WFHB Music - Bloomington Community Radio: April 2006

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Sunday, April 30

new int'l...including The Concretes!

COMRADES! Can't find a pair of closed-toe white shoes to go w/ my wife's bridesmaid dress to save our lives. What to do? No matter! A bunch of great new international discs this week.....NATACHA ATLAS goes roots (as much as she is able to, apparently).....CHEIKH LO dazzles with Senegalese flair....SUSANA BACA sings poetry from around the world....SLAVIC SOUL PARTY! justifies the exclamation point.....ANOUAR BRAHEM offers an instrumental gem....and THE CONCRETES emerge fully formed from Sweden to storm the Top 200.....ONWARD!

Artist: Slavic Soul Party!
Title: Bigger
Label: Barbès
Genre: int’l / Balkan brass +
Grade: A

What happens when Balkan rhythms and melodies reminiscent of Eastern Europe are blended with elements of New Orleans street music and tempered with an agitated set of sensibilities right up out of Brooklyn? This is Slavic Soul Party!, a feisty response to a relentlessly mutating global reality taking place here in the stressful glare of the future, where multiple traditions and rigorous revisions mingle like mad. Bigger makes for wonderful and exciting music, exuding a thrilling and unpasteurized blend of traditional forms cheerfully reconsidered and reconstituted by a restlessly rolling creative collective. (4 stars)

FCC Alert: Finish 06 with the music; swearing follows!
Reviewer: arwulf arwulf, All Music Guide

Artist: Susana Baca
Title: Travesí
Label: Luaka Bop
Genre: int’l / the linguist’s vocalist
Grade: A

Baca shines on this set of songs set to poetry from all over Caravanland. Highlights include a duet with Gilberto Gil called “Estrella” (02), the Afro-Peru gem “Palomita Ingrata” (10), and the Creole cut “Merci Bon Dieu” (06), written by Hatian Frantz Casseus. Always acoustic, always keeping the vocals out front—morning mix friendly, and a specialty show must-spin…This is a set well worth investingating!

Reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad

Artist: The Concretes
Title: In Colour
Label: Astralwerks
Genre: alt / indie
Grade: A-

The Concretes, from Stockholm, ground their overall sound with vocals, but what stands out is the creativity in the arrangements and instrumentation: trumpets, woodwinds, banjo, mandolin, background choruses, big guitars, organ and strings. It’s the sounds of the Scandinavian summer, with plenty of sun but also the occasional dark and moody storm.

Reviewer: Joey Burns, New York Times “Playlist”

Artist: Natacha Atlas
Title: Mish Maoul
Label: Mantra
Genre: int’l
Grade: A

Even when paying homage to the Moroccan music she grew up with, vocalist Natacha Atlas can't help but let the multicultural and modern seep in. With bossa nova, Western pop, and just a thin slice of electronica figuring into the mix, the "back to my roots" album Mish Maoul is a rich collection of music that doesn't sound decorated but natural coming from an artist who prides herself in being a musical nomad. Easy to believe a nomad's memories of her homeland would be foggy and sentimental, and easy to believe the modern nomad's soundtrack would sound something like this -- only something like this because this is far and away Atlas' most personal album. Her music isn't so much "otherworldly" now as "worldly" in the most eye-opening sense of the word. (4 stars)

Reviewer: David Jeffries, All Music Guide

Artist: Anouar Brahem
Title: Le Voyage de Sahar
Label: ECM
Genre: int’l / jazz
Grade: A

Over the past 15 years, Tunisian oud master Anouar Brahem has assembled a relatively small but profound body of work. A skilled improviser who refuses to be part of the historical authenticity argument, Brahem works from the same trio setting that performed on Le Pas du Chat Noir in 2002, with pianist François Couturier and accordionist Jean-Louis Matinier. The dialogue between these players is, despite the sparseness of the music and the considerable space employed, intense… Brahem has given listeners another of his wondrous offerings, full of deceptively simple compositions that open into a secret world, one where beauty is so present that it is nearly unapproachable, and it is up to the listener to fill in the spaces offered them by this remarkable trio. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Artist: Cheikh Lô
Title: Lamp Fall
Label: Nonesuch
Genre: int’l
Grade: A

Lamp Fall is the first international release from the Senegalese singer/songwriter and guitarist Cheikh Lô, who has been recording for over 15 years. It is a collection of traditional and original songs that heavily showcase his trademark mbalax drums, reggae grooves, and funky polyrhythms, with a host of colors and textures added by widely varying instrumentation. Lamp Fall is an utter joy in that it's so dense that most of its secrets won't be revealed until many repeated listenings are undertaken. That said, its sunny sheen and easy, airy atmosphere are intoxicating and elegant. This is early candidate for one of the best recordings of 2006.

Reviewer; Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

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Blues CD Reviews 4-30-06

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Benoit, Tab – “Brother to the Blues” (Telarc) B+

Sort of a tribute to his influences, this disc features some great roots artists (W. Thibodeaux, Billy Joe Shaver, and Jim Lauderdale) with Benoit in a refreshing collection of country, soul, rock and blues. Interesting, not to mention well done. Sounds like everyone had a great time stepping out with their chops – recommended.

