lineup often features some of D.C.’s best musicians. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Laporta’s website
Janel & Anthony/Jean Cook & David Brown, Bohemian Caverns, 7 p.m. | Janel & Anthony’s new release, “Where is Home,” on Cuneiform Recor
DC Choro, Grill from Ipanema, 7:30 p.m.| DC Choro is a sextet that plays Brazilian music drawing on European folk traditions. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Grill from Ipanema profile
Mike Flaherty’s Dixieland Jazz Direct, Zoo Bar Café, 7:30 p.m.| This combo specializes in traditional New Orleans-style jazz. No cover, 1-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Zoo Bar website
Angela Winbush, Blues Alley, 8 & 10 p.m. | R&B singer Angela Winbush became famous in the 1980s as part of the duo René & Angela, but now tours as a solo artist. Two separate sets at 8 & 10 p.m. $43 cover, $12 minimum. View event on calendar | Blues Alley profile
Goran Kajfes Subtropic Arkestra (Nordic Jazz Fest), Twins Jazz, 8 & 10 p.m. | The Goran Kajfes Subtropic Arkestra practices a whirling blend of electronic dance music, lounge music and bossa nova-informed jazz. Kajfes, a trumpeter, won the 2011 Nordic Music Prize; here his band appears as part of the ongoing Nordic Jazz Festival. Two separate sets at 8 and 10 p.m. $12 cover, $10 minimum. View event on calendar | Twins Jazz profile
Peter Edelman Trio, Columbia Station, 9 p.m. | The stalwart D.C. piano player Peter Edelman every Sunday night leads a rotating cast of musicians that often outgrows the title “trio.” no cover, one-drink minimum. View event on calendar | Columbia Station profile 
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