Music critics' picks
POP While almost overwhelming to American ears when he talks, the Scottish burr rumbling in Paolo Nutini's voice is subtle and effective when he sings. It's the icing on a soulful concoction at once evocative of a young Rod Stewart or Joe Cocker, yet instantl
POP
While almost overwhelming to American ears when he talks, the Scottish burr rumbling in Paolo Nutini's voice is subtle and effective when he sings. It's the icing on a soulful concoction at once evocative of a young Rod Stewart or Joe Cocker, yet instantly identifiable as his own. And a sound that gives listeners quivers and shivers, as this 22-year-old cutie-pie pleads "Jenny Don't Be Hasty," makes a "Last Request" or delights in the attitude-changing effect of "New Shoes." In the United Kingdom, he's become the stuff of legends ("Son of fish-and-chips seller breaks out big!"), with his second studio album, "Sunny Side Up," recently topping the charts. Here, Nutini's still a bit of a comer - earning exposure on soundtracks, yet still accessible on the mid-size club circuit. Maybe not for long. Erin McCarley and Matt Hires open.
TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. Saturday, $20/$23, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.
- Jonathan Takiff
HIP-HOP
While Philly hip-hop act the Roots can be seen weeknights as the house band on NBC's "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon," there's nothing like catching them live. The group got its start when friends Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter met at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. They've crafted eight studio albums, with the ninth, "How I Got Over," slated for October release. Their live show sets the group apart, though they haven't been touring as much since they got that steady TV gig. Now they'll do a special residency at the Music Box. Each date will feature a different special guest; tonight, it's hip-hop legend and beat boxing pioneer Doug E. Fresh.
Borgata, One Borgata Way, Atlantic City, N.J., 10 tonight, $49.50, 1-866-692-6742, www.theborgata.com.
- James Johnson
ALTERNATIVE
Polvo was one of Merge Records biggest bands in the '90s. They were the dark side of Superchunk, with strange turnings like Sonic Youth, unpredictable time changes, and a snotty, punk attitude. After reuniting for the All Tomorrows Parties Festival in 2008, this is their first Philadelphia show in a decade. You can hear their influence today in younger bands like No Age. Also, check out Obits, the latest Hot Snakes/Drive Like Jehu spin-off project.
Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $14, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.
- Sara Sherr
JAZZ
In looking beyond Earth's atmosphere for inspiration, Sun Ra's Arkestra was undoubtedly the farthest-out big band in the history of jazz. But they certainly weren't the last to look beyond their Philadelphia backyard for inspiration. Sonic Liberation Front, led by percussionist Kevin Diehl, combine the expansive expression of free jazz with infectious Afro-Cuban rhythms. An expanded 12-piece version of the ensemble will pay tribute to the Arkestra as part of the ICA's Sun Ra exhibit "Pathways to Unknown Worlds," presented by Ars Nova Workshop. SLF will premiere the newly commissioned "Jetway Confidential No. 3 (for Sun Ra)," and an arrangement of Sun Ra's "Where Pathways Meet" from the 1978 album "Lanquidity," when the Arkestra included now-SLF member Julian Pressley. The performance will also feature Planet Y, the duo of Buchla Music Easel master Charles Cohen and Stinking Lizaveta guitarist Yanni Papadopoulos.
Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St., 7 p.m. Wednesday, free, www.icaphila.org.
- Shaun Brady
CLASSICAL
George Gershwin helped define the flavor of American music. He left us only a handful of classical works, but they never wear out their welcome. And his blend of soaring melody and jazz syncopation is perfect for a summer evening.
Rossen Milanov conducts the Philadelphia Orchestra in the Overture to the 1930 musical "Girl Crazy," which made stars of Ginger Rogers and Ethel Merman with "Embraceable You," "But Not For Me" and the classic rouser, "I Got Rhythm." The finale is Gershwin's stirring memory of his visit to the City of Light, "An American in Paris."
In between, we'll hear his jazz-tinged Piano Concerto in F and revive the hit tune from "Girl Crazy" in the mock-serious "I Got Rhythm" Variations. The soloist is pianist Anne-Marie McDermott.
Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue, 8 tonight, $30-$50, $10 lawn, 215-893-1999, www.manncenter.org.
- Tom Di Nardo