PERFORMER: Rhonda Vincent (www.nemr.net/~rhondav)
CD: “Good Thing Going” (Rounder)

There are numerous comparisons to be made between singer/mandolinist/songwriter Rhonda Vincent and her fiddling counterpart Alison Krauss.

While Krauss is certainly more celebrated — as well as having ventured (or, depending on your P.O.V. strayed) further from her roots — both rank as two of country/bluegrass’s most consummate musicians, entertainers and, apparently, businesswomen. (more…)

PERFORMER: Lou Rhodes (www.lourhodes.com)
CD: “Beloved One” (Cooking Vinyl)

Known for her cutting-edge work in the British bass ’n’ drums duo Lamb, this was singer Lou Rhodes’ solo debut. While it was released in 2006 in the U.K. and last year in the U.S. (Rhodes already has a new release out), it’s worth checking out.  While “Beloved One” is essentially a singer/songwriter record, it goes far beyond the usual  singer/songwriter sonic textures.

Throughout, the accompaniment to her voice and guitar is sparse but used to dramatic effect, which sets her apart from the pack of angst-ridden femmes. With string bass creating a sense of depth, assorted percussion providing rhythm, and string quartets adding grandeur and tension, each song is a journey. Some are lonely (the title track, “To Survive”), some are loving and languid (“Treat Her Gently”) and some are plaintive (“Save Me”), but every track is forceful and bold.

She displays an uncanny sense of timing, texture and knows precisely how to create a rich variety of moods. The arrangements build on the tradition of English folk pioneered by Pentangle, Fairport Convention and Nick Drake, with echoes of more contemporary groups like Calexico.

— By Michael Lipton

PERFORMER: Sheryl Crow (www.sherylcrow.com)
CD: “Detours” (A&M)

Surrounded by success and drama, Sheryl Crow’s career has been anything but boring.  Now, emerging from major changes in her life — a battle with breast cancer, more relationship struggles and adopting a son — the outspoken singer has created her freshest record in years.  Once again working with former producer Bill Bottrell, “Detours” sounds every bit as fresh as “Tuesday Night Music Club,” with all its melodic hooks, quirky pop flourishes and charm.
The disc opens with the solo acoustic “God Bless This Mess,” acknowledging and celebrating an imperfect world, and ping-pongs between produced pop numbers, near-acoustic ballads and pared-down Beatlesque anthems like “Love is Free” and “Out of Our Heads.”

Both “Peace Be Upon Us” and “Gasoline” recall earlier hits and capitalize on her knack for penning simple, catchy chorus lines — not to mention timely topics.
While Bottrell’s production is always front and center — and never misses the mark (check out “Love is All There Is”) — it also never overshadows the songs, which are all strong and singular enough to stand on their own. In fact, with little more than Crow’s voice and an acoustic guitar, the title track stands out as one of Crow’s most passionate, heartfelt statements.

– By Michael Lipton 

PERFORMER: Joe Jackson
The CD: “Rain”

Joe Jackson’s new CD, “Rain,” is a sublime collection of mature relationship songs in Jackson’s trademark style. If you’ve been a fan of his piano-driven music since his early days in the late 1970s, you can rest assured that this is pure Joe Jackson. It’s not one of his forays into other styles of music, like his swing, classical or soundtrack music. “Rain” is reminiscent of his 1980s work like “Night And Day” and “Big World” minus the rather dated synthesizers.

The songs on “Rain” are tunes that Jackson has been performing on his last two tours. The band is Jackson on piano, plus the original Joe Jackson Band rhythm section –Graham Maby on bass and vocals and Dave Houghton on drums and vocals. “Rain” was recorded in Berlin, where Jackson is currently residing, having abandoned New York City after they enacted a smoking ban in bars. Man, smokers sure do get touchy about that. (more…)