TOKYO GIG PICKS (SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER)

Helsinki Lambada Club

After the big festivals - Fuji and Sonic - suck all the oxygen out of the gig scene in the summer, things kind of return to normal in September and October. So what are the gigs worth checking out in the weeks ahead? Here is Tokyo Met's picks for the next two months!!! 

HELSINKI LAMBADA CLUB

One of the few J-bands that are listenable, HLC play quirky, perky, eclectic rock with offbeat lyrics (in Japanese). The singing sometimes sucks but there's usually enough going on to carry this, so if you want to see a "local" band, you could do a lot worse. The show on the 6th at Liquid Room is already sold out so only tout tickets are available - a bit like Oasis then! Price: ask the touts (Info)

MARCUS MILLER

A legendary jazz bassist who has worked with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and singer Luther Vandross, among others. In fact, Davis let him write most of the songs on three of Davis's albums in the 1980s. Enjoy the chunky pulsating strings in the cosy confines of Blue Note on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of September. Price: ￥¥13,500-15,700 (Ticket info) 

IRON MAIDEN/ BRITISH LION

NWOBHM legends Iron Maiden are somewhat over the hill now but still worth a look and a listen. Playing the 8000-seat Tokyo Garden Theater on 26th September, they bring their ‘The Future Past World Tour" to town. If you can't see that, the fall-back plan is to catch Steve Harris's side-project British Lion, the day before at Shibuya Spotify O-EAST. Prices: (Maiden)￥18,000-30,000 / (British Lion) ￥7,700 (Ticket info) 

KENNY GARRET

Jazz saxophonist Garret is a big name in jazz who has performed with other big names. Yes Miles Davis again, but also Art Blakey, and Freddie Hubbard. This will be his first gigs in Japan for six years. Garret will be playing his more established stuff as well as more recent electronic experiments. October 13, 14, 15th, Blue Note. Price: ￥9,900-13,200 (Ticket info)

DONOVAN FRANKENREITER

Fans of cosy folk rock with a funky groove and a laid-back surfer vibe will want to get over to Donovan Frankenreiter's Halloween show at  Shibuya Club Quattro. Frankenreiter has a rather insidious talent that will win you over. While relatively well known elsewhere, he is not yet too popular in Tokyo, which is always a good thing for gig goers. 31st October. (Ticket info)