The Trumpet’s call

“One of the next voices in the new generation of jazz improvisers,” says legendary trumpeter Randy Brecker. “Remarkable writing and burning energy coming out of this young trumpet player,” says guitarist du jour John Scofield. “A truly gifted improviser with an original creative voice,” says the inimitable saxophonist Gary Bartz.

All of these jazz luminaries are heaping hard-won praise on the same young man — 25-year-old, Trinidadborn, New York Cityschooled, Toronto-dwelling Nick Ali, the trumpet dynamo who operates beneath the moniker Brownman.

By his early 20s, Ali/Brownman — who plays with a fire redolent of a 1970 Miles Davis cooking his way through several sets in Washington, D. C., as represented by the “Complete Cellar Door” box set — had made his way to the top of the “first call” list among the current crop of Toronto jazz musicians. In 2002, Brownman claimed the coveted Canadian National Jazz Award for “Jazz Composer of the Year,” and over the past seven years he has added more than a dozen illustrious trophies to his now-overflowing mantelpiece.

Awards are nice, naturally, but to dig what Brownman is doing, you’ve gotta see him live. I had a chance to do just that over the summer, when Brownman fronted a killer trio as part of a concert celebrating the “twin” musical cities of Buffalo and New Orleans, held in the parking lot of Ani DiFranco’s Babeville. I came away with a blown mind. This guy’s got chops galore, soul to match, and a sense of phrasing that recalls many of the greats, but suggests itself to be his own.

Which is my way of saying, I recommend — heartily — that you check out Brownman when he comes to town Saturday. The trumpeter will be sharing the stage with Buffalo hip-hop/jazz/improv ensemble Type Relevant, inside Soundlab, 110 Pearl St., beginning at 10 p. m. sharp. Special guest KLD — aka, “Kinda Like Dreamin’ ” — will open. Admission at the door will be $8.

Gig picks

Mercury James, My Friends Band, & Auaeya perform inside Nietzsche’s, beginning at 10:30 tonight. . . . Donna the Buffalo plays the Town Ballroom at 8 p. m. Saturday. . . Also on Saturday, Mohawk Place has planned a marathon for you, Mr./Mrs. Club-goer. An early show, kicking off at 7 p. m., will feature former Husker Du drummer/songwriter Grant Hart, and his guest Vox Humana. Stick around afterward for a triple-shot of Buffalo rock, with Handsome Jack, the Thermidors and Choo Choo La Rouge, beginning at 10 p. m. Then sleep all day long on Sunday.

Just announced

A few new shows have been unveiled for the Town Ballroom’s winter schedule. Tickets for both shows go on sale at noon on Saturday through the club’s box office and Tickets.com. First, on Feb. 11, Five Finger Death Punch, Shadows Fall, Throwdown and 2 Cents will bring the aggro-metal to the Town. Tickets for the all-ages show will be $20.

At 7 p. m. March 27, the Town Ballroom will present Matthew Good & His Band. This is also an all-ages show. Tickets are $30 in advance. Admission at the door will be $35.