JAZZ BEAT: Kyle Turner plays the Blue Room Saturday night

The Texas Tenor follows a jazz tradition of a rich, full-bodied tenor saxophone voice embraced by musicians from the Lone Star state. Recall Arnette Cobb, David “Fathead” Newman, and the Count Basie Orchestra’s Buddy Tate. Add to this list Houston native Kyle Turner, who may not be a household name, even in jazz circles, but whose blues-inspired, smooth sound floats gracefully. His playing pulls you, sometimes hovering over the rhythm with a late-night sexiness, sometimes punching right through it. There’s some Luther Vandross here, which makes sense given that Turner recorded with him. He also has performed with stars like Kirk Whalum and Joe Sample. Saturday night, Turner brings that passionate Texas sound to the Blue Room.

Kyle Turner
8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23
The Blue Room, 1600 East 18th Street ($15)