Barrence Whitfield keeps it wild with 2 Mass. shows

Barrence Whitfield will bring a wild edge to two Massachusetts shows, following a birthday performance that highlighted his high-register vocal chops at age 70. The ballpark schedule includes an appearance at Off Cabot in Beverly this Sunday and a gig at the Middle East in Cambridge next Friday as part of a string of collaborations with regional veterans. Whitfield, who rose to prominence in 1984 with Barrence Whitfield & the Savages, continues to explore diverse styles including country, jazz, and deep soul, and is currently working on a jump blues project with Slim Gaillard and Nat King Cole Trio material. He also hints at future Boston collaborations and a possible joint show with Peter Wolf.