Ya La Tengo

Dec.2

A band whose name literally translates from Spanish to English as “I have it,” New Jersey, USA-based Yo La Tengo has crafted a formidable reputation within the US alternative rock community with their “succulent, Velvet Underground-inspired melodicism.”

Comprising the central husband and wife duo of Ira Kaplan (vocals/ guitar) and Georgia Hubley (drums/vocals), plus various associates including regular member James McNew (bass), the band have built a strong reputation with critics worldwide. Yo La Tengo will appear at club Quattro on December 2nd. Quality Alternative Rock.

@ Club Quattro • 19:00, ¥5500
Tel: 06-6535-5569

John Mayer

Dec.5

On December 5th, singer/songwriter and phenomenal guitarist John Mayer brings his thoughtful lyrics, warm stage presence and smoky voice to Kansai’s On Air Osaka. Songwriters with a genuine, obvious passion and enthusiasm for their craft can't help but attract an audience. John Mayer has earned a legion of devoted fans in and around his adopted hometown of Atlanta, where he moved in 1998 after a stint at Boston's Berklee College of Music.
Often compared with people like Sting, Dave Matthews and Jakob Dylan, the Grammy-winner’s sensibilities combine elements of acoustic folk with more conventional production. The latest album, entitled Room For Squares, is a full-band electric effort. Mayer was joined in the studio by bassist David LaBruyere, (who also accompanies him on the road), as well as drummer Nir Zidkiyahu (Genesis, Alana Davis). Prior to his eventual rise to popularity, Mayer’s qualities were described by The Atlanta Journal Constitution as "sophisticated, accessible folk rock sound dominated by striking acoustic guitar playing and video-ready looks... and a sizable grass-roots following born in clubs across the South." See him in our local ‘south,’ (aka minami).

@ On Air Osaka • 19:00, ¥6800
Tel: 06-6341-4506

Joe

Dec.10&12

“With everything that’s going on in the world, we need a little emotional and spiritual uplift in our music,” says acclaimed songwriter/producer and Jive recording artist, Joe “I try to write songs that communicate a message to the audience.” That audience will be more than happy to be uplifted to the sounds of Joe’s silky tenor at Osaka’s Mother Hall on December 8th (Mon). His fourth Album, entitled “And then...” will be released on December 16th, and its music is sure to be prominent at his Osaka shows.

The gifted crooner has no shortage of previous hits with which to satisfy his fans, however, including “Let’s Stay Home Tonight,” “I Believe in You (duet with N’Sync)” and “Stutter” from his recent releases. In addition to the Mother Hall show, Joe will do three dates at Yebisu Garden Hall. One of the most consistent and talented R&B vocalists around. Highly-recommended.

@ Yebisu Garden Hall
18:30, ¥7500 (adv)
Tel: 045-505-0010

Clarence Gatemouth

Dec.17

Genre-weaving Louisiana-born blues master Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown visits Kansai this month, bringing his uniquely flavorful blend of what he calls ‘Texas style American World music'.

Considered a major influence of artists as diverse as, Frank Zappa, Albert Collins Lonnie Brooks and Eric Clapton, Brown’s has been serving up his unique blend of blues, R&B, country, jazz, and Cajun music since the 1950’s. The multi-instrumentalist (guitar, violin, harmonica, mandolin, viola, and even drums) has a fiercely loyal following of blue-lovers from all age groups.

His Latest album is “Back to Bogalusa” (Blue Thumb Records), presenting nearly an hour’s worth of music spread over 13 tracks. While Gatemouth explored the sounds of the Lone Star State on his last release, the appropri-ately titled “American Music, Texas Style,” with “Back to Bogalusa” he takes fans back across the state line to his beloved Louisiana. Come find out what his fans already know-Gatemouth is both timeless and peerless, and his music “rocks, swings and twangs all at the same time.”

@ Taku Taku, Kyoto
19:00, ¥6500
Tel: 075-351-1321

Live Listings November

Beethoven's 9th-cast of 10000
Osaka-Jo Hall 12/1 15:00 ¥4500 06-6233-8771 Classical

Yo La Tengo
Club Quattro 12/2 19:00 ¥5500 06-6535-5569 Rock

The Wildhearts
Club Quattro 12/3 19:00 ¥6300 06-6281-8181 Rock

All-American Rejects
Big Cat 12/4 18:00 ¥5500 06-6361-0313 Rock/Pop

Helen Merrill
Osaka Blue Note 12/4&6 19:00/21:30 ¥8000 06-6342-7722 Jazz

Christina Aguilera
Zepp Osaka 12/5 19:00 ¥6800 06-6233-8888 Pop/R&B

John Mayer
On Air Osaka 12/5 19:00 ¥6800 06-6341-4506 Rock/Pop

Sergei Nakariakov
Symphony Hall 12/7 14:00 ¥1000-¥5000 06-6453-6000 Classical

Joe
Osaka Mother Hall 12/8 18:30 ¥7000 (adv) 045-505-0010 R&B/Soul

The D4
Club Quattro 12/8 19:00 ¥5500 06-6535-5569 Rock

Wiener Kammerensemble
Symphony Hall 12/10 19:00 ¥1000-¥5000 06-6453-6000 Classical

Joe
Yebisu Garden Hall 12/10&12 18:30 ¥7500 (adv) 045-505-0010 R&B/Soul

Stylistics
Osaka Blue Note 12/10&20 19:00/21:30 ¥9000 06-6342-7722 Soul

Andrew W.K.
Zepp Osaka 12/16 19:00 ¥6300 06-6341-4506 Rock

Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown
Taku Taku 12/17 19:00 ¥6500 075-351-1321 Blues

Limp Bizkit
Osaka-Jo Hall 12/18 19:00 ¥6500 06-6341-4506 Rock/Pop

Gospel Christmas 2003
Kintetsu Gekijo 12/18 19:00 ¥5500A/¥6000D 0570-06-9999 Gospel/Christmas

Filippa Giordano
Festival Hall 12/20 18:30 ¥7000~¥11000(R) 06-6450-2233 Ita.Classical Vocals

"Choir of New College, Oxford"
Izumi Hall 12/21 14:00 ¥5000 06-6944-1188 Classical

Akiko
On-Air Osaka 12/22 19:00 ¥5000 06-6341-4506 Jazz Vocals

David Gates
Osaka Blue Note 12/22&27 19:00/21:30 ¥8000/ ¥11000 06-6342-7722 Gospel

Stevie Wonder
Osaka-Jo Hall 1/6&7 19:00 ¥10500 03-3475-5999 Pop/R&B/Soul