Feb 28, 2008

Great music for great causes

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

KAI ECKHARDT
If you appreciate the amazing possibilities of the bass, visit Kai Eckhardt's site and be dazzled. This virtuoso, who has played with the likes of John McLaughlin and Billy Cobham, demonstrates ear-awakening creativity on a variety of tracks, including a bass solo. Eckhardt will be part of the All-Star lineup at Yoshi's Jazz Club in Oakland on March 24. These shows, at 8 and 10 p.m., will benefit Christopher Rodriguez, the 10-year-old boy shot during a piano lesson in Oakland and left paralyzed. The event was organized by the fabulous East Bay flutist Carol Alban.
www.kaizone.com

KIM BAKER
Baker, who earned her music degree at Oakland's Mills College, has achieved national acclaim for her powerful singing, songwriting and guitar work. Get a taste of her exciting music by visiting her Web site. Hear her rock intensely on "Keep On," then slow it down soulfully for "Winship Hall." "Pray to the Rain" is another standout. Kim Baker and her band will be performing at the Little Fox Theatre in Redwood City on March 6. Part of the proceeds from the concert will benefit Music in Schools Today.
www.kimbaker.com

VETIVER
San Francisco band Vetiver opens for and performs with the Jayhawks' Gary Louris at the Fillmore on March 20. The indie folk-rock/psychedelic band is headed by brilliant songwriter Andy Cabic. On the band's MySpace page, Vetiver weaves a magical spell with four exquisitely crafted numbers. "Luna Sea" is sure to transport you. In May, their third full-length album, "Thing of the Past Remembered," will be released. Take a leave of absence from this world and jump into Vetiver's.
www.myspace.com/vetiverse

3 LEG TORSO
The group plays chamber music with a delightfully modern pop twists, as evidenced by their latest release, "Astor In Paris." The combination of violin, cello and accordion has never been such fun. In addition to tango, Eastern European folk and other world music influences swirl through the uniquely inventive sound. 3 Leg Torso can be heard live at San Francisco's Red Poppy Art House on Saturday. On the band's Web site, you'll discover videos, as well as music.
www.3legtorso.com

THE UNKNOWNN
It's time you leapt into the great Unknownn. Enter another dimension of sound and experience the elegant electronic journeys of this extraordinary U.K. band. The tantalizing trip-hop will quickly seep into every level of your consciousness, immersing you in a delicious darkness. Silky female vocals undulate the soundscapes. On the group's Web site, you can explore their poetic lyrics as you let their musical waves wash over you.
www.theunknownn.com

THE NELLIES
Kick up your heels and enjoy the irresistible energy of the Bay Area's "all-gal" traditional bluegrass band. On their MySpace page, you'll find such rousing tunes as "Walking the Dog" and "Girl Behind the Bar." Yeee-hah! The Nellies perform at Berkeley's venerable Starry Plough pub on March 27 and will be joined by the Mighty Crows. This is one of the monthly bluegrass sessions hosted by Jacob Gropman at the venue.
www.myspace.com/barefoot nellies

NAOMI & THE COURTEOUS RUDEBOYS
Also coming up at the Starry Plough in March is a show with this scintillating Santa Cruz quintet. With Naomi's urgent vocals upfront, the band plays a rousing mix of rock, funk, R&B and gospel. Catch them at the Plough on March 21.
www.rudeboyrock.com

HERE HERE
In February, this sensational San Francisco band opened for Super Furry Animals at Great American Music Hall and plays the Noise Pop 2008 festival. Treat yourself to the wondrous colors of their "The Boy with the Orange" album. Glorious harmonies and soaring violin lift their indie rock to the stratosphere. Each song on their MySpace page is an individually polished gem. "Poor Sailor" is one of the remarkable tracks on the group's Web page.
www.myspace.com/hereheremusic

THE BLACK BROTHERS
If you're pining for the green, go Black! Begin celebrating St. Patrick's Day early by attending the Black Brothers show at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on March 13. Shay, Martin and Michael Black, originally from Dublin, draw from a vast repertoire that includes Irish, English and Scottish historical ballads and music hall ditties, as well as contemporary tunes. Warmth and humor are staples of their performances.
www.black-brothers.com

AIMEE FISCHER & THE SNAZZY BAND
From chilly Minnesota comes the warm and wonderful vocal presence of Aimee Fischer. She stirs emotions with the powerful ballad "I Don't Know Why." Her jazzy folk take on "Wayfaring Stranger" is instantly grabbing. She surges with energy on the R&B-inflected "Not the Only One." This is a talent that deserves widespread attention.
www.myspace.com/aimeefischersnazzyband

SHANE FLEW
When it comes to Americana music, look to Australia. Keith Urban isn't the only Aussie who can deliver eminently pleasing country rock. Give Shane Flew a listen. His Web site presents such winning tunes as "Wanna Go Home," "It's No Secret" and "Guardian Angel."
www.shaneflew.com

Paul Freeman is always looking for intriguing sounds. E-mail him at romper333@comcast.net with your new music discoveries.