Critic’s Pick: Christian Scott Quintet

If there’s a broad failure to the vast majority of popular music in 2013, it’s that very often nothing of consequence is being said. This is not an issue for jazz artist Christian Scott.

Which isn’t to say that Scott has delved into vocals or the spoken word to get his message across. Though Scott is certainly unafraid to speak his mind in interviews, his instrument remains the trumpet, which can soar, murmur or wail on his two-disc 2012 album “Christian aTunde Adjuah.”

Musically referencing American xenophobia (“Jihad Joe”), racial injustice (“Trayvon”) and, most often, the plight of his native New Orleans in the shadow of Hurricane Katrina (“New New Orleans,” “Danziger”), Scott is a continuation of the thread of social consciousness that has long run through the heart of jazz.

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Last year, Scott burned through the Blue Whale with a broad musical palette that referenced textures of rock and R&B; this weekend, he’ll have three nights to do the same with a band that includes drummer Corey Fonville and longtime guitarist Matt Stevens, whose spooky, at times droning guitar lines form an atmospheric counterpoint. Sometimes dark, anthemic or stormy, Scott’s music isn’t aligned with the definition of “traditional” jazz for some, but it’s a vital continuation of its lineage (even in a literal sense -- Scott’s uncle is saxophonist Donald Harrison).

“We want to try and change the sound of all the stuff that’s going on so these younger musicians don’t have any excuses for why they can’t be great,” Scott said in a 2008 interview. By the sound and ambition on display in his latest work, he’s well on his way.

Christian Scott Quintet, the Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St., Suite 301, L.A. Friday-Sunday, $25 www.bluewhalemusic.com.

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Twitter: @chrisbarton

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