Has it really been over a year since pop-jazz pianist/singer/tunesmith Jon Regen released his "Stop Time" album? The recording, including 10 superb Regen compositions and performances, and produced alchemically by Mitchell Froom, topped plenty of year-end Best Of lists and remains in busy rotation on a variety of online stations.

The sentiment from the media was best captured in an Associated Press quote that said, "These songs are made for the repeat button."

It's arguable that, in performance, Regen is even better. That's saying a lot. Regen returns Saturday to the Side Door Jazz Club, and his quartet includes Gregoire Maret (Herbie Hancock), Malcolm Gold (James Armstrong) and Abe Fogle (Rob Thomas). Should be a memorable way to start the holiday weekend.

Jon Regen Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Side Door Jazz Club, 85 Lyme St., Old Lyme; $35; (860) 434-0886.