Bramlett, Bonnie, and Mr. Groove Band – “Roots, Blues & Jazz” (Zoho Rec.) B-

Bonnie was always great with the screamata and she can still wail, although the vocals are showing the effects of many years of hard drinkin’. She can still let it go with ferocity as she did with regularity when backing Clapton, et. al in the sixties. Her daughter Bekka (also making a name for herself as a vocalist these days) backs her up with others for a rich chorus backup (love that stuff) in some numbers and some have big horn backups, but mostly this is a Bramlett phraseology playground. Some tunes kinda schmaltzy for my taste, but a few inspiring parts.

Chapman, Marshall – “Mellowicious” (Tall Girl Records) B

Well the tall girl is back. She used to rock the Bluebird and I remember fronting those nights with affection. She moved away into country music for awhile, but basically kept her own style together. After 9 years she’s put out this new disc – a sort of female Rodney Crowell feel to it (he compliments her on the cover). Some tunes are quirky (“Call in the Lamas !”), but that’s Marshall. So’s her butt-kickin’ rocker (“Downhill Slide”) though she tucks in a “shit” and “hell” toward the final moments (sigh).

LaVere, Amy – “This World is Not My Home” (Archer Records) B+

This is an unusual artist. A stand-up bass player, LaVere sings with a breathy, vulnerable tone, and her unusual phrasing and melodic shifts give this disc a rare originality. She already has a distinctive voice, and is unafraid of rhythmic change-ups. From her first song—calypso style—through country and rolling accordion, there are surprises throughout. I liked it right off, and then it began to grow on me. I think we’ll see more from this young lady. All tunes morning mixworthy.

Rhoades, Bill & The Party Kings – “Voodoo Lovin’” (White Owl Rec.) B-

A working blues band from the Northwest with some good players – particularly John Lee Hooker’s ex guitarist) and produced by Terry Robb of Portland Blues Festival fame. Thought the playing was good, the vocals lukewarm.

Various artists – “The Best of the Great Blues Masters” (St. Clair) A

Hard to go wrong with the best examples of some great blues players. B.B. King struts his stuff with predictably good results; John Lee Hooker, Charles Brown, Ray Charles, etc. do too. Hard to complain, though the inclusion of Canned Heat’s “On the Road Again” is an odd thing.

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Tuesday, April 25

Blues CD Reviews - 4/25/06

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Haddix, Travis “Moonchild” – “Mud Cakes” (Wann-Sonn Rec.) D

Not recommended. Less than average blues—loud and distorted.

Holmes, Jimmy “Duck” – “Back to Bentonia” (Broke & Hungry Rec.) A

We’re runnin’ out of authentic traditional blues players, but one good thing about that is fans hungering for them dig up obscure players and let them shine, when they once were unknown. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes is one such. A juke joint owner, Holmes was a student of Jack Owens and a fan of Skip James. On this disc he covers them in stripped down, raw and painfully honest performances – some tunes in his juke with Bud Spires (harp player for Owens), and another in a nearby Clarksdale studio with famed drummer Sam Carr on backup. All songs but 1, 5, 9 & 11 written by Holmes, and all are fine works.

Marchman, Houston – “Key to the Highway” (Indie) B-

The 8th disc from this self-proclaimed, un-ambitious performer. Very nice vocals, and harmonies are particularly interesting. Songwriting runs gamut from medium interesting to good, and the band isn’t bad, but the songs begin to sound the same after a few numbers. One or two standouts: the Lyle Lovitt-like “Gorilla Pit”—a comedic song about getting sprayed by a zoo inhabitant; the great harmonies on “Radio Flyer” etc. All tunes are morning mixworthy.

Staton, Candi – “His Hands” (Honest Jons Records) B

A popular gospel singer of the ’70s, Staton carved out a name for herself. She possesses an incredible gospel voice which she puts to use here on an odd (to me) collection of country and soul. Her phrasing and delivery, however, remain solidly gospel, which gives the tunes an interesting twist. The whole disc bristles with “he done me wrong” songs, but whatever. Her cover of Merle Haggard’s “You Don’t Have Far to Go” is truly an original approach. “Cry to Me” is kewl. I was bewildered by her song choices, but man oh man, the girl can sing.

Sweany, Patrick (Band) – “Cmon, C’mere” (Nine Mile Records) C-

As much as I wanted to like this record...what with the nice sounding voice and the occasional calypso beat, it quickly went downhill with poor sound quality and annoying presentation. Not recommended.

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int'l genre adds...now in!

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COMRADES! Five new discs now to be found in the airroom....GOTAN PROJECT returns with a bang, now as an 'FHB ADD.....NURU KANE's debut on Riverboat is well worth checking out--he's already cracked the CMJ Caravan Top 20 (or whatever it is they call it there).......ASHA BHOSLE has a two disc set out--aim for the 2nd disc of older duets and you'll be right as rain.....DEL CASTILLO are creating much buzz in Austin, and deserve to break out with this new set.....and PUTUMAYO PRESENTS: PARIS is a solid set to draw upon for those who dug LE POP 3, FRENCH CAFE, et al.....PROCEED!

