The far-flung genres of soul, funk, Americana, super-charged melodic rock, country blues and folk rock are among the styles celebrated across a slew of fantastic new titles.
Title: 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater - Oakland, CA (Artistry Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Tower of Power, WAR, James Brown
Tell me more: Prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, I was fortunate to be able to catch a rousing full-length concert featuring legendary Oakland-spawned powerhouse Tower of Power. That memorable concert and its zestful spirit was no fluke; the newly-issued 50 Years of Funk & Soul: Live at the Fox Theater - Oakland, CA has been released via a must-have 2-CD/1-DVD package (other configurations include a 3-LP set and digital audio release) that captures the group's groundbreaking energy and timeless sound via a 22-track event staged in the band's hometown in 2018. From the opening soul sortie "Stroke" and infectious sing-along "Ain't Nothing Stopping Us Now" to the fast flying "Soul With a Capital S," Motown-flavored "You're So Wonderful, So Marvelous" and dance floor-minded "Drop It In The Slot," the collective is on fire. Lead vocalist Marcus Scott is an especially gifted singer, bringing emotional firepower and star power to the up-tempo tracks as well as lovely ballads (notably "Just When We Start Makin' It," "Don't Change Horses" and "You're Still A Young Man"). The group — anchored by its amazing five-man horn section (bandleader Emillo Castillo, Stephen "Doc" Kupka, Tom Politzer, Adolfo Acosta and Sal Cracchiolo) — continues to move forward even while steeped in their classic fusion of soul and funk as evidenced by the grooving new cut "Stop," a breathtaking "On the Serious Side" and fiery "What Is Hip?" The special 50th celebration concert includes guest band alumni Chester Thompson (Hammond B3, clarinet) Lenny Pickett (tenor sax), Francis "Rocco" Prestia (bass), Bruce Conte (guitar) and Ray Greene (trombone). Information: TowerOfPower.com.
Title: Young Shakespeare (Reprise)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's "Harvest" and "After The Gold Rush" albums
Tell me more: Neil Young's Young Shakespeare is an amazing recording of the artist's concert at The Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, Connecticut on Jan. 22, 1971. Filmed on 16mm and recorded just two months after the release of his iconic album After The Gold Rush, the 45-minute title features the earliest live performance footage known to exist of Young. But not only is the footage and recording historical, it's astonishing; the restoration of the film and remastering of the analog audio tapes are an absolute wonder. Young is at ease throughout the acoustic concert even while his performance of a dozen of his most beloved early originals resonate with a tangible power. It's amazing to think that Young — only 26 at the time — had already penned "Ohio," "Cowgirl in the Sand," "Helpless," "Down By the River," "Heart of Gold" and "The Needle and the Damage Done." Accompanied only by his own guitar or piano, this is an essential addition to the music library of fans of the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Young Shakespeare is available via several configurations, including audio CD and vinyl LP versions, as well as a deluxe box set edition that includes vinyl, audio CD and the DVD. Information: NeilYoungArchives.com.
Title: Saturday in Nowhereland (Farrington)
You might like if you enjoy: ELO, The Lickerish Quartet, Badfinger, Cheap Trick, Pugwash
Tell me more: When you listen to Farrington's new album Saturday in Nowhereland prepare to be wowed. The songs often turn on a dime, blending tuneful melodic rock, psychedelic stylings, power pop and other sonic genres masterfully. The bewitching title track, delightfully dark "The Loner," Cheap Trick-flavored "Damsel In Distress" and ambitious "Assassins" are early-LP standouts. Saturday in Nowhereland continues its winning momentum with the melodic rocker "Emily Lovelight," gorgeous "Turning It Up Too Loud Again," boundless "A Day At The Beach," euphonic "Anatomic" and sumptuous "The Switchblade Symphony." In addition to the top-tier talents of singer-guitarist-keyboardist Farrington (James Patrick Phelan), drummer Marcos de la Cruz and bassist Henry Clift, a who's who of musical guests appears on the disc; Jon Auer (The Posies, Big Star), Eric Dover (Jellyfish, Imperial Drag), John Easedale (Dramarama), Roger Joseph Manning, Jr. (The Lickerish Quartet, Beck) and Bryan Shaddix (The Tickets) are a few of the notables who contribute to the magic. Information: FarringtonMusic.com.
Title: Seeker (BDM Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Larkin Poe, Southern Avenue
Tell me more: That sweet corner of the musical universe where country blues, Memphis soul and American folk meet is explored with genuine grace and style on singer-songwriter Brigitte DeMeyer's elegant Seeker. Working with her co-writer/producer Jano Rix, Nashville-based DeMeyer's new album provides a joyful sonic tour of the South courtesy of the gentle "All The Blue," New Orleans-mining "Louisiana," soulful "Calamity Gone" and magnificent "Roots and Wings and Bones." Other delights on Seeker include the bluesy "Cat Man Do" and "Salt Of The Earth," acoustic "Already In" and lovely "Seeker" — all bolstered by DeMeyer's superb soprano. Information: BrigitteDeMeyer.com.
Title: You Wanted To Be The Shore But Instead You Were The Sea (Natalie D-Napoleon)
You might like if you enjoy: Rosanne Cash, Kathleen Edwards
Tell me more: Singer-songwriter Natalie D-Napoleon has returned with her first full-length set of songs in eight years, the probing You Wanted To Be The Shore But Instead You Were The Sea. The songs are delivered powerfully with nuanced musicianship, strong arrangements and real life-rooted lyrical heft to match. D-Napoleon, a native of Australia who now calls California home, worked with producer Jim Connolly and a cast of talented players to complete the album using a single microphone at Deane Chapel in the hills behind Santa Barbara, CA. The result is an authentic and intimate album that could have been recorded in Laurel Canyon a half century ago but simultaneously sounds resonant in 2021. And true to the pioneering folk rock pioneers who emerged in California in the late '60s and early '70s, D-Napoleon's lyrics hit their mark; on You Wanted To Be The Shore But Instead You Were The Sea she renders detailed experiences of women. One of my favorites is the wistful "Wildflowers," D-Napoleon's signature vocals sharing the spotlight with Doug Pettibone's sublime mandolin playing. Other standouts include the exuberant "No Longer Mine" with its anthemic build in tune with the message of independence from a flawed relationship, and the driving "Mother Of Exiles" which celebrates America's history of immigration. Information: nataliednapoleon.net.
Robert Kinsler
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