Representing all saxes in the food groups -- soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone -- The Miami Sax Quartet (actually from Miami, as the members were quick to point out) pulled off a great set sans amplification Tuesday night at the Montage. And what do you know? The Montage has great acoustics. Generally that has no consequence when put up against the venue's Panzer-strength PA, but all the honks and toots were discernable and palpable. The segues gave a rush as well, like the jump from the band's smooth take on Pat Metheny's "Sunlight" to the original "Intoxicating Rag," where the four musicians sounded like a barbershop quartet without voices...or handlebar crumb dusters.

Rosie Ledet and The Zydeco Playboys came in at 10 and stayed there. Dancers flooded the floor at Abilene and stayed there. My eyes were locked on this Creole beauty and stayed there. What can I say about Zydeco? It's a very specific sound and rhythm, and all of its purveyors, as far as I can tell, don't stray too far from the map. You would think this would lend to redundancy, and perhaps it does a bit, but when you're there, face to face, it doesn't matter. If you find yourself caught up in the moment --- simpatico with the Zydeco, as it were --- you just don't care. Ledet squeezed her accordion to the frenzied pattern of her capable band with a casual sensuality that brought the Abilene tent to a steady boil. I left the joint feeling al dente.