Drumming away, the jazz way

French-Algerian Manu Katche performs at the Pallas Theater tonight as part of the Muse Festival

Is he a jazz or a rock musician? Critics are often confused.

The famous drummer Manu Katche has said that he is just being himself, trying to be as innovative as the music he plays, which some see as a “jazz” approach. The French-Algerian musician is performing along with his quintet at the Pallas Theater tonight. The music of Katche, whose name has featured alongside those of Sting and Peter Gabriel on their personal albums, is a mixture of African beats and classical drums with jazz touches.

Talented and explosive, for four years he was one of the judges on the French television show “Nouvelle Star,” a reality show searching for talented musicians. It seems that he was one of the “bad cops,” whose harsh criticism terrified the aspiring amateur performers.

In Athens he will present his latest album, “Playground,” which follows his 2005 “Neighbourhood.” He is joined by his band of skilled musicians, saxophonist Tore Brunborg, trumpet player Alex Tassel, pianist Jason Rebello as well as bassist Jerome Regard. The concert is part of this year’s Muse Festival.

Pallas Theater (5 Voukou-restiou, tel 210.321.3100). Starts at 9 p.m. For tickets, go to the Public multimedia store in Syntagma or call 210.810.8181.