Bill Beuttler

Jan 19, 2024 | bostonglobe.com | Bill Beuttler

When the Celebrity Series of Boston brings Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to Symphony Hall on Jan. 28, there will be a twist. For their Max Roach Centennial Celebration, Marsalis has deputized a second music director, drummer Obed Calvaire. That the orchestra’s drummer would be tapped to choose and arrange repertoire in addition to playing Roach’s legendary drum parts isn’t surprising.

Jan 3, 2024 | bostonglobe.com | Bill Beuttler

Robert Glasper’s upcoming run next week of two sets of music for each of three nights at Boston’s City Winery is only routine busyness by his own remarkable standards. The pianist/composer/producer and his backing trio — Burniss Travis on bass, Justin Tyson on drums, and DJ Jahi Sundance on turntable — will play Boston Monday through Wednesday, then move on to Philadelphia for three nights and Pittsburgh for two at the City Winery in those cities.

Nov 30, 2023 | bostonglobe.com | Bill Beuttler

Lakecia Benjamin has been enjoying a truly remarkable 2023. It kicked off with the January release of “Phoenix,” a stellar album focused on her own compositions and featuring guest appearances by a variety of elders: Patrice Rushen on piano, Dianne Reeves singing Benjamin’s hopeful lyrics on “Mercy,” and Wayne Shorter, Sonia Sanchez, and Angela Davis each contributing spoken words. Terri Lyne Carrington shares producer credit with Benjamin.

Nov 15, 2023 | bostonglobe.com | Bill Beuttler

Laszlo Gardony was in the midst of a typically busy run of regional performances when he played a 5 p.m. solo piano set at the Lilypad in Inman Square on a Saturday in late September. The room quickly filled to its capacity of 60 or so patrons seated on cushioned benches. Gardony opened his set with a piece he improvised on the spot from four random notes supplied by audience members. “I love this place because a lot of experimental music happens here,” he told the audience.

Nov 10, 2023 | bostonglobe.com | Bill Beuttler

Holiday season is, inevitably, holiday-album season, its predictable passel of Christmas albums rolling out each year. Many are of negligible interest. But not “Christmas Stories” by the estimable young pianist and composer Christian Sands, released last month by Mack Avenue Records. And Sands will be at Scullers on Dec. 8 for a record release celebration, joined by three musicians on the album: his longtime bassist Yasushi Nakamura, guitarist Max Light, and his brother, Ryan Sands, on drums.