By J. R. Carroll.

Two outstanding Israeli pianists, baritone sax and bass masters, and some fascinating ensemble collaborations highlight the start of 2011.

The new year starts with a blast of brass when a trio of trombonists ( Christian Pincock, Tom Plsek, and Doug LaRosa) comes to the Lily Pad on Monday, January 3, at 7 p.m. Then, stick around for another, more familiar trio, the Fringe, at 10:22 p.m. (no, that’s not a typo).

Two-thirds of the Fringe team up with trombonist Jeff Galindo and reedman Mark Phaneuf on Wednesday, January 5, at 8 p.m. at the Beehive.

Okay, so how is it that when two outstanding Israeli pianists bring their trios to town, it’s on the same day (Thursday, January 6) at the same time (8 p.m.)? Here’s your frustrating choice: Alon Yavnai at Vernissage or Tamir Hendelman at Scullers. And, if that weren’t enough, at 7:30 p.m. at the Lily Pad, RVSQ (Real Vocal String Quartet) shares a bill with master violinist Matt Glaser.

There really isn’t an old dog among them, but New Tricks is definitely worth checking out at the Lily Pad on Monday, January 10, at 7:30 p.m.

The versatile Joe “Sonny” Barbato has carved out a unique space within the Boston scene with his individual approach to jazz accordion (he’s no slouch on piano either); catch him at the Sahara in Methuen on Tuesday, January 11, 7: 30 p.m.

Clear Audience (saxophonist Andy Voelker, guitarist Steve Fell, bassist Jef Charland, and drummer Luther Gray) is one of those terrific bands whose members play in a lot of projects and, consequently, flies a bit under the radar; don’t miss the opportunity to hear them live at Outpost 186 at 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 13.

Meanwhile, across town at the same time, Scullers hosts the Hot Club of Detroit and their unique approach to filtering bebop and beyond through the lens of Django Reinhardt.

On Friday, January 14, at 8 p.m., New York saxophonist Daniel Carter and drummer Dave Miller pay a visit to Outpost 186, joining guitarist Jeff Platz and bassist Kit Demos (who recorded with Carter on Platz’s latest CD, Panoramic), along with cellist Junko Simons, to form the Mile High Club.

Baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan

The first half of January wraps up with two masters of their respective instruments. On Saturday, January 15, at 8 p.m., the Vermont Jazz Center in Brattleboro presents baritone saxophonist Gary Smulyan. Meanwhile, back at Scullers, at 8 and 10 p.m., bassist Christian McBride performs with his Inside Straight quintet (with pianist Eric Reed, vibraphonist Warren Wolf, alto saxophonist Steve Wilson and drummer Carl Allen).