AMERICANA
Artist: John OatesTitle: Mississippi Mile
You will be interested if you are a fan of: John Oates' 2008 album "1000 Miles of Life," Robbie Robertson's "How To Become Clairvoyant"
Tell Me More: Even the totally-reworked bluesy cover of "You Make My Dreams Come True" defies comparisons between John Oates' new solo outing "Mississippi Mile" (Elektra Nashville) album and his role as one-half of musical dynamic duo Hall & Oates. From the fiery gospel title track to the acoustic ballad "Please Send Me Someone to Love" to the Delta blues of the wonderful "Deep River," this is a collection that celebrates American music and the vocal talents of Oates.
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Artist: David SerbyTitle: Poor Man's Poem
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Michael Ubaldini's "Storybook," Neil Young's "Harvest," Dave Alvin's "Black Jack David," Bruce Springsteen's "Nebraska"
Tell Me More: To hear the emotional and poignant songs that fill David Serby's latest album "Poor Man's Poem" is to be transported back in time to the Civil War and American frontier. But rather than simply offer up a retro exercise in Americana folk, the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter has compiled 10 original songs that resonate with timeless tales of war ("Lay Down My Colt"), loss (the beautiful "A Love Song From Miguel") and the timeless struggles of workers ("Virginia Rail"). There is a simplicity in the approach, but a consistent warmth built around rich arrangements featuring acoustic guitars, banjo, harmonica and mandolin and, at its sonic heart, Serby's winning baritone vocals. Information: www.myspace.com/DavidSerby
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Artist: The Felice BrothersTitle: Celebration, Florida
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Phosphorescent, Doves, Cowboy Buddha
Tell Me More: Maybe because brothers Ian and James Felice and three long-time friends never played a musical instrument before forming in 2006, but nobody quite sounds like New York's Felice Brothers. Across the band's latest 11-track release, "Celebration, Florida" (Fat Possum Records), there is a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation, unforgettable melodies and Moby-electronica, roots music and Radiohead-ready experimental touches. It all adds up to something that is beautiful and challenging. The haunting tale of "Fire at the Pageant," mysterious yarn revealed on "Honda Civic" enhanced by both a rousing horn section and accordion, and the lush loveliness of "Oliver Stone" hit me after a single listen; repeated listens to this brilliant disc have me just as intoxicated by the '60s acid jazz-tinged "Ponzi" and Bob Dylan-ish "Dallas."
The band's ambitious fourth album ends with the haunting "River Jordan," which must be heard to be believed. Blending americana and indie rock, a multitude of sonic shadings and approaches are mixed as the song moves and builds to its fiery climax.
BLUES
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Artist: Robert JohnsonTitle: The Centennial Collection
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Blues music, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Keb' Mo'
Tell Me More: Listening to the latest collection featuring the complete recordings of legendary bluesman Robert Johnson doubles as both an introduction to the roots of blues and rock, as well as an education about one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
And did I mention that Sony Legacy's wonderful "The Centennial Collection" is just a flat-out joy to listen to, even with 2011 ears that struggle with the hiss and primitive technology used to record Johnson back in the late 1930s?
Indeed, the 42 tracks presented on "The Centennial Collection" showcase Johnson's expressive voice (which can be sweet and savage in the same song), haunting lyrics and sterling acoustic guitar work. His "Sweet Home Chicago," "Come On In My Kitchen," "Terraplane Blues" and both versions of "Cross Road Blues" (known nowadays as "Crossroads" thanks to Cream's rock 'n' roll 1960s reworking) are among the highlights of his San Antonio recording sessions in November 1936, while "Hell Hound On My Trail" and "Me and the Devil Blues" shine on the subsequent Dallas sessions captured in June 1937.
Johnson, who was only 27 when he was allegedly poisoned to death in 1938, remains the single most influential artist in the history of the blues genre and this collection confirms his eternal ability to inspire.
