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Jeff Magnum, Jimmy Heath and Battles Play Manhattan

By DNAinfo Staff on October 26, 2011 8:16am

By Daniel Jumpertz

Special to DNAinfo

Part of New York's attraction for a live music lover is the diversity of musical cultures and flavors that are on offer each week. Japan is a hot house for cutting edge contemporary sounds and art, and this week some fine touring acts (Boris, Melt Banana) and NY-based Japanese bands (Asobi Seksu) are gearing up for some in your face performances. 

Wednesday October 26

Fresh from performing as Robbie Robertson's backing band, Dawes hit Webster Hall tonight for some of their crowd-pleasing classic folk-rock.

Thursday October 27

Boris's music is not restrained by genre — their stylistic range encompasses drone and sludge metal, noise rock, psychedelic rock, ambient and pop. Boris are also a very prolific recording outfit. In 2011 alone, they have released three albums, "New Album", "Heavy Rocks" and "Attention Please." They're playing with Asobi Seksu, (Japanese translation - "playful sex") a local shoegazing three-piece influenced by UK label 4AD. At Irving Plaza.

Also tonight: Staten Island's finest, Cymbals Eat Guitars, at the Bowery Ballroom.

Friday October 28

Saxophonist and bandleader Jimmy Heath recently celebrated his 85th birthday. The party continues alongside guests like Bill Cosby at Blue Note.  Jimmy is the middle brother of the legendary Heath Brothers (Percy Heath - bass and Tootie Heath - drums,) and has performed with Howard McGhee, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

Saturday October 29 — GIG OF THE WEEK

In early October, Jeff Magnum serenaded the protesters at Zuccotti Park with an impromptu acoustic performance. Tonight, the former Neutral Milk Hotel mastermind heads uptown for a seated theater show at Town Hall. If his recent performances at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival in Asbury Park are anything to go by, expect an impassioned solo performance reminiscent of a young Bob Dylan at his best.

Also tonight Japanese noise-rockers Melt Banana play Santos Party House.

Sunday October 30

Kurt Elling's recent album, "Dedicated to You," earned him the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album. He plays Birdland

Monday October 31

Araab-Muzik is Abraham Orellana, an exciting producer out of Providence, RI. He makes electronica with smooth sampled vocals and slick futuristic beats. With the UK's atmospheric dubstep producers SBTRKT at Bowery Ballroom

Also tonight: Matthew Sweet celebrates the 20th anniversary of his breakthrough album "Girlfriend" at City Winery. His new album is "Modern Art". Also Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Tuesday November 1

Although together since 2002, Battles have only released two albums - 2007's "Mirrored" and this year's followup "Gloss Drop." Their signature sound is mostly instrumental, a hybrid rock-mechanical funk sometimes described as "math-rock." When they're on song, their sound is powerful and exhilarating. Gary Numan makes a guest vocalist appearance on their current single "My Machines." At Webster Hall.

Also tonight: Tuneful Aussie harmonizers Wim created some nice buzz with their CMJ showcases. Head along to the Mercury Lounge with the recently converted for highlights from their just-released Modular Records self-titled debut album.