Jun 28, 2008

Meaningful, beautiful music among new releases

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

AIDAN SHIWA - "PEACEFUL FIRE"
The local artist (based in La Honda) serves up a savory, simmering blend of reggae, soul, hip-hop and world music. The sound captivates, with lyrics that resonate with social conscience. With his We-A-Dem Band, Shiwa energizes Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on July 3.

JEN CHAPIN & THE ROSETTA TRIO - "LIGHT OF MINE"
The urban folk musician/activist creates moving interpretations of Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, Radiohead, Sly Stone and Joni Mitchell tunes, as well as compelling originals. She plays the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley on July 10.

OLEG KIREYEV - "MANDALA"
The Russian sax player breaks down genre borders. On "Mandala" you'll discover rock, jazz, Indian and Eastern European influences - and that's just for starters. An adventurous and intriguing album.

BECKY SCHLEGEL - "FOR ALL THE WORLD TO SEE"
With a lovely voice and well-crafted original songs, Schlegel should impress the world. The Minnesota country artist expresses her feelings with honesty and elegance.

CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES - "WAVES & THE BOTH OF US"
"Waves" is a dazzling debut for this 20-year-old pop-rocker. Her material and arrangements are distinctive and accessible. Her vocals soar.

CHICAGO - "STONE OF SISYPHUS"
The long overdue release is a revelation. The venerable Windy City band still has plenty of musical excitement and originality to offer. Melding many styles, this album was recorded in 1993, but shelved. Now it's available in its full glory, plus bonus tracks.

SOLOMON BURKE - "LIKE A FIRE"
The soul-rock legend returns with a strong set that includes new songs by such fans/luminaries as Eric Clapton, Ben Harper and Keb' Mo', who also play guitar and sing backup. But nobody's going to wrest the spotlight away from Burke himself, whose blues-drenched voice, on a number like "Understanding," recalls the emotional power of Otis Redding.

THE WEEPIES - "HIDEAWAY"
If you were charmed by this wondrous neo-folk duo's "All This Beauty" in the "Sex and the City" movie, you'll be delighted by the other winning tunes on their new album.

ANDREW CALHOUN & CAMPGROUND - "BOUND TO GO"
"Bound to Go" features stirring spirituals, shout songs and prison ballads compiled by folk singer Calhoun. The soulful 35-song collection spotlights heartfelt vocals and diverse instrumentation. This is a revealing glimpse into African-American folk tradition and its legacy.

CROOKED STILL - "STILL CROOKED"
Outstanding alt-bluegrass band Crooked Still presents alluring Americana on latest album. Earnest vocals and virtuoso instrumental passages shine throughout.

THE BOXMASTERS, SELF-TITLED DEBUT
After a few decent solo albums, Billy Bob Thornton has formed a corker of a new band. The Boxmasters bring back that good ol' Bakersfield sound of Buck Owens and Thornton's buddy, Dwight Yoakum. The musicians are well versed in British Invasion sounds, as well as honky-tonk songs. The two-CD package includes one set of originals and another of covers, such as a countrified "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and a pair of sparkling Michael Nesmith tunes.

JOOLS HOLLAND - "BEST OF FRIENDS"
The iconic British keyboardist (Squeeze) and TV presenter delivers a highly entertaining package. Holland's Rhythm & Blues Orchestra is joined by such greats as Chrissie Hynde, Eric Clapton, Tom Jones, Bono, Norah Jones and Lulu. Two tracks are previously unreleased and there's a new remix of George Harrison's "Horse to Water."

PACIFIKA - "ASUNCION"
The Vancouver trio stirs up a refreshing cocktail whose ingredients include jazz, folk, rock and electronica. The breathy lead vocals of Silvana Kane bring a seductive quality to the Joao Gilberto-informed sound. The group plays Yoshi's in San Francisco on July 21.

SHEILA COOPER - "TALES OF LOVE & LONGING"
This album brims with extraordinary performances that are simultaneously hot and cool. Through her lush, honeyed vocals and her sultry sax passages, Cooper proves magnetic. Austrian pianist Fritz Pauer is a perfect accompanist on this fine collection, which exudes reflection and yearning. Highlights include "Winter Moon" and "He's Funny That Way."

"IN THE NAME OF LOVE: AFRICA CELEBRATES U2"
African artists pay tribute to the Irish band and the results are inspiring. Soweto Gospel Choir's performance on "Pride (In the Name of Love)" is certain to lift your spirits.

THE AUTUMN LEAVES - "LONG LOST FRIEND"
If you're a fan of the Byrds or Tom Petty, you're sure to appreciate the new album from this terrific Minnesota folk-rock band. Led by David Beckey, the band benefits from jangling guitars, engaging vocals and superb songwriting. Tunes like "Lighthouse" will reverberate in your heart and memory instantly. For more info, visit www.myspace.com/autumnleaves.

NORMA WINSTONE - "DISTANCES"
The superb British jazz vocalist has created an exquisite, subtle new album, rich in sensuous sounds and nuances. Her voice wafts delicately over the expert backing of German reedman Klaus Gesing and Italian pianist Glauco Venier. Drawing from a wide range of material - Peter Gabriel to Cole Porter to inventive originals - Winstone achieves a rare degree of intimacy.

EVERCLEAR - "THE VEGAS YEARS"
You'll be hard-pressed to find more fun in a covers album. The band's rendition of the Raiders' classic "Kicks" will blow your socks off.

"The Gits" DVD
This gripping new documentary (directed by Kerry O'Kane) depicts not only the tragedy of bluesy lead singer Mia Zapata, but the joy of a potent punk-rock band's emergence. Fifteen years after Zapata's shocking rape/murder, we can celebrate the creative energy of an exceptional Seattle band, as well as mourn the gnawing loss. Prior to the DVD's July 8 retail release, there will be preview screenings in select cities, including July 5, 9:30 p.m., at Oakland's Uptown Nightclub (plus a performance by Gits' drummer Steve Moriarty's band American Professionals with Klaus Floride of Dead Kennedys); July 5, 9:30 p.m., at San Jose's Blank Club (with live sets by Ker Plunk and the Odd Numbers) and July 7, 8 p.m., at San Francisco's Embarcadero Center Cinema (including Q&A with the Gits' drummer). For more info, go to www.thegitsmovie.com.