Leigh Kamman Legacy Project

The late radio personality Leigh Kamman was the premier jazz historian in the Twin Cities, leaving behind an enormous trove of papers, audio recordings and other artifacts. Featuring at least five bands, this benefit concert will generate funds to organize Kamman's material for public consumption. Admission will buy you the right to take home a recording from Kamman's extensive collection. (7 p.m. Wed., Dakota, Mpls.; $10, dakotacooks.com)

Nick Syman album release

The first of two notable CD release outings this week, the Nick Syman Quartet takes over Reverie on behalf of the trombonist's eponymous first record. Syman, who has played with the Adam Meckler Orchestra among others, writes spacious tunes that let the sound of his big horn roll around. The rhythm section — pianist Ted Godbout, drummer Pete James Johnson and bassist Ted Olsen — is likewise spare, penetrating and occasionally spunky. (9 p.m. Thu., Reverie, Mpls.; suggested donation $5 and up, thursdaynightjazzatreverie.info)

Celebrate with Illicit Sextet

After waiting 20 years between the release of their first two records, the Illicit Sextet is back just three years later with "Addendum," an impressive supplement to the band's bulging book of original tunes. With contributions from five of the six members, the album boasts many different compositional personalities and a rare multihued depth. Around since 1987, the group is now sharper and wiser than their heyday in the early '90s. (7 p.m. Sat., Black Dog, St. Paul; free admission, $20 for reserved table, saturdaynightjazzattheblackdog.info)

Late-blooming crooner

There are no lines between blues, soul and jazz when Catherine Russell sings, as she evokes the era when all those genres were swirled together in popular song. She's currently touring behind her slyly personal sixth album, "Harlem on My Mind," recalling Ethel Waters on the title track and Dinah Washington on the smooth, tender plea, "Let Me Be the First to Know." Her parents were both in show business — her father was music director for Louis Armstrong — and while she started late, a decade ago at the age of 50, the depth of her roots is inherent in her delivery. (7 p.m. Mon., Dakota, Mpls.; $40-$45, dakotacooks.com)

BRITT ROBSON