Songs beyond the 7th Psalm

Pianist Jeremy Walker is using most of the same folks who performed his "7 Psalms" recently at Orchestra Hall to play a batch of memorable tunes with passion and an improvisatory sprinkle. The name of the band is Songtet and the material they perform is from iconic composers in various genres, from Dylan to Ellington to the American Songbook. Walker humbly slides in a few of his originals, too. The vocalist is Jason Harms, the rhythm section has Chris Bates on bass and Tim Zhorne on drums. (8 p.m. Wed., Vieux Carre, St. Paul; $6 cash only, vieux-carre.com)

A smart date for April Fool's

The birthday of saxophonist Brandon Wozniak is as good a reason as any to catch up with Atlantis Quartet, one of the better long-standing post-bop ensembles in these parts. All four members are sharp, distinctive composers, giving the band an identity that is both collective and elastic. With the stentorian Chris Bates on bass, Pete Hennig on drums and Zacc Harris playing the guitar. Common Space opens. (8:30 p.m. Sat., Black Dog, St. Paul; free but tips encouraged, saturdaynightjazzattheblackdog.info)

Greg Ward fresh from the studio

Alto saxophonist Greg Ward has established himself as a reliably creative force in both Chicago and New York, but he's also known in the Twin Cities from his occasional gigs at St. Paul's now-defunct Clown Lounge. His latest recording, "Touch My Beloved's Thoughts," utilizes seven horns and is inspired by Charles Mingus' "Black Saint and the Sinner Lady." He'll bring a quintet to town just two days after they do a recording session. It includes drummer Quin Kirchner from Ward's Fitted Shards, a pair of guitarists and bassist/composer Matt Ulery. Reich-fest opens. (9:30 p.m., Mon., Icehouse, Mpls.; $12, icehousempls.com)

Freddy Cole returns

Freddy Cole is a singer who leaves you the opposite of breathless. Listening to him caress a lyric, you relax and exhale your stress away. This is not massage music, however, just an 85-year-old pro who has come to terms with the blues. A frequent and obviously popular Dakota guest, Cole may again pay tribute to his older brother Nat King and his niece Natalie or dig into his deep catalog with a trio including Randy Napoleon on guitar. (7 p.m. Tue., Dakota, Mpls.; $30-$40, dakotacooks.com)

Britt Robson