Artist: v / a
Title: Putumayo Presents: Paris
Label: Putumayo
Genre: int’l
Grade: A

Following the successful French Café compilation, Putumayo here updates the French sound, but in a tricky way. The sound on this album is again chanson, the music of the French café culture. Now though, it's the core of la nouvelle scène instead: younger, more world-influenced artists performing chanson with their own touches and flair…While chanson is perhaps one of the best examples of a dated music (if one hears chanson, it's obviously in a period format, on a scratchy record, etc.), this compilation shows off what's new. While entirely deferential (and referential) to the old masters, there's just enough updating to create that contemporary aspect, but not so much as to destroy the simple pleasure of French café music. This is an excellent introduction to the field of French music at large, but especially chanson. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

Artist: Del Castillo
Title: Brotherhood
Label: Smilin’ Castle
Genre: int’l / rock
Grade: A

Make no mistake about it: Del Castillo is an Austin phenomenon up there with bluebonnets, cheap breakfast tacos and lighting up the tower after a championship. With a thunderous, polyrhythmic Latin throb, they've built a fanatical live following, racked up a mess of Austin Music Awards. Brotherhood — packed with Del's singular mix of explosive percussion, dual (or is that dueling?) flamenco guitars and thrilling harmonies built around Alex Ruiz's dynamic pipes — could be the breakthrough they need. Of course, when the grooves are this deep, this explosive, this potent, they could be singing the phone book and you couldn't stop dancing. They remain perhaps Austin's most egregiously underrated outfit.

Reviewer: Joe Gross, Austin360.com

Artist: Gotan Project
Title: Lunático
Label: XL
Genre: int’l
Grade: A

Lunático is adventurous, engaging the tango directly, both musically and in spirit. It mixes beats to be sure, but it's so much more musical than 2001’s La Revancha del Tango by allowing strings, Nini Flores' bandoneon, and the standup bass of Patrice Caratini to hold sway over the top of most tunes… Gotan Project are to be commended for their musical bravery; it would have been so easy to repeat the formula; instead they've ventured into unknown territory. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Artist: Nuru Kane
Title: Sigil
Label: Riverboat
Genre: int’l / Senegal
Grade: A

Riverboat has become a trusted brand in Caravan-land for bringing deserving new artists to our attention, and Sigil is a case in point. Kane’s debut starts with the sparse and atmospheric “Toub” (01), then launches into the uptempo “Niane” (02), only to back into a Saharan groove with “Colère” (03). And there’s ten songs left to go. Where did this come from? Kane isn’t a familiar name—yet. Another winner from our favorite “new artist” imprint.

Reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad

Artist: Asha Bhosle
Title: Love Supreme
Label: Times Square
Genre: int’l / brimful of Asha
Grade: A- / B+

A hybrid release from Asha Bhosle on the heels of her Kronos collaboration disc (where did our copy of that run off to?), Love Supreme starts with a new set of romantic songs, follows it with a disc of older duets with the same vibe, and throws in a few radio-unfriendly video clips to boot. The new stuff is hampered by some questionable arrangements—but heck, maybe in 30 years this will sound as wacky/retro/brilliant as “Aaja Aaja” does now? Still, plenty to mess about with—just start with the older material from CD2 first, and work your way over to the contemporary stuff.

Reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad

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Wednesday, April 19

catch up: last week's adds!

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DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Built to Spill
TITLE: You in Reverse (Warner Bros.)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: You in Reverse finds idaho's Built to Spill in a familiar groove: Recorded after the band spent months woodshedding in leader/guitar guy Doug Martsch's garage, the album is a dog-eared collection of front-porch melodies and buzzy guitar jams, with Neil Young and Frank Black as spiritual godfathers. Seven of the ten songs on You in Reverse crack the five-minute mark, which is a boon for Built to Spill's action-packed jams and expansive tune sense. The opening "Goin' Against Your Mind" is an eight-minute barnburner full of slashing riffs and jittery drums; the brighter "Conventional Wisdom" starts with a sparkling arpeggiated riff, passes through Martsch's breezy melody and spins off into some shimmery soloing. The Tex-Mex coda on "Mess With Time" packs more full-bodied crunch than the average Bonnaroo set. On the gorgeous closer, "The Wait," Martsch murmurs about the changing seasons in a sleepy drawl.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,6,8,9
REVIEWER: www.rollingstone.com

