Fri. Nov. 1 -- A popular sideman with every jazz/fusion/rock/blues artist in town and out (including Bowie), bassist Tim Lefebvre leads a quartet with saxist David Binney, pianist Luca Mendoza and drummer Louis Cole. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $20 plus one-drink minimum per set; full bar; snacks; small parking lot in rear, reduced-rate validated parking at nearby Joe's Auto Park; (424) 800-2006; www.samfirstbar.com.
Sat. Nov. 2 -- Neville Bros. singer Aaron Neville and keyboardist Michael Goods play Neville's influences and his hits, probably telling some good stories along the way. A CAP presentation at UCLA's Royce Hall; 8pm; $30; www.ticketmaster.com.
Sat. Nov.2 -- Mainstream with the mean beans, guitarist Jacques Lesure assembles a quartet with pianist Adam Ledbetter, bassist Tabari Lake and drummer Dean Schweiger. At Sam First, 6171 W. Century Blvd., L.A. 90045 (near LAX in front of Marriott Courtyard); 8 & 9:30pm; $20 plus one-drink minimum per set; full bar; snacks; small parking lot in rear, reduced-rate validated parking at nearby Joe's Auto Park; (424) 800-2006; www.samfirstbar.com.
Sun. Nov. 3 -- Ingenious slide guitarist Scot Ray gathers a quartet with L.A.'s finest improvisers, harmonica player Bill Barrett, bassist Steuart Liebig and drummer Alex Cline (pick up Ray's crystalline new album with with Jim McAuley while you're there). Opening is another exceptional abstract quartet, this time including guitarist Carey Fosse, windman Ted Taforo, bassist Darryl Tewes and drummer/electroman Joe Berardi. At Center for the Arts, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Eagle Rock 90041; 7pm; $10; (626) 795-4989.
Sun. Nov. 3 -- Whoa, it's a major metal bill headlined by Austrian deathmen Belphegor (pictured) and New York gnarlgroovers Suffocation, plus Necronomicon, Abiotic and more. At 1720, 1720 E. 16th St., downtown 90021; doors 4pm; $26; all ages; full bar; food; website here.
Wed. Nov. 6 -- Lilting pianist Alan Pasqua leads a trio with essential bassist Darek Oles and drummer Conor Malloy. At Mr. Musichead Gallery, 7420 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood 90046; 7:30pm; $15-$20; www.justjazz.tv.
Wed. Nov. 6 -- Always exciting percussion extremist Andrea Centazzo goes wild with electronics and video. At the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401; 7:30pm; free; smpl.org; (310) 458-8600.
Thurs. Nov. 7 -- John Schneider & TJ Troy of Partch put on a mini-preview, including performance, film and instrument demonstrations, of Partch's Nov. 9 Jacaranda concert. At the Santa Monica Public Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica 90401; 7:30pm; free; smpl.org; (310) 458-8600.