Brian Blade

Mama Rosa is something different for this noted jazz drummer. His songwriting and exceptional vocals are the centerpiece of this 2009 release on Verve Forecast. It's measured, meditative, questing music perfect for late night listening. Definitely more jazz than pop in sensibility, with excursions into minor key moody atmospherics influenced by co-conspirator Daniel Lanois. Memorable. Hauntingly beautiful. If I were to particularly recommend one track, check out Mercy Angel.

www.lala.com/#artist/Brian_Blade

www.brianblade.com

www.verveforecast.com

Marshall Crenshaw

My friend Wayne Osgood originally introduced me to the music of Marshall Crenshaw, and his self-titled debut album was one of my very favorites way back in 1982. If you've never heard it, by the way, I recommend you give it a listen. It still stands up ... fresh and snappy with echoes of Buddy Holly at his best. I confess, I've lost track of M.C. over the years until coming upon his new release Jaggedland. It retains the same kind of energy of his early work and is definitely in the early running for one of my favorite discs of 2009. It's intelligent, well-crafted rockin' music about the affairs of the heart and the inevitability of change. Imagine an album with lyrics worth listening to where you actually find yourself humming the tunes later in the day. He also hasn't lost his touch on the Stratocaster. Great tone and economy of technique.

http://www.marshallcrenshaw.com

The Alex Dixon Band

From the bucolic album cover art, one might be expecting some sensitive singer-songwriter fare a la early Joni Mitchell. Don't be fooled. Alex is the grandson of legendary bluesman Willie Dixon, and this disc is a fitting tribute to his legacy. That's not to say Alex is a traditionalist, by any means. This is blues with a butt-shakin' rock sensibility. Young Mr. Dixon, the keyboardist, has assembled an amazing ensemble of vocalists and musicians to create this beautifully self-produced disc. Special props to Alan Mirikitani for his stingin' guitar work. They even take on "Spoonful" and produce a fresh, dynamic rendition that grabs you and puts old EC to shame.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/alexdixonband

http://www.dixonlandingmusic.com