Feeling the vibe: Stirring combinations

The Twin Cities will be grooving this weekend with gigs featuring some interesting combinations of musicians — from players of different generations to those with vastly different playing styles.

MPR News editor David Cazares and bassist Chris Bates say these intriguing collaborations are producing some invigorating music.

Guitarist Zacc Harris, who plays with Chris in the modern jazz group Atlantis Quartet returns to a more classic style on Friday, when he joins master bassist Gordy Johnson at the Icehouse restaurant in Minneapolis.

Also Friday, pianist Tanner Taylor, a young player who loves to play the music of the greats who came before him, performs with drummer Mac Santiago and bassist Graydon Peterson at Jazz Central in Minneapolis.

One of the more innovative groups in the Twin Cities performs Saturday, when Chris and his group Red 5 take the stage at the Black Dog Cafe in St. Paul. The group, which includes the unusual combination of three horns, bass and drums, will unveil some new tunes.

Anyone who thinks the music is just for the weekend would be mistaken.

On Monday, the Icehouse restaurant in Minneapolis will host two intriguing shows: pianist Larry McDonough's quartet will perform numbers from a holiday new CD, "Angels, Kings, My Favorite Things."

Then J.T.'s Jazz Implosion will feature sax player George Cartwright. Chris Bates calls him a monster improviser.