The Nels Cline Singers

One of the more unexpected acts making their Japan debut this year, Wilco guitar giant Nels Cline’s commanding electric-jazz trio makes smart music you don’t have to think about. The group’s new LP, 2014's Macroscope, contains plenty of layered and thoughtful songs that are still straightforward enough to enjoy casually. The emphasis is on the band and the tunes, although you'll also find the occasional mind-bending improv section from Cline himself. The same should be true at these two nights of Tokyo gigs, held – of course – at Aoyama's Blue Note.