Reed/brass player Joe McPhee (who made his recording debut with his Underground Railroad album in 1969) and drummer Jay Rosen have a long- standing performing relationship with each other — and with the Bop Shop — dating back to the 1990s. The two musicians, along with master bassist Dominic Duval, formed Trio X in 1997. McPhee’s first concert at the Bop Shop was a memorable solo set back in 1998, which was followed a year later by the first of five Trio X concerts. Throughout the years, both McPhee and Rosen have led and played in many ensembles at the Bop Shop, as did Duval until his untimely passing in 2016. While both are known as free jazz players, that label can be as limiting as it is open. Listen closely and one will hear surprising touchstones in their music. Listen to “A Valentine in The Fog of War” (from Moods: Playing With The Elements) and one will hear the Edwin Starr classic “War” lurking in the bass line during a version of “My Funny Valentine.”

Rosen was recently the drummer of McPhee’s Loose Booty Octet at this year’s Vision Festival, where he supplied the openness needed for his fellow musicians as well as a sturdy backbeat when it was called for. McPhee’s instruments can roar and rage, but he also can provide interludes of stunning beauty. Be assured, you’re going to hear two master improvisers at work on their respective instruments when they perform here. You won’t want to miss it.

Tickets: $20