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Calexico
TITLE: Garden Ruin (Quarterstick)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A
REVIEW: For the better part of ten years, Calexico has sounded like no other experimental rock outfit. Where else can you hear mariachi singers, marimbas and happy trumpets with shades of highway Americana? Now with the release of their fifth album, Garden Ruin, they switch it up again. Band leaders John Convertinon and Joey Burns have always played on their interest in southwest culture in their prior releases, but with Garden Ruin, Calexico steers towards the dark indie rock of artists like Will Oldham (Bonnie Prince Billy) Vic Chesnutt and Sam Beam. “Bisbee Blue” sounds like an In The Reins outtake, with it’s dead on Americana melody, and lyricist Burns addresses a more urgent and concentrated message in the lo-fi simple rocker “Letter to Bowie Knife.” Fans of the tequila friendly sound shouldn’t panic all together, as “Roka (Danza de la muerte) featuring Ampara Sanchez on vocals, gives the album a sexy flair and “Nom de Plume” is equally compelling with its spoken Spanish poetry. Garden Ruin works for its diversity, but is the best Calexico has ever heard? Probably not, although Garden Ruin is certainly a damn good growth pattern.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2,3,5,6,8,10
REVIEWER: www.glidemagazine.com

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Marty Stuart
TITLE: Live at the Ryman (Superlatone)
GENRE: BLUEGRASS
GRADE: A+
REVIEW: After the country gospel of Soul's Chapel and the Native influenced rock of Badlands, Marty and the boys settle in on the Ryman stage with a set that would/will go over like gangbusters at Bean Blossom. Yep, bluegrass rules this disc through and through. Can't wait until this band hits the Bean Blossom stage in June!
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 2,3,4,5,9,10,12,15
(fade up and down due to audience applause)
REVIEWER: Jim Manion

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Chris Whitley
TITLE: Reiter In (Red Parlor)
GENRE: ROCK/MAINSTREAM
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: Chris died of cancer last year and this is his post-death release. A mixed bag of stuff, all carry his trademark grit and tense poise. Pretty raw, with some unusual picks for covers by The Passions, Flaming Lips, Gary Numan, Iggy Pop and The Shramms.
Overall very engaging. And sad when you think about his passing....
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: rock: 4,6,7,11 (instrumental) mellow: 3 blues: 2
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: The Flaming Lips
TITLE: At War with the Mystics (Warner Bros.)
GENRE: ROCK/ALT
GRADE: A
REVIEW: At 45, Lips frontman Wayne Coyne has seen as much ugliness as anybody of his generation. So you’d expect that, at this moment in history, he’d have plenty of fuel. He does, and while At War With the Mystics is billed as a political record, it’s more concerned with what happens in the head than in the streets. The money shot is the ecstatically strange "The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song" -- a handclapping, munchkin-chanting, Peter Frampton talk-box-rocking Roman candle that wonders how absolutely corrupt anyone with absolute power would be, even you. At War is gnarlier and a bit less tuneful than the group’s previous two CDs. But the arrangements, and Dave Fridmann’s signature blend of clarity and overmodulation, remain intricately weird, from the fluty instrumental prog rock of "The Wizard Turns On…" to the Marvin Gaye–meets–Eddie Rabbitt soul of "Mr. Ambulance Driver." The latter, a ballad about waiting for help after an accident, has a touching video, in which a shirtless kid pop-locks happily while displaying his crippled left hand, which was mutilated in a car crash. It sort of sums up what the Lips have grown into: a power-of-positive-thinking cult for post-punk realists. Tony Robbins, watch your back.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,4,6,8 (BEWARE OF TRACK 10 FCC F-WORD!)
REVIEWER: spin.com

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Herb Alpert
TITLE: Re-Whipped (Shout Factory)
GENRE: Electronic
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Not as cheesy as you might expect from looking at the cover, the remixers on board take Alpert's classic Mex-jazz recordings from '63 and cut, paste, process and revise them into modernity for the new century. Deep in the tracks the fun and quality vibe of the original sounds hang in there. Fun!
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,2,5,7,9
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Catherine Russel
TITLE: Cat (World Village)
GENRE: JAZZ
GRADE: A+
REVIEW: If you have the time check out the short liner notes on
Catherine's background. I had a chance to see her sing backup with Toshi Reagon in 1999 and she nearly stole the show from Toshi. An unusual jazz release this is because it also contains a hefty dose of country/roots, which she manages to effortlessly blend with her swinging singing. Stylistic shifts from song to song work well, too, creating a fine album of timeless American music. She even covers The Dead's “Nwe Speedway Boogie”.
+RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,3,6,8,9,12,15
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: Cassandra Wilson
TITLE: Thunderbird (Blue Note)
GENRE: Jazz
GRADE: A+
REVIEW: A T-Bone Burnett-produced project with a classy cast of players contributing to an adventurous take on blues/jazz/American roots. Sultry-voiced as ever, stirring deeply with soul, Wilson makes these songs her own.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,3,5,8,9
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.11.06
ARTIST: I See Hawks In L.A.
TITLE: California Country (Western Seeds)
GENRE: Country/Alt
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Country-rock with the emphasis on the rock. ISHILA sound more like an early 70s country-rock outfit than the faux-twang alt-country bands of today. Great songs, great playing. A recording that hangs in with quality throughout.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,2,4,5,6,7,11
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

