1. Pianist Stephen Anderson's intensity: I've heard plenty of him before, but Friday night was Essence of Stephen Anderson, vigorous, electric, intense.
2. Jazz At the Mary Lou is back: JAML starts again at 9:30p Wednesday night at Duke's Mary Lou Williams Center, the longest running Durham jam session. Take a nap to stay up late to hear local musicians.
These Two Weeks: In addition to recommendations below, I recommend checking the always busy Sharp Nine, C Grace, Irregardless, & the Empress Room if you need a quick fix (plus Usual Suspects).
Tuesday 1/22: Thrio at Sharp Nine, drummer Donovan Cheatam, pianist Andrew Berinson, bassist Paul Creel,7p.
Thursdays 1/24 & 1/31: Al Strong's Durham Hotel jazz jam 7p.
Friday 2/1: Duke Performances presents extravore trumpeter Ron Miles with a superstar quintet (e.g., Jason Moran & Bill Frisell) at Baldwin Auditorium 8p.
Saturday 2/2: Extravore saxist Joel Frahm joins stellar locavore musicians at Sharp Nine 7 & 9p.