If you recognize that some of the best musicians reside in metal and jazz then the Alex Skolnick Trio makes complete sense. Skolnick's group spins originals and jazzy interpretations of heavy classics, giving the songs a new dimension. There's quite a few nuggets on the band's 2002, debut CD "Goodbye to Romance: Standards for a New Generation," like Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," which swings like a hammer inside a smoky nightclub. The Alex Skolnick Trio is no novelty act, though; Skolnick has a helluva guitar technique and plays with intimidating expertise while his hepcat bandmates Nathan Peck (upright bass) and Matt Zebroski (drums) elevate both genres and create a strong foundation.

Alex Skolnick Trio plays Thursday, October 5, at Montage Music Hall, 50 Chestnut Street. 8 p.m. $18-$20. themontagemusichall.com; alexskolnick.com.