For all its musical expansiveness, jazz is, paradoxically, one of the most conservative of music genres. Women, gays and trans people still struggle to find acceptance in the male-dominated jazz scene (there is at least one longstanding jazz club in L.A. where months go by before a female musician or singer is allowed to appear on its stage), and much of what’s considered modern jazz often turns out to be fatally nostalgic background music for diners and shoppers. Samantha Sidley’s 2019 debut album, Interior Person, is startling not because she’s radically experimenting with new sonic ideas but because the proudly lesbian L.A. vocalist upends romantic jazz-pop tradition by infusing it with long-missing tolerance and empathy. Sidley purrs such witty and melodically engaging tunes as “I Like Girls” and “Butterfly in My Ass” with remarkable phrasing and charisma. Plus, Alex Lilly, who wrote some of the songs on Interior Person.

Zebulon, 2478 Fletcher Dr., L.A.; Mon., Jan. 20, 8 p.m.; free; ages 21 & over. (323) 663-6927, www.eventbrite.com/e/samantha-sidley-alex-lilly-tickets-86726578531.

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.