Bearing the name of a celebrated parent is both blessing and burden. It attracts instant attention, but it also lays out great expectations. Singer-gutiarist Murali Coryell, son of fusion pioneer Larry, looks to have mastered the act of footstep-following by cutting a path of his own. While the senior Coryell made his bones crossing superb jazz technique with rock, the younger Coryell has drawn from classic soul influences like Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, embraced the classic blues of the Chess label and knocked down musical borders in his own way. Hopefully, Coryell will have a stash of his just-completed sixth album, Sugar Lips, on hand when he hits town. The set finds him firmly grounded in Robert Cray-style R&B. But if Cray wrote this genre’s book on love gone wrong and bitter conclusions, Coryell spends most of his time singing the praises of a happy love life and other “up” topics. His voice is now a nicely seasoned instrument, well suited for soulful fare and a complement to his guitar work. The show starts at 8:30 p.m. at Wilbert’s (812 Huron Ave., 216.902.4663). — Duane Verh
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