July 13, 2004

1. Kenny White “Symphony in 16 bars” - MVP 2004
As far as I know this is only available online at the moment ( try CD baby).
But worth searching out. Kenny has always been one of my favorite piano players and producers but this is where he really shines. I am just floored by his songwriting. I typically just kind of gloss over lyrics and listen to the music but I really had no choice but to be drawn in and really listen to the words here.His clever imagery definitely got the best of me and I found myself really paying attention. Very few writers have had that effect on me,the early Steely Dan recordings,some Paul Simon, Bob Dylan but all and all very few.
The Music and the Band are also just great here. Check it out if you can.

2. Jack Johnson “On and On”
Another singer songwriter but what I really like about the is his rhythm guitar playing. Great overall vibe too.

3. Ry Cooder with Manuel Galban ”Mambo Sinuendo”
This is another in Ry’s Buena Vista Social Club series of Cuban artist featuring Cuban Surf Guitarist Manuel Galban. This is just a really cool combination of textures and grooves. The groove on “Patricia” is one of my favorites ever recorded.

4. Django Rienhardt “Retrospective”
Obviously nothing new here, it’s just that Django’s playing has really been catching my ear lately. Another one for that rare category of genius.

5. Todd Rungren “ The Best Of ”
I just really like so many of these songs and have been enjoying going back and hearing them again.

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