Live Music!
COURTESY OF AUTUMN DE WILDE
COURTESY OF AUTUMN DE WILDE M. Ward celebrates the release of his new album with a March 9 show at the Alladin.
SONGWRITER
Raul Malo
Raul Malo has an unforgettable voice. The former leader of critically acclaimed Americana outfit the Mavericks has been compared to Roy Orbison, George Jones and Frank Sinatra, due to the pureness and expressiveness of his instrument. He’s just released “Lucky One,” his first album of original songs in seven years, which was co-produced by Los Lobos’ Steve Berlin (a Portland resident). It’s timeless sounding material that should cement his reputation as one of the true treasures of modern music.
8 p.m. Friday, March 6, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., 503-234-9694, $30, all ages
M. Ward
Part-time Portlander M. Ward celebrates the release of his much-anticipated new album with a string of shows at the Aladdin. Although the singer/songwriter has been putting out records for years, he’s seen a nice boost to his profile thanks to his collaboration last year with actress Zooey Deschanel under the moniker She & Him. “Hold Time” — with guest appearances from Deschanel, Lucinda Williams and former Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle, and Ward’s stellar take on sepia-toned folk pop — is likely to see him reach further heights of notoriety and success.
8 p.m. Saturday-Monday, March 7-9, Aladdin Theater, 3017 S.E. Milwaukie Ave., 503-234-9694, $20
Neil Halstead
British troubadour Neil Halstead first made his mark as a pioneering force in shoegazer outfit Slowdive. But as a solo artist and in Mojave 3, he’s indulged his sunnier side. His songs still drift along in a dreamlike state, but they’re more precise and less hazy. Last year’s album, “Oh! Mighty Engine,” is an understated gem of a record, with Halstead’s hushed vocals gliding along on gentle melodies and a wistful, almost melancholy feel.
9 p.m. Thursday, March 5, Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., 503-231-9663, $12
Matt Sheehy
Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of “Tigerphobia,” last year’s wonderfully understated album by local singer/songwriter Matt Sheehy. Better yet, come out and see him tonight. Sheehy’s got a golden voice that adds an even more intimate glow to his already hushed and quietly orchestrated folk-pop, and a knack for writing beautifully yearning songs. Vinyl aficionados can now pick up a limited-edition copy of “Tigerphobia” with an extra bonus track.
9 p.m. Sunday, March 8, Mississippi Studios, 3939 N. Mississippi Ave., 503-288-3895, $8
ALTERNATIVE
Ladyfinger
It’s a fair bet that if you gave Ladyfinger’s new album to a smattering of people, each one would hear a different influence — punk, hardcore, classic rock, emo and maybe even more. What’s guaranteed each of them would agree on is that the album is filled with tightly wound, visceral, well-written songs that get in your face (in a nice way) and then stick in your head. If you’re looking for a band with a big sound that will deliver a total body buzz, be sure to check them out.
9 p.m. Sunday, March 8, Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., 503-231-9663, $8
The Von Bondies
The Von Bondies’ irrepressibly infectious tunes should probably come with a warning — one listen is enough to have them irretrievably stamped in your memory. Combining new wave giddiness with power pop’s singalong melodies and rock ‘n’ roll’s impish energy is a potent and intoxicating mix. And with a live show that lives up to the electricity of the recordings, it’s a wonder this Detroit boy-girl four-piece isn’t headlining arenas. Catch them now before everyone catches on.
9 p.m. Monday, March 9, Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside St., 503-231-9663, $12