Jazz highlights: Dave Rempis at Jazz Central

photo: JOHN ABBOTT
FEBRUARY 14, 2017 — 4:06PM
Britt Robson

Romping with Rempis

Dave Rempis is a rugged saxophonist best known for his membership in the Vandermark 5, though he also performs with a slew of other Chicago-based bands. Minneapolis is the first stop on a Midwestern tour that Rempis is using to prepare for the solo disc he’ll record this summer. He’ll also play in a trio with drummer Davu Seru and impressive young vibraphonist Levi Schwartzberg. Expect unconventional, uncompromising music. (8 p.m. Thu., Jazz Central, Mpls.; $10, jazzcentralstudios.org)

Into the Jungle with Ellington

The Duke Ellington record “Money Jungle” is an indelible jazz classic, performed by a titanic trio of composers/bandleaders including bassist Charles Mingus and drummer Max Roach. Marking the 55th anniversary of the album’s release, pianist Bryan Nichols will perform Ellington’s marvelous mix of blues and balladry with drummer J.T. Bates and bassist Jeff Bailey in the appropriately opulent confines of the Orchestra Hall Atrium. (8 p.m. Fri., Orchestra Hall, Mpls.; $12-$30, minnesotaorchestra.org)

MVP players


Horizon, the ensemble led by saxophonist Bobby Watson, regularly wowed the crowds at the old Dakota when it was based in Bandana Square. Now Watson is back with the MVP Quartet, another stellar group of national notables including Donald Brown on piano, Ray Drummond on bass and drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith. (7 & 9 p.m. Mon., Dakota, Mpls.; $20-$30, dakotacooks.com. 7 p.m. Tue., Vieux Carre, St. Paul; $30, vieux-carre.com)