soundadvice

JAZZ
Dave Liebman Quartet
Saxophonist Dave Liebman's latest band is one of his strongest yet. Witness the diversity of style on two recent CDs: Conversation is a looser session ranging from funk to free-blowing to Indian-inflected modality. On In a Mellow Tone, Liebman's Trane-inspired soprano combined with Vic Juris' textured guitar almost turns the execrable "My Heart Will Go On" into a viable jazz standard.
—Shaun Brady
Sat., April 2, 9 p.m., $15, Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 215-568-3131.

ROCK/POP
The Donnas
After a few years of coasting on stale bad-girl themes and Allison Robertson's monster riffs, The Donnas were way overdue for a makeover. Gold Medal boasts a few new tricks — acoustic guitars, piano — without throwing off the whole act. The bid for maturity sacrifices a sliver of their relentless rawkitude, but the gamble ultimately pays off.
—M.J. Fine
Fri., April 1, 7:30 p.m., $35, with Maroon 5, Liacouras Center, Temple University, Broad and Montomery sts., 215-336-2000.

CLASSICAL
Orchestra 2001
The father, the son and a student. No need to start a religion; this is the triumvirate of Richard Wernick, son Adam Wernick and his student Melinda Wagner. These three uniquely talented artists bring a grand range of music to the table.
—Peter Burwasser
Sun., April 3, 4 p.m., $10-$30, Trinity Center for Urban Life, 22nd and Spruce sts., 215-922-2190.

HIP-HOP
Aesop Rock
With his deep monotone and intelligent left-field lyrics, Aesop Rock has become the poster boy for nerd rap. Five albums and dozens of collaborations have earned the Def Jux flagship an enormous following of fans Stateside and worldwide. Nice going, nerd.
—Deesha Dyer
Fri., April 1, 8 p.m., $15, all ages, with Mr. Lif, DJ Big Whiz, Airborn Audio and S.A. Smash, First Unitarian Church, 22nd and Chestnut sts., 1-800-594-TIXX.

JAZZ
Hiromi
Like two chaps she admires — Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan — Hiromi is a whirlwind of energy. Seamlessly blending jazz, funk and classical, this pianist's music bursts with enthusiasm. Ahmad Jamal has taken a shine to Hiromi and it's easy to see why: She's got great chops plus a spirited personality that shines through her original compositions.
—Deni Kasrel
Fri.-Sat., April 1-2, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., $25, Zanzibar Blue, 200 S. Broad St., 215-732-4500.

JAZZ
Benevento/Russo Duo
Despite being lumped into the jam-band ghetto after backing Mike Gordon of Phish, organist Marco Benevento and drummer Joe Russo actually make for a tighter one-two punch. Their debut, Best Reason To Buy the Sun, is full of impressionistic jazz-rock miniatures, a swinging Jimmy Smith riff here, a Rick Wakeman psych-wash there, and plenty of memorable melodies to go around.
—Shaun Brady
Fri., April 1, 9 p.m., $12-$15, with Turbine, The North Star, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.