Art-rock wizard Cornelius casts a powerful spell

Keigo Oyamada – better known to U.S. fans as Cornelius – has been called “the Japanese Beck,” but the multi-instrumentalist would rather be compared to a studio wizard like Daniel Lanois or Brian Wilson. “I like Beck, and we are similar in some ways,” he says via e-mail from his Tokyo studio. “But I think we have our differences too.”

Tonight, Angelenos will get a chance to decide for themselves whom Cornelius most resembles when he plays Disney Hall as part of the L.A. Phil’s Concrete Frequency series in what should be one of the more talked-about gigs in art-rock circles. His sets feature dazzling computer-generated visuals and lighting in perfect sync with his band.

Cornelius’ most recent release – “Sensuous” on L.A.-based Everloving Records, his new U.S. label – is just that, with hypnotic, effects-laden tracks such as “Watadori.” But the more interesting offerings are ambient jazz-like tunes such as “Toner,” in which he uses an ink-jet printer as an instrument.

The 38-year-old has a sizable following in the U.S., thanks to several late-’90s releases on Matador Records, including 1997’s lauded “Fantasma.” But he’s especially looking forward to tonight, one of only five U.S. gigs for him this winter. “Reactions seem to come back quickly from American audiences compared to Japanese audiences,” he says. 9 tonight, Disney Hall, downtown L.A. $28 to $37. www.laphil.com