It’s a good month to hear pianists at the Rex. Adrean Farrugia is a stand out among younger local players, known for his hypnotic intensity on modal themes, and for playfully extending soul jazz in close musical dialogue with the members of his quartet: trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, bassist Andrew Downing and drummer Anthony Michelli. May 9. There’s also a strong bond between the New York–based trio of pianist Michael Cabe, bassist Mark Lau and drummer Ernesto Cervini. May 18. Montrealer Tom Van Seters’ quartet released a CD in 2006 called The Long View, which emphasizes his melodic compositions and the glittering interplay that he achieves with gifted multi-instrumentalist Don Thompson. May 31. In a career that reaches back to the 1960s, British saxophonist Trevor Watts has been a pioneer of free improvisation and fusion, but much of his best work has come out of the integration of jazz and world idioms, including African polyrhythms, Celtic music and Middle Eastern scales. He leads a quartet here with violinist Peter Knight, drummer Giampaolo Scattoza and bassist Steve Pelletier. May 28 and 29.—Brent Ledger