Wilderness Vessel States Jagjaguwar

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WFHB's Latest Adds

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DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST: Gentleman Caller
TITLE: Until We Are Missing (Affirmation)
GENRE: LOCAL/ROCK
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Another fine release from Kenny Childers and company.
Akin to the Mysteries of Life sound (Kenny played with them for awhile) but original enough to stand alone in songwriting quality and performance smarts.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,3,4,6,7,9,10 REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST:Darol Anger's Republic of Strings
TITLE: Generation Nation (Co)
GENRE: Folk/fusion mostly instrumental
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Fiddler Darol Anger is one of the most respected acoustic music fusioneers in the business, having established his reputation early as a member of the David Grisman Quintet in the 1970s, and he's the best type of fusioneer: one who puts the tune and the listener ahead of his own cleverness. Teaming up with veteran newgrass guitarist Scott Nygaard, the young cellist Rushad Eggleston, and an equally young five-string fiddler named Brittany Haas, Anger has now made two albums under the Republic of Strings rubric. The second, Generation Nation, finds the quartet bringing in multiple guest singers and instrumentalists, with some stunning (and some slightly disappointing) results. On the stunning side is an amazingly effective acoustic take on the soul classic "Chain of Fools," featuring singer Chris Webster and a smart, smoldering string arrangement. There's also a brilliant two-part medley that juxtaposes Ornette Coleman's "Ramblin'" with an obscure fiddle tune called "Yellow Barber." "The Seagull" is rhythmically weird but melodically gorgeous.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 3,4,5,6,7,9
REVIEWER: Rick Anderson, All Music Guide
NOTE: ATR BUSKIRK-CHUMLEY THEATER ON MAY 12, 2006

DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST: Mint
TITLE: Magnetism (Funzalo)
GENRE: rock/alt
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: This five-piece from Belgium delivers soulful indie rock tunes. After their well-received debut, Echoes From The Engine Room, a busload of rave reviews, and great shows on big Benelux summer festivals, they`re back with this Funzalo-released album, produced by John Morand (Sparklehorse, Cracker). Throwing forty years of rock music into their blender, Mint still manage to sound exactly like themselves: distinctive songwriting, lush orchestrations, and a shoe-gazer aesthetic. A trend-dodging, exhilarating listen.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,2,3,5,7,8,10 REVIEWER: milesofmusic.com

DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST:Prince
TITLE: 3121 (Universal)
GENRE: soul/funk
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Speaking in terms of his classic era, 3121 is more "Gett Off" than "Nothing Compares 2 U". The opening title track works almost entirely on eccentricity, as a huge crowd of pitch-shifted Princes harmonize on lyrics that basically amount to directions to a party. On the other end of the record, "Get on the Boat" boasts a sharp horn arrangement (with solos from Maceo Parker, no less) and a funk undercarriage vintage enough to have come straight from a thrift-shop basement-- and the loose, live feel doesn't hurt either. One thing that "Get on the Boat" exhibits in its piano part and timbale eruptions is a Latin influence that's more pervasive on 3121 than on any previous Prince album. "Te Amo Corazon" is a nicely nuanced ballad built on a slow, slightly rock-tinged mambo beat, and there are snatches of Cuban piano and Brazilian drums that crop up all over. Crunchy electro is the dominant strain in most of the album's best tracks, though, including the killer single "Black Sweat", the fractured keyboard riff of "Lolita", and "Love", inhabited by squishy keyboard and a monster chorus that slashes the ascending melody with buzzing synth bass. "The Word" strikes a nice electro-acoustic dichotomy, layering spacey synthesizer and a programmed beat with acoustic guitar and a strong sax hook.
RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,2,3,4,6,12
REVIEWER: excerpts from pitchforkmedia.com

DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST:Peter Mulvey
TITLE: The Knuckleball Suite (Signature Sounds)
GENRE: folk/singer-songwriter
GRADE: A
REVIEW: Boston singer/songwriter varies his sound between moody acoustic songs and a few upbeat rockers. Guitarist David Goodrich is his secret weapon, always at his side with tastefully and interesting musicality. Mulvey's lyrics are rich with the experience of life.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS: upbeat – 1,4,12
mellow; 2,5,7,11
REVIEWER: Jim Manion/WFHB

DATE: 4.18.06
ARTIST: Danielle Howle
TITLE: Thank You Mark (Valley)
GENRE: folk/singer-songwriter
GRADE: A-
REVIEW: South Carolina songbird Danielle Howle is a sheer delight in live performance, where her swift wit and clever between-song quips work in counterpoint to her often somber and deeply introspective compositions. Studio sessions usually find the singer in a more consistently somber mood, exploring assorted sounds and genres while backed by a rotating selection of acoustic and electric instrumentation. The new Thank You, Mark not only is no exception, it also may represent an extreme. After starting on familiar ground with "Roses From Leroy's," a snail's pace breakup song which gives Howle's distinctly Carolinian-accented voice plenty of time to show its colors, Thank You, Mark (the title refers to CD producer Mark Bryan) abruptly sways to the honky-tonk bomp of "I'll Be Blue" before plunging southward into exceptionally dark slide-guitar blues with "Fields of Cotton." The jaunty swing-music sweep of "Oh Swear" and the soul workout of "Walking through the Black" even offer the intriguing novelty of hearing Howle interact with a horn section. Howle concludes the disc with "Woman to Win," a well-rendered country tune which includes an intriguing reference to living "like an Indigo Girl," and an effective gospel shouter called "Jesus Won't Wait," which owes as big a debt to Peggy Lee as to Mahalia Jackson.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS: 1,2,3,4,7,10,11
REVIEWER: stompandstammer.com

