Bill Evans and Megan Lynch, Let’s Do Something … As
a platform for the talents of two accomplished bluegrass musicians
(Evans wrote Banjo for Dummies; Lynch is a champion fiddler), Let’s Do
Something succeeds. But the real joys are less expected: weary and
delicate vocals working in concert, Evans’ patience and care with his
banjo, and a haunting adaptation of Editors’ post-punk song “Fall.”
(Native and Fine Records)
JL Stiles, Landmark EP. Stiles’ voice conveys the
gravitas of Eddie Vedder and the carefree spirit of Jack Johnson, but
his music may not appeal to devotees of either. Instead, he hits a
tougher spot in the middle where solemnity and whimsicality vie for
supremacy. Call it a stalemate after four tracks, which is just long
enough for the ambiguity to become addictive. (self-released)
Jacqui Naylor, You Don’t Know Jacq. REM’s “Losing My
Religion” and the Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” may not seem to belong on
a jazz album, but Naylor shows no fear in tackling these and other
covers — inventive arrangements courtesy of bandmate and
co-producer Art Khu — across her seventh record. In this sense
it’s not a jazz album at all, but a showcase for the fluidity of music.
(Ruby Star Records)
John McGaraghan and Lee Simpson, Summertime in
California. McGaraghan and Simpson’s warm, bright acoustic guitars
bind this collection of hopeful, self-assured bluegrass and California
country. Both musicians are skilled as singers and instrumentalists
alike, seamlessly trading roles from track to track and proving their
chemistry to be as natural as their muse. (Vina Loam Records)
