Romping with Rempis

Dave Rempis is a rugged saxophonist best known for his membership in the Vandermark 5, though he also performs with a slew of other Chicago-based bands. Minneapolis is the first stop on a Midwestern tour that Rempis is using to prepare for the solo disc he'll record this summer. He'll also play in a trio with drummer Davu Seru and impressive young vibraphonist Levi Schwartzberg. Expect unconventional, uncompromising music. (8 p.m. Thu., Jazz Central, Mpls.; $10, jazzcentralstudios.org)

Into the Jungle with Ellington

The Duke Ellington record "Money Jungle" is an indelible jazz classic, performed by a titanic trio of composers/bandleaders including bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach. Marking the 55th anniversary of the album's release, pianist Bryan Nichols will perform Ellington's marvelous mix of blues and balladry with drummer J.T. Bates and bassist Jeff Bailey in the appropriately opulent confines of the Orchestra Hall Atrium. (8 p.m. Fri., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $12-$30, minnesotaorchestra.org)

MVP players

Horizon, the ensemble led by saxophonist Bobby Watson, regularly wowed the crowds at the old Dakota when it was based in Bandana Square. Now Watson is back with the MVP Quartet, another stellar group of national notables including Donald Brown on piano, Ray Drummond on bass and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith. (7 & 9 p.m. Mon., Dakota, Mpls.; $20-$30, dakotacooks.com. 7 p.m. Tue., Vieux Carre, St. Paul; $30, vieux-carre.com)

Singing for Gershwin and Jelly Roll

Pianist Aaron Diehl toured with Wynton Marsalis as a teenager and, like his mentor, is an immaculate stylist versed in both jazz and classical idioms. Now Diehl has put together a tribute to the music of George Gershwin and Jelly Roll Morton featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant, the most acclaimed female jazz vocalist since Cassandra Wilson. (7 & 9 p.m. Tue.-Wed., Dakota, Mpls.; $35-$55, dakotacooks.com)

Britt Robson