Title: Wild Kingdom (Gold Strike Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Django Reinhardt, Les Paul and Mary Ford, Western swing
Tell me more: Hot Club of Cowtown's much-anticipated eleventh album Wild Kingdom is filled with the signature blend of traditional-mining Western swing, roots and hot jazz that singer-violinist Elana James, singer-guitarist Whit Smith and bassist-singer Jake Erwin long ago made their own. The material resonates with a contemporary energy even while the soundscape recalls some distant time. The lovely "Last Call" is a tender ballad showcasing James' rich soprano and the artful keyboards of guest pianist Joe Kerr. Flashy guitar work helps propel Smith's "Caveman" and more introspective "Easy Money." The infectious blues-meets-Americana cut "Tall Tall Ship" and dynamic jazz-flavored "Ways of Escape" and "Before This Time of Men" are among the many standouts on the wonderful Wild Kingdom. The 14-track disc is focused mostly on new originals, but the band has reworked a couple of classics including their affecting interpretation of the traditional Scottish folk song "Loch Lomond" and the disc-ending cover of the Les Paul and Mary Ford's "How High the Moon," the latter a perfect vocal duet for James and Smith. In addition to the aforementioned Kerr, guests include drummer Damien Llanes and percussionist Oliver Rajamani whose contributions bolster the fantastic vocals and musicianship displayed by Hot Club of Cowtown across "Wild Kingdom." Information: hotclubofcowtown.com.
Artist: Janiva Magness
Title: Change in the Weather (Blue Élan Records)
You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, CCR, Taj Mahal, Janiva Magness
Tell me more: It's difficult to think of many artists more deserving of a tribute than John Fogerty. Both as the leader of groundbreaking Bay Area rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival and as a solo artist, Fogerty's blend of blues and rock has come in the service of stellar song craft. Grammy-nominated blues artist Janiva Magness' Change in the Weather is sure to please fans of Fogerty's recordings as well as her own expansive discography. Reworking a dozen classics across the Dave Darling-produced set, Magness was drawn to the power of the songs – including the melodic choruses and timeless themes of protest and social justice. Magness uses her mighty soprano to celebrate and paint the songs with her own touch. A gospel-tinged take on "Wrote a Song for Everyone," a spirited blues-meets-rock "Lodi" (a duet with country outlaw singer Sam Morrow), and swampy blues take on "Don't You Wish It Was True" (featuring bluesman Taj Mahal) are early wins. Later on the disc Magness artfully reworks "Bad Moon Rising" (bolstered here by a good dose of slide guitar courtesy of guitarist Zachary Ross), the fiery "Fortunate Son," a stirring "Deja Vu (All Over Again)" and joyful "Lookin' Out My Back Door" keep the momentum going on the second half of the wonderful release. Information: JanivaMagness.com.
Title: Zed for Zulu (Burger Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Star, Fastball, dada
Tell me more: The sophomore effort from Those Pretty Wrongs certifies that the creative teaming of Jody Stephens (of Big Star fame) and Luther Russell first heard on their 2016 self-titled debut is just what the sonic doctor ordered. Memphis-based Stephens and Los Angeles' Russell have the rare ability to craft songs that are simultaneously straightforward and melodically glorious. The shimmering and introspective gems "Ain't Nobody But Me" and "You + Me" are both as beautiful as any song in memory, revealed via nuanced and poignant recordings that will grab the listener with a single listen. Even acoustic-rooted material ("Time to Fly" "The Carousel") shine with an otherworldly glow, with burgeoning arrangements marked by acoustic guitars that are subsequently joined by a growing cast of musical layers. Make no mistake; the songs here are ambitious with the string section-adorned "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight," the psychedelic baroque pop sortie "Hurricane of Love" and haunting "A Day in the Park" among the choice offerings on Zed for Zulu. Information: burgerrecords.com.
Title: Retrofuture (Luna-tone / Rise Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Stray Cats, Lee Rocker, Raul Malo
Tell me more: Armed with a top-tier voice that draws favorable comparisons with a young Chris Isaak and Raul Malo, Nick 13 leads his energetic troupe Tiger Army through a fiery and inspired batch of originals on Retrofuture. The songs on Retrofuture – the band's first new album release in more than three years – range from the raging psychobilly rockers "Eyes Of The Night" and "Death Card" to the wistful "Beyond the Veil" and the decidedly melodic rockabilly nugget "Last Ride" (the latter is this writer's favorite song on the LP). With the wide range of material and stellar performances captured on the Ted Hutt-produced album, Retrofuture also serves as a great introduction of those who have not yet discovered the outstanding outfit. Information: TigerArmy.com.
Robert Kinsler
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