June 9-15, 2005

musicpicks

Oliver Lake Trio

jazz

A reunion of sorts, Oliver Lake brings together a trio that hasn't performed together in over 20 years. Having already co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet, Lake joined with guitarist Michael Gregory Jackson and drummer Pheeroan akLaff in the mid-1970s for more stripped down, free-ranging sessions. Lake's playing has the throaty muscularity of a down-and-dirty R&B honker, paired with a Dolphy-like agility. The effect is akin to watching an elephant walk a tightrope, and Lake usually takes as many risks. (How many free-jazz artists do you know who would put together a steel drum band and record a Christmas album?) Jackson and Lake fuse together seamlessly on the intricate lines of the saxophonist's unpredictable compositions. Though the three have not played together as a unit in a while, akLaff has been almost constantly at Lake's side over the years, and their interplay is virtually telepathic.

Sat., June 11, 8 p.m., $12, Slought Foundation, 4017 Walnut St., 215-222-9050, www.slought.org.

—Shaun Brady