The Week That Will Be (In Shows)
Fleet-fingered folk, emo nostalgia and electro-orchestral blowouts are on your docket this week in our best-of-the-week show calendar.
M. Ward: Ward is a gifted guitarist known for his fleet finger-picking and loose, improvisational style; a singer who has developed a distinctive, creamy croon sprinkled with sugary grit; a lover of the American songbook spanning country, classic pop and blues, who doesn't rest in any of those avenues. His seventh solo studio album, "Hold Time," is a high point in a consistently thought-provoking career. Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Wednesday. $23. (213) 480-3232.
Fujiya & Miyagi: This U.K. band has far and away the best song about breaking one's collarbone ever written, and a slew of equally worthy Krautrock jams as dry as a bone but as funky as a pair of gym socks. The Echo, 1152 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park. 8 p.m. tonight. $16. (213) 413-8200.
Estelle: Yep, "American Boy" is still marvelous summertime pop, "Come Over" is an ever welcome reggae-tinged makeout anthem, and the sprightly U.K. singer has a long career on the pop charts ahead of her. House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S. Disneyland Drive. 7 p.m. Friday. $25. (714) 778-2583
Jimmy Eat World: The unlikely chart-topping proto-emo band reprises its 1999 album, "Clarity," a sprawling and orchestral platter that's not quite as fun as their self-titled followup, but which occupies a heartfelt niche in every white-belted boy's record collection. Club Nokia, 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A335, Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Thursday. $36.50. (213) 480-3232.
M83 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic: The electronica act makes its orchestral debut with the Phil, which will add considerable swoon and atmosphere to the French band's already-rich digital haze. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 9 p.m. Saturday. $28-$37. (323) 850-2000.
Cut Copy: It's always nice to get a playbook dance-rock album making all the right moves -- shimmering arpeggios, chilly harmonies and threadbare guitar licks. DFA's in-house producer, Tim Goldsworthy, midwifed Cut Copy's "In Ghost Colours," and it's an effervescent joy to see performed live. Music Box @ Fonda, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., 8 p.m. next Tuesday and Wednesday. $23. (323) 464-0808.
-- August Brown and Ann Powers
M. Ward photo by Benjamin Reed / For The Times
