Motian, Lovano & Frisell

Their annual two-week takeover of the celebrated cellar commences with a man down–Lovano is busy elsewhere. The initial week finds the shimmering guitarist and idiosyncratic drummer standing shoulder to shoulder with Tony Malaby and Mark Turner, a pair of prized book ends vis a vis the modern tenor sax. Methinks the indefatigable Monk tunes will be goosed a bit harder, and the clever originals given a wider spectrum of sound. When mighty Sir Joe returns to close the deal, it’s also likely that his subs will be in the audience for an evening. Local horn players are prone to a smidge of genuflection when it comes to Lovano. Best to grab a seat for both incarnations.

Aug. 24-29, 9 & 11 p.m., 2010