Underrated Landreth gigs in Seattle

Louisiana’s Sonny Landreth has grown to be a three-tool musician, skilled at singing, creating literate lyrics and playing a nimble slide guitar.

That assessment was recognized by Eric Clapton, who called Landreth “Probably the most underestimated musician on the planet.” But it also was reinforced by his first Grammy nomination in 2003, earned by “The Road We’re On” for best contemporary blues recording.

Landreth performs Wednesday in Seattle.

But “The Road” is more blues-inspired than a strictly blues album, and Landreth is not only a blues player, so show up with an open mind.

Magnolia Sisters: What are the odds of two Louisiana acts in five days? The Cajun band of singers and instrumentalists is in Shoreline Saturday for a concert and dance. The Sisters evolved from founding members Ann Savoy and Jane Vidrine, who felt Cajun music needed more women’s voices. They play many styles of French music from southwest Louisiana, and each performer plays several instruments.

Keiko Matsui: The smooth-jazz chart-topping pianist returns to Seattle Tuesday through Dec. 5 with music from “Wildflower.” With much of the world in turmoil, Matsui has been reflecting on how her music might help, in part because of concern for her two young daughters.

Ozomatli: The Afro-Latin band’s “Street Signs” quickly landed a Latin Grammy nomination. That’s no surprise, given a 2002 Grammy, and nominations for the 2002 Latin Billboard Award and the Ritmo Latino Music Award. Ozomatli performs Saturday in Seattle, bringing sheer energy with a new Middle Eastern twist to its new CD.

Megadeth: Two years ago a nerve injury to an arm of guitarist Dave Mustaine nearly finished the metal band. With his recovery, Megadeth is back, performing a line-up of aggressive songs Saturday in Seattle, a playlist pulled from about 150 Mustaine-penned songs.

David Templeton: The pianist neither reads nor writes music, but the music in his head is enough to create a classical feel. Templeton has a CD release performance Thursday in Seattle for “The Crossing.” His first album was recorded at the Paramount; his second nominated for Recording of the Year by the Northwest Area Music Association.

Sonny Landreth performs Wednesday in Seattle.

Megadeth plays Saturday in Seattle.

Where to hear it

Sonny Landreth: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Triple Door, 216 Union St, Seattle; $20; 206-838-4333.

Magnolia Sisters: 8 p.m. Saturday, Richmond Masonic Center, 753 N. 185th St., Shoreline; $4-10; 206-528-8523.

Keiko Matsui: Various times Tuesday through Dec. 5, Jazz Alley, 2033 Sixth Ave., Seattle; $22-26; 206-628-0888.

Ozomatli: Doors open 8 p.m. Saturday, Showbox, 1426 First Ave., Seattle; $18, $20; 800-325-7328.

Megadeth: 8 p.m. Saturday, Moore Theatre, 1932 Second Ave., Seattle; $27.50; 206-628-0888.

David Templeton: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle; $28; 206-628-0888.