Before trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s death in 2018, at age 49, he ended each year with a residency at the Jazz Showcase.
It always was one of the club’s biggest engagements, drawing capacity crowds, and for good reason: Hargrove combined a nimble technique with a profound lyric sensibility. Even as health problems robbed Hargrove’s work of its youthful virtuosity and tonal heft, there was no mistaking the poetry and sophistication of his compositions and improvisations.
New Orleans trumpeter Nicholas Payton played the Showcase’s end-of-year engagement in 2018, devoting his sets to Hargrove’s memory. Payton drew turn-away crowds, and he’s back this year.
This new tradition is a boon to Chicago jazz lovers, for Payton stands as a singular figure in American music. He can evoke the stratospheric brilliance of Louis Armstrong in historic repertory, yet he also pushes at the stylistic boundaries of what’s possible in 21st century music-making.
For this engagement, he’ll be joined by vibraphonist Steve Nelson, pianist Christian Sands, bassist Vicente Archer and drummer Mark Whitfield, Jr. 8 and 10 p.m. Friday, Saturday; 4 and 8 p.m. Sunday; 8 and 10 p.m. Dec. 30; 8 and 11 p.m. Dec. 31; and 8 and 10 p.m. Jan. 1; at the Jazz Showcase, 806 S. Plymouth Court; ticket prices vary; 312-360-0234 or www.jazzshowcase.com
The majestic Chicago blues singer own an immense instrument and knows what to do with it. That she also has been emerging as an eloquent songwriter whose works unflinchingly address our troubled times only deepens Copeland’s appeal, as her most recent album, “America’s Child,” attests. She’ll close out the year in her adopted hometown, performing with guest Kevin Burt. 8 p.m. Friday at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St.; $38-$52; 312-733-9463 or www.citywinery.com
Battle of the Saxes
Another great Chicago jazz tradition continues at the Green Mill, which years ago pitted tenor giant Von Freeman against the younger, fire-breathing tenor man Edward Petersen. Freeman died in 2012, at age 88, but the spirit of those jousts continues, now with former Chicagoan Petersen facing off against longtime Chicago tenor ace Eric Schneider. Who’s likely to win? The listeners, as they can savor Petersen’s hard-edged tonal brilliance and harmonic daring alongside Schneider’s gutsy, deep-swing soliloquies. They’ll be joined by another former Chicagoan, pianist John Campbell, plus bassist Brian Sandstrom and drummer Kyle Swan. 9 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and Dec. 31 at the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway; $15 Friday and Saturday; $30 Dec. 31; 773-878-5552 or www.greenmilljazz.com
Cheri Coons and Beckie Menzie
Two greats of the Chicago cabaret scene ring in the New Year with original songs and enduring standards. They’re joined by guest Mark Hawbecker in a show titled “Optimistic Voices,” which may be exactly what we need as we head into the new decade. 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at Davenport’s, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave.; $28 plus two-drink minimum; 773-278-1830 or www.davenportspianobar.com
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What a year the inimitable Chicago singer-songwriter-pianist has had. She released one of the most deeply introspective recordings of her career, “Higher,” which includes her haunting song cycle, “Angels, Birds and I …” — a suite years in the making. Barber’s triumphant European tour and induction to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences added to the luster of her recent achievements. Through it all, Barber has held down the Monday-nights slot at the Green Mill Jazz Club whenever she’s in town, reaffirming her stature as a Chicago musical treasure who attracts listeners from around the world. She’ll play her last engagement of the year leading a trio with bassist Patrick Mulcahy, drummer Jon Deitemyer and guest saxophonist Jim Gailloreto. 9 p.m. Monday at the Green Mill Jazz Club, 4802 N. Broadway; $8; 773-878-5552 or www.greenmilljazz.com
Denise Thimes
The former St. Louis singer has made Chicago her home and Winter’s Jazz Club her venue of choice when she’s in town. As in the past, she’ll help the club close out the year with a series of shows. Considering Winter’s intimate scale, Thimes’ larger-than-life voice and personality tend to fill every square inch of the place. “Here’s to the Gentlemen … Johnny, Joe, Tony” — a tribute to Johnny Hartman, Joe Williams and Tony Bennett — at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $20-$25 plus one-drink minimum. New Year’s Eve show with Chicago guitarist Henry Johnson, among others: 8 and 11 p.m. Dec. 31; $15-$85 plus one-drink minimum; at Winter’s Jazz Club, 465 N. McClurg Court (promenade); 312-344-1270 or www.wintersjazzclub.com
SUBHED: Spiccia/Abney
New Year’s Eve at Andy’s Jazz Club will feature a double-bill. Singer Angel Spiccia at 7 p.m.; trumpeter Mario Abney at 9 and 11 p.m. Dec. 31; $40-$50; reservations by phone only; Andy’s Jazz Club, 11 E. Hubbard St.; 312-642-6805 or www.andysjazzclub.com
Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.