TONY ENGELHART: JAZZARTS GUITAR SUMMIT IN OLYMPIA >>>

Jazz is still an acquired taste, but to true jazz aficionados it’s the only music that matters. With complex arrangements coupled with a freestyle undercurrent, jazz transcends space and time unlike any other genre. You’re never sure where it will take you or when it will end; it is truly a living organism unto itself with an unknown lifespan and limitless possibilities. This Friday, three of the greatest jazz guitarists to come out of the Northwest will share the stage at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center in Olympia. Larry Coryell, Pablo Menéndez and John Stowell each have their own unique style but share a common trait; they are all brilliant.

With a few dozen albums dating back to 1967, Larry Coryell is considered by many to be the pioneer of jazz rock. His eceletic style encompasses, but is not limited to, blues-laden jazz with heavy distortion to smooth, sensitive and intricate acoustic pieces. Although he is an incomparable solo artist in his own right, he began by making records with other established artists such as the great Charlie Mingus, Sonny Rollins and Stephane Grappelli in the 1970s. The Seattle-based guitarist has never become complacent in his work and has always been experimental â€" which has left his fans surprised and elated at the same time.

With a unique mix of Afro and Cuban rhythms in a jazz format, Pablo Menéndez has brought a new spin to contempory American jazz. Born in Oakland, Calif., he relocated to Cuba in the early 1960s to study music. By 1970 Menéndez was a part of the influential Grupo de Experimentación Sonora del â€" which was best known for mixing Cuban styles with North American, Brazilian and classical. In 1985 he founded Mezcla â€" the world renowned Afro-Cuban jazz sextet. With a soft touch, Pablo Menéndez is not an overbearing guitarist. His tones are rich, and his arrangements are flawlessly executed.

John Stowell can be easily identified from the back row simply based on the way he holds his guitar â€" cradling the fret board very close to his face. Stowell began a successful career in the early 1970s and has performed worldwide and released several critically acclaimed recordings. The Portland-based performer/composer/teacher is best known for his acoustic work, but is equally as effective playing his custom Soloway electric guitar. Consistently pushing the boundaries, Stowell is an ever-evolving musician.

All three will be in Olympia tonight at the Minnaert. If you’re a lover of jazz â€" there’s plenty to love about this show. Consider it three great tastes that taste great together.

[Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, Larry Coryell, John Stowell, Pablo Menendez, Friday. Jan. 23, 8 p.m., $20-$35, 2011 Mottman Road S.W., Olympia, 360.596.5501]