Jan 11, 2008

Bay Area brims with new music releases

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

RECLINER - "AFTER THE FOG"
It's time for people to sit up and take notice of San Francisco's Recliner. The alt-rockers' third album, "After the Fog," is a clear winner. It brims with edgy guitar riffs, insistent rhythms, strong lead vocals, tight harmonies and an infectious irreverence. Among the highlights are "Ex-Girlfriend Collection," "Now It's Trouble," and the softer moment of "The Late Great." They dare to attempt a Beatles cover - "I Am the Walrus" - and pull it off with panache. Celebrate this exciting new music at tonight's CD release party at San Francisco's Cafe Du Nord. The band's music has been featured on a number of recent MTV shows and video game soundtracks.

PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO - "MADE IN ITALY"
Born in Italy and based in the Bay Area, Peppino D'Agostino presents a compelling, wide-ranging collection of Italian tunes. Named 2007 "Acoustic Guitarist of the Year" in a Guitar Player magazine readers poll, D'Agostino began performing at Fisherman's Wharf, years ago. He established himself as one of the top instrumentalists in the country. On the new album, he adds some engaging vocals. D'Agostino showcases the compositions of Italian singer/songwriters and composers, some well-known, others more obscure to North American listeners. Even the most familiar pieces, such as "O Sole Mio," sound new thanks to D'Agostino's vibrant approach. Included is an homage to his musical idol, film score icon Ennio Morricone. You can experience live interpretations of his music at the CD release party at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on Jan. 24.

JENNIFER SCOTT & KRISTEN STROM - "CROSSING BORDERS"
Crossing Borders is an adventurous international band featuring Vancouver's Jennifer Scott on piano and vocals and the Bay Area's Kristen Strom on saxophone. Also contributing their ample talents are Jennifer's husband, bassist Rene Worst, and Kristen's spouse, guitarist Scott Sorkin. The album offers an exhilarating jazz journey. Even standards, such as "Smile" and "Let's Get Together" find fresh new paths. The plaintive version of Lesley Gore's "It's My Party" proves compelling. The band has three upcoming local dates: a free noon set at Santa Clara University's Concert Hall on Jan. 16, Berkeley's Anna's Jazz Island on the evening of Jan. 18, and Mission City Coffee Roasting Company, in Santa Clara, on Jan. 20.

FABIAN ZONE TRIO - "THE MASTERS RETURN"
Led by bassist extraordinaire Christian Fabian - once the youngest member of the Lionel Hampton Big Band - the imaginative Fabian Zone Trio pays tribute to such legends as Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Herbie Hancock. Fabian's original compositions fit seamlessly with the jazz classics. The album also features band members Mike Longo on keys, Lewis Nash on drums, and guests Jimmy Owens on trumpet and Adres Boiarsky on tenor sax.

"THE STEELDRIVERS"
On Tuesday, the Nashville rhythm 'n' bluegrass band the SteelDrivers unleash their self-titled debut album of all original material. These seasoned musicians give contemporary innovation to a traditional bluegrass foundation. The Rounder Records release will set your toes to tapping.

FRANK SINATRA - "A VOICE IN TIME: 1939-1952"
This box set features remastered versions of the original recordings that sparkle with the early Sinatra charisma. The four CDs serve up a feast of pop classics. The rare radio air checks are a treat to hear. The 116-page book that accompanies the set contains rare photos and a foreword by Nancy Sinatra. This stands among the best Sinatra packages ever released.

MATT WHITE - "BEST DAYS"
New York-based singer-songwriter Matt White's Geffen Records debut is filled with fabulous, instantly likable songs. Having composed an award-winning opera at the age of 11, White is capable of musical intricacy, but he also knows how to make a song exceptionally accessible and memorable. White plays Slim's in San Francisco on Jan. 18 with Melee. During the week of Jan. 15, MTV will devote 11 hours of airtime to him as their featured artist.

"TRIKUTI"
The eponymous album, due Jan. 15, is a bold, bracing set from the rock-jam band. Each track is packed with its own kind of power. There's plenty of fire and funk in these potent performances. The album was produced by Grammy winner Chris Conway (Eminem).

"CELLABRATION LIVE! A TRIBUTE TO ELLA JENKINS"
Favorites in the fields of folk and children's music join in an uplifting salute to the half-century career of Grammy-winning artist/educator Ella Jenkins. Among the performers on this DVD are Pete Seeger, Tom Paxton, Tom Chapin and Riders in the Sky. Jenkins herself sings "I Know a City Called Okeechobee." Sweet Honey in the Rock contributes a lively rendition of "Miss Mary Mack." Fun for the entire family. Insightful bonus features add to the value of this release.

"KUKAHI: KEALI'I REICHEL LIVE IN CONCERT" DVD
Hawaiian phenomenon Reichel - singer, chanter, guitarist, dancer, percussionist - celebrates the island culture with this lively performance. The 5.1 surround sound stereo mix makes it even more vibrant.

"THE DONOVAN CONCERT: LIVE IN L.A." DVD
The DVD version, expanded from the PBS broadcast, includes David Lynch's introduction (the concert was a benefit for the David Lynch Foundation for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace), clips from Donovan's career and four delightful bonus songs. The evening is a kaleidoscopic celebration of the singer-songwriter's flower power magic. His enduring appeal can be heard on such tunes as "Universal Soldier," "Jennifer Juniper," "Season of the Witch" and "Catch the Wind." Donovan's anecdotes are equally charming. Joining in the ethereal aura are his daughter Astrella Celeste and Beach Boy Mike Love.