Willem Breuker Kollektief
The eccentric Dutch composer/bandleader died in 2010, so his 10-piece band is taking one more spin with his 40-plus years of music before laying the Kollektief to rest.
Oct. 2, International House, arsnovaworkshop.com.
Lee Smith
He’s made his mark as a first-call bassist for decades (and as the father of Christian McBride), but Philly’s favorite undersung bassist finally has a CD under his own name in Sittin’ on a Secret.
Oct. 5, Chris’ Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.
Michael Formanek Quartet
Long known as saxophonist Tim Berne’s regular bassist, Formanek has stepped strongly into the spotlight with a pair of ECM releases — and Berne returns the favor as sideman.
Oct. 7, Philadelphia Art Alliance, arsnovaworkshop.com.
Manuel Valera and the New Cuban Express
After concentrating on the “jazz” side of Latin jazz for his first several outings, the Cuban-born pianist tipped the scales back, enlisting some fellow ex-pats for Afro-Cuban fusion.
Oct. 12, Philadelphia Museum of Art, philamuseum.org.
Ramsey Lewis
If your parents own one jazz record, it’s likely Ramsey Lewis. The suave swinger will go the funky route, revisiting his 1974 Earth, Wind & Fire collab Sun Goddess.
Oct. 19, Montgomery County Community College, mc3.edu.
Kenny Barron Trio
Unfailingly tasteful and elegant, the veteran pianist returns to his native Philly with his trio.
Oct. 20, Annenberg Center, annenbergcenter.org.
Ben Williams
Winner of the 2009 Thelonious Monk International Bass Competition, the young bassist brings a steadfastly straight-ahead vibe to material — from standards to Stevie Wonder — but can get up with modern-jazz guitar guru Pat Metheny in his Unity Band.
Oct. 27, Chris’ Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.
Chick Corea and Gary Burton
A reunion of two old friends, the pianist and vibist will bring along the Harlem String Quartet.
Nov. 9, Kimmel Center, kimmelcenter.org.
Fred Van Hove
A rare solo appearance (any appearance is rare, really) by the Belgian pianist, who was in on the ground floor of the European free-jazz movement.
Nov. 10, Philadelphia Art Alliance, arsnovaworkshop.com.
Dave Douglas Quintet
The trumpeter/composer debuts his newer, younger Quintet, which features Philly’s own Matt Mitchell on the piano.
Nov. 16-17, Chris’ Jazz Café, chrisjazzcafe.com.
John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble
The drummer/composer’s impressionist big band breathes life into his rhythmically intricate, cleverly off-beat pieces, with vocalists Theo Bleckmann and Kate McGarry.
Dec. 7, Painted Bride, paintedbride.org.
Also in our Fall Arts Guide:
- A local teacher talks to Tony Danza about teaching in the city's public schools.
- Frank Furness designed PAFA’s Historic Landmark Building on North Broad in 1876.
- Fall Arts Guide: Rock/Pop
- Fall Arts Guide: Theater
- Fall Arts Guide: Visual Art
- Fall Arts Guide: Dance
- Fall Arts Guide: Classical
- Fall Arts Guide: Roots
