Elegant Barron
Pianist Kenny Barron follows the lineage of Hank Jones and Tommy Flanagan in the depth of his command of every contour of the bop songbook. Barron played with Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, backed Ella Fitzgerald, founded the Thelonious Monk legacy band Sphere and composed the film score for "Do the Right Thing." But the trio format remains the best métier for his elegant élan. (7 and 9 p.m. Wed., Dakota, Mpls.; $30-$40, 612-332-5299 or dakotacooks.com)
Beat companions
Dean Magraw has the soulful, expansive heart of a dervish, and an agile guitar style to match. Some of his best work has been in duets with percussionists. The curious virtuosity, fleet reactions and comfortable silences of drummer Davu Seru are right in Magraw's wheelhouse, and another shimmering duo has blossomed. (9 p.m. Thu., Khyber Pass, St. Paul; $5, khyberpasscafe.com)
Almost a big band
One doesn't encounter dectets very often, but trombonist/composer Chris Misch-Bloxdorf likes the elasticity of a 10-piece for songs that can careen from chamber jazz lyricism to punky insouciance — reeds and keys and brass, oh my! A Wisconsin native who lived in Minneapolis for a while, he's been mentored by quiet stylists such as Bill Carrothers and Kenny Werner. (9 p.m. Fri., Vieux Carre, St. Paul; $10, vieux-carre.com)
Steinway gymnastics
There are few better ways for the folks at Crooner's to christen their brand-new Steinway piano imported from New York than to set Benny Green loose in solo performance. A protean purveyor of driving, hard-bop jazz, Green was one of the few musicians to survive the "Young Lions" marketing hype of the 1980s, probably because he was reared by the best teachers — vocalist Betty Carter and the great drummer Art Blakey. He's abetted his bop passion with exquisite balladry in middle age and will be a rare treat to hear on his lonesome. (5 p.m. Sun., Crooner's, Mpls.; $30, croonersloungemn.com)
BRITT ROBSON
