Sun., Dec. 16, Motoshi Kosako

If you've never heard live jazz harp before—my guess is you haven't—it's a must to check out Motoshi Kosako. Originally from Japan, the harpist moved to Northern California and has recently been performing around the Sacramento area as well as in Oakland and Stockton. After so many years of hearing bebop and other jazz musicians serving up somewhat harsh licks of dissonance, his performances sound like a fresh and cool reinvention of the genre. It's akin to hearing a great melodic vibraphonist, such as Lionel Hampton, but even more soothing and mellow. Kosako will be joined by saxophonist Joe Berry, bassist Bill Douglass and drummer Barry Eldridge. 1401 Arden Way, http://harpmusician.com.