Talk about a resume: Guitarist Adrian Belew sports one of the best in the six-string biz, including stints with Zappa, Bowie and Talking Heads (he contributed mightily to the Remain in Light album); he's a long-standing member of King Crimson, and has several solo albums out. That only scratches the surface. Oh, and what resume would be complete without this? He played on a William Shatner record. Through it all, Belew, 55, has never been the guy you look to for that dependable rhythm part or solo; he gives you his indelible stamp, an intense, often dissonant, exploration of sound. Guitar Player magazine has called him "the high priest of guitar onomatopoeia." In that same interview, Belew said, "Sometimes in the '70s I decided I needed to do something unique. I realized I liked making sounds, and that became the backbone of everything I've done on guitar." Belew will perform with a trio, and no doubt make some serious fusillades of sound and fury. But there's more. He's also a unique songwriter who has a way of combining Beatles-esque catchiness with art-rock intricacy. Come to think of it, he's not a bad singer either. This could be one of the sleeper shows of the year. Jerry Outlaw, the Bay area guitarist who leads the Zappa tribute band Bogus Pomp, will open up the show with his own band. Jerry puts out a lot of sound himself.
Adrian Belew w/Jerry Outlaw & Friends, 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 18, the State Theatre, St. Petersburg; $20.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2006.