The Top Picks of the Portland Jazz Festival

What to see, whether you're a jazz noob or a beret-wearing die-hard.

It's almost spring, which means it's time to swing.

This year, the Portland Jazz Festival sinks its teeth into the work of John Coltrane, the transcendent jazz saxophonist who would have celebrated 90 years on earth in 2016.

Though it is decidedly harder to find someone in the jazz world who isn't deeply in love with Coltrane's music, this year's fest is a shining example of a musical retrospective done right, with festival organizers importing some of the world's top Coltrane contemporaries and young guns alike to share their varied takes on the axe man's music. The celebration of the iconic instrumentalist even includes a musical tribute from Coltrane's son, Ravi, who was a late-bloomer on the reeds, but whose modern-jazz chops are now among the world's best.

Even for interested ears, the jazz world can be tough to navigate, so we've grouped the best of the fest into three tiers, a handy cheat sheet for everyone from the inquisitive, swing-interested novice to the full-on, beret-donning KMHD die hard.

FOR JAZZ AMATEURS

Spanish Harlem Orchestra

[LATIN EXPLOSION] One of the last true purveyors of authentic New York Salsa, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra claps, shouts and claves their way into every jazz fan's heart—a startling burst of sonic energy that will have even the iciest anti-jazzers on their feet in no time. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 7 pm Thursday, Feb. 18. $29-$49.

WE FOUR

[LEGEND ON LEGEND] Legendary Kind of Blue drummer Jimmy Cobb joins forces with three younger jazz luminaries, including saxophonist Javon Jackson, to pay tribute to John Coltrane. A rare opportunity to see one historical icon take on another's music, and a perfect introduction to the genre for those who are just discovering the life and work of the famed saxophonist. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 3 pm Sunday, Feb. 21. $32-$42.

Nicole Glover Quartet

[LOCAL, FRESH] Saxophonist Nicole Glover pairs up with three of Portland's most sought-after performers in pianist George Colligan, bassist Jonathan Lakey, and drummer Alan Jones, to present her city with a set of forward-thinking originals. Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave. 7:30 pm Tuesday, Feb. 23. $20-25.

FOR CASUAL FANS

Pat Martino Trio/Kenny Barron Trio

[CLASSIC GUITAR/CLASSIC PIANO] Two legendary small-group boppers pair up for a double bill, as guitarist Pat Martino and pianist Kenny Barron play back to back sets of heavy-swinging classics. Between their two kinds of strings, they remain firmly rooted in one kind of swing, which has numerous concertgoers hoping for a pair of mid-set collaborations. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 7 pm Saturday, Feb. 20. $35-$55.

John Scofield/Joe Lovano Quartet

[SIX STRINGS, ONE REED] Bass and drums act as the glue tonight, allowing saxophonist Joe Lovano to easily sync up with guitarist John Scofield. Two of the most groove-obsessed jazz icons alive today, Scofield and Lovano will solo one after the other in a powerhouse quartet, showcasing their skills as two of their instruments' most prominent figureheads. Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St. 7:30 pm Sunday, Feb. 28. $19-$49.

Marquis Hill

[FRESH CHOPS] Trumpeter Marquis Hill is a star on the rise. The recent winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk Competition—which places him among the best on his instrument in the world—Hill plays modern jazz melodies with a melodic sort of technicality, the kind of elegant mastery that appeals to old and new ears alike. Jimmy Mak's 221 NW 10th Ave. 7:30 pm Friday, Feb. 26. $20-$25.

Gary Peacock Trio

[STILL AT IT] After over half a century performing, 80-year-old bass hero Gary Peacock shows no sign of stopping. A virtuosic musician whose lightning-fast solos could still easily be mistaken for a guitar, Peacock shines brightly as a member of his own trio, a setting where he has served as the sonic glue for the majority of the biggest names in jazz over the course of his long and storied career. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 9:30 pm Friday, Feb. 19. $32-$42.

FOR JAZZ NERDS

Universal Consciousness with Pharoah Sanders

[ALICE'S WONDERLAND] Many casual fans forget, but Alice Coltrane contributed almost as much to jazz as her husband John, composing some of the most beautiful melodies in the history of the genre. Tonight, her son, saxophonist Ravi Coltrane, leads an all-star group, including pianist Geri Allen, bass legend Reggie Workman and special guest Pharoah Sanders—one of the most critically-hailed reed men to ever live—in celebration of all things Alice. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 7 pm Saturday, February 27. $29-$59.

Charles Lloyd Quartet

[OLD SAX, YOUNG CATS] White-haired saxophone hero Charles Lloyd pairs up with three of the brightest younger names in jazz: pianist Gerald Clayton, bassist Joe Sanders and drummer Kendrick Scott. An intensely heroic performer to most who have touched his instrument, Lloyd showcases the young lions' talent, which perfectly serves his penchant for soaring, Coltrane-esque melodies. Newmark Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 7 pm Friday, February 19. $29-59.

Gary Bartz Quartet

[THE REAL MCCOY] When famed Coltrane collaborator McCoy Tyner continued his piano career after leaving Coltrane behind, Gary Bartz was the player he chose to take Trane's place. A beautifully poetic soloist whose quartet includes James King on bass, Paul Bollenbeck on guitar and Greg Bandy on drums, Bartz may be a lesser-known statesman, but he's a statesman all the same. Winningstad Theatre, 1111 SW Broadway. 10 pm Saturday, Feb. 20. $32-$42.

Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band/Alicia Olatuja

[DRUM SONGS] Renowned percussionist Brian Blade leads his fellowship band with a calming artistic power, bringing to life gentle and complex musical soundscapes that pass into inquiring ears with the weight of a feather. One of the most passionate performers in the genre, Blade feels every note, an inquisitive musical thinker who is equally apt to float like a butterfly as he is to sting like a bee. Revolution Hall, 1300 SE Stark St. 7 pm Wednesday, Feb. 25. $15-$45.

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