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New releases prove relevant
With this outstanding new album, the award-winning Shenandoah Valley singer-songwriter continues to enlighten, as well as entertain. Timely topics include government ineptitude, immigrants and fallen soldiers. "Bridges" is a poignant composition about parenthood. "Count Your Blessings" is an instant Americana classic. McKnight's pleasing vocals complement well-crafted lyrics and strong melodies. Catch this important artist in concert on May 2, 7:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, 505 East Charleston Road.
JORDAN ZEVON - "INSIDES OUT"
Though some of these tunes were released on a 2005 EP, this album represents an eye-opening debut for Warren Zevon's gifted son. With a sound all his own, Jordan Zevon's pop-rock reflects a cleverness that's in the genes.
LILI HADYN - "PLACE BETWEEN PLACES"
The virtuoso violinist with the beautiful, breathy voice bridges modern rock and classical in soaring, seductive ways. "Strawberry Street" is among the standout tracks.
SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK & BNOIS KING - "BLOOD BROTHERS"
From Texas comes the rock-blues sizzle of this veteran duo. The pair mark their Alligator debut album with a sure-to-be raucous show at San Francisco's Biscuit & Blues on May 7. The album delivers soulful singing and fantastic fret work.
THE WAYBACKS - "LOADED"
The Bay Area band's latest lineup displays an invigorating rock edge to their Americana on this new album. Don't worry, you'll still hear such elements as bluegrass, Celtic, country, Cajun, boogie, soul and swing. But it's heartening to see the band evolve in such dynamic fashion. You'll be captivated by the great guitar riffs of James Nash and the fiery fiddle of Warren Hood (as well as his smooth vocals). Celebrate this irresistible music at the CD release party at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on May 18.
THE DOORS - "LIVE IN PITTSBURGH 1970"
The album captures an electrifying performance from the band's final tour. Jim Morrison is coherent enough to be at his charismatic best. In addition to classic Doors material, fans will welcome such obscurities as "Someday Soon."
ERIN McKEOWN - "LAFAYETTE"
McKeown leads her hot band through a highly entertaining and diverse live set on this new album. The powerhouse East Coast singer-songwriter shares the bill with the Bay Area's Sean Hayes at Montalvo Art Center's Carriage House Theatre on May 9. She also plays Cafe Du Nord in San Francisco on May 11.
SANDRINE - "DARK FADES INTO LIGHT"
Pretty pop from young Australian star Sandrine illuminates this new album. Her expressive voice brightens hook-laden tunes that smoothly segue from slow and soulful to jaunty and joyful.
YOAV - "CHARMED & STRANGE"
The album showcases this distinctive artist's mesmerizing and unusual guitar style, as percussive as it is melodic. His earnest vocals add to the riveting nature of the songs. Yoav, featured as iTunes' "Next Big Thing" through April, plays Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco on April 29.
BRITTANY SHANE - "HAVE HEART, LIVE YOUNG"
The San Francisco-based singer-songwriter's latest album is a winner, filled with wonderfully winsome vocals and consistently captivating pop/folk/country/rock tunes, such as "New Year's Eve" and "Better." The CD release show takes place at Cafe Du Nord on May 8.
WILLIE NELSON - "ONE HELL OF A RIDE"
This four-disc box set is one hell of a collection. With Willie celebrating his 75th birthday, it's an ideal time to delve into this definitive 100-track gem, spanning his entire career.
DREAM THEATER - "GREATEST HIT (... AND 21 OTHER PRETTY COOL SONGS)"
If you're not well acquainted with this inventive band, this two-disc set is a perfect introduction. Includes a remix of their one actual radio hit, "Pull Me Under," as well as other textured, tantalizing and challenging compositions.
DIONNE WARWICK - "WHY WE SING"
An inspirational album from the pop icon. On this gospel-oriented collection, Warwick unleashes her full power and passion. Duets with son Dave Elliot, sister Dee Warwick and Bebe Wyans add to the majesty of this work.
THE KEEPNEWS COLLECTION
Concord has issued the fourth round of it's wonderful "Keepnews Collection," marking the 85th birthday of legendary producer Orrin Keepnews. Each of these five albums is a jazz work of lasting significance: "Brilliant Corners" - Thelonius Monk; "Blue Soul" - Blue Mitchell; "Portrait in Jazz" - Bill Evans Trio; "Bags Meets Wes!" - Milt Jackson/Wes Montgomery; and "Sextet in New York" - Cannonball Adderley. All feature 24-bit remastering, bonus tracks and Keepnews' new liner notes.
"FLIPPER: LIVE TARGET VIDEO 1980-81" DVD
The early East Bay punk scene springs back to life with boundless energy. Filmed at Berkeley Square, Flipper explodes with distortion, destruction and utter chaos.
"BARRY MANILOW: THE FIRST TELEVISION SPECIALS" DVD
Manilow-Maniacs rejoice! Your beloved Barry has released a five-DVD box set that offers five TV extravaganzas, 1977-88. Guests include Diane Schuur, Gerry Mulligan and John Denver, but the spotlight mainly shines on Monsieur Manilow, showing his perennial panache.
"WETLANDS PRESERVED" DVD
This film tribute to the legendary activist rock club includes animation and other creative flourishes, as well as performances from artists the venue helped introduce, including Dave Matthews Band, Phish and Blues Traveler. Great interview footage included.
SHARON SHANNON - "LIVE AT DOLANS" DVD
Joined by an all-star big band and new talents, Shannon serves up a delightful array of Irish favorites. She infuses the traditional with a rainbow of influences. The atmosphere is intimate and joyful.
"JOHN, PAUL, TOM & RINGO: THE TOMORROW SHOW WITH TOM SNYDER" DVD
If you're a Beatle fan, you've got to own this double-disc set. In separate, insightful interviews, Lennon, Paul and Linda McCartney, and Starr and Barbara Bach all fascinate. Snyder's unique brand of conversation pulls fresh quotes from the lads.
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