Denmark's finest
One of the many attractive attributes of vocalist Sinne Eeg is that she doesn't try to do too much. She has the tone and range to wring out the modern standards she tackles — "Come Rain or Come Shine," "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" — but she chooses her embellishments wisely. Regarded as the top vocalist in Denmark, Eeg is relatively unknown in the States. She'll be well-accompanied by bassist Billy Peterson. (7 p.m. Wed., Crooners, Mpls.; $25, croonersloungemn.com)
Dream quartet
The combo of fusion jazz keyboardist Jeff Lorber and Mint Condition drummer/vocalist/leader Stokely Williams alone prompts interest. Throw in estimable session pros like soul jazz guitarist Marlon McClain and multi-instrumentalist Shaun LaBelle and the possibilities are endless. (7 and 9 p.m. Wed., Dakota, Mpls.; $25-$35, dakotacooks.com)
Celebrating Ahmad Jamal
The music of Ahmad Jamal is criminally underperformed, probably because the majestic pianist sets such a daunting example. Credit the Javi Santiago Trio for recognizing how Jamal's sublime but sophisticated harmonies, resonant block chords and flowing melodies present a wealth of creative opportunities as they devote an evening to his songbook. (7 p.m. Sat., Studio Z, St. Paul; $10-$15; studiozstpaul.com)
Jazzy Christmas
Joey DeFrancesco is an old friend in these parts, a hammy showman whose swirling and churning effervescence on the organ provides a tonic for the senses by tickling your brain cells. The heavy-set dude who has topped the Downbeat polls for years, and recently devoted an entire disc to Michael Jackson tunes, devotes himself to Christmas music for two nights. Ho ho ho! (7 and 9 p.m. Tue.-Wed., Crooners, Mpls.; $25-$40, croonersloungemn.com)
BRITT ROBSON
