Among the plethora of upcoming San Diego jazz gigs, there are two I consider can't-miss events.
On Friday, acclaimed bassist Mark Dresser brings his West Coast Quintet to the all-ages Dizzy's in Pacific Beach, (4275 Mission Bay Dr.) in celebration of his recently released CD, "Nourishments."
Dresser's group features some of the finest improvising musicians in Southern California, including pianist Joshua White, tenor saxophonist Ben Schachter, trombonist Michael Dessen and drummer Kjell Nordeson. These cats blew the roof off when they played the room in August, and they're coming off a short tour that included dates at Saddleback College and the Blue Whale in Los Angeles. I expect they'll be red-hot by Friday night. Tickets are $15 to the general public and $10 for students. Downbeat at 8 p.m.
The other show: ECM recording artists Lucian Ban and Jorge Silvester come to the Loft at UCSD on Tuesday -- perfect timing to present material from Ban's new album with Matt Maneri, Transylvanian Concert, a fascinating study in blue-hued, stark improvisations. Sadly, Maneri had to cancel his appearance due to an illness. Opening the concert will be a trio featuring Dresser, UCSD pianist Anthony Davis and Colorado-based trumpeter Hugh Ragin.
p> Robert Bush Robert Bush is a freelance jazz writer who has been exploring the San Diego improvised music scene for more than 30 years.
