Jacob Wise Quartet

Jacob Wise grew up in Austin and studied jazz at the University of North Texas, where he played in the One O'Clock Lab Band. He teaches jazz guitar at UT's Butler School of Music and at Austin Community College. He has released two CDs of original music, Paseo and Jacob Wise Trio. He also spent four years in a cruise-ship show band. Toland wrote that Wise uses his chops for tuneful accessibility as often as for hot breaks.

A late-evening set of straight-ahead jazz in a small, dimly lit room below the street. The Elephant Room has been open since 1991 in the basement of the historic Swift Building. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Tables near the stage suit close listening, and the seats near the door suit conversation.

Wise is a local player with deep roots in Austin's jazz scene, and a quartet set is a good way to hear him. The Elephant Room is often called the city's quintessential underground jazz club. It is a good place to hear a working Austin band up close.