Sep 28, 2007

Fiddle, fado and funk found on MySpace

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

APRIL VERCH
Fantastic fiddler, step-dancing champ and plaintive singer April Verch, hailing from Canada's Ottawa Valley, performs at Berkeley's Freight & Salvage tonight. The curious can hear the engaging title track from her Rounder Records album "Take Me Back" on her MySpace Web page, as well as the rousing instrumental cut "Tom, Brad and Alice."
www.myspace.com/aprilverch

RAMANA VIEIRA AND HER ENSEMBLE
On Ramana Vieira's MySpace page, the Bay Area singer celebrates her Portuguese "fado"-style roots with four fiercely felt performances. The fiery ballad "Triste Sina" is a highlight. The seductive rhythms of "Barco Negro," from Vieira's Grammy-nominated album "Despi A Alma," will cause toes to tap. Language is no barrier. The passionate delivery creates universal appeal. Vieira sings the powerful, mid-tempo "Santa Fe" in English. Experience this music live at Redwood City's Little Fox on Oct. 14.
www.myspace.com/ramanavieiraandherensemble

BROWN RECLUSE SINGS
A remarkably engaging band, Brown Recluse Sings' page includes the tune "Western Meadowlark," which was heard on an episode of "Veronica Mars." "Night Train" proves to be an irresistible ride. "Margo Left in Bed" is a charmer with an early '70s psychedelic flair at its conclusion. It pays subtle homage to the era's iconic singer-songwriter, Margo Guryan.

The fact that Brown Recluse Sings named themselves after a poisonous spider is an indication that there's a delightfully off-center bite to this Philly band's impeccably arranged and performed sunshine pop.
www.myspace.com/brownreclusesings

BAYONICS
San Francisco's Bayonics' urgently undulating sound stirs salsa, funk and hip-hop into a bewitching brew. They've just released their debut album. Preview several kinetic tunes on their MySpace page.

The band has three upcoming San Francisco dates: Sept. 28 at Pier 23; Sept. 29 at Mojitos and Oct. 19 at the Elbo Room.
www.myspace.com/bayonics

7LEAVES
Hip-hop pop gets a fresh, smooth treatment from this Los Gatos/Santa Cruz Mountains-based duo, who go by Draztic and Abstrakt. Hear three numbers from their upcoming album on their page.
www.myspace.com/7Leaves

LANE
As you pop onto Lane Steinberg's page, you'll be captivated by the ingenious "Happy Holidaze." Another wonderment is "Face Down," from his latest album, "The Return of Noel Coward's Ghost." Also featured are two terrific songs sung in Portuguese, tantalizing tastes of the upcoming record "Minas Calling," a tribute to the revered Brazilian writers of the Minas Gerais region. Lane's music, endlessly inventive, yet instantly accessible, will take your breath away.
www.myspace.com/lanesteinberg

ANNA SISE
Silky, Swedish jazz vocalist Anna Sise entices with exquisite renditions of "But Beautiful," "That Old Feeling" and "It's Alright with Me." She nurtures the classic tunes with nuances all her own. The bluesy "Visan Om Mina Vanner," floating over lush strings, takes on an exotic flavor.
www.myspace.com/annasise

THE BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS
Have you discovered the Darkness? Los Angeles-based artist The Beautiful Darkness whips up imaginative, ambient adventures in electronica.

"Tanafriti" dances to a Middle Eastern swirl. "Petite Nevis" possesses a frothy, delicately magical quality. "Narumi's Lament" presents an intriguing contrast between throbbing rhythm and melancholy melody. "El Guerrero" reverberates with infectious beats and clever programming. At www.myspace.com/tadehdaschi viewers can watch the artist's short films.
www.myspace.com/thebeautifuldarkness

THE VOYCES
New York-based acoustic rock quintet The Voyces offers a quartet of superlative songs on their page. "Relate To Me" is a transcendent beauty. From the band's current Planting Seeds Records album, "Kissing Like it's Love," come the pensive "Canyon Ladies," the winsome "Humming" and a jaunty title tune. Sweet harmonies enhance graceful melody lines.
www.myspace.com/thevoycesmusic

AMOS ROSNER
Israeli alt-rocker Amos Rosner scores with strong songs such as "All I Wanna Be" and "To Make a Difference." You can also hear two other Rosner performances, the marvelously moving "Too Close to My Heart" and the gently affecting "Fairwell." Both songs are from his "Lost Planet" project, which can be found at www.myspace.com/lostplanetar.
www.myspace.com/amosrosner

THE MARTIAL ARTS
Glasgow group The Martial Art serves up nifty, New Wave-ish indie pop. Their page presents three tunes from their outstanding "Your Sinclair" album, including the singularly winning "Duality." On the group's MySpace page listeners will also find a live track to savor.
www.myspace.com/themartialarts

ANEMOS
Anemos' page spotlights selections from the Greek group's various albums. Their music blends traditional elements with contemporary sensibilities, fashioning music that is timeless. Arranger/composer Kostas Hatzopoulos and vocalist Katerina Nitsopoulou (who also contributes to the lyrics) team to create vibrant songs that are as distinctive as they are dynamic.
www.myspace.com/anemosmusic

THE APPLES IN STEREO
Probably the best pop band to ever emerge from Denver, these Apples shine, revitalizing retro. Selections on The Apples in Stereo's page include three numbers from the band's current YepRoc album "New Magnetic Wonder." "Energy" buzzes with a particularly Lennon-esque spirit.
www.myspace.com/theapplesinstereo

KRISTOFFER LARSON
Experience modern classical piano at its most evocative. With his richly textured "Effort One," Kristoffer Larson takes the listener on a powerful journey, spanning many moods.
www.myspace.com/efforts

THE BEAGLES
Manchester, U.K.'s The Beagles drive with a psychedelic, garage intensity. Sax and harmonica add spice to the raunchy rawness of guitars, bass, drums and vocals. There's a primal power to such numbers as "The Devil Rides Out" and "Purple Pop."
www.myspace.com/thebeaglesuk

I'm always looking for intriguing sounds. So please clue me in, when you discover more on your own E-mail Paul Freeman at romper333@comcast.net.