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Artist: Big Head Blues ClubArtist: Big Head Todd and the Monsters with guests B.B. King, Hubert Sumlin, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Cedric Burnside and Lightnin' Malcolm
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Robert Johnson, B.B. King, Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Tell Me More: What happens when singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr and his trusty band Big Head Todd and the Monsters join forces with B.B. King, Charlie Musselwhite, Cedric Burnside and others to revisit the songs and spirit of bluesman Robert Johnson?
Magic, as evidenced by the 2011 collection "Big Head Blues Club" (Big Records/ILG). Highlights include the beautiful remake of "Kind Hearted Woman" and sparse "Sweet Home Chicago."
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Artist: The Steve Miller BandTitle: Let Your Hair Down
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Any of Steve Miller's previous releases, especially 2010's "Bingo!"
Tell Me More: Picking right up where he left with the release of last year's wonderful "Bingo!," Steve Miller and company have issued another disc of classic blues reworked in their distinctive style. Miller shines as a singer on the playful "Just a Little Bit," while singer Sonny Charles' powerful voice leads the way on a grooving cover of Buddy Guy's "Snatch It Back and Hold It" (those two tracks are among the last recordings featuring harmonica virtuoso Norton Buffalo, who lost his battle with lung cancer in October 2009).
Miller's guitar playing is particularly sharp on the disc, with the rock-tinged "I Got Love If You Want It" and "Close Together" showcasing his ability to make his guitar sing. His extended solo on a version of Willie Dixon's "Love the Life I Live" is particularly potent.
"Let Your Hair Down" (Space Cowboy Records in partnership with Roadrunner/Loud & Proud Records) boasts one of the best-ever album covers, courtesy of artist Storm Thorgerson. For the millions of fans who love the Steve Miller Band rock classics that remain radio staples, make sure to pick up "Let Your Hair Down" and see why the Space Cowboy is better than ever.
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Artist: Tedeschi Trucks BandTitle: Revelator
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Previous releases featuring Susan Tedeschi or Derek Trucks, the Allman Brothers Band
Tell Me More: Although husband-wife guitarist Derek Trucks and singer-guitarist Susan Tedeschi have performed together over the years (notably with their Soul Stew Revival outings), the Tedeschi Trucks Band is the couple's first-ever project where they are recording and touring together on a full-time basis. After listening to the 11-member group's commercial debut "Revelator" (released by Sony Masterworks on June 7, 2011), the natural response is "What took them so long?"
Indeed, "Revelator" is an epic release, and decades from now may rank as a classic of the genre. Fusing blues, soul, rock and '70s funk, Tedeschi's soulful vocals and Trucks' jaw-dropping guitar work come in the service of songs that shine. The sweet (but mighty) "Midnight in Harlem" and rousing "Bound for Glory" display how gifted and formidable this troupe is; if you have not seen them live, then do.
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COUNTRY
Artist: Nick 13Title: Nick 13
You will be interested if you are a fan of: Tiger Army, Chris Isaak, Michael Ubaldini
Tell Me More: Cool, authentic country is making a welcome comeback thanks to recent releases from Michael and the Lonesome Playboys, the aforementioned David Serby - and now - Nick 13. Although he is best known as the lead singer of California-based psychobilly band Tiger Army, Nick 13 has done a Mike Ness-minded turnaround and delivered a solo disc that fully celebrates his love of traditional country-western music.
"Nick 13" was released by Sugar Hill Records on June 7, 2011.
The beautiful "Nashville Winter" recalls the spirit of Gram Parsons' "Hickory Wind," while elsewhere Nick 13 classic Nashville and Bakersfield, California styles with authenticity and love.
The spirit of a long and scenic stretch of highway that winds along some of California's most beautiful places forms the backdrop of "101" and the haunting honk tonk gem "All Alone" boasts comparisons to greats from Hank Williams to Chris Isaak.
Nick 13 is blessed with an outstanding tenor, and fans of Roy Orbison, Isaak and Raul Malo will find his voice - and quiet evocative sonic material - worth a visit.
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Robert Kinsler 06/07/11
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