Jan 25, 2008

Can't fight that loving feeling

Slew of new love songs hit Web for Valentine's Day

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it's the perfect time to explore the world of love songs. You'll discover a rainbow of new tunes on the Web, ready to put you - and your loved one - in just the right mood.

THOMAS BOLES
The San Francisco folk-pop artist displays earnest vocals and engaging original material. The tune "Time of Our Lives" expresses feelings of newfound love, uncertainty mingling with excitement, insecurity with hope. On his Web site, you'll also find a new song subscription service called "Songadamonth." Boles joins two other singer-songwriters, Kent Liew and Fernando Tarango, for a round-robin style, free performance at the Retox Lounge in San Francisco on Feb. 6.
http://thomasboles.com

SEAN SMITH
Berkeley acoustic guitarist Sean Smith spins mesmerizing spells with such atmospheric tunes as "Topinambour." Close your eyes and allow sensual imagery to swirl. The artist, who records on Pacific Grove's Gnome Life Records, plays a CD release show for his latest work, "Eternal," at San Francisco's Cafe Du Nord on Feb. 6. He'll have a full band. Also on the bill are Colossal Yes, James Blackshaw and Spencer Owen.
www.myspace.com/seansmithlives

DEBBIE PORYES
The exceptionally expressive pianist/composer, prominent on the Bay Area scene, offers several beautifully sophisticated numbers on her Web site. Poryes' soft, sweet, subtly swinging trio rendition of "The Very Thought of You" is the perfect accompaniment to cocktails and candlelight. Her album "A Song in Jazz" achieved critics' praise, as well as chart success. A faculty member at Berkeley Jazzschool, Poryes will present a concert at the venue on Feb. 10 at 4:30 p.m. See www.jazzschool.inhousetickets.com for further information.
www.debbieporyes.com/music

THE BAD PLUS
In amorous situations, sometime it's good to be bad. In this case, it's absolutely great. Inventive trio The Bad Plus fuses avant-garde jazz ideas with rock and pop influences. You can hear them perform at Montalvo Arts Center's Carriage House Theatre in Saratoga on Feb. 13. For ticket info, call 408-961-5858. You can watch a preview performance at youtube.com/watch?v=OruzDa0He-g, featuring an exhilarating four-minute musical adventure from the U.K. TV showcase, "Later with Jools Holland."
www.thebadplus.com

WOODY SIMMONS
Are you and your significant other passionate about bluegrass? Then you're probably familiar with Woody Simmons. The influential musician seasons her sounds with jazz and other influences. Enjoy a snippet of "You've Got Love," an uplifting soul-pop song, on Simmons' Web site. On Jan. 26 at San Francisco's Brava Theatre, Simmons celebrates the 30th anniversary release of her debut album, "Oregon Mountains." She'll be joined onstage by many outstanding musicians, including Laura Love, Jen Todd, Kitty Rose, Nancy Vogl and Marca Cassity.
www.woodysimmons.com

TIM FINN
Known for his work with Split Enz and Crowded House (with brother Neil), Tim Finn's solo work earns rave reviews. The New Zealand-born artist's new release, "Imaginary Kingdom," presents pop that is truly magical. The Beatles-esque "Astounding Moon" and "Underwater Mountain" paint visual and aural landscapes that transport the listener. He plays The Independent in San Francisco on Jan. 27.
www.myspace.com/timfinnmusic

SAMAHA
This tantalizing pop-folk vocalist, who divides her time between Paris and the United Kingdom, serves up abundant musical pleasures on her MySpace Web page. "Wind in My Hair" delivers a liberating, invigorating freshness. Play it as you stroll hand in hand along the beach. Samantha's girlish vocals and well-crafted songs are truly distinctive. The wistful "Can't Go Back" is another highlight.
www.myspace.com/samahamusic

MIKE KALOMBO
Hip-hop performer Mike Kalombo puts his beats to a more reflective purpose on works like "U Deserve Better." His MySpace page also features "To the Top," a song that undulates with a seductive R&B style.
www.myspace.com/mozarts klassicbeats

THE MIXERS
Having established themselves as one of the Bay Area's best cover bands, The Mixers mark the release of their all-original CD "Uncovered" at Woodside's Pioneer Saloon on Feb. 9. For more information, call 650-851-8487. The Mixers play classic rock, ska/reggae and rockabilly covers, as well as a growing number of their own tunes. On their Web site, you can hear tracks from "Uncovered" as well as spot-on performances of songs made famous by such acts as the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and English Beat. "Touch Your Hair" is a gently soulful love song that invites a slow dance and a caress.
www.themixersrock.com

NEW MONSOON
San Francisco quintet New Monsoon has a headlining, homecoming concert at the Fillmore on Feb. 9. The group has been playing top festivals, including Bonnaroo. Their latest album, "V," continues the jam band's scintillating mixture of rock, jazz, world and Americana flavors. "Water Vein," with its fluid instrumental lines and strong vocals, is one of New Monsoon's memorable new songs. Let their MySpace page's live rendition of "Mountain Air" carry you to ecstatic heights.
www.myspace.com/newmonsoon