Jun 22, 2007

Dose of musical medicine delivered

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

ANJALI
Seeking healing sounds? Visit the MySpace Web page of Anjali. You'll hear soothing blends of folk, pop, Indian, jazz, Latin and African music. Anjali applies her Joan Baez-like crystalline voice to songs of love, peace, spirituality and social consciousness. Selections include "Love Is All There Is" and "Women We Are." You can also hear her read the enchanting children's story, "The Fairy's Flowers."
www.myspace.com/shantianjali

THE MIRACLE CURE
You could opt for the Miracle Cure. The Manchester, U.K., band generates an infectious energy. The band has an appealingly offbeat take on pop traditions, stirring up completely original concoctions. "Don't Know My Name" rocks irresistibly. "Julian the Hooligan" displays a quirky Lennon-esque quality.
www.myspace.com/themiraclecure

ANEESA CHAUDHRY
British songstress Aneesa Chaudhry offers soulful, jazzy interpretations of such standards as "Both Sides Now." She gives the song a fresh and lovely new approach. The bluesy "I Just Wanna Make Love to You," popularized by the Rolling Stones, establishes a supremely sultry mood. The snippets of those numbers on her Web page will leave you hungry for more Chaudhry. The Indian ballad "Tera Chehra," offered in its entirety, resonates with a mystically marvelous beauty.
www.myspace.com/aneesadiva chaudhry

SAFARI
San Francisco band Safari whips up a spicy blend of '70s Latin rock and New York salsa. Their repertoire includes new arrangements of songs made famous by such artists as Caj Tjader, the Escovedo Brothers and Benny Velarde. On their MySpace Web page, the tune "Safari" rides on wildly earthy rhythms. The band settles into a sensuous groove on "Como Fue," fueled by sweet horns and Barbra Kelbo's smooth vocal. Upcoming local dates include Redwood City's Little Fox on July 6 and the Brisbane Festival on Aug. 10.
www.myspace.com/latinsafari

TONI COLLETTE AND THE FINISH
Film fans know Australian actress Toni Collette from her unforgettable roles in "The Sixth Sense," "Muriel's Wedding" and "Little Miss Sunshine." If you're not familiar with her impressive vocal talents, check out her MySpace Web page. You'll find three striking songs from her "Beautiful Awkward Pictures" album, including the poignant title track and the powerful "Look Up." Like her acting, Collette's singing brims with genuine emotion. Though she can demonstrate abundant vocal power, she isn't afraid to deliver a tune with the utmost subtlety and vulnerability.
www.myspace.com/tonicolletteandthefinish

JACK REDELL
Raised in the Kentucky outskirts of Cincinnati, Jack Redell is establishing himself as one of our finest singer-songwriters. His blues-tinged voice proves extraordinarily expressive on a range of original Americana tunes. "Wanderlust," with subtle horns complementing his guitar finger-picking, stands as an instant classic.
www.myspace.com/jackredell

LISA MARR
Canadian artist Lisa Marr deserves far more attention. Her MySpace Web page offers a sensational sampling of her work, including cuts from her bands Cub and Buck. "Toro Toro Toro" combines a Latin rhythmic sauciness with an urgent, garage band rawness. "My Fascination" chugs along, with clever wordplay dancing beneath its ingenuous surface. "New York City" recalls a driving, Ramones sensibility. All songs feature Marr's captivating, unpretentious vocals.
www.myspace.com/lisamarr

THE MISERABLE RICH
British band The Miserable Rich offers beautifully reflective sounds, influenced by classical compositions. Serene strings back softly expressive vocals. Exquisitely written, arranged and performed. This is music to sigh to.
www.myspace.com/themiserablerich

JASON MORPHEW
Singer-songwriter Jason Morphew emerged in the '90s, creating lo-fi country-rock-folk with poetic lyrics, and has ventured into the cinematic realm. On his Web page, you'll find a marvelously moody track from his latest album, "Sunday Afternoon," as well as a live track, and his masterful 2003 single "Life's a Nightmare," which ingeniously integrates strings into the compelling composition. The Arkansas native, now based out of Los Angeles and Winters, plays San Francisco's Make-Out Room on July 4.
www.myspace.com/jasonmorphew

KRISTIN ANDREASSEN
Boston artist Kristin Andreassen creates a wonderfully winning sound that manages to be simultaneously modern and nostalgic. It's a breezy blend of pop, jazz and country. Her voice is engaging, her melodies memorable, and her lyrics exceptionally clever. Check out the irresistible "Your Ex Life is Calling" and "Dancin' in My Sleep." "Crayola" sparkles with colorful harmonies. "Sisters of the Road" is a hot instrumental Andreassen recorded as part of the female quartet Uncle Earl.
www.myspace.com/kristinandreassen

TIN CAT
San Jose acoustic indie-pop-folk trio Tin Cat's Web page showcases three impressive demos. Eric Ostrom, Tom Gewecke and Dave Allender create pleasing harmonies to complement the fine tunes. There's a bit of a Barenaked Ladies vibe. On July 19, the band will play the Naglee Park Garage in San Jose.
www.myspace.com/tincat

SAMANTHA PREIS
You'll find four fabulous songs on indie-pop artist Samantha Presis' MySpace Web page. Alluring melodies wrap themselves around poetic lyrics. "Die for Me" is hauntingly lovely. "Invincible" forges a memorable stance. "Good News" breezes along with a jazzy feel. "Aristotle and Wine" casts an intoxicating spell.
www.myspace.com/samanthapreis

I'm always looking for intriguing sounds. So please clue me in, when you discover more on your own at: romper333@comcast.net.