February 2, 2001

1. The Meters - "Rejuvenation" - Sundazed ( originally released on Reprise 1974)
I'm so happy that this recording has finally been reissued on CD. (now I can finally retire my turntable) First off I LOVE the Meters and to my taste this is by far their best recording. Right after James Brown the Meters had the most impact on shaping the kind of funk I'm into. Especially Leo Nocentelli's rhythm guitar playing. If you dig loose, retro funk grooves with a New Orleans flavor you NEED to buy this CD. One of my top 10 favorites of all time.

2. Rueben Gonzales, " Introducing..." Nonsuch 1997
This is my favorite of the Buena Vista Social Club offshoots.This is pretty much classic Cuban jazz but I really I love his irreverent stye of phrasing. Kind of like a Cuban Theloneous Monk.

3. Bill Evans " Soul Insider" 2000
I'm not sure if this is released in the U.S. yet.Bill let me have an advance copy so I don't even know what label it's on but this is a great CD. Bill had obviously been listening to a lot of the same records that I had been checking out just before recording Dangerous Curves (60's soul jazz and boogaloo). A very live in the studio feel with a great band.

4. Keb Mo"Slow Down" Okeh 1998
Keb doesn't try to hide his Taj Mahal influences but just trys to add his own touch to them.Great songs,great performances, all around great modern blues record.

5. Steve Earl"Guitar Town" MCA 1986
When this record first came out it just blew my mind. This is true,believable Americana. He succeeds where so many other fail in trying to capture the ups and downs of living a normal life in America. Simple,straight to the point, honest music. If you're not familiar with his music think Hank Williams meets John Mellencamp.

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