David “Fathead” Newman

David “Fathead” Newman

WAMC Performing Arts Studio, Thursday

This should be a pretty cool show. Saxman David “Fathead” Newman is a true jazz lion whose career, in jazz and R&B, dates back to the 1950s. He hasn’t slowed down any, either. His 2005 album I Remember Brother Ray earned him the Jazz Week magazine instrumental artist of the year award; his recent album Cityscape has earned critical plaudits. He can play multiple jazz styles, too. Newman was one of the many great musicians (like Ron Carter and Don Byron) featured in Robert Altman’s 1930s musical drama Kansas City; his standout track was “Froggy Bottom,” with Geri Allen and Mark Whitfield. (OK, we like that movie—and its soundtrack—a lot.) Like we said, this should be pretty cool. (Feb. 8, 8 PM, $30, 339 Central Ave., Albany, 465-5233 ext. 4)

Metalian

Valentine’s, Friday

Metalian are part of the recent we-know-what-metal-really-is movement led by bands like Early Man, who worship at the alters of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Metalian’s dirty ripping guitars, goofy mythical-monster lyrics, and high-pitched emoting will bring you straight back to the ’80s, back to the sounds of your friend’s shitty garage band. Unlike your friend’s band, however, Metalian are actually touring rather than spending their time teasing their hair and making holes in their stonewashed jeans. But Metalian should enjoy it while they’re able to, because Metallica are likely enjoying the talk they are having with their lawyers about creative-trademark lawsuits. (Feb. 2, 7 PM, $5, 17 New Scotland Ave, Albany, 432-6572)

Future Rock

Red Square, Friday

Chicago trio Future Rock are part of a growing trend in modern jam music. The three musicians weave an instrumental tapestry of drums, guitar and keyboards that’s brought to fruition by the incorporation of live samples. It’s a malleable combination of sounds that enables the three musicians to sounds like eight or nine players. According to Chicago-based promoter Leif Moravy, who assembled the players who make up Future Rock, “Everything in Chicago is moving in this direction.” While Albany isn’t quite on the same path, who knows what could happen in the wake of tomorrow’s performance. Bonus: Future Rock occasionally perform as Aphex Rock, where the trio interpret the seemingly uninterpretable music of electronic pioneer Aphex Twin. (Feb. 8, 9 PM, $6, 388 Broadway, Albany, 465-0444)

Kittie’s Kittiefest

Northern Lights, Saturday

When we think balls-out metal fest, we don’t usually think of Clifton Park’s favorite daughters Kittie. Granted, that’s probably because Kittie don’t have balls—they are, you know, chicks. (So, perhaps ovaries-out is a better way to put it.) However, that doesn’t mean they can’t surround themselves with the most savage array of metal acts around. But Kittiefest doesn’t really manage to do that. (Maybe some of the tougher guys don’t feel like being in reverse- missionary position with Kittie on top of the bill.) What Kittiefest does do is unite a mishmash of late-to-the-game nü-metal bands with a bunch of metal-core bands who have yet to get a break. Will Kittie be able to unite both hardcore kids and nü-metal street toughs? Find out for yourself on Saturday. (Editor’s note: Kittie are not from Clifton Park—they just look like they are.) (Feb.10, 7 PM, $16, 17 1208 Route 146, Clifton Park, 371-0012)

Mark Emanatian and Folding Sky

Caffe Lena, Sunday

Blues man Mark Emanatian and his fellow musicians in Folding Sky will celebrate their brand-spanking-new album at their CD-release party on Sunday. This American blues-rock band not only have earned a reputation as leaders in the Albany blues scene; the entire northeastern blues circuit recognizes their rock-out performances. Named Best Blues Band by the Northeast Blues Society in 2004, Mark Emanatian and Folding Sky attempt to keep the blues-rock dream alive by adding contemporary twists to old-school styles. The band’s previous albums—like their new one—delivered lyrics about deep personal and political issues. They’re singing a somewhat different tune this time: Their new CD is the trio’s very first all-acoustic project. (Feb. 11, 7 PM, $10, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, 583-0022)

Buddahead

Skyline, Wednesday

The story of the talented young-ster who overcomes a rough childhood by using music as an escape is, well, a cliché. But Raman Kia’s (aka Buddahead) story probably has enough depth to make it worth your time. It began in Iran, where Kia’s father sought to save his 8-year-old son from daily violence in their war-torn country and sent him to be raised in England. Now in his late 20s and living in New York City, Kia recalls his father’s goodbye gift— four albums, including works by Cat Stevens, the Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel—which he says became the “pillar” of his music. Putting together his new, critically acclaimed CD, Crossing the Invisible Line, was a process of documenting his life’s struggles (witnessing torture, murder, and public hangings as a child, and also living with the stifling government-imposed ban on most music in Iran). “The music I write is all about the emotions I have felt through this journey that began when I was just a child,” he says. His style has been compared to that of Jeff Buckley or the Finn Brothers, with an early-’70s sound. If this resonates with you, take note: Buddahead will take the Skyline stage this Wednesday. (Feb. 14, 7 PM, free, 90 N. Pearl St., Albany, 472-8150)

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