Title: Both Sides Of The Sky (Sony Legacy)
You might like if you enjoy: Jimi Hendrix, Gary Clark Jr.
Tell me more: The new Both Sides Of The Sky sheds additional light on the myriad of talents of singer-songwriter-guitarist Jimi Hendrix, whose legacy continues to grow more than 47 years after his untimely death at the age of 27. Comprised of tracks recorded after the release of 1968's Electric Ladyland, things kick off with an exhilarating reworking of the Muddy Waters blues number "Mannish Boy" recorded during the first-ever studio session with the Band Of Gypsies (bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles). Both Sides Of The Sky is the third volume in a trilogy of albums (that began in 2010 with Valleys of Neptune" and continued with 2013's People, Hell and Angels) featuring the best and most important previously-unissued studio recordings remaining in the Hendrix archives. To be sure, the new set is sure to please both casual and hardcore fans of Hendrix. "Lover Man" features Hendrix delivering some tasty and rapid-fire guitar playing; listen closely and it isn't just the speed of the guitar playing but how much Hendrix's soul is on display as well. His original blues-tinged psychedelic rocker "Hear My Train A-Comin'," the beautiful instrumental "Sweet Angel," jazzy "Jungle" and genre-bending "Power Of Soul" all boast a similar firepower and emotive touch that impresses mightily. One of the most interesting cuts on the disc is a version of Joni Mitchell's then-new song "Woodstock," featuring Stephen Stills on lead vocals and Hendrix on bass guitar; just as lively is "Things I Used To Do" featuring Johnny Winter on slide guitar. "Both Sides Of The Sky" is an essential release that will ultimately prove to be one of the most significant titles of 2018. Both Sides Of The Sky will be released on audio CD, digital and as a numbered 180-gram audiophile vinyl 2LP on Friday, March 9. Information: www.JimiHendrix.com.
Title: "Love is an Army" (Blue Elan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Janiva Magness, Beth Hart, Grace Potter
Tell me more: Bringing her powerful soprano into a Southern soul-steeped soundscape, singer-songwriter Janiva Magness' 14th album Love is an Army is a star-studded effort. Joined on select tracks by several well-known guests, the overall Memphis-drenched Americana-soul is further enhanced by New Orleans blues and Nashville-mining country elements. The bluesy "Hammer" features Mississippi harmonica great Charlie Musselwhite; the uptempo "On And On" is buoyed by Rusty Young's pedal steel work. The gospel-styled title track, wistful "Down Below" and piano-anchored ballad "What I Could Do" (the latter a duet with Delbert McClinton) are among the timely thought-provoking songs that address themes of love, hope and justice free of cliche. Even with all the notables who appear on the album, there is little doubt that it is Magness' own formidable talents as singer and songwriter that bind and elevate this terrific album. Information: JanivaMagness.com.
Title: East Coast Live (Frontiers Music Srl)
You might like if you enjoy: Black Country Communion, Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa
Tell me more: Def Leppard fans have long recognized Phil Collen as one of his generation's most talented electric guitar players, but the artist's heavy-hitting blues project Delta Deep allows for an even greater appreciation of his skills. On the newly-released East Coast Live, Delta Deep (whose line-up includes Collen, Stone Temple Pilot's Robert DeLeo on bass guitar, frontwoman Debbi Blackwell-Cook and drummer Forrest Robinson) unleash a decidedly strong approach in a mix that is rooted in the blues but will appeal to fans of classic rock too. Opening with a fiery take on Led Zeppelin's 1971 classic "Black Dog," other highlights include "Miss Me," Motown-tinged "Treat Her Like Candy," the rock 'n' soul foray "Private Number" and a heavy reworking of the 1940s blues cut "Black Coffee." The highlight on the album is the blues ballad "Whiskey," with Blackwell-Cook's emotive vocals drawing comparisons with the legendary Betty LaVette. Information: www.DeltaDeep.net.
Title: Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt (Mute)
You might like if you enjoy: Moby, Air, Enigma
Tell me more: For fans of Moby's groundbreaking 1999 album Play and 2002's equally-enthralling 18, the artist's newly-released Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt is a welcome return to a focus on emotion-charged material blending electronica, trip-hop and soul. The songs here explode with hypnotic layers of musical textures and inviting vocals; the lyrical themes are meaningful, spanning introspective explorations of the modern world to spirituality and seemingly everything in between. "Like a Motherless Child" features Moby's spoken word confessional in the verses, artfully balanced by a gospel vocalist's elegiac singing in the choruses. "This Wild Darkness" is equally gorgeous and melancholic, with a gospel chorus adding a spiritual element. Everywhere Moby's approach invites the listener to delve beyond the intoxicating moodscape to listen and connect on a more weighty level. "The Middle Is Gone" begins with Moby's declaration of doubt and unfulfilled dreams; the song builds slowly with a symphonic touch before everything closes on a single low note. The sparse "Falling Rain and Light" recalls some of GoGo Penguin's recent work, albeit with swirling airy voices that embellish the lush arrangement. Everything Was Beautiful And Nothing Hurt is an impressive and meaningful return. The album is available via a gatefold-housed double LP edition, and 6-panel CD digipack edition. Moby will donate 100 percent of the profits from his new album to animal rights organizations. Information: www.moby.com.
Title: Unbreakable (Desert Dreams Books & Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Jewel, Carol Martini, Brooke Ramel
Tell me more: Ali McManus' debut album Unbreakable is truly a triumph. The talented 21-year-old singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist is also an inspirational speaker and for good reason. Confined to a wheelchair since the age of 7 (because of a rare bone disorder) and giving powerful voice to her original songs despite having only 30 percent of normal lung capacity, the Detroit native's songs are straightforward and affecting. The title track on her Unbreakable EP is infectious, but the sense of melancholy gives the lyrics added depth: "I am what I am / And I love where I stand / Yeah, I can't stand for long / But I'm goin' strong / I'm Unbreakable." Produced by the legendary Jack Douglas (who served as engineer on John Lennon's "Imagine" and many of Aerosmith's best-known albums in the 1970s), "Unbreakable" also features the uptempo "Wings," contemplative "Heart Shattered," winning "Breaking Free" and lovely "Home." Information: www.alimcmanus.com.
Robert Kinsler
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