Oct 12, 2007

Fresh music crop ready for consumption

Ben Lee's "Ripe" one of many delicious new offerings

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

BEN LEE - "RIPE"
Among the current crop of singer-songwriters, Ben Lee is definitely worth picking. His earnest vocals and brilliantly crafted tunes are instantly irresistible. Catch music from his new album, "Ripe," when he plays San Francisco's Cafe Du Nord on Nov. 2.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - "10,000 LAUGHS: BEST OF BOSTON COMEDY FESTIVAL"
Boston has long been a wellspring of humor, and the two-disc "10,000 Laughs: Best of Boston Comedy Festival" presents 16 fresh, funny comics from across the country. Some of these sharp-witted newcomers seem destined to make an impact.

MARIA SCHNEIDER - "SKY BLUE"
Grammy-winner Maria Schneider delivers a rousing big band set on her new album, "Sky Blue." Her compositions and arrangements, clever and complex, are also emotionally engaging. The musicianship is outstanding throughout. A musical journey you'll want to explore again and again.

SLY & THE FAMILY STONE - "GREATEST HITS"
The newly restored and remastered version of Sly & The Family Stone's "Greatest Hits" is a must-have. Sly Stone, raised in Vallejo, was a true innovator, creating infectious, highly relevant musical morsels with a blending of rock and soul. "Stand!" and "Everyday People" are among the dozen gems here.

SOUNDTRACK - "THE WAR: A KEN BURNS FILM"
A companion piece to Burns' latest engrossing documentary, "The War: A Ken Burns Film" soundtrack is available as a single CD. But it's definitely worth shelling out for the 4-CD set. The carefully selected pop, jazz and classical selections capture a myriad of moods. With greats ranging from Aaron Copland to Count Basie, it's a rich slice of Americana. Norah Jones' rendition of "American Anthem" bridges generations.

EMMYLOU HARRIS - "SONGBIRD: RARE TRACKS & FORGOTTEN GEMS"
The "Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems" collection, which includes four CDs and a DVD, embraces the breadth of Emmylou Harris' career, spanning her work with Gram Parsons to the Hot Band to Mark Knopler. Previously unreleased tracks make this package a true treasure.

THE WATERBOYS - "BOOK OF LIGHTNING"
Fans should be pleased by the return of Mike Scott and The Waterboys lads. Among the most dynamic purveyors of Celtic rock, they deliver some strong numbers here, including "Love Will Shoot You Down." The Waterboys headline the Fillmore in San Francisco on Nov. 13.

THE CLAUDIA QUINTET - "FOR"
Grammy-nominated composer John Hollenbeck's group whips up sounds that defy categorization, but invariably captivate. Hollenbeck brings another of his bands, the Refugee Trio, to Berkeley's Jazz School on Oct. 27 and 28.

JEFFREY FISHER - "TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT"
Composer Jeffrey Fisher melds modern classical with a new age sensibility. His melodies on "Triumph of the Spirit" are evocative and memorable.

TANGO NO. 9 - "HERE LIVE NO FISH"
The Bay Area ensemble's third album will be released this week. Passion and nuance entwine in beguiling fashion. Tango No. 9 has been hailed as one of the world's finest modern tango contingents. Catch their CD release party at San Francisco's Cafe CoComo on Nov. 4.

HERBIE HANCOCK - "RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS"
Venerable pianist Herbie Hancock interprets Joni Mitchell tunes on "River: The Joni Letters," discovering beautiful subtleties. Sax great Wayne Shorter adds to the magic. Guest vocalists include Norah Jones, Corinne Bailey Rae, Leonard Cohen, Tina Turner and Mitchell herself.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - "SONGS OF AMERICA"
Conceived by the unlikely duo of former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno and Nashville indie singer/songwriter Ed Pettersen, "Songs of America" is a remarkable assemblage of American music. Grammy-winning producer David Macias helped bring the project to fruition. Included are well-known tunes as well as incredibly obscure ones. You'll find Bettye LaVette singing Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp breathing life into a Woody Guthrie tune. The three disc-set spans the nation's earliest days to the present. An amazing array of performers contribute.

CHUCK PROPHET - "SOAP AND WATER"
Unique, rootsy rocker Chuck Prophet can spin a ripping yarn. Often meandering in a blues direction, he displays a vibrant pop sensibility, as well. Prophet fills this album with potent numbers. Many of the cheeky lyrics stick in the listener's mind. On Oct. 21, Prophet is back in town, celebrating the CD release at San Francisco's Makeout Room.

GORE GORE GIRLS - "GET THE GORE"
Detroit indie band Gore Gore Girls serves up a raw, rollicking set of crisp, concise rockers on "Get the Gore." Conjuring up echoes of the Runaways, they rip through such fire-breathers as "Where Evil Grows," "Fox In a Box" and "Voodoo Doll." They play the Independent in San Francisco on Oct. 16.

ABRA MOORE - "ON THE WAY"
Abra Moore offers lovely, lilting, delicate performances on such songs as the sensuous "Into the Sunset" and the blues-inflected "Sugarite" on her new album, "On the Way." This record is a gentle charmer.

DIANA KRALL - "THE VERY BEST OF"
A perfect mix of up-tempo tunes and romantic ballads, "The Very Best Of" showcases each facet of Diana Krall's extraordinarily expressive voice. "The Look of Love" and "You Go To My Head" are among the highlights.

ANN WILSON - "HOPE & GLORY"
Electrifyingly eclectic, Ann Wilson put together a powerhouse solo CD with "Hope & Glory." Wilson stamps her imprint on works by Bob Dylan and Elton John, as well as revisits her Led Zep fetish. She's joined by a dazzling roster of performers, including her sister Nancy, Rufus Wainwright and Wynona Judd.

WESTCHESTER JAZZ ORCHESTRA - "ALL IN"
The 17-member, all-star Westchester Jazz Orchestra, devoted to promoting jazz, offers a real crowd-pleaser with their new CD. It's a winner, from the swinging "Caribbean Fire Dance" that kicks it off to the engaging version of George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" that closes the album.

STEVE EARLE - "WASHINGTON SQUARE SERENADE"
Superlative singer-songwriter Steve Earle is back in top form with "Washington Square Serenade." The album's themes and sounds reflect his new home, New York City. A shining example is the anthemic "City of Immigrants."

JOHN FOGERTY - "REVIVAL"
The title of the new album, "Revival," is a clue to John Fogerty's return to the swamp rock that the Bay Area's Creedence Clearwater Revival made famous. His vocals and churning guitar retain their fire. "Longshot" is a standout.

"NICK DRAKE: UNDER REVIEW" DVD
It's difficult to find material on the timeless, tragic British singer-songwriter Nick Drake, so this release is welcome. "Nick Drake: Under Review" offers rare insights into the sensitive, eloquent artist who self-destructed far too soon.