From structured classics to seemingly tempo-less tangents, Isis Restaurant and Music Hall’s Sunday jazz nights provide an economical opportunity to experience the genre’s many forms — sometimes several in a given night. Rupert Wates’ catalog, for example, ranges from folk-inspired albums to down-tempo ballads and most recently, theatrically delivered (and slightly off-kilter) musical tale-telling. The road veteran’s talent and full-time experience as a songwriter-for-hire give him the rare ability to make even the sad and slow somehow gently uplifting. Wates and bassist Mike Holstein play Isis’ upstairs lounge on Sunday, May 17, at 6 p.m. before a downstairs set by Russ Wilson Big Band at 8 p.m. $8 ($4 student) at the door covers both shows. isisasheville.com. Photo of Wates by John Mazlish
Smart bets: Rupert Wates
![Rupert Wates by John Mazlish](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Screen-Shot-2015-04-30-at-9.26.59-AM.png)
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