Wolfgang Muthspiel, Populous and Susie Blue are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately …
POPULOUS – W (DANCE MUSIC): Italy-based Populous, the alter ego of Andrea Mangia, incorporates international flavors with strong rhythms. The resulting album is more than the sum of its parts. Incorporating an electric mixture of dance, cumbia and electronica, W is a female-positive statement of power and creativity which does not shy away from the gay club music scene. The hypnotic and infectious “Flores No Mar” features Emmanuelle, the Milan-based Brazilian artist. “Soy Lo Que Soy” is an equally powerful tale of feminine empowerment and musicality. W is a danceable and socially relevant delight.
BASSEL AND THE SUPERNATURALS – SMOKE AND MIRRORS (NEO-SOUL / FUNK): The third album by this Chicago-based group is a lesson in songcraft, funk grooves and production brilliance. It’s almost easy to overlook the theme of Smoke and Mirrors which focuses Bassel Almandani’s experience as a first-generation Syrian. The funky grooves and melodic heft draws listeners instantly, as producers Jeff Breakey and Brandon Hunt blend elements harmoniously to deliver one of my favorite albums so far in 2020. Check out the opening song, “Calculated Love,” as well as “Aleppo.” This album is fine wine.
SUSIE BLUE AND THE LONESOME FELLAS – BYE BYE BLUES (WESTERN SWING): I’m often asked if I miss living in Chicago, and I usually answer with a resounding “no.” Yet, one thing I do miss is occasionally seeing Solitaire Miles performing as her alter ego Susie Blue. After a sublime 2015 self-titled release (and top 2015 jazz pick), she’s back with the Lonesome Fellas for another go-round of Western swing. More diverse than its predecessor, Bye Bye Blues is a raucous collection played by expert musicians and led by Miles’ versatile and compelling vocal instrument. Sure, Evanston-based harmonica icon and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones member Howard Levy supplies his expertise on several tracks (check him out in ”Drivin’ Nails in My Coffee”), but the star is Solitaire Miles’ fantastic versatile voice and its melding with the world-class band. Violinist Javier Chaparro and the great cowboy singer Keith Weber also make noteworthy contributions. “Back in My Baby’s Arms” is nothing short of stunning.
EL BUHO – RAMAS (WORLD / DANCE MUSIC): Paris-based producer and DJ El Buho has collaborated with several of his contemporaries to create a unique blend of music. Traditional Latin American music combines with and, in some cases, clashes with electronic and folk music to challenge the listener’s expectations. Chilean producer DJ Raff is but one of the collaborators on Romas whose stamp is sculptured on a song. The resulting track, “Resiliencia,” is a powerful call out to the Chilean protest movement. “Nevar,” a collaboration with Didache, raises the rhythmic intensity while retaining a solid melodic core. Ramas is not easy listening, but it is quite enjoyable.
WOLFGANG MUTHSPIEL, SCOTT COLLEY + BRIAN BLADE – ANGULAR BLUES (JAZZ): Drummer Brian Blade recounted his experience playing with guitarist Wolfgang Muthspiel and bassist Scott Colley in a recent Something Else! interview. Blade, who has recorded with Muthspiel on several occasions, mentioned the near telepathy between the players. “Wondering,” the first song on Angular Blues, is an example of that telepathy, with seamless interaction between the trio. Wolfgang Muthspiel’s compositions deceptively hide their complexity and nuance at first glance. Yet each additional listening uncovers a new level of joy. All the players are given room to stretch and feed off of each other. Muthspiel’s tone and textures are hypnotic, and bassist Scott Colley provided a rhythmic tension with his interactions with Blade. Another favorite from the album is “Camino,” but you can’t go wrong with any of the songs on Angular Blues.
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