Ian Anderson, August 6, 8pm
Best known as lead singer and flautist for the legendary Jethro Tull, Ian Anderson tears across the stage like a man possessed. With his flute in hand and his hair flying in all directions, Anderson, the leader and co-founder of Tull, plays with a commitment to his craft few others can approach. The Edinburgh, Scotland native was born in 1947, and along with Jethro Tull is responsible for such classic songs as “Thick as a Brick”, “Locomotive Breath” and “Aqualung”. In addition to being one of the more popular bands of the ‘70s, Tull has garnered eleven gold and five platinum albums. Capture Ian in all his rock and roll savagery.
UCLA Live, Royce Hall, 310.825.2101, www.uclalive.org, $85, $55, $40
Sonny Fortune and Rashied Ali, August 3-6, 8/9:30pm
What these two jazz veterans have forgotten likely amounts to more than what most musicians could ever know. Strong claims, sure, but when you’ve paid dues playing with greats such as John Coltrane, Buddy Rich, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones and Albert Ayler, you pick up a few things along the way. Alto sax legend Sonny Fortune just seems to get better with age. He is one of the premier interpreters of Coltrane. For a few special nights, Fortune will be paired with Coltrane’s last drummer, the amazing, Rashied Ali. Ali was integral in Coltrane entering his free jazz period and must be seen to be truly appreciated.
Jazz Bakery, 3233 Helms Ave., CC, 310.271.9039, www.jazzbakery.org, $25.
