By its nature, jazz demands a sort of revolving-door approach to performance, with artists seeking out and playing with other musicians and in varying situations and ensembles. Sidemen become leaders; band membership rosters change frequently for the best and most ambitious of musical reasons.

Sax/woodwind composer/arranger Adam Kolker is a perfect example. A Grammy-nominated player of out-of-nowhere improvisatory skill, Kolker has played with The Village Vanguard Orchestra, Judi Silvano, the Maria Schneider Big Band, Bruce Barth, Judi Silvano, Bobby Previte, Gunther Schuller and scores more.

As a leader, with players like guitarist John Abercrombie and on albums like "Crazybird," "Flag Day," "Sultanic Verses" and "Change of Time," Volker has earned glowing reviews for not just the recorded work but also on the performance stage.

Tonight, Volker brings his quartet to the Side Door Jazz Club in Old Lyme and, yes, Abercrombie will be onboard.

- RICK KOSTER

Adam Kolker Quartet, doors open at 7 tonight, with performance at 8 p.m., Side Door Jazz Club, Old Lyme Inn, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme; $25; (860) 443-1193.