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After the Riot at Newport
ByThe Nashville Allstars

The year 1960 was not a transitional time for jazz. Be-bop and its successor hard-bop were still the order of the stylistic day and the free approach of Ornette Coleman had yet to take hold. The Newport Rhode Island Festival was an annual gathering of the jazz clan. And it was in July 1960 that a group of Nashville’s finest players made the journey to Newport for a much-anticipated performance.

Chet Atkins, Boots Randolph, Hank Garland were the best of Nashville session musicians, playing on many country and pop recordings day in and day out. They were all jazz music fans and very proficient jazz players too, jamming at every opportunity in local Nashville clubs. They would often be joined by 17 year old vibes prodigy, Gary Burton.

So this all-star band headed to Newport, Rhode Island for what I’m sure would have been a tremendous show. Unfortunately, festival organizers had trouble managing an unruly crowd and most of the schedule was scrapped, including the appearance of the Nashville All-stars.
But the guys were determined to document their music anyway and recorded what is today a milestone album yet widely overlooked jazz classic – After the Riot at Newport. Germany’s Bear Family label reissued the long out of print LP a few years back and Nashville Public Library was fortunate enough to obtain a copy for the jazz collection. Especially noteworthy is the fabulous playing of Gary Burton and Hank Garland. To me these two have never played better. In fact, the whole project stands as proof that there is so much more to the Nashville music scene than meets the eye. It is highly recommended.
-Lew

Because of the Times
By Kings of Leon

The Kings’ third full-length album includes more of the same super-charged southern-fried rock n roll as Youth and Young Manhood and Aha Shake Heartbreak, but their “on tour” music education (along with their continuing relationship with producer Ethan Johns) has definitely influenced these songs.

Standout tracks include:
1-Knocked Up – a direct rebellion against the 2 ½ minute punk songs of their past, this “baby-daddy epic” (as one reviewer pegged it) clocks in at 7 minutes
2-Charmer – this could be a Pixies cover if I didn’t know otherwise…Turn it up!
4-McFearless – Is that an Edge riff I hear? After opening for U2, the Followills couldn’t help picking up a few musical soundscapes from the veteran rockers, especially in the chorus of this song
6-My Party – This song could have been left over from Youth and Young Manhood recording sessions. – Classic Kings theme and sound
8-Ragoo – This reggae-splashed tune should have been the first single (instead of On Call) and I predict it will become your favorite summer song of 2007 if you give it a listen
9-Fans – KOL are HUGE in England – this is a shout out to their loyal fan base
12-Camaro – Every Southern band needs a song about a hot chic in an even hotter sports car….this songs makes me want to trade in my compact eco-friendly car for that Chevy Nova I’ve always wanted
13-Arizona – This is a perfect last song to an album, the kind of song you should listen to when you’ve almost arrived at your destination, whether it’s the grocery store, or the Southwest…
-Crystal

Last of the Jewish Cowboys: The Best of Kinky Friedman (2006)
By Kinky Friedman

Novelist Kinky Friedman is also a salsa maker, animal lover, humorist, independent candidate for the office of Governor of Texas, and, the reason for this review, a singer-songwriter. Last of the Jewish Cowboys: The Best of Kinky Friedman, includes a wonderful array of tunes from this entertaining Renaissance man. The songs are a mixture that includes soulfulness (Sold American), sometimes in bad taste (The Ballad of Charles Whitman), a dash of politically incorrectness (Get Your Biscuits In The Oven And Your Buns In The Bed), and downright gross (Ol’ Ben Lucas). Granted he ain’t Gershwin but, Kinky Friedman is an American original. Be a fine American and give this one a listen!
- Bill

Moonbabies (2002)
By Planet X

For me, jazz/rock fusion was always as much about rock as jazz. In the earliest days of the genre, it was Larry Coryell’s rock guitar on Gary Burton’s “duster” or Tony Williams’ funky backbeat on Miles Davis’ “Stuff” that attracted me as much as the jazzy writing and chops galore. I’ve loved electric instrumental music as far back as Duane Eddy in the late ‘50s so I was naturally drawn to this musical hybrid that began in the late ‘60s. After the golden age of fusion in the early to mid ‘70s, I found myself more attracted to the rock oriented fusion that that of the jazz giants like Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock who seemed to switch back often to straight ahead jazz. By this time it was Jeff Beck, The Dixie Dregs, and Bill Bruford who were making the most exciting contributions. The last few years have seen classic fusion all but die out, kept alive only by a few innovators such as Scott Henderson’s tribal tech and Bunny Brunel’s cab. Both these excellent players recorded and toured with Corea’s fusion bands way back when. Corea continued to play in both styles and headed up one of the greatest groups, the electric band, periodically. It was from Bunny Brunel's Cab Band that I discovered two outstanding players, guitarist Tony MacAlpine and drummer Virgil Donati. Which brings me to Planet X…

