MUSIC

Pop & Jazz

Previews by August Brown (A.B.), Todd Martens (T.M.) and Margaret Wappler (M.W.) Bassekou Kouyate The Malian master of the lute-like ngoni, who’s performed with Ali Farka Toure and Taj Mahal, just released “I Speak Fula,� which elaborates on his fiery reputation (he was the first person to play a ngoni standing up like a lead guitarist) and captures the live energy of life in his home base of Bamako. This is his L.A. debut. (A.B.) Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive, L.A. Today, 3 p.m. (310) 440-7300.

Titus Andronicus The band’s “The Monitor� is a workout, packed with strained punk rock yells, folksy breakdowns and dozens upon dozens of slapped-together guitar riffs. It’s also breathlessly ambitious, a 10-song cycle, purportedly inspired by the Civil War, but largely about the trials and tribulations of suburban life and dashed middle-class dreams. (T.M.) Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., L.A. Tue., 9:30 p.m. $12. (213) 389-3856.

Devendra Banhart On his latest recording, “What Will We Be,� 28-year-old Banhart steps back from his early, raw intensity with a creased collection of drifting tunes. He filches from a variety of genres -- Brazilian Tropicalia, glam rock, lounge jazz, Zeppelin-like psychedelia -- but it never sounds awkward. He loosens the stitches on each to fashion his own unique costume. (M.W.) The Wiltern, 3790 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. Wed., 7:30 p.m. $25-$29.50. (213) 380-5005.

John Mayer Don’t be surprised if Mayer breaks out a cat-o-nine for a little self-flagellation at this show. After a distastrous Playboy interview that threatened to siphon the last of his goodwill, he’s back doing what he does much, much better: playing witty and sturdy blues-rock to throngs of coeds who will forgive him just about anything.(A.B.) Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Thu., 8 p.m. $40-$80. (213) 742-7300.

Jay-Z The new Sinatra? Perhaps. A recent guest in the White House situation room? Definitely. Jay is many things to many people, but at this victory-lap arena show he’ll cement the skill that got him there -- hyper-nuanced flows, effortless lyrical dispatches from the corner and corner office alike, and the gargantuan charisma that’s left him one of the last rap titans standing commercially.(A.B.) Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Fri., 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$129.50. (213) 742-7300.