The complexity of jazz is both its strength and its weakness, turning off many would-be listeners with the demands of its difficult, challenging forms, while fascinating fans with its open-ended dynamism. For many jazz players, the tension between having to entertain and wanting to push boundaries is resolved in uninspiring styles: either simple, easy listenability or listless, unstructured exploration.

Fortunately, there are exceptions. Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner plays with an even-handed intensity that puts a satisfying, swinging looseness to very intricate music. He will bring his special approach to Japan this month.

Turner's is one of the freshest voices of the downtown New York jazz musicians who have played at Small's since the early '90s. Small's is an unique club geared toward musicians as much as customers. With no liquor license to draw in entertainment-oriented customers and with sets often starting after midnight when other gigs have finished, Small's each night attracts players looking to jam together. There, players can explore ways to define themselves in their own voices with like-minded musicians.