Apr 13, 2007

Intimate glimpse of artists caught on MySpace

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

IRINA RIVKIN
Berkeley-based progressive folk artist Irina Rivkin pours an intense intimacy into her poetic lyrics and haunting melodies. Her voice is delicate, but resonates with an expressive power. Whether delving into the personal or the political, her songs command attention. An a cappella number, "Ya Eyo Lublue," a Russian love song, demonstrates her unadorned vocal magic. Rivkin performs at the Freight & Salvage for "Rhythm & Harmony: New Horizons in Global Songcraft" on May 6, joined by Ashley Maher and Moira Smiley with VOCO.
www.myspace.com/irinarivkin

HIROMI
Excitingly eclectic Hiromi performs at Half Moon Bay's Bach Dynamite and Dancing Society on Sunday. The New York-based keyboardist puts an experimental spin on her jazz works, with influences encompassing classical and rock, as well. The three numbers currently on her MySpace Web page take different stylistic directions, evoking a variety of moods. Both as a musician and as a composer, Hiromi exudes a lively, fresh and often daring attitude.
www.myspace.com/hiromimusic

MURIEL ANDERSON
You'll likely be so captivated by the sounds on Nashville-based artist Muriel Anderson's Web page, you'll want to see her perform live, April 29 at Redwood City's Little Fox or May 3 at Berkeley's Freight & Salvage. The first woman to win the national fingerpicking guitar championship, Anderson plays with dazzling technical skill, but also with rare sensitivity. In addition, she displays a lovely gentle voice on such tunes as "Castles in the Sand." She strikes a rousing chord with the "Barack Obama Song," an idealistic call to activism.
www.myspace.com/murielanderson

BEJOLE
A visit to the Bejole Web page is filled with aural and visual delights. The producer of Kristen Vigard's gorgeous album "God, Loves and Angels," here Chris Bejole presents some of his own tantalizingly transcendent music. His sounds have a cinematic flair. Intricate arrangements and engaging vocals enhance the sophisticated melodies of "Only Love X" and "Into the Blue II." The wistfully jaunty instrumental "If You Want Too," has been heard on the Cartoon Network. Bejole offers a beautifully trippy interpretation of the Beatles' "Across the Universe." You'll also find Bejole's imaginative videos to be quite arresting.
www.myspace.com/bejole

MUMBO GUMBO
Sacramento septet Mumbo Gumbo cleverly combines a wide range of influences, from New Orleans funk and R&B to rockabilly to world music. They are led by appealing singer-songwriters Tracy Walton and Chris Webster. Check out the catchy, witty tracks from their new "Wishbones" album, including the bluesy "Opera Girl" and "Doing Nothing." They play the Little Fox in Redwood City tonight.
www.myspace.com/mumbogumbomusic

RENE GRUSS
Contemporary classical composer Rene Gruss proves that the genre is alive and relevant. His "classic cool" sounds, created with real musicians, rather than synthesizers, weaves an evocative spell. Gruss's music shimmers with a cinematic flair. Touching the listener's emotions, Gruss should find a receptive audience extending far beyond any categorization. On his Web page, you'll find pleasing samples from his "Bellatrix" album.
www.myspace.com/renegruss

STEFANIE SESKIN
Out of Jersey City emerges a sensational singer called Stefanie Seskin. She has a keen sense of dynamics, able to segue from a whisper to a penetrating high note on ballads to rock and soul numbers. Throughout, her vocals convey honest emotion. On her Web page you'll find several strong songs from her 2005 album "The Edge of Reason," including the irresistible "I Just Keep On." These numbers will make you anxious to hear new tunes from her.
www.myspace.com/stefanieseskin

SWEET TOOTH
The unaffected, sultry vocals by Fleurtini and nuanced, subtle production by guitarist Gavin Hammond give the London band Sweet Tooth an extraordinary allure. Their songs shine with a rare, unadorned beauty that is strikingly resonant. "Everybody Wants to Be in Love" won't soon drift from your mind. The playful "Mine All Mine" is another delight.
www.myspace.com/sweettoothlondon

ADRINA THORPE
Compelling Southern California singer/songwriter/pianist Adrina Thorpe offers mesmerizing down-tempo rock-folk-pop. Though you may detect echoes of Tori Amos and other musical icons, Thorpe's lovely voice and profoundly moving songs enable her to carve a niche all her own. "Round the Bend" is an exquisite, soaring creation. Thorpe appears to be a talent on the brink of a major breakthrough.
www.myspace.com/adrinathorpe

BEVERLEY WILLIAMS
An extraordinary, emotion-packed voice and fabulously fetching material makes Scottish artist Beverley Williams' Web page a must-hear. Beautifully breezy country-pop tune "NewYOU" brims with hit potential. "Lonely" winds along a soulful path. Backing herself with just acoustic guitar, Williams makes "Tell Me Your Favorite" a riveting experience. The newest addition to the Web page, "Twisted Thoughts," proves to be a powerful ballad about a woman at the crossroads.
www.myspace.com/beverleywilliamsmusic

HAVANA GUNS
With crunching guitar, potent rhythm section and alluringly aloof vocals from Zoe Durante, London band Havana Guns delivers rock that's instantly winning. Very strong material, including "I Want to Die" and "The Snake."
www.myspace.com/havanaguns