Feb 23, 2007

Wondrous vocals, sweeping melodies on new releases

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

It's early, but judging by these new releases, it looks as if 2007 is going to be a remarkable year for music.

BLAME SALLY, "SEVERLAND"
An amazing collection of talented local musicians has banded together and released a stunning new CD. "Severland," the latest from San Francisco's Blame Sally, should bring this female foursome universal acclaim. Individually, Renee Harcourt, Monica Pasqual, Jeri Jones and Pam Delgado have long displayed stirring singer-songwriter gifts. Together they're a powerhouse unit, presenting outstanding lead vocals and harmonies. "Severland" carves out a strong identity on the indie-pop edges of Americana. Among the highlights (though there's not a weak track among the dozen here) are the riveting title tune, the piano-driven "Fillmore Street," the haunting "Devil to Pay" and the country-rocker "Trouble."

EDDI READER, "PEACETIME"
If you haven't yet discovered sensational Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader, this is the perfect time - "Peacetime" is a perfect album. (She was a member of Fairground Attraction, who had a 1988 No. 1 U.K. hit with the song "Perfect.") Reader's voice is so exquisite, it will bring tears to your eyes and send chills up your spine. She gets inside every song, finds its heart and delivers it whole to the listener. These songs will appeal to both folk and pop audiences. Her interpretation of poet Robert Burns' "Ye Banks and Braes O'Bonnie Doon" is particularly memorable, as are the sublime "Should I Pray?" and "Safe As Houses." The title track paints pristinely pretty and poignant pictures as it uplifts. Reader magically blends traditional and contemporary elements into music that is timeless.

SARAH SHANNON, "CITY MORNING SONG"
The former lead singer of indie rockers Velocity Girl, Sarah Shannon returns with her second solo album ... and it's an eye-opener. She fashions amazingly engaging, sophisticated pop songs, reminiscent of the works of Laura Nyro, Peter Allen and Harry Nilsson, with the theatrical flair of Maria McKee's classic "Life is Sweet" album. Many of Shannon's compositions would fit in seamlessly with tunes from the Great American Songbook. She's that good. And her sweet, expressive voice makes every number elegantly distinctive.

LAURENCE JUBER, 'I'VE GOT THE WORLD ON SIX STRINGS"
Wings guitarist Laurence Juber continues to prove that his dazzling guitar skills know no bounds. Sailing light-years from his Paul McCartney days, Juber explores the works of another great songwriter: Harold Arlen. With infinite subtlety and sensitivity, he brings new meaning to such classics as "Over the Rainbow," "Paper Moon," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Stormy Weather." With his jazzy, silky six strings, Juber acoustically creates a myriad of marvelous moods. He plays Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on Sunday.

PETER FRAMPTON, "FINGERPRINTS"
This time Peter Frampton comes alive with his first instrumental album. He's a virtuoso, capable of astonishing in a number of styles. Here he collaborates with members of the Stones, Shadows, Pearl Jam and Gov't Mule. Following rock and blues tunes, Frampton surprises on a Django-esque duet with fabulous country-rock guitarist John Jorgenson.

KELLER WILLIAMS, "DREAM"
Using loops and multi-instrumental prowess, singer-songwriter Keller Williams (who recently played the Warfield) usually performs solo. But his new album features a remarkable troupe of adventurous guest musicians, including Bela Fleck, Bob Weir, Charlie Hunter, String Cheese Incident and Michael Franti. The result is an intriguing blend of funk, rock, R&B, folk and jam sensibilities. The psychedelic dream quality of the lyrics adds another dimension.

MIC HARRISON AND THE HIGH SCORE, "PUSH ME ON HOME"
If you crave rootsy, rollicking rock 'n' roll with a country flavor, slap native Tennessean Mic Harrison's CD on your player. Twangy, tasty guitar licks complement Harrison's down-home, beer-soaked vocals. Among the highlights are "Mighty Good Wine," "The Only Road" and the compelling lament "Wiser the Whiskey."

RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY, "RICKY SKAGGS & BRUCE HORNSBY"
These two veteran musicians team up for a sparkling collection of country and bluegrass tunes. "Gulf of Mexico Fishing Boat Blues" and "Across the Rocky Mountains" are invigorating examples of Americana at its finest. A reimagining of Hornsby's "Mandolin Rain" proves to be a revelation. Skaggs' superb band Kentucky Thunder provides brilliant backup throughout.

RICKIE LEE JONES, "SERMON ON EXPOSITION BOULEVARD"
In a sea of sameness, Rickie Lee Jones has always stood out as an individualistic talent. This extraordinary album of unvarnished, powerful folk-punk-rock offers her penetrating perspectives on Christian ideology. The vigorous songwriting and performances convey an abundance of joy and sorrow.

JAZZ SHOTS FROM THE WEST COAST, VOL. 2 & 3 DVDs
Jazz aficionados cannot be without these two latest volumes of live performances encompassing club, festival and TV appearances. Volume 3's diversity spans Stan Kenton's big band arrangement of "Maria" to a trio of Dave Brubeck Quartet numbers, including the timeless "Take Five." Sax great Paul Desmond plays on the Brubeck tracks and you can hear his own quartet perform on Volume 2.
Dig jazz guitar? You'll find the marvelously innovative Wes Montgomery on Volume 2 and Jim Hall on Volume 3. Each of these expertly assembled discs will transport you.