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There's Gold in This Gal's Lyrics
G21 Music Writer
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Bob Powers
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Julie Gold is an outstanding composer, her best known song being the one made famous by Bette Midler, "From a Distance." Gold's new album "Try Love" (Gadfly Records) contains 14 of her compositions.
One thing I noticed is that many of the songs sound alike. Gold's strong point is her lyrics, which succinctly state their theme without any meandering off or getting pretty for pretty's sake. Gold writes with a sure talent and these tunes have been done by other artists over the years, including Nanci Griffith ("Southbound Train"). Others who have recorded her work are such distinguished names as Judy Collins, Kathy Mattea, Andrea Marcovicci, Patti Lupone, etc.
Gold achieved some recognition a few years ago when she was asked to join the Bitchin' Babes, which included Christine Lavin, Sally Fingerett and Megon McDonough.
It must be said that Gold is a much better composer than singer, although she certainly doesnt disgrace herself on this album. You'll like most of the songs, and you'll certainly admire Julie Gold.
Jimmy's House Party
Rock, jazz and blues are all elements of the music performed with such distinction by that master of the Hammond B3 organ, the delightful Jimmy McGriff. This CD, issued by the famous jazz label Milestone, shows happy music at its best. If you can sit and listen to "McGriff's House Party" without cracking a wide-mouthed smile, you are indeed one cold-hearted s.o.b.
There's nothing fancy here, just a group of musicians having themselves a ball. It's infectious. Another famous organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith, joins the ride on four tunes. And that busy tenor player, Eric Alexander, contributes his solid sounds along the way.
One of my favorite ballads is "Thats All," which receives a sincere and humbling version led by McGriff's choice contributions. But mostly this house party is up-tempo. Highlights include the title song, along with "Neckbones a la Carte," "Red Cadillac Boogaloo," and "Grits, Gravy and Groove."
Let's Boom Chang
When one starts looking for the best acoustics roots/blues performers, room on that list must be made for Steve James. He's out with a new album, his fourth, and the first on the Burnside Records label.
James does it all: he writes wonderful lyrics with heart and humor, sometimes both in the same tune. James can get that lowdown sound in his voice, and he plays a scintillating guitar. He deserves a ride on the truck heading for Success. James has paid his dues, and his talent can't be questioned.
But you don't have to root for James. Just invest in this album and you'll see that he's certainly one of the best "unknown" musicians in the U.S.
Aussie Pop Rocker?
Broughton Mitchell makes his recording debut with an excellent album called "Tjalkuri" (Gadfly Records). The Australian singer and songwriter demonstrates that he has the talent and pizzazz to make it on these shores.
Adopting the name Tjalkuri after living awhile with an aboriginal tribe, this musician has toured through the Land Down Under, with considerable success. One listen to his self-named album will demonstrate ample talent with a lyric and effortless facility with acoustic guitar and keyboards.
The album offers a bit of this and a bit of that, ranging from hook-heavy tunes to straight-ahead rockers, and twang-and-dobro flavored numbers. You'll even find some jazz-tinged pieces. "Tjalkuri" goes down many paths, and each proves to be worth investigating.
Spongetones Back
Finally this week, there's a new album from the Spongetones, their first CD in five years. "Odd Fellows" (Gadfly Records) certainly is an apropos title.
If you are a major fan of The Beatles, then this album will either delight you or drive you nuts. In what must be called more than a salute, but less that a copy job that would send surviving members of The Beatles running to call their attorneys.
This is pop music, played with enthusiasm and just a smidgen of rowdy fun. I don't understand why any group would deliberately seek to emulate the four lads who created quite a stir nearly 40 years ago. Among the songs by singer/songwriter/producer Jamie Hoover is the Everly Brothers hit, "On the Wings of a Nightingale." Guess what? That song was written by Paul McCartney.
Small world, huh?
In closing, I can't help but ask you to travel over to the Launch.com music site, which carries a wonderful story about jazz guitarist Pat Metheny's rant against Kenny G.Ý
The bleating Mr. G (who somehow mysteriously gets labeled a jazz musician) refused to respond to the all-out assault by the talented Mr. Metheny.Ý Here's the page. If you have any comments, fire 'em my way. Ý Ý
Bob Powers always is interested in hearing from record distributors who deal in jazz, rock, folk, and anything that's good. For instructions on getting your album reviewed, contact him at rpowers@ee.net.
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