It is December - so, a good time to allow improvisation on some very familiar themes. Many of those musical efforts with a Pittsburgh connection.

There’s a new release called Christmas Vibes by Hendrik Meurkens - he plays vibes AND Harmonica - and recorded the project this SUMMER in Pittsburgh with drummer Reid Hoyson - plus Steve Rudolph, piano; John Shannon, guitar and Tony DePaolis, bass.

On a local angle farther from home - Pittsburgh area native, drummer and radio host Jae Sinnett has a new release out - recorded with a symphony orchestra in his adopted home base of Norfolk, VA. It also features saxophonist Steve Wilson and piano and arrangements by Allen Farnham.

And so many other riches to share - from Gary Bartz coming to town for Kente Arts on Saturday, Regina Carter at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center Wednesday December 14 - a Roger Humphries Holiday Concert with Anita Levels at the O’Reilly Theater - December 19th - and the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, December 21.

The Scene - an hourlong radio show - Thursday night at 6, Friday and Saturday at noon, Sunday at 5 on WZUM