In our Second Season Arts package, we look at the upcoming months and share some of the stuff we’re dying to see and hear between now and summer. Here's Shaun Brady's picks for jazz; for more on what's coming up in music and the arts, check out our calendars of spring must-sees for visual arts, dance, theater and music from pop to roots to classical.

Monterey Jazz Festival 55th Anniversary Tour

The left-coast fest celebrates its longevity with an all-star band, including Christian McBride, Benny Green, rising-star trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and singer Dee Dee Bridgewater.  

Feb. 2, Merriam Theater.

Wallace Roney

While he’s never really shaken his rep as a Miles Davis disciple, Roney has taken his rightful place as a leading hard-bop standard-bearer with a taste for electric eclecticism, and remains the sole horn player mentored by the famously belligerent legend.  

Feb. 15-16, Chris’ Jazz Café.

The Cookers

An aptly named septet of undersung legends that has evolved into a fiercely swinging band. Trumpeter/organizer David Weiss has corralled Billy Harper, Eddie Henderson, Billy Hart, George Cables, Cecil McBee and next-generation altoist Craig Handy into a supergroup that 1960s-era Blue Note wishes it had. Philly’s own Orrin Evans slides onto the piano bench for this date.  

Feb. 16, Painted Bride.

Miguel Zenón Quartet

Since his controversial MacArthur Genius grant win a few years back, Zenón (right) has quieted his detractors by using the fellowship to explore the ties between jazz and the music of his native Puerto Rico in novel and innovative fashion.

Feb. 16, Annenberg Center.

Chris Potter

 One of the leading tenor men of his generation, Potter spent 2012 touring with Pat Metheny’s Unity Band, and started this year with the Monterey Jazz Festival’s touring supergroup. He’ll return leading his own acoustic quartet, a break from his long-standing group Underground. 

Feb. 22, Chris’ Jazz Café.

Ches Smith & These Arches

The in-demand young drummer leads his newly expanded quintet, with avant alto great Tim Berne locking horns with tenor powerhouse Tony Malaby along with guitarist Mary Halvorson and accordionist Andrea Parkins.   

March 1, The Rotunda, Ars Nova Workshop.

Papo Vazquez

The Philly trombonist/composer leads his Afro-Caribbean ensemble, the Mighty Pirates Troubadours, at the Bride’s annual dance-party fundraiser.  

March 16, Painted Bride.

Billy Hart

The drum great, whose extensive resume includes stints with Wes Montgomery, Stan Getz and Herbie Hancock, brings his quartet — with Bad Plus pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Ben Street and saxophonist Mark Turner — to Philly for the first time. 

March 20, Philadelphia Art Alliance, Ars Nova Workshop.

Alexis Cuadrado

The Spanish-born bassist/composer premieres a new set of pieces inspired by the poems of Federico García Lorca.  

March 29, Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Rudresh Mahanthappa

The Indian-American sax innovator’s latest quartet, Gamak, pairs him with microtonal guitarist David “Fuze” Fiuczynski, enabling all sorts of mind- and boundary-bending sounds. 

April 6, Montgomery County Community College.

ICP Orchestra

The Danish big band, an anarchic band of era-leaping jazz avant-vaudevillians, returns.

April 11, International House, Ars Nova Workshop.

Michele Rosewoman and New Yor-Uba

Renowned percussionist Pedrito Martinez joins pianist Rosewoman’s long-running Afro-Cuban ensemble, which sings the jazz praises of Yoruban deities. 

April 13, Painted Bride.

Jason Marsalis

For those who can’t keep the family separate: Jason is the youngest of the Marsalis brothers, plays the drums and kept the family tradition of pissing off forward-thinking jazz fans with his recent comments sneering at “jazz nerds.” 

April 13, Chris’ Jazz Café.

Hugh Masekela

The South African living legend has spent more than four decades fusing African sounds with pop-oriented jazz in his uniquely warm, engaging style. 

April 14, Annenberg Center.