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This Week's Best Shows and a Spotify Playlist of the Bands

By Daniel Jumpertz | December 19, 2013 7:49am
 Nine essential concert experiences in New York City between Dec. 19 and Dec. 25.
Gigs of the week Thursday, Dec. 19
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Thursday, Dec. 19
Beyoncé Knowles is in town for a return performance of her "Mrs. Carter Show World Tour," but it's very likely that the focus this time will be on her just released new album "Beyoncé." A collection of 14 songs and 17 videos, "Beyoncé" has stormed to the top of the charts, her fifth consecutive number-one.  Described by Knowles as a "visual album," Beyoncé consists of fourteen tracks, each having an accompanying short film. Collaborators on the project include JAY Z, Drake, Frank Ocean, Pharrell Williams and Justin Timberlake. Barclays Center, Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn. Also Dec. 22.

Phosphorescent - with full band and special guest Julianna Barwick, play the Music Hall Of Williamsburg.

Friday, Dec. 20
Kim Deal, former bassist and occasional singer with the Pixies, decided to form The Breeders with her pal Tanya Donelly, guitarist of the Throwing Muses, in 1989 while their bands were touring together in Europe. After recruiting bassist Josephine Wiggs (Deal had switched to guitar) they recruited Steve Albini to record their acclaimed 1990 debut album "Pod" which they created in Scotland. In between "Pod's" 1990 release and 1993, Donelly — who had decided to form her new band Belly — was replaced by Deal's sister Kelley. The new lineup recorded 1993's "Last Splash" in San Francisco and, propelled by the catchy single and video "Cannonball," the album became an indie classic. Tonight's show is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of "Last Splash." With Speedy Ortiz at Webster Hall.
Also Dec 19.

Saturday, Dec. 21
"The Bravest Man In The Universe," Bobby Womack’s first album of original material in eighteen years, was co-produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and XL Recordings’ Richard Russell and recorded in three main sessions between October and December 2011. All ten tracks are co-written by the three plus Bobby’s longtime songwriting partner Harold Payne, except for radically rearranged spirituals “Deep River” and “Jubilee (Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around).” There are striking vocal guest spots from Lana Del Rey on “Dayglo Refelection” and Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara on “Nothin’ Can Save You.” At City Winery, TriBeCa.

Sunday, Dec. 22
Preservation Hall Jazz Band has traveled worldwide spreading their mission to nurture and perpetuate the art form of New Orleans Jazz. Named after Preservation Hall, the music venue located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the band was founded in 1961 by Allan and Sandra Jaffe. Under the auspices of current director, Ben Jaffe, the son of founders Allan and Sandra, Preservation Hall continues as a venue, band and record label. At Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg.

Brooklyn record label Kanine Records is celebrating the season with a Holiday Party featuring a bunch of their bands. Eternal Summers will preview songs from their forthcoming album, Splashh! will mix it up with some special guests, and Philadelphia's Little Big League will channel their take on '90s guitar sounds. At Glasslands Gallery, Williamsburg.

Monday, Dec. 23
The pick of a quiet night on the live scene is again at Williamsburg's Glasslands Gallery featuring the shoe gazing throb of Chimes, the pop fuzz of Exploded View, psychedelic gothic pop from Bob and Martha and the pinky pop drive of Dog Water.

Tuesday, Dec. 24
Dubbed “The Ambassador of the Great American Songbook,” Michael Feinstein digs into his deep repertoire of classics for his Birdland residency. In April 2013 Feinstein released his new album, "Change Of Heart: The Songs of Andre Previn" in collaboration with legendary composer-conductor-pianist Andre Previn. From Dec. 17 to 21 and Dec. 24 to 28.

Wednesday, Dec. 25
Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band of New Orleans play the Village Vanguard at 178 Seventh Ave. South (just below West 11th St. in Greenwich Village). White founded The Original Liberty Jazz Band in 1981 with the express intent of preserving the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.