Earl Klugh says "A Night of Guitars" performances allow him to "pull things together very spontaneously" with Bill Frisell and Russell Malone. A Night of Guitars With Earl Klugh Where: Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, North Side. When: Tonight, 7:30; Fri. 8 p.m.; Sat. 7 and 9:30 p.m.; Sun. 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $37.50; 412-322-0800.

The contemporary jazz label Heads Up International has as its motto that "Life is a lot like jazz ... it's best when you improvise!"

Guitarist Earl Klugh intends to take that to another level this weekend at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, for "A Night of Guitars."

That's guitars, plural -- in addition to Klugh's fingerstyle classical technique identified mostly with "smooth jazz," the evening includes "fusion" legend Bill Frisell and Russell Malone, who tends toward more traditional jazz.

That's three distinct styles they will attempt to blend with no rhythm section or horns, although each will play his own solo set at one point. But Klugh sees an opportunity for some very special music.

The idea of the shows is to "play songs together, pull things together very spontaneously," Klugh says.

The genesis of this unique trio setting goes back about two years, just after Klugh performed a successful series of acoustic guitar-bass-drums trio shows at the Guild.

"When I was asked to come back, we were trying to do something different," Klugh says. "[The Guild people] really want to have different types of shows all the time."

As things turned out, the three had a number of opportunities to connect.

"We were all judges at the [Thelonious] Monk [jazz] competition in 2005. They feature a different instrument every year," Klugh says, that year being guitar.

In addition, "We had a chance to do a thing last year, a tribute to Wes Montgomery at last year's Berks Jazz Festival" in Reading, Klugh says.

Klugh suggests that the intimacy of the Guild enhances what they're attempting, especially since this particular assemblage has never happened before.

"It's the right size for something like this," Klugh insists. "There's nothing else [scheduled], but hopefully we'll get to do some other things" down the road, Klugh says.

Perhaps, not surprisingly, the set list hasn't been determined.

"We're going to get together Thursday afternoon" to put a show together, says Klugh, who also mentions that he might come to Pittsburgh early to see former collaborator Bob James play his Guild gig. "I think it can be a lot of fun. I think the audience will have a good time."