JAZZ BEAT: T.J. Martley Quartet plays the Blue Room Thursday night

Pianist T.J. Martley can stride behind a singer with the best. But hearing him with his own ensemble is an uncommon treat. In that setting, you have a better opportunity to catch a solo of eloquence and introspection, perhaps while he’s delightfully pulling you along a composition by Keith Jarrett or Paul Bley. Martley, part of KC’s new jazz generation, plays with a mix of intelligence and sophistication. Thursday night at the Blue Room, he is joined by Rich Wheeler on tenor sax, Andrew Stinson on bass and Brian Steever on drums. Expect a blend of original compositions and standards both contemporary and traditional, adding up to a display of why Kansas City is still known for exceptional jazz.

T.J. Martley Quartet
7 p.m. Thursday, July 14, at the Blue Room,
1600 East 18th Street (free)