Category: Music

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard

Title: Poncho and Lefty

 

Review: Merle’s passing made me want to go back and explore some of the archive, so I ordered this 2010 collaboration between these two old friends. These guys are the real dal when it comes to outlaw country music, moving away from Nashville in the early 60s to Austin and Bakersfield, respectively. Over the years, they have done a number of collaborations. This one is a classic; their angelic voices shining through a set of standard lovin’, losin’ and drinkin’ songs- and their unique guitar styles shining throughout. The opener, Townes Van Zandt’s Poncho and Lefty is a definitive rendition of this masterpiece. Not much new here, but a beautiful and extremely soothing set of music by two national treasures.

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Margo Price

Title: Midwest Farmer’s Daughter

 

Review: this is a keeper! First album by this new Nashville darling that my daughter got of me as a birthday gift. Echoes of stylistic Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and early Dolly with crack band which I’m guessing are Nashville pros. sweet songs of love, loss and drinking…classic, classic, classic! Go get this one. First song is humdinger.

Genre:  Album

Grade B+

Notable People:   Graham Nash

Title: This Path Tonight

 

Review: I guess it’s old home week-first Santana with a new album and now the folk rock legend. Nash has always been underrated song writer- both for his time in The Hollies and with CSN&Y. This album is a return to his late 70s melodic, sweet songs of refection and struggle. Not surprising, after leaving his wife of 38 years and totally distancing himself from longtime partner David Crosby. Definitely closer to the end then the beginning. Produced and supported musically by Shane Fontayne (Springsteen, Sting)- this fine album of classic Nash music. Nice tribute song to the late, great Levon Helm. Nothing earth shattering, but quite comforting if you are of a certain era.

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Santana

Title: Santana

 

Review: WOW…Amazing…43 years after they released Santana III in 1973, the original Woodstock ere band is back together, including the return of Neil Schon and Greg Rolle from their offshoot band Journey. To say, it’s like they never left is an understatement. This IS Santana as they were and should always be. Great rhythms, good tunes, classic organ, very recognizable vocals and off course the great Carlos set lose to do what he does best, after years of sharing the space with “featured vocalists”. The band is joined on several numbers by Ronald Isley (of the Isley brothers) on vocals, but it is the Latin infused rock and the twin guitars that make it memorable. Clearly they quite before their time to. It’s pure Black Magic.

Genre: Album

Grade: A-

Notable People: Neil Young, Crazy Horse, Horn section

Title: Live at the Blue Note Cafe

Review: My, my, hey, hey….Another one of Neil’s discs (2 CD set) from his endless archive series. This one in from his dabble in the Blues in 1988 which produced a tour and the album “This Notes for You”. This was in the middle of a run that included his bluegrass persona (The International Harvesters), his Rockabilly persona (Neil and the Shocking Pinks) and his wild electronic persona (giant mice walking around the stage). Suffice it to say, Neil is an unparalleled original in our musical times. This is an interesting album of somewhat countrified blues music done over many concert stops on that tour. The horn section is a bit overdone (should have consulted The Band on this)- but Neil’s eccentric guitar work shines through , along with his plaintiff vocals and the rock steady rhythms from Crazy Horse (Ralph Molina, Billy Talbot, Frank Sanpedro). Nothing new here, but really- who cares? It’s another wild notch of feedback on this guy’s incredible musical journey.

Stu’s Reviews

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Mokoto
Title: Messenger

Review – Full disclosure…unlimited bias here as this is Max’s band, so you can disregard my opinion if you wish….but this is a really fine album of music. I have listened to it for 2 weeks non-stop in my car and am amazed at the quality. Sound and production are top notch. The singer is wonderful, the rhythm section really tight and lots of very well thought out arrangements. This is African music and sung in native tongues for the most part, so lyrically a bit beyond me. But what sweet melodies. And did I mention, the guitar player is extraordinarily tasteful on riffs ranging from reggae influenced, to classic African to traditional R&B influenced….where did this kid come from (yes- you can guess). This is a fine, fine piece of music. You can find a link to the album at http://mokoto.bandcamp.com/releases  That’s’ my boy………

Stu’s Reviews

Genre: Album

Grade: B
Notable People: Larry Campbell and Theresa Williams
Title: Larry Campbell and Theresa Williams

Review – Long overdue first album from this husband and wife team. Larry was Dylan’s’ longtime guitarist, a very noted session player and the leader of Levon Helm’s band for the past ten years or so. A mainstay along with Theresa of the Midnight Rambles band that Levon had featured at his long time barn concerts. This is a pretty album, but neither of them is a particularly striking lead vocalist, and the songs just don’t really shine. Some great guest appearances including Amy Helm, member of the Levon band and Levon himself on one of his last recordings. And Larry is the king all things stringed. I love these folks live , with Levon, with the Dead, with just about anyone…but this album did not move me unfortunately.

Boz Scaggs…Really!??! I have idea where he has been for most of last 20 years or so- but this may  be the best work he has done since his time in the Paul Butterflied Blues Band. Less pop than his seventies smashes and with a real blues flavor. Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams do major guest shots as well. Check out Boz on the Curtis Mayfield classic, “I’m so Proud”…white man soul here. Good for him, resurrected and better than ever. Definitely worth checking out.

Genre:   Album

Grade: A-

Notable People: Boz Scaggs

Title:  A Fool to Care

 

Leonard, Leonard, Leonard….never too much Leonard. This is the 6th or 7th live album release for his endless world tour, which would seem a bit much- if everyone one of them was not a tour de force. Leonard sings in French here, he tells little funny stories, he sings the blues…what a mensch. Is he not the world’s favorite octogenarian? And the band has no parallel for touring bands, including the great, great Javier Mas, on all things stringed. The set here is actually all from sounds checks in pre-concert, but you’d never know it; almost all the songs are ones that have not before appeared on the recent live albums and some are new, but wait until you hear this blues- out version of the “Tower of Song” Just go get it- it’s Leonard Cohen!

Genre:   Album

Grade: A

Notable People: Leonard Cohen and his wonderful traveling band

Title:  Can’t Forget- A Souvenir of the Grand Tour

 

Genre: Album

Grade: A
Notable People: Van the Man; many special guests including: George Benson, Natalie Cole, Mark Knopler, Taj Mahal, more
Title: “Duets”

Review –It’s Van the Man- that probably says enough, but it is way cool. An album of duets with some really great sidekicks. Al of the material is from Van’s vault- but mostly chestnuts form his catalog that are not the norm for his playlist. The album opens with a duet with the late Bobby Womack- enough said. Other highlights, amongst many, are the duets with Mark Knopler, Stevie Winwood and Joss Stone. Great choice of songs, incredible arrangements, Van still at his peak. Only small down side is no new material here. What are you waiting for- go get it.