Apr 27, 2007

Sounds new and old resurface this spring

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

Familiar faces and fresh talents contribute to the outpouring of spring releases.

MIG, "MIG"

You might recall MiG making it to the final three on CBS' "Rockstar: INXS." The Australia-raised performer's pop sensibility may not have been quite right for INXS, but his powerful, emotion-drenched vocals register well in his major label debut. He covers the Police, David Bowie, the Kinks and the Stones. Peter Frampton cameos on a luxurious "Baby I Love Your Way." MiG co-wrote two originals, which hold their own amongst the rock standards.

DONNY OSMOND, "LOVE SONGS OF THE '70S"

Feeling nostalgic? Nestle this slick CD into your player. If you swooned over Donny Osmond 25 years ago, you'll still find his easy, earnest vocals appealing. Among romantic pop and R&B evergreens he eagerly tackles are "Let's Stay Together," "Mandy" and "Sometimes When We Touch." Lush arrangements complement Osmond's ageless tenor.

ASHLEY MAHER, "FLYING OVER BRIDGES"

Canadian-born, Southern California-based artist Ashley Maher deserves widespread recognition for her remarkable new album. It will send your spirits soaring. Her voice not only works wonders with melodies, but also creates infectious percussive energies. Maher's beautiful blend of folk, jazz and world elements brings Joni Mitchell to mind. There is an involving, driving African sensibility to some of Maher's songs. She'll be part of the "Rhythm & Harmony: New Horizons in Global Songcraft" show at Berkeley's Freight & Salvage on May 6, joining Irina Rivkin and Moira Smiley & VOCO.

MOIRA SMILEY & VOCO, "BLINK"

Sometimes we take for granted how inventive and versatile an instrument the human voice can be. Moira Smiley & VOCO return a sense of wonder to vocalizing, with amazing harmonies and a rapturous rendering of global musical cultures. Classical, folk and Eastern European influences abound. Cello and banjo weave their way through tracks, fashioning nuanced counterpoint to the superb singing.

JIMMY THACKERY & THE DRIVERS, "SOLID ICE"

May brings the release of the gritty blues disc "Solid Ice." Hot Texas and Delta flavors pepper Jimmy Thackery's throbbing, edgy originals. Thackery takes a turn toward the psychedelic with the album's one cover, Jimi Hendrix's "Who Knows." On May 12th, Thackery and his band will perform at 12:30 p.m. in San Jose State University's plaza, then head for Redwood City's Little Fox, where they'll play an 8 p.m. show.

KLAXONS, "MYTHS OF THE NEAR FUTURE"

Spearheading the Nu Rave movement, the Klaxons' full-length debut release promises them a bright future. Appealingly schizophrenic, the album excitedly careens from punk to pop to dance.

FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE, "TRAFFIC AND WEATHER"

Fountains of Wayne continues to generate irresistible power pop. "Yolanda Hayes" conjures McCartney of the "Got to Get You Into My Life" era. Among other top tracks are "92 Subaru" and "Someone to Love." With instantly grabbing melodies, head-bopping rhythms and smartly quirky lyrics, what's not to love? Fountains of Wayne play Great American Music Hall, April 30.

JEFF LARSON, "NEW ANTIQUES"

Northern California singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff Larson, held in high esteem by peers, offers an outstanding new acoustic album. With a soothing voice, honest lyrics and engaging melodies, Larson recalls the heyday of folk-country-rock, when artists such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne and Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band reigned. America's Gerry Beckley is featured on the Neil Young-esque opener "Hapless Sky." This album quietly commands attention. It will bring a reverential hush to the room.

MAGGIE BELL & MIDNIGHT FLYER, "LIVE IN MONTREUX" DVD

This 1981 performance captures the electricity of blues-rock vocalist Maggie Bell in full force. Taj Mahal and Albert Collins appear on bonus tracks. There's also an interview with Bell included.

THE KILLERS, "LEAVING LAS VEGAS" DVD

The radio-friendly rock of the Killers has made the Vegas act enormously popular, but you won't find any of their dynamic performances in this unauthorized documentary, just band interviews woven together. Fans will appreciate having a wealth of info at their fingertips.

"HUBERT SELBY JR: IT'LL BE BETTER TOMORROW" DVD

The documentary paints a fascinating portrait of maverick author Hubert Selby Jr. His works, such as "Last Exit to Brooklyn" and "Requiem for a Dream" (adapted into haunting films), etch memorable glimpses into the pain, desperation and darkness of the human condition. He has many devotees in the rock world, including Henry Rollins and Lou Reed, both of whom appear. Extras include several hours of audio interviews with Selby.

LEONARD COHEN, "UNDER REVIEW" DVD

Canadian poet-singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen has achieved icon status in Europe, though he remains more of a cult figure in North America. The compelling documentary "Under Review" examines his first five studio albums in detail, through 1977. The analysis of his creations, particularly by his record producers, will spark animated debate. Critical jabs balance exalted praise.

OSCAR PETERSON TRIO, "THE BERLIN CONCERT" DVD

A top-notch performance is given by great jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, who is joined by brilliant bassist Niels-Henning Oersted Pedersen and drummer Martin Drew. In addition to his own sophisticated compositions, Peterson interprets the works of Bach, Ellington and Anthony Newley.

ALBERT COLLINS & THE ICEBREAKERS, "OHNE FILTER" DVD

Texas bluesman Albert Collins proves that he is indeed "The Master of the Telecaster." Southside Johnny adds to the excitement with a guest appearance.

THE CHARMS, "EASY TROUBLE" DVD

"Easy Trouble" details the successes and struggles of frenetic Boston rockers the Charms (who recently opened for the Zombies at the Fillmore), providing keen insights into the lives of indie acts everywhere. As their manager states, "It's a roller coaster ride, but you have to stick with it."

MARY WELLS, "GREATEST HITS" DVD

Timeless vocalist Mary Wells, a mainstay of the Motown Sound, is seen performing such classics as "My Guy" in Orlando's Rock 'n' Roll Palace. Her set is too brief, as was her life (she died in 1992 at age 49), but the DVD is augmented by bonus tracks from the Crystals and the Contours.