New titles celebrate the art of song craft

What would the music universe be without variety? Titles featuring singer-songwriters Chi McClean, Mark McKinney, Gerry Rafferty, Kelly Bowlin, and an original motion picture soundtrack celebrating the life of Muhammad Ali showcase a variety of musical styles in spades.

Artist: Chi McClean
Title: Let Me In (Chi McClean)
You might like if you enjoy: Jackie Greene, Rich Robinson, Ryan Adams
Tell me more: Southern rock-styled singer-songwriter Chi McClean's latest album Let Me In is a bona fide wonder and provides plenty of proof why it is so essential to seek out independent artists (the disc was released in 2016, but discovered by this writer in January 2017) . From the anthemic gospel-tinged "I Save You" and the bluesy ballad "Build Me Up" (featuring some terrific lead guitar from Audley Freed) to the piano-anchored rock 'n' soul "Life Got In The Way" and sweeping banjo-adorned "Thought I'd Never," McClean's potent vocals and original song craft shine across the eight-track disc. The New York native is backed on the self-produced collection by a group of solid players, and Let Me In is truly one of those majestic albums that sounds great at home or as a companion soundtrack on that long-distance drive to a favorite destination. Information: ChiMcClean.com.

Artist: Mark McKinney
Title: World In Between (Texas Evolution)
You might like if you enjoy: Tim McGraw, Gary Allen
Tell me more: A long-time favorite in Austin's country music scene, singer-songwriter Mark McKinney's fifth album World In Between straddles country, Americana and roots rock. On this album, McKinney not only handles the bulk of songwriting duties, but he frequently plays a number of instruments on the same track. While the material is never less than infectious and his choruses soar, there is a straightforward honesty that comes via McKinney's rich baritone and his real life-minded lyrics. "Bacon & Eggs" is a pretty ballad whose warm stylings include backing vocals from his wife Cassie McKinney as well as his brother Eric McKinney's subtle mandolin play. On "Rainy Day Monday," the catchy country-meets-reggae musical vibe comes in the service of a lyrical dream of living the good life albeit with the sober refrain "I'd rather run out of money than run out of time." Information: MarkMcKinney.com.

Artist: Gerry Rafferty
Title: The Best of Gerry Rafferty (Varese Sarabande)
You might like if you enjoy: Gerry Rafferty, Stealers Wheel, Gordon Lightfoot
Tell me more: Even before his death at the age of 63 in January 2011, Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty was an almost-mythological artist beloved for a string of memorable hits despite his uncomfortable relationship with the music industry. The Best of Gerry Rafferty is a new collection that features the artist's greatest hits together and the result is a chance to hear the enduring power of his songs, notably the evocative "Baker Street," undeniable folk rocker "Big Change In the Weather," and the confessional "Right Down the Line." Those only casually familiar with Rafferty will be equally impressed with the R&B ballad "The Way That You Do It," moody rocker "Get It Right Next Time," the Celtic-mining "The Royal Mile (Sweet Darlin')" and other stellar songs on the16-track collection. Excellent liner notes penned Larry R. Watts and photos of Rafferty also are included with the audio CD version of the release. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Artist: Kelly Bowlin and the Orphans
Title: Are You Listening? (CD Baby)
You might like if you enjoy: The Jayhawks, Carbon Leaf, Steve Earle
Tell me more: Music lovers who enjoy a band more interested in following its original instincts more than fitting into any narrow genre will want to check out the latest album from the freewheeling troupe Kelly Bowlin and the Orphans. An ambitious release, Are You Listening? includes the spirited alt country rocker "Choir of Angels," the affecting acoustic ballad "You Can Never Go Home," high octane Americana rocker "Borderline" and more than a dozen other songs that navigate from Americana ("Dancing In A Hurricane") to bluegrass ("Kentucky Angel," "Three Days") to alt rock ("Fortune Teller," "Thanksgiving Day") and elsewhere (including the child's lullaby "A Ship Called the Dreamer"). Please note that Kelly Bowlin and the Orphans are set to open for the Blind Boys of Alabama at the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. Information: KellyBowlinAndTheOrphans.com. 

