Current releases in June
Throughout his quarter-century career, Tom Waits has had an odd style and presence. With the scruffy patch of hair under his lip and just-swallowed-broken-glass voice, he looks and sounds more like a bum than a superstar. But Waits’ work negates his bad first impression. In the early seventies he began putting conversations he overheard in bars to music. Some say he is the father of alternative music. Waits’ long road to stardom started with help from influential admirers impressed by his sound — performers such as Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and Joni Mitchell. Though he has never recorded a pop radio hit and has never toured, he has a huge following. To date, his songwriting has been a vehicle for his views on the ills of American society — from prostitution to homelessness. But all gloom and shabby appearance aside, Waits is a talented and respected music maker. After a six-year silence, Waits is back with a new CD entitled Mule Variations. The work, co-written with wife Kathleen Brennan, doesn’t stray far from his signature mix of blues, jazz and bebop topped off with a touch of vaudeville, much to fans delight. While he still sings of a dysfunctional America, the storyteller’s emotion-provoking tunes are nonetheless engaging. “In life nothing ever really happens,” says a cynical Waits, explaining his recurring themes, “ The trick is learning how to live with the nothing.” Cassandra Wilson*** Traveling Miles (EMI) Cassandra Wilson, the impressively gifted black American singer from the deep South, is perhaps the jazz community’s best discovery of recent decades. Those who have been following her career will not be surprised to hear that, with the new CD Traveling Miles, she has chosen to cover thirty years of Miles Davis’ music. The album, a competently executed group of covers infused with Wilson’s personal style, is currently scaling the European charts. This is definitely mood music — the crooning of a silky-voiced virtuoso. Traveling Miles is nightclub jazz at its best. Branford Marsalis**** Requiem (Columbia) Branford Marsalis is one of the greats in contemporary jazz. He seems to be open to all influences without losing his trademark sound. For that reason it is not surprising that Requiem, his first recording with a quartet in ten years, is a masterpiece. Bassist Eric Revis, drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts and pianist Kenny Kirkland — who died of a drug overdose during the project — accompany Marsalis on the new CD. “The album is dedicated to Kenny,” says a somber Marsalis, “That’s why the title is sad. But the music is anything but sad.” In fact, Requiem is a joyous celebration of life. Bruce Springsteen*** 18 tracks (Sony) Last year “Boss” fans were in Springsteen ecstasy upon his release of a four-CD boxed set entitled Tracks. The set celebrates the performer’s twenty-five-year career with a superb sampling of Springsteen’s works. U.S. music bible Rolling Stone has dubbed the package “the Holy Grail of boxed sets.” For the less serious Boss fan, a one-CD version of the masterwork has been released in Germany. 18 Tracks covers Springsteen’s quarter century in fast forward. While there are three songs not found on Tracks, this condensed compilation lacks the vision of its big brother. Pretenders** Viva El Amor (WEA) Pretenders lead singer, Chrissie Hynde, has mellowed. Long gone are the days when the feminist icon of the punk and new wave era barked out the band’s songs clad in leather and safety pins. Twenty years later Hynde and her three Pretenders accomplices are attempting a comeback. Unfortunately, Viva El Amor, their latest CD, doesn’t cater to pre-millennium tastes. In fact, it took the band an incredible five years to produce this album of tired, been-there-done-that Pretender songs, which could just as well be oldies. Aside from a few pretty ballads, Viva El Amor disappoints. Sheila Chandra**** Moonsung – A Retrospective (Real World/Virgin) Indian-born London- dweller Sheila Chandra is known for coupling her innovative style with sounds of her homeland. To the delight of ethno-music fans, Chandra binds the meditative and spiritual elements found in Indian music with the heavy beat grooves of London’s club culture. Her indescribable vocal style sets a delightfully exotic tone. Moonsung is a greatest hits package, highlighting her eight years in the business. For those who have not yet tuned into Chandra’s works, the new CD is an excellent introduction. For fans, it is a must.