While not strictly speaking a fusion band, the music of Planet X defies easy categorization. Initial listening would tend to link this band to progressive or even metal rock but to me the compositions are much more advanced than any prog rock I’ve ever heard. There always was a link between classic fusion and prog rock especially Corea’s Return to Forever. Perhaps the best description of Planet X I’ve seen was when progressive magazine coined the phrase “black hole fusion.” Intricate time shifts and tradeoff are among the hallmarks of Planet X music. This is due primarily to the contributions of sophistication of this music reflects the influence of MacAlpine who was a classical child prodigy. Rounding out the band is keyboardist Derek Sherinian who also composes and provides the foundation and textures for the songs. 2002’s “Moonbabies” was my introduction to Planet X. At first I was unsure what I thought about what they were doing but the music really grew on me. I heard their live disc from the previous year that represents the dynamics of their in-person show. I am eagerly awaiting the release of their next project sometime next year which will mark the debut of super fusion guitarist Allan Holdsworth as MacAlpine’s replacement. Music for me has always been about discovering new styles and plotting how they evolved from what came before. As a fusion lover I am gratified by how the last great jazz instrumental trend has evolved thanks to musicians of the caliber of the players in Planet X.
- Lew

9 (2006)
By Damien Rice

One of my favorite CDs of 2007 may turn out to be a CD released in 2006. Damien Rice’s sophomore effort, called 9, offers much of the same as his first album “O”: confessional yet universal lyrics, bare instrumentation, and intensely emotional singing. Standout tracks include 9 Crimes, Elephant (which at times reminds me of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover You Should Have Come Over”), and Me, My Yoke & I, on which Rice rocks out for a few minutes before turning back into a coffeehouse troubadour.

I love the fact that band member Lisa Hannigan’s voice is featured more as an instrument rather than a backup singer. I couldn’t imagine these songs without her. And if you’re like me, you’ll be singing right along with her and Rice after a couple listens.
- Crystal

Eye to the Telescope (2006)
by K T Tunstall

Does John Mayer have a sister? For some reason I can’t quite put my finger on yet. K T Tunstall reminds me of him. Eye to the Telescope is great if you’re looking for non-abrasive pop music, peppered with a little funk and soul to keep things interesting. There’s no great poetry in her lyrics, but all the songs are catchy, especially “Suddenly I See.” One listen and you’ll be singing along; it’s unavoidable! My favorite track is not one of her hits, rather a tune halfway through the CD called “Miniature Disasters.” I like to give any newly discovered CD a “Will it get me through my household chores?” rating. On a scale of 1 to 10, K T gets an 8. You’ll have your dishes washed and your laundry done in no time at all.
- Crystal

Aha Shake Heartbreak (2004)
by Kings of Leon
Tennessee quartet Kings of Leon's sophomore record Aha Shake Heartbreak begins with what I describe as an "open highway roll your windows down driving anthem," and ends with an irreverent sing-songy "it's time to crash" rock n' roll lullaby. The songs between these two tracks, packed with high testosterone lyrics, wild guitar riffs, quirky bass lines, and the ever-pounding drums won't disappoint either.

I love this band. If you experience a live show, you'll be hooked too. They're young, full of refreshing rock n' roll energy, and this record shows it.
- Crystal

Distorted Lullabies (2001)
by Ours
This band, hailing from New Jersey, includes the best rock voice out there today; singer and songwriter Jimmy Gnecco's vocals are reminiscent of the late Jeff Buckley and U2's Bono during his younger days. Both music and lyrics paint a dark and bleak landscape:

"The beast flies tonight
and the world he describes
Suffer, suffer.."

If you like Distorted Lullabies, try Precious (2002), Ours' sophomore effort. It includes a cover of Velvet Underground song "Femme Fatale," penned of course by Lou Reed.
- Crystal

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