Six ear-catching tunes heard tonight:
KCSM (San Mateo, CA)
- Donde Estabas Tu-Tito Puente with Vicentico Valdes (An infectious rhythm for skilled dancers. The English translation of the title is "Where Were You?")
KHUM (Cutten, CA)
- Big Nothing-Willie J Healey (The vocals and guitar remind me of Big Star; that's never a bad thing.)
KOPN (Columbia, MO)
- Para Comigo-Mart'nalia (Relaxing vocals and guitar with a melancholy feel; this makes me want to hear more from this Brazilian singer-songwriter. The title's English translation is "For Me.")
- Shadows-Tony Rice (Sadly, this influential guitarist and singer passed away on Christmas Day. Rice's vocals and guitar playing do Gordon Lightfoot's should-be-better-known tune justice. This is also the case on "Song For A Winter's Night." Also recommended: "Manzanita (1st Variation)," his take on "Shenandoah," and if you're feeling a bit depressed but confident enough to work through it, "California Autumn.")
WAYO (Rochester, NY)
- Sea Calls Me Home-Julia Holter (The echo on the vocals makes me think Mazzy Star's "Fade Into You" would sound right after this. Check out Holter and company's performance of this at KEXP; the violin and whistling add a lot to the feeling of being at sea.)
- Eva-Meesha Shafi (An energetic blend of forthright guitar, percussion, Pakistani vocals, and a hint of accordion.)
