Double gigs for Raymond
As artistic director of the Atrium Jazz Ensemble, pianist Jeremy Walker has been admirably inventive when curating thematic concerts for the intimate atrium space at Orchestra Hall. His latest will trace the history of drum and horn, from Stephen Foster to Clifford Brown and beyond. Walker's smart choices extend to the personnel, with the stalwart Kevin Washington on drums and the always estimable John Raymond on trumpet. (8 p.m. Fri., Orchestra Hall, Mpls., $32, minnesotaorchestra.org) Bonus: Raymond's return to his native Twin Cities also includes a gig with pianist Bryan Nichols and drummer J.T. Bates. (9:30 p.m. Mon., Icehouse, Mpls.; $8, icehouse mpls.com)
Another update from No Territory
After cementing himself as an invaluable presence in myriad Twin Cities bands, drummer Davu Seru vowed to devote 2017 primarily to his adventurous No Territory Band. Each of the ensemble's succeeding gigs have showcased further growth and a highly textured rambunctiousness reminiscent of Anthony Braxton and Andrew Hill. This latest iteration is pared to a quintet, with the distinctive instrumentation — vibes, two saxes, trumpet and drums/percussion — intact. (8 p.m. Fri., Jazz Central, Mpls.; $10, theillicitjazzworkshop.info)
Mysterious Monk
Pianist Laura Caviani honored the music of Thelonious Monk for many a year at the Dakota and the now-defunct Artists' Quarter. Now honoring the centennial of Monk's birth, Caviani ups the ante by recruiting her good friend and ace vocalist Karrin Allyson for a Monk-centric gig at Hopkins Center for the Arts. Her regular working trio also just completed the lively "Mysterious Thelonious," so the show doubles as a CD release party. (8 p.m. Sat., Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hopkins; $25, hopkins artscenter.com)
Piano prodigy
The foremost prodigy in jazz today is 14-year-old pianist Joey Alexander, whose stunning technique leaves jaws dropping as the eyes try to match up what the ears are hearing. Local listeners got their first exposure to Alexander at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest two summers ago. Already a two-time Grammy nominee, he is now working clubs with a superb trio (including drummer Ulysses Owens Jr.), playing standards and, of course, Monk. (6 & 8 p.m., Sun., Dakota, Mpls.; $35-$50, dakotacooks.com)
Britt Robson
