Folk Music and More
Released back in 1994, yet more relevant than ever. Michael Franti’s re-emergence on the music scene, fronting the band Spearhead. Another socially themed album highlighting the injustices of the poor and homeless. Relevant in these current economic times. Still a solid listen. It will keep your head bop pin’ and perhaps help you see the world a little differently.
Check it out at MichaelFranti.com
Ska, Punk, Ska-Punk Reggae Alternative? Not sure how to classify this group, still they are an awesome listen. I picked up their EP on EMusic on a whim and it is infectious. I have been listening to a lot of Reggae lately. It gets me through the day. They list influences such as King Tubby, Black Uhuru, The Congo’s and Sublime and you can hear it all in their music. It is a great modern fusion of new and old form Reggae along with the Pop trends today.
Really entertaining and leaves you wanting to hear more from this group.
Check them out on their Facebook Page or search for them at EMusic
I typically am not a fan of ultra-traditional folk or americana but there are exceptions. This album is rich in traditional Appalachian instrumentation and the vocals are deceptively old school but there is a quality to the writing and the performance that makes this album one that I cannot stop listening to.
Similar in the style of Martha Scanlan, the writing is an update to a genre that so often only follows the old tired standards. I guess that what makes the difference for me. This music is an original work that deeply touches an emotional chord for the writer and listener alike.
Simply a magical trip back to another time.
Here is an example of a rootsy singer/songwriter who’s life’s experiences has really tinted his material into some well crafted songs. His upbringing in Tupelo shapes the depth of his songwriting. You can hear the influences of blues, country, gospel and R&B in his music.
A really solid album from an interesting artist.
On EMusic
Want to hear where the future of the blues as a genre lies, it is with young artists like Joanne Shaw Taylor. A talented singer and blues guitar player far beyond her years. This gem hails from the UK. I am finding more artists from abroad embracing this American genre and making it their own.
On this album are experienced blues session players Steve Potts (drums) and Dave Smith (bass). The album is strait up, power trio blues. Doesn’t get much better than this
Or check out the music on EMusic
Wasn’t sure of what to make of the name of either the band or album but I’ll tell you this, Colleen Duffy can sing and this band can play. Complete with a full on blues band with Hammond B3 and sax this Los Angeles based band plays a combination of an updated modern 40’s blues infused with rockabilly and jazz influences.
The song writing on this is smart with a ton of wit. Don’t for a moment let this one get past you. Definitely one to check out.
On MySpace
or EMusic
It has been a while but I’ve been without my Zune (sent out for service). I know many of you are saying, what the hell is a Zune? It’s my MP3 player. I’d get rid of it save for the one service that makes it worthwhile for a music guy like me. It is called a Zune Pass. It is a music subscription service and it is kind of cool.
Anyway it is a lazy Friday night and I’m chillin’ to a very cool soul collection called Mega Soul.
“Mega Soul spans four discs and 100 songs (25 for each volume) and compiles several stripes of soul and funk singles from the ’60s and ’70s. This is one of those sets that, while a little uneven and hardly a recommendable introduction, is fun to plow through — whether you’re refamiliarizing yourself with this stuff or are simply curious. Unless you’re a hardcore soul fan, this should have no trouble plugging at least a few gaps in your collection.” All Music
Keep on Keeping on…
Another Saturday night, groovin’ to some long lost soul.
Born William Pulliam this little known 70’s soulful funk singer dropped out of the music scene shortly after his career began. An artist familiar only to hard core enthusiasts, this album is a definite rare gem.
Darondo’s My Space Page
For a listen go to EMusic
Unique is certainly one way to describe Amy Lavere. Anchors & Anvils is an album with a deadpan delivery of a kind of offbeat material that you have to listen to understand.
Born to a musical family, Amy moved 13 times before graduating high school. That has to be enough to skew your perspective but she manages to keep a sense of humor in her material. A unique voice and perspective.
A+ on this one.
For more information go to Amy LaVere
Made it to Saturday night and I’m still grooving. Playing while I manage my web life is some downtempo from Chris Joss. You’ve Been Spiked is an album inspired by by 60’s and 70’s dance music and film scores. Listening is like having a soundtrack to your life helping to move the action along.
French born Chris is a self taught multi-instrumentalist and experienced studio producer. You’ve Been Spiked is his 3rd out of 5 albums. Its got a great funk vibe.
For more information go to ChrisJoss.free.fr
To Listen go to EMusic
Arthur Dent in the Hitchhikers Guide said he “never could get the hang of Thursdays” but for me its Saturdays. You work all week then on Fridays it’s yeah, the weekends here. You stay up too late and get up on Saturday morning dazed and tired. All this stuff to do. So what is in the music collection to get me moving? Give me the Funk, give me Maceo.
Maceo Parker, alto sax player and iconic legend. Best known as James Brown favorite sax player, the list of artists he has worked with seems endless. His body of work includes P-Funk with George Clinton, Ray Charles, Dave Matthews and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
For more information visit maceoparker.com
To listen go to EMusic
Greg hails from New Zealand were he is already an award winning performer. With gold and platinum albums already under his belt he moved to LA in 2002 in search of a larger audience. His latest release Seven Day Cure is an excellent collection of great pop music to help you get through your week. Contemporary and light, it just might be the cure.
For more information go to Greg Johnson’s Web Page
Singing and playing piano at the age of 4, writing songs at 11 and and completing her first album by the age of 14, Sarah’s upbringing in a musical family is certainly evident. By the age of 21 she had already released her 3rd album and had moved to Nashville. After having written hit songs for Allison Krauss she is now concentrating on her own performing career. Say it Louder is a mix of material displaying her depth and musical roots. With solid songwriting and her own style, this one is worth a listen.
For more go to Sarah Siskind.com
An early Monday morning finds the need for something just a little different to wake me up. So it’s Floyd….the Rasta version. Everyone knows I’m a huge Pink Floyd fan and while there are plenty of tribute albums out there, none of them have ever warranted a second listen. That is until Dub Side of the Moon. On the surface even the idea of this seems off. That is until you listen to it. Then you understand these guys have studied and and are more than familiar with the work. You can tell they are fans. The music is a faithful reggae rendition of the album that will seem so familiar yet so different.
The Easy Star All Stars are a collaboration between longtime friends Michael Goldwasser and Victor Axelrod. Base out of NY and collaborating with numerous familiar reggae musician the two have tackled OK Computer by Radiohead and Sgt Pepper by The Beatles.
For a listen go to EMusic or Amazon
For more information go to easystar.com
