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Jazz picks: Central Avenue Jazz fest, Ron Carter and more

Gerald Wilson leads his orchestra at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival in 2009.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
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A selection of jazz and jazz-adjacent shows coming up this week.

Ron Carter Trio at Catalina
With the recent loss of Charlie Haden, Carter may be the most storied bass player working today with stints backing practically a phone book of jazz legends in Sam Rivers, Andrew Hill, Eric Dolphy and, of course, Miles Davis on landmark albums such as “Miles Smiles,” “Nefertiti” and “Four and More.” Here he performs in a trio that shows he remains committed to pushing ahead. Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 W. Sunset Blvd., L.A. Thurs.-Sat., $25-$40. www.catalinajazzclub.com.

Mark de Clive-Lowe at Downstairs @ Fifty Seven

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A pianist, producer and DJ, Mark de Clive-Lowe can probably add the term chemist to his resume for his jazz-infused live sets combined with in-the-moment remixing he’s offered on a regular basis in New York City and Los Angeles for a night he’s simply called “Church.”

He just released an album of the same name, a dynamic, groove-heavy blend of live electronic music, funk and future-jazz, and here he wraps a monthlong residency downtown. Listen to the track “Ghaziya” and see if your spirits aren’t lifted. Downstairs @ Fifty Seven, 712 South Santa Fe Ave., L.A. Thurs., 9 p.m. $10. www.fiftysevenla.com.

Central Avenue Jazz FestivalNow in its 19th year, the annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival draws a necessary and indelible connection between Los Angeles and its rich jazz tradition. This year’s festival includes a wealth of musical offerings, including two that neatly encapsulate the generation-spanning sound of the city.

On one end of the continuum is Gerald Wilson, a treasured bandleader whose enduring jazz career stretches back to Jimmie Lunceford and the historic Dunbar Hotel, and on the other, Kamasi Washington, a fiery and ambitious local saxophonist who will soon turn the world on its head with a much-anticipated debut on Brainfeeder records. Central Avenue from 43rd Street to Martin Luther King Blvd., L.A. Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Free. www.centralavejazz.org.

Ross Hammond, Dwight Trible, Nicole Mitchell and more

One of those meetings of top talents that makes jazz listening a real pleasure, this grouping combines a front line of up-and-coming Sacramento guitarist Ross Hammond, spiritually stirring vocalist Dwight Trible and flautist Nicole Mitchell, who recently moved to Southern California after being an anchor on the fertile Chicago jazz scene.

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Rounding out the lineup is bassist Trevor Ware and drummer Breeze Smith. The Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka Street #301, L.A. Sun., 9 p.m. $10 www.bluewhalemusic.com.

Want to read more, but in 140-character bursts? Follow me @chrisbarton.

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