Jazz pianist takes audiences on a trip to the 'Blue Balkan'

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The cover of Larry Vuckovich’s album, “Blue Balkan,” which melds Balkan ethnic music with American jazz. Vuckovich performs songs from the album in two shows at Meyhouse Palo Alto on Dec. 6. Courtesy Larry Vuckovich.

Meyhouse Palo Alto offers a chance to hear a groundbreaking force in jazz perform, and celebrate his birthday weekend with him, too. Acclaimed pianist Larry Vuckovich rings in his 88th year with two shows Friday evening at Meyhouse.

Vuckovich has led numerous ensembles and his list of collaborators is a who’s who of jazz — he counts the legendary Vince Guaraldi as a mentor, for one — and he was the first in the U.S. to blend Balkan ethnic folk with American jazz, according to an event description. His 1980 album “Blue Balkan,” recorded with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pioneered the unique fusion, drawing on Turkish, Arabic and klezmer influences in an array of original songs, along with a couple classics. The album, which was reissued in 2002, was remastered this year with enhanced sound. Vuckovich will play music from the album, joined by Tommy Kesecker, marimba; Ken Okada, bass; Akira Tana, drums.

Dec. 6, 5 and 8 p.m., at Meyhouse Palo Alto, 640 Emerson St., Palo Alto. $55. meyhouserestaurant.com/calendar.