more lotus discs....
in addition to the two pleno libre discs that carlos reviewed, here are some more lotus discs....they'll be in the airroom this afternoon. hopefully there'll be one last batch later this week. ***whew***artist: Rachael Davis w/ Brett Hartenbach
title: Live in Bremen, Germany
file under: Singer / Songwriter – LOTUS 2005
grade: B / B+
All in all a subdued affair, with Rachael Davis’ voice center stage over minimal accompaniment (be it guitar or banjo). At times, Davis opts for a capella—at best, this is an acquired taste. Check out her version of “All of Me” (04), and if you dig it then steel yourself for the 90-second song called “The 30-Second Song” (08) or the emote-in-overload “Grandma’s Hands” (01). Hint: Rachael feels very strongly about her grandmother’s hands! Hidden bonus track (15) is “Cocktail Weiners.” This is live, and some of the stage banter is worth editing.
artist: Nawal
title: The Voice of Comoros—Live Acoustic
file under: int’l / LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
Five-song live EP keeps things mellow throughout. “Meditation” (05) has words adapted from Mandella. Think sit-down Buskirk or church venue material. Pleasant enough, and it’ll work nicely for you even on the sunrise shift.
artist: Ruthie Foster
title: Stages (2004)
file under: singer / songwriter – LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
On this CD recorded at various shows, Ruthie Foster is a folkie at heart, but she meshes various styles and nuances into each song. The first of several highlights comes during a give-and-take effort on the reggae-tinged and melodic "Real Love" (04). The stellar "Death Came a Knockin' (Travelin' Shoes)" (07) is also simple but quite pleasing. Perhaps the sleeper picks come in the second half, as "Prayin' for Rain" (10) and "Get Out of My Way" (08) have a dreamy folk-pop aura in the vein of a sparse Melissa Etheridge.
artist: Ruthie Foster
title: Runaway Soul (2002)
file under: singer / songwriter – LOTUS 2005
grade: B / B+
Ruthie Foster's vocals mix gospel with a healthy helping of Texas blues in the vein of Bonnie Raitt or occasionally Melissa Etheridge. Foster rarely takes a wrong turn on the album, knowing her strengths and playing to them. (3 stars)
artist: Tlen-Huicani
title: Veracruz Son y Huapango
file under: int’l – LOTUS 2005
grade: A-
“Music is one of the most genuine forms of cultural expression that exists.” It says so right there in them there liner notes. But don’t hold it against this pleasing set from Mexico. I gotta admit: I’m way more into the huapangos than I am the sones. Still, I’d be remiss to not point out the sweet version of “La Bamba” (22) that closes the set.
posted by Anonymous @ 11:35:00 AM
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