JIM CUTLER QUARTET
Led by saxophonist Jim Cutler, this amiable, straight-ahead group serves up toe-tapping originals and deftly done standards. The quartet features Brian Olendorf (piano), Chris Monroe (drums), and a bassist to watch, Philip Demaree. Tula's, 2214 Second Ave, 443-4221, 8 pm, $7.
FRIDAY JANUARY 3
SEATTLE SYMPHONY
In case you missed the SSO's New Year's gig, Gerry Schwarz & Co. reprise two benchmarks of classical music, the Eighth and Ninth symphonies of Beethoven. Back in the late 1970s, the Ninth was a model for the scientists at Sony/Philips who developed the CD. Those ingenious cats wanted to make sure Beethoven's Ninth--which can clock in from 60 to 74 minutes--fit on an entire disc. Also Thurs Jan 2 at 7:30 pm and Sat Jan 4 at 7 pm. Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 215-4747, 8 pm, $16-$75.
SATURDAY JANUARY 4
CHRISTOPHER BROWN
Call me a weirdo or a wannabe, but I really enjoy masterclasses, which allow musicians to demonstrate and discuss their instruments with students, composers, and other onlookers. Brown, principal bass with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, is also a composer, so this is a chance to find out about strange tunings, string harmonics, and other inside dope on this overlooked instrument. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, 685-8384, 2 pm, free.SUNDAY JANUARY 5
BARRY LIEBERMAN
Bassist Barry Lieberman has enlisted Christopher Brown (see above) to play arrangements of Bach and Vivaldi for two double basses. Musicians love to exhume forgotten chestnuts, which is why they dug up pieces by Koussevitzky and Bottesini. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, 685-8384, 2 pm, $8-$10.
PATRICIA THOMPSON
Mezzo-soprano Patricia Thompson and pianist David McDade offer a program featuring the music of Handel, Schubert, Granados, and Poulenc. Normally I avoid Mercer Island--I always get lost--but the songs of Schubert and Poulenc are so sumptuous that the drive is worth it. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8501 SE 40th St, Mercer Island, 232-3270, 3 pm, $15.
TUESDAY JANUARY 7
CRAIG SHEPPARD
Craig Sheppard, UW faculty member and pianist, tackles one of the summits of piano literature, Beethoven's piano sonatas. In this, the first of seven concerts to be presented in the coming year, Sheppard takes listeners on a chronological journey through Beethoven's first piano sonatas, including the Sonata, op. 2, no. 1 in F minor; the Sonata, op. 2, no. 2 in A; the Sonata, op. 2, no. 3 in C; and the E flat Sonata, op. 7. Brechemin Auditorium, UW campus, 685-8384, 7:30 pm, $8-$10.
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8
ADAM DILLER/GREGORY REYNOLDS
Formerly a Tuesday-night fixture at Coffee Messiah, the Cognitive Dissidents series kicks off its move to Wednesday night with two up-and-coming free improvisers. Adam Diller and Gregory Reynolds are both adept at charting the hinterlands on alto saxophone and clarinet. Each plays a solo set and then caps off the evening with a duet. Coffee Messiah, 1554 E Olive Way, 861-8233, 8 pm, free.
