Yes, No Leftovers This Weekend

Firehouse 12, 45 Crown Street in New Haven, is trying something different this fall season, a concert on "Black Friday." And, not just any concert but a fiery mix of the composed music and improvisation courtesy of Peter Evans' Zebulon Trio with special guests Dave Liebman (saxophones) and Ron Stabinsky (piano).  Evans, a trumpeter and composer whose, perhaps, best known for his work with Mostly Other People Do the Killing, is a truly creative player, who can move from melodic stretches to noisy "blats" in a heartbeat. Rounding out the Trio is the classy bassist John Hebert and drummer Kassa Overall.

The Trio's debut CD, "Zebulon" (named after the now-defunct Brooklyn club where the recording was made), was issued earlier this year and has turned a lot of heads.  Released on the trumpeter's More is More label, you can find out more by going to www.moreismorerecords.com/label.html.  Adding the young pianist and the legendary veteran saxophonist ups the ante - it will be quite fascinating to see and hear where this music goes.

The Zebulon Trio + guests will play 2 sets - 8:30 and 10 p.m - for ticket information and more, go to firehouse12.com.

The Side Door at the Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme Street in Old Lyme (naturally), presents 2 nights of great jazz this weekend.  On Friday, the venue welcomes back pianist Glenn Zaleski with a Trio that includes Craig Weinrib (drums) and Hartford-native Dezron Douglas (bass). The pianist first appeared as a leader at The Side Door in August and then again on November 16 when he subbed for John Escreet in Jamie Baum's ensemble.  He's a delightful player, with a penchant for melody but also acknowledges the percussive element of his chosen instrument.   Zaleski is also an excellent composer and one expects the sets to be liberally sprinkled with pieces by the Trio.

On Saturday night, The Side Door will "get down and get funky" thanks to the playful nature of the Jeremy Baum Trio.  Baum (no relation to the flutist) brings a group featuring guitarist Chris Vitarello and the "chunky/funky" drums of Chris Reddan.  The JB3 also first appeared at the venue in August, proceeding to turn plenty of heads.  The leader has worked and toured with numerous ensembles including ones led by the late Melvin Sparks, Levon Helm, Shemekia Copeland and the North Mississipi Allstars.

For more information, call 860-434-0886 or go to thesidedoorjazz.com.