Avant-Jazz from a Relentlessly Creative Pianist

Pianist Myra Melford, who teaches composition at U.C. Berkeley, is among the most innovative songwriters and players in jazz. Her music is like a jigsaw puzzle; she makes all those odd pieces fit together just so. She also seems to always hook up with different collaborators. I saw her a few weeks ago at SFJAZZ with violinist Jenny Scheinman, and they were so sympatico. In her upcoming Red Poppy Art House gig on Oct. 5, Melford joins equally prolific Bay Area bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, and saxophonists Angela Morris and Steve Adams. Minds will be blown. Details here.