Walter Smith III at Blue Whale

JAZZ

Maybe one of the most underrated saxophonists working today, Walter Smith III has performed with Terence Blanchard, Christian Scott and Jason Moran in addition to releasing three albums as a bandleader that included the inviting 2010 album “III.” His deft interplay with rising star Ambrose Akinmusire was among the highlights of the trumpeter’s celebrated 2011 album, and Akinmusire will join Smith along with two members of Kneebody in a quintet that’s sure to throw sparks downtown. The Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, L.A. 9 p.m. Fri. $15. https://www.bluewhalemusic.com