Al Kooper, January 14, 7/9pm
When it gets right down to it, just having played the unforgettable Hammond organ riff on Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” qualifies musician-producer Al Kooper for legendary status. As if that weren’t enough, he’s a past member of such outfits as the Blues Project and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Additionally, Kooper is responsible for signing British Invasion sensation the Zombies as well as discovering the great Lynyrd Skynyrd. Come dig on some great musicianship at what’s likely to be a stellar outing.
McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., 310.828.4497, mccabes.com, $24.50
Mulgrew Miller Trio, January 17-21, 8/9:30pm
With over 400 recordings to his credit as both leader and sideman, Mulgrew Miller gleams as one of the leading jazz pianists of recent memory. The Greenwood, Mississippi native was influenced by artists like McCoy Tyner, and served stints with greats such as Mercer Ellington, Betty Carter, Woody Shaw and Art Blakey. The ubiquitous Miller sound is tastefully seasoned with the rural blues/gospel flavor of his endemic environment.
The Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., CC, 310.271.9039, jazzbakery.org, $30