Also added:
Drive-By Truckers A Blessing and a Curse New West
Eric Lindell Change in the Weather Alligator
Cesaria Evora Rogamar Bluebird
Lila Downs La Cantina Narad

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Sunday, April 16

Blues CD Reviews 4-16-06 Kissel

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ADDs
1. Duke Robillard "Groove a Rama" (Stony Plain)

The Duke showcases all his guitar influences with his usual elan & feel.

2. Guy Davis "Skunkmello" (Red House)

Guy gives another fine acoustic work, w/traditional country to more urban flavors.

Blues Pond
3. Daddy Mack "Slow ride" (Inside Sounds)

Memphis-based Gtrist & singer Mack reprises US & UK rock hits. It works on the 1st half but
loses steam with the 2nd half of tracks.

4. Bob Bronzman "Blues reflex" (Ruf)

Aussie blues & folk acoustic gtrist, the instrumentals are the strongest cuts.

5. Bill Rhoades "Hoodoo lovin' " (White Owl)

Pac NW blues stalwart sings & blows harp. The music is the best, the songs seem a bit weak.

Blues Library
6. Nelsen Adelard "Unplugged" *Blue Track)

Blues rocker goes acoustic and generally misses the boat.

7. Burnside Exploration "The Record" (Lucky 13)

Sons of RL Burnside rock & fuzz it out, missing the feel & groove that RL hypnotized so
many with.

Discard?
8. Root Doctor "Been a long time coming"

(not long enough)

9. Dennis Jones "Passion for the blues"

(no wonder he's not with someone)

Bob K

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Blues CD Reviews 4-16-06

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Malis, Rich – “Blue & Broken Hearted” (Sugar Babe Records) C-

Though this disc has some interesting playing, the overall impact of vocals, songwriting and music is lackluster. Only one tune really catches the ear -- # 6 “I Want to Lose Myself.” Disc not recommended for Pond.

Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas -- “Hang It High; Hang It Low” (Rounder) B

It’s hard to resist the infectious beat of Cajun/Zydeco music and Nathan Williams keeps that comin’ on this disc. His accordion leads the way, although he’s a little over the top in number of notes for my taste. Still, it’s hard to resist that beat and his enthusiasm. He does a unapologetic cover of Otis Redding’s “Fa Fa Song” with justice and verve. Several mixworthy tunes.

Roberts, Roy – “Sicily Moon” (Rock House Records) B-

Keyboardist Roberts is apparently fond of Europe – especially Italy – where he’s found a receptive audience. This disc is dedicated to them and his approach is akin to Otis Redding with big horn/orchestra backups and soul vocals – even a Barry White sex-talk-sing lift on # 9. Original lyrics leave a bit to be desired (“my soul’s on fire, with burning desire”), but hey, the Italians like it. Most cuts mixworthy, but for #10 which is suggestive (“Show Me What You Got Down There”). FCC

Walter Jr. – “Back on the Bayou Road” (Gatortone Records) B-

Mediocre gumbo from uncertain vocalist/guitarist, who makes the most of Bonnie Bramlett on backup vocals (she liberally applies screamata to nearly every tune, to the point where you might almost call it a duet disc). Sonny Landreth applies some slide to #4. Big horn backup to provide some good beats. Funky in spots. Bonnie still in form.

Zombie, Rob -- “Educated Horses” (Geffen Rec.) D-

Somebody’s been sniffing too much glue. (Not recommended.)

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int'l genre adds for easter

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COMRADES! Only two discs in this week (what can I say...my dissertation manuscript goes to committee this week, so cut the Central Committee some slack, eh?) but they are both SMOKIN'. First off NACAO ZUMBI offers up a moody mosh of difficultly brilliant stuff. Then, ANANDA SHANKAR (I know I know, another Shankar....but stay with me here...) comes out of left field and absolutely makes you stop in your tracks, especially on the first disc which takes Indian Funk Fusion to a new dimension...and that was in the mid-70s, folks. They're both great releases, but I'm going to feature SHANKAR on the caravan today....I bet you've not heard much of anything quite like it.

