Jazz picks: Fred Hersch, Tigran Hamasyan lead a full weekend

A look at upcoming shows to fill your music calendar this weekend:

Brian Haas and Scott Amendola: The founding member of the jazz-oriented jam band -- or perhaps jam-oriented jazz band? -- the Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, keyboardist Brian Haas delved into uniquely contemplative ground with his latest recording, “Frames.” Recorded with percussion gadfly Matt Chamberlain of the equally far-out Critters Buggin, the album’s thoughtful drive will surely angle into yet more intriguing directions for this performance, which will feature Bay Area standout Scott Amendola on drums. The Blue Whale, 123 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. Suite 301, L.A. Friday, 9 p.m. $15. bluewhalemusic.com.

Tigran Hamasyan: Winner of the Thelonious Monk Jazz Piano competition in 2006, Tigran Hamasyan melds the rich improvisational tradition of jazz with the sound and structures of the Armenian folk music of his youth. The fiery and free-wheeling combination was a show-stopper at the 2011 Angel City Jazz Festival, and here Hamasyan performs from his upcoming album “Shadow Theater,” which should only continue his rise with its release in 2014. Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Saturday, 9 p.m. $25-$75. foldsilverlake.com.

CHEAT SHEET: Fall arts preview

Fred Hersch Trio: An elegant force of musical invention, Fred Hersch can not be discounted in any discussion of the top contemporary jazz pianists. A major influence on modern jazz stars Brad Mehldau and Ethan Iverson of the Bad Plus (who both studied under him), Hersch has if anything become a more prolific and powerful force since falling gravely ill with pneumonia and AIDS-related dementia in the late ‘00s.

The experience netted the celebrated work “My Coma Dreams” in 2011, and this year alone Hersch has released a pair of collaborative efforts in the albums “Only Many,” with trumpeter Ralph Alessi, and “Free Flying,” which features young guitarist Julian Lage. Both are vivid testaments to Hersch’s still-flourishing talents, and if his 2012 live trio recording “Alive at the Vanguard” is any indication, this concert will be as well. Soka Performing Arts Center, Soka University, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, Sunday, 7 p.m. $28. performingarts.soka.edu

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Twitter: @chrisbarton