MAKE SURE YOU

MAKE SURE YOU

See... what Sheryl Crow's got to answer for. The American resurrected the rock persona of rootsy-chick-with-guitar, and paved the way for a dozen other spiky, feisty female singers/ songwriters. Alanis Morissette usurped Crow's throne, of course, but there are plenty more pretenders waiting to topple the Jagged Little Miss, not least Meredith Brooks. Whether or not she has what it takes to take on the Morissettes and Crows, expect whimsy and bite in equal measure as she embarks on her first UK tour. Tonight Shepherd's Bush Empire, London (0181-740 7474), tomorrow The Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow, Fri Manchester University debating hall.

Hear... music's answer to magic realism. The Brazilian pianist, guitarist and composer Egberto Gismonti anticipated World Music by about 10 years with the crossover success of his classic album Danca Das Cabecas and has made more than 60 albums that attempt to fuse Brazil's vibrant folk traditions and its classical forms. Call it jazz if you want, but catch Gismonti on tour with the Electra Strings, and you'll find his music confounding such definitions. Tonight St George's Brandon Hill, Bristol (0117 923 0359), tomorrow Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton (01273 709709), Fri Royal Festival Hall, London (0171-960 4201), Sat Turner Sims concert hall, Southampton (01703 595151), Sun Great Hall, Dartington (01803 863073).