PEACE OUT~BJ

Artist: Nação Zumbi
Title: Futura
Label: Circular Moves
Genre: int’l / Brazil
Grade: A+

After the tragic and premature death of 's former bandleader, Chico Science, in 1996, most people thought that that would be the end of the band. But after a somewhat hesitant and uncertain start, the new, post-Chico formation of Nação Zumbi found its way and re-emerged as one of the most creative and exciting bands of Brazil. Slick, modern surf rock with a distinct psychedelic touch is the new element on this album. And more than before, the organic instruments of the band are mixed with electronic beats and sophisticated sonic details. If Futura lacks anything, it is some of the raw power and weight of the previous, eponymous album. But at the same time, the potential power of the band is always lurking around the corner. The production is absolutely great throughout, really bringing out the best of band and the result is pure Brazilian rock magic. (4 ½ stars)

Reviewer: Philip Jandovsky, All Music Guide

Artist: Ananda Shankar
Title: A Life in Music: Best of the EMI Years
Label: Times Square
Genre: int’l / Indian psyche-funk
Grade: A+

To most of the West, Ananda Shankar is most familiar for the records he made at the beginning (1970's Ananda Shankar) and end (2000's Walking On) of his recording career, which were the only ones to gain relatively wide distribution outside India. However, Shankar did continue to record fairly often for EMI India in the interim. That period is well represented by this overdue two-CD compilation, which draws from seven of his Indian albums between 1975 and 2000. On most of these instrumental recordings, Shankar pursued what has been generally, though pretty accurately, classified as an East-West fusion of sorts, melding sitar and traditional Indian music and instruments with rock and funk arrangements and modern recording technology. Often that's a recipe for disaster, or at least cheesiness, but Shankar was one of the ablest, most balanced of the fusioneers. (4 ½ stars)

Reviewer: Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide

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Sunday, April 9

Blues CD Reviews 4-9-06

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Lindell, Eric -- "Chasin' The Blues" (Alligator) B+

Very interesting combination of styles and sounds. New Orleans rootsy with Neville Bros. reggae beats and funky horn backups, then switches to pop-like tunes with Stone Temple Pilot vocals (only not so loud). Cool. Musicianship is great; songwriting very nice. I thought the disc was uneven though, as if he didn't quite know exactly what direction he was reaching for. A very promising beginning for a first disc.

Various Artists -- "35 X 35" -- 35 Yrs. of Genuine Houserockin' Music (Alligator) B

Nice collection of Alligator artists--old and new--and their signature stuff. Something here for everyone from old-timers (Hound Dog Taylor) to up-and-comings (Dave Hole). Good overall coverage of the electric blues.

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Saturday, April 8

2 4 U

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COMRADES! Are we having fun yet? Two new discs from me, with some more from Jamie en route....Lotus alum LILA DOWNS is back, and she's brought Reggae Children's version of "The Annoying Music Show" with her....RAGGA PARTY MASH UP!

Artist: Lila Downs
Title: La Cantina
Label: Narada
Genre: int’l / latina
Grade: A

Those who turn to this album for more of what they heard from Lila Downs in Frida won't be disappointed, but they may be a little bit startled by the rhythm loops and subtle electronic effects that weave in and out of the traditional instrumentation over which she sings this wonderful program of Mexican ranchera songs. Downs' dark, smoky voice is the perfect vehicle for these songs, which juxtapose the deep emotion of fado and mariachi music with norteño and tejano influences (notable especially on those songs that feature the legendary Texas accordionist Flaco Jimenez). Very highly recommended. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

Artist: v / a
Title: Ragga Party Mash Up: Dancehall Panic
Label: N2O
Genre: reggae / dancehall
Grade: B

Mix disc that will drive roots purists absolutely insane. No less than 28 songs (or at least tastes of 28 songs) crossfade in and out in 45 minutes. But the disc is mixed so you could actually play several tracks together and have it work as a single song, if you’re so inclined. The remix (!) of “Come On” (28) is really the only full-length song offered here, and it’s a frantic thumper. Beyond that, though, take care to fade in and out, or else tracks will end awkwardly. And listen for all those “fun” lazer squaks!

Reviewer: bjorn ingvoldstad

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Sunday, April 2

this'n'that!

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COMRADES! The Central Committee has a new five-year plan for me....I am being reassigned to one of the eastern brigates....and so the call goes out for a new International Genre Director! Interested? Know someone who might be? Be in touch. Push your reviewing come Lotus time, and you just might parlay your brilliance into a weekend pass.....

This week: DOWNBEAT THE RULER, the 3rd disc from the Studio 1 reissue bonanza, hits the airwaves....URSULA 1000 [currently heading up CMJ's BPM chart] beeps and buzzes to your heart, with enough int'l flava to merit Caravan attention as well as electronica do-gooders....HENDRIK MEURKENS fills that gap in your heart labeled "Harmonica-led Brazilian groove-lite".....And with any luck, there'll be a new PUTUMAYO TURKEY compilation....Onward!

