The best jazz shows this month in NYC

In the First Church of Funk, Parker is no less than a bona a fide saint—you might recognize his playing from first sax in both James Brown's band and Parliament-Funkadelic, or from his time-to-time associations with Prince. Expect his soulful solo work here to bare the marks of that starstudded legacy.

One of the most sought-after drummers of the new-jazz generation, Sanchez made the rounds with stars such as Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker before turning 30. Here this deft player—best known for the jaw-dropping solo-drum score he contributed to Best Picture winner Birdman—draws equal attention to his writing and bandleading chops, heading up a special project.

Saxist Laplante—a member of visceral, exacting avant-garde groups Little Women and Battle Trance, and a mesmerizing solo performer—presents a three-movement work inspired by a dream.

Best known as the bassist in Wayne Shorter's envelope-pushing quartet, Patitucci's recent solo releases are smoldering affairs smartly seasoned with roots rock and Afropop. Of his two combo formats this week, his Remembrance Trio—with whom he released his last full-length, Brooklyn—is of particular note, featuring fiery contemporary drum favorite Brian Blade and inventive saxist Chris Potter,

An acclaimed contemporary innovator behind the set, Guiliana has developed an erratic, explosive style of groove that turns the pocket inside-out as often as it nestles deep within it.

Expect plenty of inside-outside postbop intrigue here, as the subtly commanding sax star distills the innovative spirit from his jazz-royalty legacy into a distinctly modern style with a killer trio.

One of music's most celebrated studio drummers, Gadd has left his unmistakeable touch on everything from pop mega-hits like Paul Simon's "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" to landmark fusion releases like Chick Corea's The Leprechaun (along with a variety of other works by Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, Al DiMeola, Stanley Clarke, Frank Sinatra…). Here the living legend turns up with his own dynamic, grooving live combo.