The James Isaac Group, at Take Five Coffee + Bar

Contemporary jazz with accessibility intact: What else would you expect from four veterans of the eclectic People’s Liberation Big Band? The James Isaac Group starts with saxophonist Isaac, also part of the ensemble Killer Strayhorn. His warm tenor tone invites you to ride solos of unique twists and intriguing turns. Mike Stover’s steel guitar, familiar to Grisly Hand fans, spices the jazz here with its distinctive voice. Bassist Jeff Harshbarger gets to stretch, playing solos that sweep a listener with intelligence and ideally complement drummer Scotty McBee. Some contemporary jazz thrives on discordance, and Isaac has assembled a combo that welcomes you in.