Jazz this week: Fly buzzes the Bistro, and more

The jazz trio Fly finally makes its St. Louis debut this week, performing two shows a night at Jazz at the Bistro through Saturday. (The group was originally scheduled to play at the Bistro last year around this time, but had to cancel because bassist Larry Grenadier's wife was due to deliver the couple's baby the same week.) Grenadier, saxophonist Mark Turner (pictured), and drummer Jeff Ballard have an eclectic, nimble approach to collective music making that can go in seconds from an intimate whisper to a full-throated roar, and though Fly has released only one CD to date, if critical attention and acclaim are any indication the group seems poised for bigger things. To see all of StLJN's previous coverage of Fly, including some video clips of them in action, go here.

Elsewhere in town, there's a little bit of everything from free improv to big band nostalgia on local stages. On Thursday night, the very fine pianist Reggie Thomas plays a free concert as part of Washington University's Jazz at Holmes series; Hugh "Peanuts' Whalum performs at Brandt's; Brazilian-influenced singer Valerie Tichacek and her group are at Cookie's Jazz and More; and the Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center has a bill of free improv, electronic and noise musicians including Dave Smolen, Mike Pitts, Jim Hegarty and epicycle.

On Friday, the big band sound of Second Generation Swing resonates through the cavernous confines of the Casa Loma Ballroom; Dizzy Atmosphere brings their Hot Club-inspired sound to Erato Wine Bar; and guitarist Todd Mosby and his trio are at Crossings Taverne and Grille. Saturday finds smooth jazz saxophonist Readus Miller at Gene Lynn's; singer Kim Massie at Brandt's; and the Dave Troncoso Trio at Crossings.

As usual, this is but a sampling of the week's musical menu, and you can see more by visiting the St. Louis Jazz Notes Calendar.

(If you have calendar items, band schedule information, news tips, links, or anything else you think may be of interest to StLJN's readers, please email the information to stljazznotes (at) yahoo (dot) com. No attachments, please)