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F R I D A Y

The lyrical playing that characterizes saxophonist Rob Holmes‘ debut, The Looking Glass, is the sort of mellifluous, introspective music that makes city summers easier to bear. Holmes, a McLean, Va., native, leads his quintet through six lovely original compositions, while covers like “Amazing Grace” and Cedar Walton’s “Firm Roots” testify to his love of jazz fundamentals. On “Drainsville Park,” the quintet’s playing lunges and recedes with a precision usually typical of trios: The group’s impeccable timing provides the perfect complement to Holmes’ refreshingly minimalist melody lines. The disc is low on sparks, but displays a deep passion and understanding of group improvisation—a welcome change in this age of neo-traditionalist flash. The quintet plays with trumpeter John D’Earth at 9:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow at Twins Lounge, 5516 Colorado Ave. NW. $5. (202) 882-2523. (Christopher Porter)