A wide range of outstanding releases are helping heat up the summer, including a surprise stunner from Gorillaz, an outstanding sophomore album from the Rails, the third LP from New York-based artist Vincent Poag and a historic live release from guitar great Dennis Coffey.
Artist: Gorillaz
Title: The Now Now (Warner Bros./Parlophone)
You might like if you enjoy: Gorillaz, Damon Albarn's "Everyday Robots"
Tell me more: On the brilliant new Gorillaz release The Now Now, singer-songwriter Damon Albarn has essentially followed up his 2014 release Everyday Robots with a sequel of sorts; the new disc is intoxicating musically even while offering a lyrically-impactful search for finding one's self in a world - America in particular — where people seem to be more alone than ever. Whereas 2017's Gorillaz return Humanz was packed with all-star guests ranging from Mavis Staples and Grace Jones to Popcaan across the track list, The Now Now is a decidedly more intimate and stronger affair. A soundscape paved with cool beats, retro synths and grooves surrounding Albarn's signature vocals, the 11-track disc includes the breezy "Humility" (featuring jazz guitarist George Benson's shining fretwork), the '80s-mining "Tranz," infectious "Lake Zurich," distant "Magic City" (complete with Blur guitarist Graham Coxon's flourishes) and the enthralling "One Percent." Information: gorillaz.com.
Artist: The Rails
Title: Other People (Thirty Tigers)
You might like if you enjoy: Carbon Leaf, Bright Blue Gorilla
Tell me more: It's so clear; the Rails get it. Other People, the latest release from the London-based duo comprised of Kami Thompson (daughter of Linda and Richard Thompson) and James Walbourne (his performance credits include the celebrated likes of the Pretenders, Son Volt and Ray Davies) is a disc that will impress on a single listen even while revealing ever-growing lyrical and sonic layers with subsequent listens. There are tracks rooted in traditional Irish folk sounds ("The Cally," "Other People"), indie roots rockers ("Late Surrender," "Brick And Mortar") and Americana folk ("Drowned in Blue," "Mansion Of Happiness") — all lushly arranged and emotionally truthful. Beyond their talents as top-tier musicians, the duo's secret weapon may well be that Thompson and Walbourne each have amazing and distinctive voices and are able to create a magical third voice when they sing together (just listen to the affecting "Dark Times," wistful "Leaving The Land" and tender "I Wish, I Wish"). Information: TheRailsOfficial.com.
Artist: Vincent Poag
Title: Heroes and Demons (Danal Music)
You might like if you enjoy: Tom Waits, John Prine, Bob Dylan
Tell me more: Based in New York City, singer-songwriter-guitarist Vincent Poag uses his rich baritone to deliver original material that taps into his observations inspired by both a look inward as well as studies directed outward toward the big world around him. On his newly-issued third album Heroes and Demons, there is a straightforward lyrical approach enhanced by creative songwriting in the tradition of American favorites including Randy Newman, Bob Dylan and John Prine. Whether delivering a front-and-center appreciation of life itself ("Beautiful Day") in uncertain times like theses, or tapping into the jangly pop rock of Tom Petty ("Young Again") and utilizing a retro jazzy backdrop on the winning "One Step Ahead of Gloom," Poag's style allows him to weave a number of genres into a singular sound. The Waterboys-flavored "Piper Play" is this writer's favorite; the nugget recalls some of Mike Scott's most Celtic-drenched treasures with a luxurious moodscape enhanced by Irish flute, mandolin, fiddle and accordion. Information: VincentPoag.com.
Artist: Dennis Coffey
Title: One Night at Morey's: 1968 (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Dennis Coffey
Tell me more: Listening to the power and inventiveness of Dennis Coffey's One Night at Morey's, it's hard to believe the live performance featuring Coffey on guitar, organist Lyman Woodard and drummer Melvin Davis was recorded 50 years ago. The power and range of the trio is breathtaking; the three musicians blend jazz, funk, R&B and rock via a freewheeling approach that showcases the trio's virtuoso chops and creative chemistry. The instrumental reworking of The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby" plays out over a fast-moving 13+ minutes! The Meters' "Cissy Strut" is buoyant, with the rhythmic groove a launching pad for flat-out masterful lead guitar work courtesy of Coffey. Those looking for some flat-out killer lead guitar work from Coffey can check out "Burning Spear," where the speed of his runs thrills. A version of the Young Rascals' "Groovin' " certainly serves as the perfect groove for the trio, with all three musicians offering up some outstanding musicianship — all of it nuanced and presented in the service of the piece itself. The originals featured here — "Big City Lights," "Mindbender," and "Union Station" — and they are equally potent. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Robert Kinsler
Early 2017 has already seen a slew of notable new album releases, including titles featuring Nathan East, Dennis Coffey, Eric Johnson, Ronnie Baker Brooks, and England Dan & John Ford Coley.
