pop: john cale trio

Welshman John Cale (right), a co-founder of the Velvet Underground, begins a short UK tour tonight which marks his most extensive outing in this country for 15 years. Since leaving the Velvets in 1968, he's made 20 solo albums, produced the likes of Jonathan Richman, Nico and Patti Smith, and collaborated with other avant-gardists including Brian Eno and Terry Riley. These performances see him play grand piano and acoustic guitar accompanied by multi-instrumentalists Lance Doss and Mark Deffenbaugh. A busy month for Cale has also seen a major compilation of work from across his career released on Island, and the publication of his autobiography, What's Welsh For Zen?

St David's Hall, Cardiff (01222 878444) tonight; Corn Exchange, Cambridge (01223 357851) tomorrow; Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) Thur