Aug 29, 2008

Reissues, soul records best of new releases

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

"THE BEST OF CAL TJADER: LIVE AT THE MONTEREY JAZZ FESTIVAL"
This dazzling collection of performances by Cal Tjader, spanning from 1958 to 1980, reflects the ultra-cool vibraphonist's remarkably influential career. Tjader, who was raised in San Mateo, pointed new directions for Latin and acid jazz players, as well as such rock musicians as Carlos Santana. Concord Music Group has just issued several other archival sets from the Monterey Jazz Festival, featuring such greats as Art Blakey, Dave Brubeck, Jimmy Witherspoon with Robben Ford, Shirley Horn and Tito Puente. Jazz aficionados will rush to get all six of these previously unreleased concert CDs.

STEVE CROPPER & FELIX CAVALIERE - "NUDGE IT UP A NOTCH"
If the Rascals had recorded for that horn heaven, Stax Records, in Memphis, it might have sounded like this searingly soulful new album. With his earthly vocals and organ wailing, Felix Cavaliere was the Rascals' prime force. Legendary Stax producer/songwriter/guitarist Steve Cropper has enlisted Cavaliere to create an R&B classic. This isn't nostalgia; it's urgent, emotional and real.

CHIP TAYLOR - "NEW SONGS OF FREEDOM"
The writer of such classic tunes as "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning" deserves to be heard on this quietly forceful collection. Chip Taylor's unassuming, casual approach allows this mix of country, folk, rock and politics to subtly seep into your consciousness.

RICHIE HAVENS - "NOBODY LEFT TO CROWN"
Returning to his original label, Verve, folk singer/guitarist Richie Havens displays the same energy and intensity he had in the '60s. In addition to powerful originals, he delivers a rousing cover of the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again."

THE CROOKED JADES - "SHINING DARKNESS"
San Francisco band the Crooked Jades takes classic Americana sounds and adds a modern edge, creating music that's sometimes haunting, sometimes exhilarating. The group's latest album is one you'll find yourself playing over and over, getting caught up in the Jades' journey. Catch them live at Berkeley's Starry Plough, Sept. 5, before they embark on a European tour.

UH HUH HER - "COMMON REACTION"
From the first beats of this indie rock/electronica album, you'll be enthralled. The duo Uh Huh Her, named after a PJ Harvey album, teams former Mellowdrone Camila Grey with Leisha Hailey of the Murmurs and Showtime's "The L Word." They achieve an engaging quality that's throbbing and ethereal, with a synth shimmer.

SARAH McLACHLAN - "FUMBLING TOWARDS ECSTASY (LEGACY EDITION)"
This sumptuous new Sarah McLachlan package, a deluxe 15th anniversary edition, includes two CDs - the original "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy" and "The Freedom Sessions" - as well as a DVD offering concert performances, music videos and behind-the-scenes footage. The music itself remains as moving as ever.

PAUL SHAPIRO - "ESSEN"
With "Essen" (Yiddish for "eat"), New York-based saxophonist Paul Shapiro enthusiastically delves into the Jewish impact on American culture, serving up hot sounds and flavorful humor. The album contains novelty numbers made famous by such diverse artists as Sophie Tucker and Cab Calloway. Delightful ditties like "Matzoh Balls" demonstrate timeless appeal. Boogie-inflected piano and bluesy vocals enhance this entertaining collection.

MARIA MULDAUR - "YES WE CAN!"
Harkening back to the '60s, Bay Area favorite Maria Muldaur presents an uplifting group of altruistic songs. One high point is Muldaur's soulful rendition of "Why Can't We Live Together." Among other tunes are three Dylan compositions and an unexpected arrangement of Edwin Starr's hit "War." Joining Muldaur on this stirring album are Joan Baez, Odetta, Holly Near, Linda Tillery, Jane Fonda and the Women's Voices for Peace Choir.

LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM - "GIFT OF SCREWS"
If you're prone to 'Mac' attacks, you'll be more than satisfied by the new Lindsey Buckingham album. This thoughtful "Gift" rocks with well-crafted new songs. Fleetwood Mac's John McVie and Mick Fleetwood lend their support. The album will be released Sept. 16. Buckingham plays the Mountain Winery in Saratoga on Sept. 7, and San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts on Sept. 13.

JJ GREY & MOFRO - "ORANGE BLOSSOMS"
Southern rock, gospel and funk combine to stoke the fires on "Orange Blossoms." JJ Grey plays San Francisco's The Independent on Sept. 12 and13, and Moe's Tavern in Santa Cruz on Sept. 16.

TEDDY THOMPSON - "A PIECE OF WHAT YOU NEED"
Singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson, who plays Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Sept. 19, delivers amazingly catchy tunes and bitingly witty, often self-deprecating lyrics, on the new album "A Piece of What You Need." Terrific vocals make the material even more compelling.

THE GRASCALS - "KEEP ON WALKIN'"
An instant smash, this record delivers scorching bluegrass numbers like "Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms" with the velocity of a runaway train. With harmonies as tight as the instrumentation, the Grascals are more energizing than a case of Jolt Cola.

MARCHING BAND - "SPARK LARGE"
Get in step with the new Swedish indie rock sensation Marching Band. The duo fashions wonderfully winsome folk-pop-rock sounds. Eclectic song styles and instrumentation make this debut especially exciting.

DONNY McCASLIN - "RECOMMENDED TOOLS"
Tenor saxophonist Donny McCaslin triumphs with an extraordinary trio album. McCaslin and his impeccable rhythm section play with nuance and spirit.

THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT - "THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT"
A rollicking rock album from start to finish. The Airborne Toxic Event is a dynamic band that knows how to create irresistible hooks. They share the bill with the Fratellis at the Warfield in San Francisco on Sept. 17.

"TAMMY WYNETTE: LEGENDARY PERFORMANCES" DVD
If you long for music that evokes a tear with every note, bow to the late "queen of country," Tammy Wynette. You'll find 14 years worth of heartrending TV performances. Special features include interviews, wedding footage and Wynette's Country Music Hall of Fame induction. Shout! Factory has just issued a similar package on Marty Robbins, as well as a Conway Twitty DVD due Sept. 2.

MARTIN ATKINS - "TOUR SMART" DVD
Performers should check out this video version of the insightful book penned by Martin Atkins (member of PiL and Killing Joke). "Tour Smart" covers everything from merchandising to how to become a better opening act. Atkins has another fascinating new DVD, "Sixteen Days in China," which takes viewers into Beijing's rock scene. Timely on the heels of the Olympics.

HUDSON BROTHERS - "RAZZLE DAZZLE SHOW" DVD
The three siblings, Brett, Mark (later Ringo Starr's producer) and Bill (Kate Hudson's father), carved out a bubbly niche in '70s Saturday morning TV. The Hudson Brothers' pleasing pop-rock tunes and wacky comedy will still delight kids of all ages.

"RETURN TO TUPELO" DVD
Think you've already seen all there is to see of Elvis Presley? Think again. This riveting documentary, produced by Michael Rose and narrated by Kris Kristofferson, details the King's early life as a Mississippi pauper. "Return to Tupelo" trace's Elvis' days from birth, through his struggles, climaxing with a 1956 homecoming concert. Bonus features are well worth watching. The film airs on the Biography Channel on Sept. 11, but the DVD is available now.