Veteran and rising artists revisit the classic sounds of the past with their own masterful modern-day touch.
Title: California Music Presents Add Some Music (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Mike Love
Tell me more: The enduring sounds of The Beach Boys and dreams of better times are celebrated across a special collection titled California Music Presents Add Some Music. A multi-focused effort spearheaded by album co-producer David Beard (editor and publisher of Endless Summer Quarterly, The Beach Boys publication of record), the 10-track collection teams up members of The Beach Boys and their children along with other family members to revisit classic songs while simultaneously raising money for the non-profit Feeding America. The first jewel on the collection is the lead-off "Add Some Music to Your Day," a oft-overlooked Beach Boys track (the original version was featured on 1970's Sunflower) revisited by Beach Boy members Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks, as well as Carnie and Wendy Wilson (Brian Wilson's daughters), Christian, Hayleigh and Ambha Love (Mike Love's children), Justyn Wilson (son of the late Carl Wilson), and Matt Jardine (son of Al Jardine); the new reading of the song was arranged and produced by Rob Bonfiglio (husband of Carnie Wilson). Love leads an exploration of world music stylings on "Ram Raj," the intoxicating cut bolstered by the lead guitar work of Laurence Juber (of Paul McCartney's Wings fame) and keyboards of Jim Cox. Jardine's distinctive tenor takes flight on his new chamber pop original "Jenny Clover." Johnston sings and adds his own vocal harmonies while handling all instrumentation on the tender ballad "She Believes in Love Again." Bonfiglio adds a welcome shot of tuneful ear candy via his "Golden State." California Music Presents Add Some Music is a wonderful celebration to the 60th anniversary of The Beach Boys to be sure. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Dirty Honey (Dirt Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Aerosmith, Greta Van Fleet, AC/DC, Humble Pie
Tell me more: Los Angeles-based Dirty Honey have arrived with their full-length, self-titled debut and the album fully delivers on the promise of the quartet's March 2019 EP (which spawned the single "When I'm Gone," the first unsigned band to ever earn a number 1 track on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart). The eight-track album recalls the style and sound of "Rocks"-era Aerosmith, but there is a modern edge that separates Dirty Honey from its musical ancestors. There is a myriad of catchy riff rock on the disc, all of it wrapped up with forceful songcraft and rock musicianship courtesy of the collective talents of singer Marc Labelle, guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian and drummer Corey Coverstone. The nimble "California Dreamin'," Zepplinesque "Take My Hand," heavy "No Warning" and zippy "The Morning" are among the irresistible rock cuts on the album. The group delivers a poignant bluesy rock ballad, "Another Last Time," with emotional heft courtesy of Labelle's sweet rasp and some sublime backing gospel-styled vocals in the choruses. Information: DirtyHoney.com.
Title: Cole Quest and the City Pickers (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Steel Wheels, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sons and Brothers
Tell me more: Great lead and harmony vocals, stellar musicianship and excellent songs add up to a whole lot of magic on the eponymous release from New York City-based troupe Cole Quest and the City Pickers. Quest, the grandson of Woody Guthrie, leads the collective on a fast-paced journey sure to please fans of bluegrass music. A gorgeous take on the lovely Woody Guthrie/Billy Bragg song "Way Over Yonder in the Minor Key" features Quest's strong vocals amidst an artful backdrop of acoustic guitar, dancing harmonica, banjo, bass and Hammond B3 organ. Quest's original acoustic ballad "My Sweet Little Girl" showcases his own talents as a songwriter along with the nuanced musical skills of the ensemble. The quick "7-11/ Foggy Mountain Rock" allows the ensemble of players to really cut loose. The exhilarating "If I Still Had You" closes out the outstanding EP. The City Pickers' excellent lineup includes guitarist-vocalist Christian Apuzzo, harmonica great Matheus Verardino, banjo player Mike Mulhollan, bassist Larry Cook, keyboardist Sam Reider and drummer Sean Trischka. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.
Title: Heartache, Hangovers & Honky Tonks (Pleasant Valley Ranch)
You might like if you enjoy: James Intveld, Merle Haggard, Dwight Yoakam
Tell me more: The release of the debut from West of Texas is truly a saga worthy of the expansive sound heard across the 16 super songs that make up Heartache, Hangovers & Honky Tonks. Singer-songwriter Jerry Zinn formed West of Texas back in 2003, with the group's 3-song EP titled The Heartache Single issued in 2010. Before a full-length LP could be completed, health issues hit Zinn and he was unable to sing. Fast forward to 2019 and Zinn was able to sing again ; the arrival of COVID-19 sadly put an end to planned live dates as part of a March-May 2020 tour. Zinn then used the uncertain time to return to the studio to finish the album he had started more than a decade earlier. And what an album it is! Produced by Rich McCulley, Heartache, Hangovers & Honky Tonks bristles with an authentic spirit recalling the groundbreaking likes of Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Dwight Yoakam — it doesn't hurt that Zinn has a rich baritone that recalls the best country singers of the '60s and '70s. The honky tonk rollick "Foolin'," touching ballad "The Cost of Lovin' You," Cajun-styled "Bayou Boy," bluesy "Cheatin', Drinkin', Hurtin' Song," Western swing frolic "Fixin' to Love You" and beautiful "Sign of A Broken Heart" are among the mega cool songs on the outstanding LP. Information: https://westoftexas.bandcamp.com/album/heartache-hangovers-honky-tonks.
Robert Kinsler
1 comment:
Had never heard of West of Texas before. But reading their story has me intrigued.
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