So…
We all have that special stash of “stuff” that we love that for whatever reason we cannot get anyone else to listen to…the stuff that we really think everyone would like if they would just check it out…stuff that it is most likely the music only each one of us knows about. It’s not that they listen and don’t dig it, they just don’t check it out or forget to.
In an effort to continue to broaden our horizons, I ask that we all list 5 artists or discs that we think those in our merry band would ACTUALLY like if only they would listen.
Clem’s list (and no Huey there is no Luther Vandross on it)…
The Guggenheim Grotto– Happy the Man– I just simply refuse to get off of this. I have given this disc as much tough scrutiny as I can and I simply find it insightful, beautiful, engaging and rare. This Irish duo got schooled as youngsters by the vocals of Simon and Garfunkel and arrangements and song forms from Paul and the boys from Liverpool but enhanced with a modern edge that will get at you alt/indie/singer/songwriter lovers. The vocal arrangements themselves and the use of voices as textures and rhythmical elements are truly unique. The lyrical perspective on lost love and the questioning of why relationships go the way they do and what happens to us in the aftermath is so insightful that I SWEAR they were in my head when they wrote them.
Donny Hathaway’s Greatist Hits– had he not offed himself at the age of 30, he would have made a huge impact on the world of R and B. His two hit duets with Roberta Flack gave him some presence but he never achieved what he could have as a solo artist. His recording of Leon Russell’s A Song for You is one of the greatest R and B vocals I have ever heard. If nothing else it’s good lovin’ music.
Lynn Miles- Slightly Haunted– a Canadian child of Joni Mitchell with a better voice. The first 8 tracks on this disc are all amazing songs. A insight and take on the modern relationship rarely considered. Great acoustic and electric guitar work. Not totally a folk disc…many country (the good kind) and modern chic singer/songwriter influences. Great songs…amazing singer.
Blackstone Cherry- Folklore and Superstition– maybe the music world is not ready for another southern rock band and not in the way Drive By Truckers are southern but in the vein of Skynard and Molly Hatchett with a good dose of Zepplin. These youngsters from Kentucky are huge in Europe and their discs win a lot of “best of…” awards over there but they just can’t seem to break here. This is the one that maybe some of you might not dig but I find just kick ass rock and roll.
John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman– Coltrane would only work with one singer and Johnny Hartman was that guy and together they made what Esquire and many others call the “greatest jazz recording ever”. It was ‘Trane, his classic quartet and the man with a voice that sounded like a tenor saxophone singing words. The interpretation of classics such as Lush Life are stunning. Open a bottle of Syrah and sit back with this one and have a great evening.
