Rickie Lee Jones, Alexis Evans, Shawn Maxwell and others are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately:
THE REFUGEES – CALIFORNIA (ROCK): Combining three stellar singer-songwriters and great classic rock songs is not a guarantee of success. Fortunately, Cidny Bullens, Deborah Holland, and Wendy Waldman know how to deliver tasty arrangements and stellar vocals. Their album-length tribute to the Golden State is a primarily acoustic affair produced by Waldman and Abraham Parker. The tender covers of classic California rock songs run the gambit from the expected (Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth”) to pleasantly surprising (Sly and the Family Stone’s “Stand”). The arrangements superbly match the Refugees’ vocal talents, as Holland and Waldman’s acoustic guitars and Bullens’ mandolin sparkle. In the end, California provides an excellent gateway to their solo and group catalogs.
SHAWN MAXWELL – STORY AT ELEVEN (JAZZ): Chicago-based saxophonist Shawn Maxwell’s 11th release is a dynamic four-track album with a feel and enthusiasm which is infectious. He served as composer on Story at Eleven, while co-producing with Nick Eipers. Together, they create four distinct points of view for each epic track. Maxwell’s band featuring Collin Clauson on electric piano and organ, Michael Barton on bass and Greg Essing on drums compliments the bold arrangements and Maxwell’s powerful alto sound. “Appointment With…” starts the flight with its pensive Fender Rhodes and melodic alto sax and bass interplay. Over the next 10 minutes, the intensity and tension build. Reaching “Answer & Arrival” at the album’s end, the listener has been guided on a wondrous long-form journey with daring time signature changes and equally evocative solos. It’s evident that there has been some sort of transformation during this 40-minute journey. Repeated listenings uncover still more details of the joyous ride.
RICKIE LEE JONES – PIECES OF TREASURE (JAZZ/POP): One would think that Rickie Lee Jones could no longer stir strong emotions after almost 50 years. Instead, these jazz standards conjure the same feelings that I had when I first heard her self-titled debut in the late ’70s. Granted, Jones has released a few cover projects, some brilliant (1983’s A Girl and Her Volcano) and one godawful (1991’s flaccid David Was-produced Pop Pop). But Jones is an artist in the truest sense, and never one to ignore her muse. Reconnecting with producer Russ Titelman at New York’s Sear Sound, Jones is joined by a tight band including Rob Mounsey on piano, guitarists Russell Malone and Jon Herington, bassist David Wong and drummer Mark McLean. They provide subtle and textured support to Jones’ still unique and expressive voice. Along the way, songs like “All the Way” and “Nature Boy” take on a new life. Each is born again through Jones’ interpretation, while Titelman keeps the playing loose and breezy. Add Pieces of Treasure to the list of classic Rickie Lee Jones albums. This is 10 pieces of musical gold.
ALEXIS EVANS – YOURS TRULY (SOUL): Alexis Evans’s new album is authentic and compelling neo-soul. The writer, producer and composer gathered an energized band to enliven his compact and vivid stories. Evans’ 2019 album, I’ve Come a Long Way, was a perfect sophomore effort. Yours Truly doesn’t attempt to reinvent his formula. That’s fine, as songs like “What Is This Feeling” and “Let Them Loose” are emotional, descriptive and fun. Add to this formula Evans’ powerfully soulful voice and Memphis-inspired guitar work, and you have one of the best albums of the year.
BOKANTE’ – HISTORY (WORLD MUSIC): Due from Bokante’ on June 30 from Real World Records, History is a stunning mashup of Creole, African, Arab, and blues styles. The result is a compelling, pulsating collection of songs. “Bliss” is a fine example of this exciting blend, with powerful bass and gusty guitars. The busy underlying influences are prevalent throughout, with songs like “Pa Domi” tying in strong West African influences. Additionally, Snarky Puppy leader Michael League effortlessly integrates Western music with Middle Eastern and African themes. Roosevelt Collier (lap steel) and Bokante’ guitarists Chris McQueen and Bob Lanzetti meld with Jamey Haddad and Keita Ogawa, producing an album that is more than the sum of its parts.
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