
They may be considered classic rock, with band members now approaching their sixties, but few rock bands will ever match the popularity of 1970s era British blues rockers Led Zeppelin. Such is their popularity that numerous tribute bands dedicated to the four musicians now regularly tour the world. Notably one of the best, Dazed and Confused, which appears at the 710 Beach Club on Jan. 9, is based in San Diego, mixing a deep catalog set list with renditions that match the energy of the originals, while staying true to the musicianship. While so many tribute acts are weak imitations, Dazed and Confused’s onstage power will instantly take you back to the days when dinosaur rock bands ruled the earth. Dazed & Confused: Saturday, Jan. 9, 9 p.m. at the 710 Beach Club, 710 Garnet Ave. There’s a particular thrill in catching live performances from studio musicians. Seeing the names touted on album sleeves is nice, but being virtuosos in their field, the chance to see the techniques employed by these performers can be breathtaking, even for other musicians. On Jan. 13, four of music’s most celebrated musicians — guitarist Allan Holdsworth, drummer Terry Bozzio, bassist Tony Levin and drummer/electronics player Pat Mastelotto — will perform at Brick By Brick. Between them they have appeared on hundreds of albums backing such luminaries as Peter Gabriel, John Lennon, Frank Zappa and King Crimson. However, it’s when they get a chance to stretch out on their own, as in this show, that their playing truly shines. Music junkies will be hanging on every note. Holdsworth, Bozzio, Levin, Mastelotto: Wednesday, Jan. 13, 8:30 p.m. at Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave. 21 and up. $25. www.papabear.com One of San Diego’s leading jazz musicians, bassist Rob Thorsen, has performed with an impressive list of performers from Marvin Hamlish to Don Rickles, but it’s his work on local stages that has made the biggest impression. With a list of collaborators that includes other jazz luminaries such as pianist Mike Wofford and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos, Thorsen has been one of the lynchpins of the area’s jazz scene for more than a decade. On Jan. 13, Thorsen will perform a free concert at the Pacific Beach Library. Adept at nu-jazz, Latin and traditional jazz sounds, a performance from Thorsen is never less than exhilarating and comes highly recommended for the adventurous jazz fan. Rob Thorsen: Wednesday, Jan. 13, 6 p.m. at Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass St. All ages. No cover. Singer Allison Adams Tucker, appearing at Tango Del Rey on Jan. 17, is a quadruple threat. At home singing in English, Spanish, Japanese or French, Adams repertoire is limited only by her imagination, including such classics as “La Vie En Rose” or “Volver,” as well as terrific originals. Blessed with a wonderful, plaintive voice, Adams is equal parts torch singer and jazz diva with a hint of soul to her delivery. It all adds up to Adams being easily one of the most compelling jazz performers in San Diego today. Allison Adams Tucker: Sunday, Jan. 17, 7 p.m. at Tango Del Rey, 3567 Del Rey St. Free. All ages. Though relatively new on the scene, Bianca Paras, who appears at O’Connell’s on Jan. 17, is quickly making a splash. A budding film maker as well as musician, Paras has put almost as much into her videos as her music, resulting in an audience that knows her songs despite relatively few shows to her credit. It helps that her piano-based ballads have a surplus of melody, but Paras is clearly an artist with vision. While the singer-songwriter field is overcrowded, there are still a few artists in the genre worth hearing, and locally at least, Paras should be at the top of that list. Bianca Paras: Sunday, Jan. 17, 9 p.m.. O’Connell’s, 1310 Morena Blvd. 21 and up. Cover TBD.