THURSDAY JULY 27

THE J-WORD
As long as musicians, writers, and fans argue about the nature of jazz—the j-word—the music is in good shape. The concurrence of multiple styles (straight-ahead, free- and out-jazz, as well countless hybrids with other genres) will continually redefine jazz for years to come. Bandleader and trumpeter Jim Knapp, Steve Treseler (saxophones), John Hansen (piano), Phil Sparks (bass), and Brad Gibson (drums) offer their own take on the ongoing debate. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave, 322-1533, 8 pm, $5–$15 sliding scale donation.

FRIDAY JULY 28

SEATTLE COMPOSERS' SALON
A monthly, informal presentation of new music by Seattle composers, the salon features finished works, previews and works in progress. Composer and MC Tom Baker has corralled fellow composers Marcus Oldham, Conan McLemore, James Knapp, Renee Hart, and Gavin Borchert. Soundbridge at Benaroya Hall, 200 University St, 215-4747, 8 pm, $5 suggested donation.

SATURDAY JULY 29

HIRVONEN/BURNS DUO
Gust Burns, a freely improvising pianist, teams up with Portland guitarist David Hirvonen, whose grizzled sustained guitar tones seemingly emanate from a distant solar storm. Coupled with Burns's subtle forays into the piano with rubbed rods, this gig should be a treat for careful listening. Guitarist Tom Baker and clarinetist Jesse Canterbury open. Gallery 1412, 1412 18th Ave, 322-1533, 8 pm, $5–$15 sliding scale donation.

KELLEY JOHNSON QUARTET
Bouncing through standards and forgotten chestnuts, this jazz singer's lithe, coltish voice scampers across even the most treacherous, word-sodden phrases with ease. I still marvel at her transmutation of an Ellington throwaway, "Tulip or Turnip," into a winning tune on her 2004 CD, Live at Birdland (JazzConnect). Few singers could sell "Do I get the booby prize/Or will I be the hero?/Am I heading for blue skies/Or is my ceiling zero?" so suavely. Tula's, 2214 Second Ave, 443-4221, 8:30 pm, $12.

SUNDAY JULY 30

LAST MONDAYS
An ongoing showcase for bassist Geoff Harper's almost uncountable number of groups, this month's installment reunites the original members of Bebop and Destruction, one of Seattle's superb jazz ensembles of the 1990s: Dan Heck (guitar), John Wicks (drums), Marc Fendel (alto saxophone), and Harper (bass). Seattle Drum School, 12510 15th Ave NE, 364-8815, 7 pm, $7.

CHARMAINE CLAMOR
This singer brings her languid phrasing and bewitching, dusky alto to jazz standards. The Triple Door, 216 Union St, 838-4333, 7:30 pm, $15/$20.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 2

SCMS SUMMER FESTIVAL
The Seattle Chamber Music Society extends its Summer Festival of chamber music into Redmond and sneaks in a bit more adventurous music, to boot; in this case Sofia Gubaidulina's haunting The Garden of Joy and Sorrow for flute, viola, and harp. Also on the program: the Quartet for Piano and Strings, op. 60 by Brahms, Ravel's Introduction and Allegro, and a Mozart sonata for two pianos (K. 448). The free 7 pm recital features J. S. Bach's Partita for Violin BWV 1002 and Alan Ridout's "Ferdinand the Bull" for violin and narrator. Overlake School, 20301 NE 108th St, Redmond, 283-8808, 8 pm, $16/$38.