Friday, August 1, 2008

Casual Listening 8-1-08

Casual Listening
a review of cool new music
by Jeff Pinzino


August 1, 2008

Jake Smith - All That We'll Ever Need (rock)
Six carefully crafted songs in a mellow mood across a variety of backdrops -- acoustic guitar, piano, and steel guitar. Nothing flashy, just the joy of watching an excellent songwriter at work.
Listen to Jake Smith "Can't Save Your Soul"

Enrico Pieranunzi - Enrico Pieranunzi Plays Domenico Scarlatti: Sonatas & Improvisations (classical/jazz)

Pieranunzi uses piano pieces of the baroque master as a jumping-off point for his own piano improvisations. The improvisations have jazz elements that smoothly flow from the Scarlatti originals. A revelatory reinvisioning of classical work.
Listen to Enrico Pieranunzi K377/Impro K377

Sidiki Conde - Sidiki (world)

West African music designed for dancing. Call and response vocals, kora, and lots of marimba anchor a solid album.
Listen to Sidiki Conde "Dalina"

Alice Cooper - Along Came a Spider(rock)

Yes, that Alice Cooper, the 80's metal star with the face makeup that freaked out a generation worth of parents. The new album is back-to-basics - hook-laden guitar rock with b-movie horror lyrics. Surprisingly good.
Listen to Alice Cooper "Wake the Dead"

Richie Havens - Nobody Left to Crown (folk)
Call it nostalgia, but I love to hear Richie sing. This set delivers political songs about the state of the world with a soft touch. Acoustic guitar, cello, and electric organ, plus the resonant baritone that cried freedom to the crowds at Woodstock some 40 years back.
Listen to Richie Havens "Won't Get Fooled Again"

In the blog this week: Buddy Guy


* highly recommended
! highest recommendation
Check out the blog at http://casuallistening.blogspot.com/ . To subscribe or unsubscribe, or just to say hi, send an e-mail to mailto:jeffpinzino@google.com.

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