Jul 25, 2008

Summer gets hotter

New releases a mix of sizzling, eclectic music

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

BHI BHIMAN - "COOKBOOK"
San Franciscan artist Bhi Bhiman wraps his soulful voice around a flavorful collection of R&B, blues, reggae, country and rocking tunes. Despite the wide range of ingredients, Bhiman's unique approach blends the album into a cohesive, captivating whole. The album's lyrics are clever and thought provoking. Bhiman is among the featured performers at a special Aug. 9 show, "Don't Let Go - A Musical Tribute to Jerry Garcia," at San Francisco's Cafe Du Nord. Buxter Hoot'n and Dough Knees (Santa Cruz's Dead cover band) are also part of the celebration.

HANS YORK - "YOUNG AMELIA"
German-born, Seattle-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Hans York serves up an engaging set of songs that reflect pop, jazz and Brazilian influences. Imaginative acoustic guitar work and York's compelling tenor voice earn attention.

JEFF LARSON - "LEFT OF A DREAM"
The California folk-country-rock epitomized by Rick Nelson's Stone Canyon Band, early Eagles and Poco is alive and well, nurtured by Bay Area artist Jeff Larson. He has created another superb album, filled with perfectly crafted songs and smoothly satisfying sounds. His pleasing vocals, intelligent lyrics and irresistible melodies make him deserving of much greater recognition. Among the friends providing backing vocals are Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley of America.

DEBORAH BONHAM - "DUCHESS"
"Duchess" features 13 searing, soulful, original rock numbers from vibrant vocalist Deborah Bonham, kid sister of the late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham. This album sizzles.

ANNA MARIA FLECHERO - "WITHIN THE FOURTEENTH HOUR"
San Francisco jazz singer Anna Maria Flechero delivers an outstanding set. The soul and sophistication of her voice brings new meaning to such standards as "Misty" and "I Wish You Love." Richly realized arrangements and production enhance her performances. The bonus track, "Pretty Soon," is a Flechero original that holds its own in the company of classic tunes.

RACHEL GARLIN - "BOUND TO BE MOUNTAINS"
Former Bay Area resident Rachel Garlin, now based in New York City, returns with another fine album. The exceptional singer-songwriter disarms listeners with her sweet, soft voice and perfectly conceived songs, such as "Decisions and Desires." Uncluttered production allows the natural beauty inherent in Garlin's music to shine forth.

MARC McDONALD - "IT DOESN'T END HERE"
Marc McDonald's sultry saxophone explores the gamut of emotions in "It Doesn't End Here," his debut album as band leader. His credits include top jazz contingents, as well as rock work with Henry Rollins and Ween. On the record, McDonald's involving originals and canny covers create a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

DOLLY PARTON - "BACKWOODS BARBIE"
Dolly returns to top form with her latest release. Among highlights are the sassy "Shinola," the emotion-packed "Made of Stone" and a cover of Smokey Robinson's "Tracks of My Tears." Parton plays Berkeley's Greek Theatre on Aug. 5.

JOHN CRUZ - "ONE OF THESE DAYS"
Crossover Grammy winner John Cruz received contemporary album of the year honors in his native Hawaii. The singer-songwriter combines folk, pop and R&B elements, as well as island and world music influences. This uplifting album will resonate with listeners everywhere. Cruz plays four Bay Area dates in August: Santa Cruz Wharf, Aug. 17; Don Quixote's, Felton, Aug. 19; Freight & Salvage, Aug. 20; and Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre, Aug. 21.

DENNY BERTHIAUME & JEFF BUENZ - "LOVE YA, MEAN IT!"
Two of the Bay Area's top musicians, pianist Denny Berthiaume (co-leader of fusion group Solar Plexus and emeritus professor at Foothill College) and guitarist Jeff Buenz, team up for this sparkling album. Engaging from start to finish, "Love Ya, Mean It!" is filled with wonderful melodies and elegant nuances. The duo is part of the "Infusion of Style" concert this Sunday at 4 p.m. at Little Fox Theatre. Also performing are Catherine Seidel plus Wendy Waller and Her Fine Band.

BILLY JOEL - "THE STRANGER"
The 30th anniversary release of Billy Joel's hugely popular album is available in several forms. The ultimate edition gives you two CDs (one the remastered version of the original work, the other a previously unreleased 1977 Carnegie Hall concert), a DVD with Joel's vintage BBC "Old Grey Whistle Test" show and a documentary on the making of "The Stranger" (including interviews with Joel and producer Phil Ramone). Fans will also cherish reproductions of a concert poster and Joel's lyric notebook.

THE SCORPIONS - "LIVE AT WACKEN OPEN AIR 2006" DVD
For Bay Area metalheads who enjoy being rocked like a hurricane, there are two ways to enjoy veteran German band Scorpion in live performance. The "Live at Wacken Open Air" DVD offers a memorable show, reuniting the group with former members, including guitarist Michael Schenker. But you can also experience the Scorpions onstage, rather than on screen. They play Shoreline Amphitheatre on Aug. 2, with Sammy Hagar.

"RHYTHM DEVILS CONCERT EXPERIENCE" DVD
Rejoice the unDead! Grateful Dead drummers Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann are joined by a number of other exceptional musicians, such as Steve Kimock and Phish's Mike Gordon, on the "Rhythm Devils Concert Experience." The two-disc DVD set features segments from several concerts, as well as interviews, and behind-the-scenes and sound check footage. Original material from Robert Hunter and the jam band's own inventions make this an adventurous ride. Fans will enjoy the 24-page hardcover book.

"PUNK'S NOT DEAD" DVD
Director Susan Dynner's documentary takes the viewer from the genre's raw, rebellious roots to its more recent corporate applications. "Punk's Not Dead" ripples with keen insights, behind-the-scenes details and dynamic live footage.

"BILL MONROE: FATHER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC" DVD
Bill Monroe's "high lonesome" sound pointed a new direction for countless artists. Among those included on this documentary are Paul McCartney, Ricky Skaggs and Emmylou Harris. A highlight comes when Monroe performs with another country legend, Lester Flatt.

"THE FUTURE IS UNWRITTEN" DVD
Julian Temple assembled this moving documentary on the late rock icon Joe Strummer. Among those paying tribute to the Clash's singer/lyricist/rhythm guitarist are Bono, Martin Scorsese and John Cusack. But it's the footage of Strummer himself that's most fascinating. The film reveals his flaws, as well as his greatness.