Music Forecast 9.18-9.24: Ida McBeth, Shabazz Palaces, Sebadoh, Naan Violence, and more

Ida McBeth
The word diva gets thrown around a lot when talking about a strong-willed female performer — with connotations that conjure images of Celine Dion in Vegas or a Mariah Carey movie. But local jazz legend Ida McBeth is the embodiment of the spectacle-free diva. For more than 30 years, she ruled as Kansas City’s foremost jazz singer. And when she went into a quiet semi-retirement, in 2012, her absence was sorely felt in clubs throughout the area. Now in her early 60s, McBeth is back on the scene and as radiant as ever. From her bright smile to her velvety voice, she remains a true local treasure, and she’s not to be missed Saturday at Knuckleheads.

Saturday, September 20, Knuckleheads Saloon (2715 Rochester,
816-483-1456)

Sebadoh

Ah, Lou Barlow, champion of lo-fi music and the brooding lovelorn. Until last year’s release of his band Sebadoh’s latest, Defend Yourself, we were afraid that we would never again hear Barlow’s pithy self-loathing shrouded in the fuzz of 1990s guitars — it had been some 14 years since Sebadoh last delivered a full-length (1999’s The Sebadoh). Thankfully, Defend Yourself has recaptured all of Sebadoh’s old charm, and the album serves as a rallying cry for fans of anything and everything that Barlow has ever been a part of (including those in the ever-persistent Dinosaur Jr. camp). Perhaps even more remarkable than Sebadoh’s new album is that the trio is still touring on it a year later. Relive the magic Monday night at RecordBar.

Monday, September 22, RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

Shabazz Palaces

Lese Majesty, the new full-length from Seattle’s Shabazz Palaces, doesn’t sound like any hip-hop album you’ve heard before. It’s a breathtaking experiment in sound and texture, part trip-hop, part stealth-rap and altogether fascinating. The songs are grouped into chapters, and there seems to be some elaborate plotline, which vocalist Palaceer Lazaro happily obfuscates with shady rhythms and chugging bass lines. Shabazz Palaces’ profile continues to rise with this release, and it’ll be interesting to watch what it does next. For now, though, there’s this Saturday gig at the Riot Room.

Saturday, September 20, the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)

Johnny Boyd, Victor & Penny

Back in April, local folk-pop duo Victor & Penny brought swing master Johnny Boyd to town to help resurrect the big-band era for a night. It must have gone over because Boyd is back, and he’s bringing his retro-tuned five-piece with him. Want to marvel at the wonder of vintage sounds headed toward a mainstream comeback? Boyd won’t give you much time to ponder. You’ll be far too busy shaking your rock-and-roller with him and the always entertaining Victor & Penny. Dig out your bobby socks and shine up your dancing shoes.

Sunday, September 21, RecordBar (1020 Westport Road, 816-753-5207)

Naan Violence

Dreamy sitar music generally suggests scenes from Arabian Nights or Game of Thrones, but that doesn’t make it anonymous exotica. For proof, look no further than FOKL on Sunday, when Atlanta’s Naan Violence — the stage name of sitar player Arjun Kulharya — lends a human touch to the mystical desert right here in the Midwest. Kulharya, who cites inspiration from Sun Ra, builds his sandy paradise from analog synthesizers, tablas and flute recordings, making his sound a far cry from traditional Indian music. It’s bound to be unlike anything else you’ve seen onstage lately.

Wednesday, September 24, FOKL (556 Central, Kansas City, Kansas, foklcenter.com)