Jan 26, 2007

Some old,
some new,
the borrowed and the blues

Influences from around the world featured on new music releases

Paul Freeman / Daily News Entertainment Writer

WAYNE WALLACE - "DEDICATION" and "THE RECKLESS SEARCH FOR BEAUTY"
San Francisco's Wayne Wallace has taught at many local learning institutions, including University of California, Berkeley and San Jose State and San Francisco State universities. As trombonist, composer, arranger or producer, he has worked with countless legends. This week, he has released not one, but two outstanding new CD projects on the Patois label. His take on Afro-Latin Jazz is entirely engaging, both authentic and original. These renditions really cook.
You'll hear everything from funk to cha-cha to bolero to big band sensibilities. "Use Me," from "The Reckless Search for Beauty" disc, makes excellent use of the lead vocal by Alexa Weber Morales. That CD also features "Chromatic Love Affair," a clever reshaping of a Duke Ellington composition. The title track of "Dedication" displays extraordinary subtlety and sophistication. These two albums establish their own compelling identities.

ROBIN ENGLISH - "ROBIN ENGLISH"
Emotionally drenched vocals, made powerful by their sincerity, elevate the self-titled country-pop album by Robin English. She wrote or co-wrote all the well-crafted songs, each one with hit potential. "Baby, You're the Man" is instantly infectious. "Hello Me" presents a powerful poignancy.
English sings of hardships, but also proffers optimism and spirituality. Her wit tickles on "Mama Don't Let Your Cowboys Grow Up to Be Babies."

BUTCH HANCOCK - "WAR AND PEACE"
The iconic Texas singer-songwriter, Butch Hancock, returns with his first solo recording in nine years. His earnest effort documents the ruinous hypocrisies and injustices of the current political climate on "War and Peace." "When the Good and the Bad Get Ugly" is among the highlights. Somewhere, Woody Guthrie is smiling.


STEVE BEDUNAH - "PLUG IT IN AND PLAY"
Another rootsy Texan, Steve Bedunah plays folk-rock with a bit of grit and edge, as well as a tantalizing twang. His themes relating to the common man ring true. He is a keenly observant storyteller. Armed with strong lyrics, he should become a prominent figure on the Americana music scene.

PAUL SCHWARTZ - "STATE OF GRACE III"
Utilizing Latin texts and hymns, orchestra, choir and the crystalline voices of Lisbeth Scott and Rebecca Luker, classically trained composer Paul Schwartz paints rich, ethereal, inspirational musicscapes on "State of Grace III." There is a romanticism to his religious themes. The percussion and occasional techno feel add a modern sheen. The CD exhibits crossover appeal.

ART GARFUNKEL - "SOME ENCHANTED EVENING"
Soft, silky and soothing, Art Garfunkel interprets pop classics on "Some Enchanted Evening," his 12th solo album. It's a concept that seems perfectly tailored to the artist. Arrangements enhance his honeyed vocal magic. Legendary producer Richard Perry provides a sumptuous, dreamy instrumental backdrop. Among the standout numbers are the moving "Someone to Watch Over Me," the doo-wop-flavored "Life Is But a Dream," a lilting "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" and a wondrously wistful "What'll I Do." Get cozy and have a listen.

DVDs
"WE ARE THE FUTURE"
In the mode of "We Are the World," the 2004 concert "We are the World" was attended by an estimated one million people at the Circus Maximus in Rome, Italy. The amazing and diverse lineup, assembled by producer Quincy Jones, includes Norah Jones, Carlos Santana, Alicia Keys, Herbie Hancock, Ennio Morricone, Andrea Bocelli, Patti Austin, Juanes, Josh Groban, Julian Marley, Angelique Kidjo, Take 6, the percussion group STOMP and numerous world artists. Celebrity presenters include Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie. The concert is presented in widescreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. Bonus features include interviews, the featurette "Global Gumbo," performances not included in the main program, behind-the-scenes and rehearsal footage. Proceeds from the DVD benefit children in conflict and post-conflict regions. The project succeeds in momentarily, musically joining hands across the world.

"WENDY O. WILLIAMS AND THE PLASMATICS: 10 REVOLUTIONARY YEARS OF ROCK AND ROLL"
The mix of live footage, interviews and news reports of arrests and other controversy on "Wendy O. Williams and the Plasmatics: 10 Revolutionary Years of Rock and Roll" proves to be riveting, much like a traffic accident. Williams & the Plasmatics, who made car explosions part of their performances, flaunted violence, sexuality and mohawks. Williams relished her role as queen of shock rock, battling the puritanical and the "fascist." Their raw punk energy became diluted as the band was led into a more metal direction. There is tons of intriguing material here, though the producers should be chastised for completely ignoring guitarist Richie Stotts, a key band member.

"DESTROY ALL RATIONAL THOUGHT: CELEBRATING WILLIAM BURROUGHS AND BRION GYSIN IN IRELAND"
The documentary "Destroy All Rational Thought: Celebrating William Burroughs and Brion Gysin in Ireland" provides insights into the intellect and philosophies that propelled the Beat movement. The DVD explores the creativity of Burroughs and Gysin through art, music, experimental film, prose and recollections. Audio and film footage of the two men loom large as the DVD wends its enigmatic way. It includes one of the last interviews Burroughs ever gave - this alone is worth the price of admission. However, the documentary, perhaps appropriately disjointed, spends a bit too much time on those who put on the event, rather than focusing on its purported subjects. Musical contributions come from the Master Musicians of Joujouka, Baby Snakes, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy) and more.