It’s a great idea, a musical freak show, or both: A band composed of members from four wildly different eras of Miles Davis’ career. There’s Jimmy Cobb, the drummer from the legendary 1959 Kind of Blue line-up; bassist Buster Williams, who played with Miles in the mid-sixties; Sonny Fortune, a saxophonist on several 1970s fusion sessions; and Mike Stern, a guitarist from Miles’ final period, his Jheri-curled, Cyndi Lauper-covering 1980s. Money may be a motivation here–anything with Miles’ name on it guarantees attention–but there’s no dishonor in that. Musicians have to get paid like everyone else. And with the restless spirit of their leader scowling over them, these old hands will hopefully offer up something surprising and beautiful rather than nostalgic and tasteful. DAVID STOESZ

Thu., May 26, 7:30 p.m.; May 27-28, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.; Sun., May 29, 7:30 p.m., 2011