Artist: v / a
Title: Downbeat the Ruler: Killer Instrumentals from Studio One
Label: Heartbeat
Genre: reggae
Grade: A

The third reissue of the Heartbeat label's trawl through Studio One's back catalog focuses exclusively on instrumentals. Downbeat the Ruler is titled after Coxsone Dodd's own sound system and contains examples of most instrumental subtypes. Interestingly, regardless of the proliferation of groups and artists credited, they're all aliases, and every track here is actually performed by Studio One's house band. Even those credited to solo artists merely showcased a particular session man, normally the one who composed the song. But don't feel cheated -- these musicians were some of the best, and were the powerhouse behind Dodd's success. It's only right that they should be glorified with their own album. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Jo-Anne Green, All Music Guide

Artist: Hendrik Meurkens
Title: Amazon River
Label: Blue Toucan
Genre: int’l / light jazz
Grade: A

Hendrik Meurkens grew up in Germany and attended Berklee College of Music in the United States, but his primary musical passion has long been Brazilian music. Already a virtuoso on harmonica (and the first serious rival to Toots Thielemans on the instrument), he is in terrific form throughout this session. Meurkens gathered a number of the top Brazilian players to join him, featuring the well-known vocalist and guitarist Doryi Cayimmi on a brisk, passionate take of "Amazon River" (02) and the equally warm "O Cantador" (07). Another popular Brazilian guitarist, Oscar Castro-Neves, guests on two of Antonio Carlos Jobim's compositions, the samba "Piano Na Manqueira" (11) and "Ela é Carioca" (05) while Cuban clarinetist Pacquito D'Rivera trades licks with the leader in the joyful choro "Lingua de Mosquito" (06). Meurkens also doubles on vibes on one track. This is delightful from start to finish. (4 stars)

Reviewer: Ken Dryden, All Music Guide

Artist: Ursula 1000
Title: Here Comes Tomorrow
Label: ESL
Genre: electronica (w/ Caravan cuts)
Grade: A-

Ursula 1000’s third album continues Alex Gimeno’s exploration of vintage rock and disco sounds, Latin dance music, early electronica, psychedelic goofiness, and ethnic exotica. Every track teeters precariously on the brink of precious over-cuteness, but none of them actually falls over. The best thing about the album, though, is its incredible variety of sounds. You've got your T. Rex tribute [02], your Austin Powers-on-ecstasy go-go workout [01], your blues-mambo-bhangra mash-up [03], your token pseudo-mystical Indian track [11], your organ-based weirdo funk [07], your straight-up old-school electro-funk [04], and even a celebration of the 2 Tone ska revival [05]. (3 ½ stars)

Reviewer: Rick Anderson, All Music Guide

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Blues CD Reviews 4-2-06

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James, Etta – “AAA Sampler” (RCA) A+

Etta is the only blues lady I would savor singing the phone book. Not that her musical picks on this sampler (a preview of an upcoming CD release) are not great songs. She does a cool version of Lennon’s “Imagine,” (#1), KILLS on James Brown’s “This is a Man’s World” (#2), and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On” (#3) couldn’t be better unless Marvin came back and did it himself. The last one “Strung Out” is an emotive E-James slow one, kinda long, but very Etta. Can’t wait for the album.

H.W. Jones – “Kissing in 29 Days” (Northern Blues) B+

Canadian blues guitarist/vocalist, Jones did very well with his first solo album, Kim Wilson’s support and a cast of fine players didn’t hurt a bit. Jones’ second effort here boasts another great guest – David “Fathead” Newman (Ray Charles) and leans a lot more towards jazz and big-horn arrangements of the blues. (Newman is great, as usual.) The tunes are more arranged and somewhat on the fence here and there, but I can’t complain about the jazz or the solid blues, it just sounds a bit uneven this way. CD’s dedicated to his brother, who idolized him, but was killed in a car crash. Great musicians, but a bit unfocused.

Chicago Bob Nelson – “Flyin’ Too High” (95 North Records) A-

Those guys at 95 North are on a hot streak. They got together a sellar band and set a gritty blues guy in front on vocals and harp. Per Hanson and Michael “Mudcat” Ward are a rock-solid rhythm section who have definitely been around the block. “Monster” Mike Welch on guitar has a lock on the searing blues idiom—keeping the tension high without stepping on anyone’s toes or overdoing it (an art in itself), and Timo Arthur’s guitar additions were cool. Doug James—sax, rounded it out. A very nice disc. Nelson’s nothing to write home about but he pulls it off nicely and no wonder…what a band!

Bill Sheffield – “Journal on a Shelf” (American Roots Records) A

Are we lucky or what? Here’s a roots record that features acoustic blues and Americana stuff (skeletal, but cool backup). Very rootsy with interesting, original tunes, and backed up with nice vocals. Sheffield moans himself into some of the tunes (talks to himself at the countdown), and showcases some great featured artists – Paul Linden, Sean Costello (Susan Tedeschi), etc. A few (#7, 8) are semi-protest tunes. Classy all around, and good for all mixes. A very nice surprise.

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Sunday, April 30

new int'l...including The Concretes!

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Blues CD Reviews 4-30-06

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Tuesday, April 25

Blues CD Reviews - 4/25/06

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int'l genre adds...now in!

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Wednesday, April 19

catch up: last week's adds!

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WFHB's Latest Adds

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Sunday, April 16

Blues CD Reviews 4-16-06 Kissel

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Blues CD Reviews 4-16-06

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int'l genre adds for easter

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Sunday, April 9

Blues CD Reviews 4-9-06

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Saturday, April 8

2 4 U

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Sunday, April 2

this'n'that!

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Blues CD Reviews 4-2-06

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