Funk, Soul and Sound Control - here’s our pick of Manchester’s best music over the next two months
JAMIROQUAI | Manchester Arena | Thursday 2 November
Holders of the Guinness Book of World Records for the best-selling funk album of all time, Jamiroquai are back with a highly-anticipated European tour - and it’s opening in Manchester, how about that? Manchester Arena, Victoria Station, Hunts Bank, M3 1AR (7.30pm; tickets from £44.35 at eventim.co.uk)
GORGON CITY | Albert Hall | Saturday 4 November
The electronic duo hit the former Wesleyan chapel alongside Disciples, Riton, Mant and Hadley for what promises to be a superlative evening of house. Albert Hall, 27 Peter Street, M2 5QR (11pm-5am; tickets from £17.50 at alberthallmanchester.com)
RACHAEL YAMAGATA | Eagle Inn | Thursday 16 November
She may have collaborated with the likes of Jason Mraz and Bat for Lashes, but Rachael Yamagata has carved out a name of her own over the last decade or so, ands shows no sign of slackening creatively with her latest album Tightrope Walker. She is accompanied by guest Brandon Jenner for this intimate gig at the Eagle Inn. The Eagle Inn, 19 Collier Street, Greengate, Salford, M3 7DW (7pm; tickets £10.50 at wegottickets.com)
JOOLS HOLLAND | O2 Apollo | Saturday 18 November
Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra hit Manchester as part of a mammoth 35-date UK tour this winter, accompanied by Latin music legend José Feliciano as special guest. Expect Latin, pop and a lotta boogie woogie. O2 Apollo, Stockport Road, M12 6AP (7pm; tickets £47.05 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
FROM THE JAM | O2 Ritz | Saturday 18 November
Bruce Foxton - former bassist with The Jam - joins acclaimed vocalist and guitarist Russell Hastings and drummer Mike Randon to celebrate 35 years since the release of the band’s final album The Gift for this special show. O2 Ritz, Whitworth Street West, M1 5NQ (6.30pm; tickets £26.25 at ticketmaster.co.uk)
PUMAROSA | Gorilla | Friday 1 December
They were tipped as one of last year’s hottest new bands, with festival appearances spanning SFTOC to Five Day Forecast. But Pumarosa aren't resting on their laurels, with their 2017 debut album The Witch earning widespread acclaim. Magic indeed. Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5WW (7-11pm; tickets £9.90 at gorilla.seetickets.com)
HERMITAGE GREEN | Academy 3 | Tuesday 5 December
Having just released new single Lions Share, it’s been a big year for Hermitage Green, who count Walking on Cars and The Pogues amongst their collaborators. Now signed to Sony Music Ireland, these Limerick folk rockers are ones to watch. Academy 3, Oxford Road, M13 9PR (7.30pm; tickets £19.80 at manchesteracademy.net)
JOHN WILSON ORCHESTRA| Bridgewater Hall | Tuesday 12 December
John Wilson’s orchestra has established an international reputation for its rendition of Hollywood and Broadway musicals, making this a must-visit for fans of Golden Age scores like Singin’ in the Rain and Show Boat. Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley Street, M2 3WS (7pm; tickets from £32.50 at bridgewater-hall.co.uk)
OASIS DISCO | Sound Control | Saturday 16 December
It may be being unceremoniously demolished, in favour of student apartments, but Sound Control is bowing out gracefully - with an Oasis disco. Don’t miss this last chance to visit the iconic music venue before it closes. Sound Control, 1 New Wakefield Street, M1 5NP (11pm-3am; tickets £8 at soundcontrolmanchester.co.uk)
KYLA BROX | Matt & Phred’s | Wednesday 27 December
Between Christmas and New Year, decent gigs can be hard to come by - not so at Matt & Phred’s, where blues singer Kyla Brox will be rounding off her residency with signature soul. Matt & Phred’s, 64 Tib Street, M4 1LW (9pm-12am; free entry)