Title: Muhammad Ali in "The Greatest": Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Varese Sarabande)
You might like if you enjoy: George Benson, Muhammad Ali
Tell me more: This year marks the 40th anniversary of "The Greatest," a 1977 film that starred Muhammad Ali portraying himself. Now, the soundtrack for that film has been reissued as a deluxe edition on audio CD, with the release including Michael Masser's instrumental score as well as songs performed by George Benson and Mandrill. In addition, the new version includes a rare 1964 single by Cassius Clay rapping "I Am The Greatest" and singing "Stand By Me," and other bonus material. Included in the booklet that accompanies the CD version of the release is a liner note essay by A. Scott Galloway that enhances the understanding of the soundtrack. Ali, who died in June 2016, would have turned 75 on Jan. 17, 2017. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Robert Kinsler

Bonnie Raitt, Keb' Mo' winningly kick off Wavelength Festival of Music

Bonnie Raitt and Keb' Mo' delivered a one-two punch in Costa Mesa on first night of Wavelength Festival of Music.

Although the OC Fair ended Aug. 11, Pacific Symphony's Wavelength Festival of Music has provided one more weekend of concerts, extending Pacific Amphitheatre's summer schedule via four eclectic performances.

NEXT AT WAVELENGTH FEST

The Airborne Toxic Event with the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Delta Spirit and Nilu, Aug. 23, $25-$59

Bonobo with members of the PSO, DJ Z-Trip and Jason Bentley, Aug. 24, $29-$39

Pink Floyd tribute band Windborne with the PSO performing The Dark Side of the Moon and more, Aug. 25, $25-$75

Call: 714-745-3000

Online: wavelengthfestival.org,ticketmaster.com

Night 1 played out Thursday (August 22, 2013) with singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt headlining a bill also featuring master bluesman Keb' Mo', the Barry Perkins Collective and violinist Josh Vietti.

Raitt's 110-minute main set was everything a fan of the Grammy winner could ask for and more. She was just as relaxed and engaging with fans as during her memorable headlining turn at the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2008, yet this Costa Mesa crowd seemed comprised mostly of diehards, as opposed to partying festival-goers who test the patience of music enthusiasts. The result was a chance to really hear Raitt and her top-notch four-man band perform potent versions of her staples as well as gems from her latest album, last year's outstanding Slipstream.

Indeed, the reworked classics that fill that disc were among the highlights here. Her reggae-tinged take on Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down the Line" found Raitt closing the song with an expressive and extended slide-guitar solo, layered artfully with riffs from fellow six-stringer George Marinelli. An acoustic blues ride through Bob Dylan's "Million Miles" featured keyboardist Mike Finnigan and Marinelli in a consummate demonstration of how even quiet material can become charged in the right hands.

Later, the album's strengths shined again via a commanding performance of the folk-rock tune "Marriage Made in Hollywood," a beautiful piece penned by Paul Brady and Michael O'Keefe (Raitt’s ex-husband), given an irresistible arrangement featuring an acoustic breakdown and room for Marinelli to deliver two sharp, distinctive solos.

Raitt remains eager to please fans and of course offered up her best-known songs (“Something to Talk About,” her version of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery”) with forceful renditions throughout the night, and though now 63, Raitt's glowing soprano remains a mighty force.

She launched her memorable encore with a hushed take on the heart-wrenching "I Can't Make You Love Me," her emotionally nuanced delivery quieting the crowd. The reggae-flavored "Have a Heart" reignited the upbeat mood en route to Keb' Mo' joining the headliner for a rousing handling of Aretha Franklin's "Baby I Love You" and a final Chuck Berry-esque rocker that richly closed things out.

Keb' Mo' took the stage to plenty of cheers and over the course of 35 minutes used nothing more than a few acoustic guitars and a harmonica as he performed original material that quickly connected with people. While possessing a warm baritone voice, it’s the singer's personable style and solid command of Delta blues and slide guitar, all layered onto real-world tales of love and loss, that really solidifies his work.

Songs such as "Government Cheese" might come off silly in the hands of many players, but Keb' Mo' brought that tune to vivid life with realistic details of poverty-stricken struggles. Likewise, his love song "Shave Yo Legs" brought plenty of laughter, yet at its core it’s a beautiful song that delves into deep and unconditional love in a winning performance.

Barry Perkins, principal trumpeter with Pacific Symphony for close to a decade, opened the main stage with his local collective, including fellow PSO members Elliott Moreau (saxophone), Robert Schumitzky (violin) and Laszlo Mezo (cello). They performed an instrumental set of classical, pop and Latin jazz for early attendees, standing out with the lovely "Cinema Paradiso" and an up-tempo version of Stevie Wonder’s "Overjoyed."

Performing in the concourse outside the main amphitheater Thursday evening (and again Friday), violinist Josh Vietti showed off virtuoso chops on his instrument as people entered the venue. One fan in a cowboy hat was thrilled when the fiddler fulfilled his request to play the iconic solos from the Charlie Daniels Band's signature song "The Devil Went Down to Georgia."

Photo: Kelly A. Swift