Fri. July 6 -- Pianist Billy McCoy and friends roll mainstreamways. At the World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., Leimert Park 90008; 9pm (two sets); $20; www.theworldstage.org.
Sat. July 7 -- The spontaneous, unpretentious, multijazzable keys-sax team of Theo Saunders & Chuck Manning bring back their swinging quartet with bassist Harvey Newmark and drummer Mark Stevens. At Desert Rose Restaurant, 1700 N. Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz 90027; 7-11pm; free, reservations advisable; (323) 666-1166; desertroserestaurant.com.
Sat. July 7 -- The NIck Mancini Collective observes many vibrant landscapes on the vibraphonist-composer's new "Frames," featuring the talents of saxist Danny Janklow, clarinetist John Tegmeyer, guitarist Adam Ratner and the gang. Read my live review here and sample the album here. At the Blue Whale on the third level of Weller Court Plaza, south of East First Street between South Los Angeles Street and South San Pedro Street, Little Tokyo 90012; 9pm-midnight; $15; 21+; parking $9 underneath off Second Street at the sign of the P in a circle; (213) 620-0908; www.bluewhalemusic.com.
Sun. July 8 -- The composer collective Kafka Cafe Orchestra tweaks ya with scratchy, drony modernism via keyboardist Matt Allen, keyboardist Derek Dobbs, flutist Isabella Basanti and bassist Dave Tranchina. Sax rhytmatician Ted Taforo wraps things up. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
Wed. July 11 -- Weedeater rocks slow, low & loud; come prepared. With Zeke, Sierra. At Union, 4067 W. Pico Blvd., L.A. 90019; 8pm; $25; 18+; www.unionclubla.com.
Thurs. July 12 -- Get massively depressed with industrial sludge vets Neurosis, on a high-impact bill with metalpunk intellectuals Converge and Belgian doomsters Amenra. At the Henry Fonda Music Box Theater, 6122 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood 90028; 9pm; $35; (323) 464-0808; www.fondatheatre.com.
Thurs. July 12 -- The Brad Dutz 4tet has stayed together several years, having achieved a satisfying blend of individuality and subliminal groove. Talkin' 'bout vibraphonist-percussionist Dutz plus oboe man Paul Sherman, bass clarinetist Brian Walsh and cellist Derek Stein. At Sunspace, 9683 Sunland Blvd., Shadow Hills 91040; 8-10pm; $10.
Thurs. July 12 -- A Mixed Trio is a bland name for colorful, unusual music from flutist-singer Will Salmon, koto player Kozue Matsumoto and cellist Caroline Coward. At The Battery Books & Music, 26 S. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 91101; 8pm; $5 suggested donation; (626) 376-9913.
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Read Don Heckman’s jazz picks here. Read John Payne's plutonic Bluefat.com here. Read Brick Wahl's noirish music commentaries here.