Artist: Nathan East
Title: Reverence (Yamaha Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Fourplay; Earth, Wind & Fire
Tell me more: Bassist Nathan East has performed on many of the most celebrated hits in the history of pop and modern jazz, so it is little surprise he continues to chart a winning course on his new sophomore solo effort Reverence. A founding member of the contemporary jazz troupe Fourplay, East's new collection finds the virtuoso bass player assisted by an all-star team of top players including Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire (on an infectious remake of that group's "Serpentine Fire"), saxophone master Kirk Whalum, singer Ruben Studdard, jazz pianist Chick Corea, singer Yolanda Adams and others. Information: YamahaEntertainmentGroup.com.
Artist: Dennis Coffey
Title: Hot Coffey in the D: Burnin' at Morey Baker's Showplace Lounge (Resonance Records)
You might like if you enjoy: 1960s Motown and soul recordings, 1960s jazz
Tell me more: The previously-unreleased tracks on Dennis Coffey's Hot Coffey in the D: Burnin' at Morey Baker's Showplace Lounge celebrate not only the artistry of the famed guitarist, but of the Detroit music scene of the late 1960s and the adventuresome spirit of that decade. A native of Detroit, Coffey was a groundbreaking member of the Funk Brothers studio band who played on a slew of classic Motown Records hits. Along with his band Lyman Woodard (Hammond B-3 organ) and Melvin Davis (drums), he also was a frequent performer at several Detroit clubs that allowed him to explore and extend his musical muse beyond Motown. On "Hot Coffey in the D" there are potent and smoking live takes on a wide range of material, including the soul nugget "Casanova (Your Playing Days Are Over," Burt Bacharach's "The Look of Love" and Jimmy Webb's "By The Time I Get to Phoenix." The deluxe edition includes a 56-page book of liner notes with archival photos, essays by producers Zev Feldman and Kevin Goins, and interviews with key players including Coffey. Information: DennisCoffeySite.com.
Artist: Eric Johnson
Title: EJ (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Rik Emmett, Laurence Juber
Tell me more: On his 12th studio album titled EJ, Texas guitar great Eric Johnson has set aside his electric instrument and takes listeners on a distinctively different sonic journey via intimate material featuring his vocal work adorned with his top-tier work on acoustic guitar and piano. One of the greatest and most original electric guitar masters in the history of the instrument, Johnson's artistic voice is equally strong in the acoustic territory that plays out over the 13 tracks on the self-produced EJ. There are breathtaking instrumentals ("Mrs. Robinson," "Once Upon A Time In Texas," "The World is Waiting For The Sunrise"), beautiful ballads (the piano and violin anchored "November") and genre-blending confessionals (the jazz-tinged "One Rainy Wish," ambitious "Wrapped In A Cloud"). Many of the songs here venture far beyond cliche territory as evidenced by "Wonder" and "Water Under The Bridge," the latter a potent message on moving on beyond the pain of the past. Information: EricJohnson.com.
Artist: Ronnie Baker Brooks
Title: Times Have Changed (Provogue)
You might like if you enjoy: Vintage Trouble, Tommy Castro, Big Head Todd & the Monsters
Tell me more: From the rock 'n' soul of "Show Me" and "Long Story Short" to Memphis soul of the textured title track and the smooth R&B gem "When I Was We," Ronnie Baker Brooks' solid return Times Have Changed is pure joy. As if the Chicago bluesman's own talents as vocalist and guitar slinger were not impressive enough, a talented parade of notables guest on the album; Todd Mohr of Big Head Todd and the Monsters adds vocals and electric guitar on the heavy blues rocker "Doing Too Much" while his father, the legendary Lonnie Brooks, adds some fiery guitar work on "Twine Time." Information: MascotLabelGroup.com.
Artist: England Dan & John Ford Coley
Title: The Very Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley (Varèse Sarabande)
You might like if you enjoy: 1970s pop-rock, Dan Seals, Paul Davis, America
Tell me more: The recording duo of England Dan & John Ford Coley helped create a sound that is forever associated with the pop rock sound of the 1970s. Listening to the outstanding collection The Very Best of England Dan & John Ford Coley is to rediscover song craft enhanced by the two singers' sweet harmonies and artful arrangements. Beyond the bona fide hits ("I'd Really Love to See You Tonight," "Nights Are Forever Without You," "We'll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again"), there are some real treasures - especially the affecting "Soldier in the Rain" and a spirited cover of Todd Rundgren's "Love is the Answer." In addition to the duo's best known hits, the collection also includes the rare Japanese single "Keep Your Smile" and two songs from the "Just Tell Me You Love Me" movie soundtrack. Information: VareseSarabande.com.
Robert Kinsler
