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Look for these releases in the studio or on the recently reviewed shelf in the music library!

Review Date: 3/26/2008
Artist: Gachupín (Gachupín)
Album: Gachupín
Genre: World Beat/Jazz
Grade: A
Review: Rock meets world music with surprising success on Gachupin's eponymous debut. This kind of melting pot often yields horribly bastardized results, but the large ensemble pulls it off, thanks to a slew of authentic riffs, unforced arrangements, and a strong focus kept on the Groove with a capital "G." Brazilian rhythms, African horn lines, and funky bass lines are only a few of the elements you will encounter within these eleven instrumentals, yet this diversity is subsumed to a well-gelled group sound. Guitarists Lynn Wright and Jon Petrow are pushing the Latin elements of their previous band Cordero into funkier territory, with the help of Coba's drummer Chris Michael, and Pere Ubu bassist Tony Maimone, whose heavy lines lend a certain avant-rock feel to this otherwise fusion-jazz-sounding record (the jazz element often provided by Brian Dewan's spirited organ playing). The group also relies on a big brass section that convincingly switches modes between samba leads and Afro-funk cues. Highlights include the opening "Irish Juju," a call to dance if there ever was one, the groove-heavy "Attiso," and "Marrakech," which -- despite its title -- has a strong Ethiopian feel (think Mahmoud Ahmed). “Las armas secretas” features some discordant guitar sounds near the end of the song. Gachupin lacks a few strong melodies to make it truly memorable. That said, as an experiment in World Fusion, it definitely succeeds. Recommended for mix shows and as background music.
Recommended Tracks: Play anything!
FCC: None
Reviewer: www.allmusic.com

Review Date: 3/25/08
Artist: The Bird & The Bee (Blue Note)
Album: One Too Many Hearts (EP)
Genre: Indie/Alternative
Grade: A+
Review: The Bird & The Bee are an L.A.-based duo consisting of Inara George and Greg Kurstin. Multi-instrumentalist Kurstin compliments the dulcet tones of Inara George, whose voice evokes the soft touch of Astrud Gilberto. Their debut album was infused with retro jazz and bossa nova indie pop songs. But the duo’s sound keeps evolving, and One Too Many Hearts is their response to Valentine’s Day. There’s something here for everyone. “Last Day of Our Love” speaks to those at the end of a relationship, but the sweet melody is like balm to broken hearts. Even if “Birthday” is about a stalker or desperate love, the cute beats keep your head bobbing and put a grin on your face. The passionate “Come As You Were” includes wonderful sounds that remind you of spaceships and Disney’s World of Tomorrow. On the duo’s last EP, they managed a remarkable cover of the Bee Gee’s “How Deep Is Your Love?” and they do no less here. “Tonight You Belong to Me” (with additional vocals by Gus Seyffert) puts a new spin on the song made popular in the 1979 film The Jerk, when it was sung by Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters. The Bird & The Bee is a smart, quirky duo with a finely developed sense of humor and melody.
Recommended Tracks: 1, 2, 3, 4
FCC: None
Reviewer: Catie Kosinski

Review Date: 3/25/2008
Artist: Marian McPartland (Concord Jazz)
Album: Twilight World
Genre: Jazz
Grade: A
Review: I’m so in awe of Marian McPartland. She recorded this album on the eve of her 90th birthday! McPartland is a living legend as host of NPR’s longest running cultural show, Marian McPartland’s Piano Jazz. This album marks her first studio release in more than ten years. She performs piano alongside bassist Gary Mazzaroppi and drummer Glenn Davis. Twilight World features original compositions by McPartland and familiar standards. As the name of the album suggests, it’s a mellow set. From enchanting title track to the plaintive “In the Days of Our Love” McPartland showcases her talent on the piano and as a composer. Her interpretations of “Turn Around” and “How Deep Is the Ocean?” are particularly gripping. Every song on this album is delight.
Recommended Tracks: Play anything!
Mellow: 2, 6, 1, 4, 8
Mid-tempo: 3, 5, 9
FCC: None
Reviewer: Catie Kosinski

Review Date: 2/29/2008
Artist: Lina (Mood Star Records)
Album: Morning Star
Genre: R&B, Soul, Jazz
Grade: A-
Review: Lina’s music defies categorization. Her debut album was firmly in the Neo-Soul movement, but her follow-up was a misdirected R&B and soul experiment. Lina suffered from excess and an inability to cut maudlin tracks, creating an overly long monstrosity. Now, Lina’s returned with her signature sound that marries the sounds of Billie Holiday and Erykah Badu, but Lina can be sassier than either lady. At her best, she’s absolutely unique – a gritty R&B rap mixed with operatic vocals (“Mr. DJ”), jazz sampled with urban beats of cheating men and broken hearts (“Between Us,” “Thru the Fire/Dance, Sing,” “Gone”). If her debut was a fresh revelation and the follow-up a certified disaster, Morning Star represents a giant step back in the right direction. Most of the album consists of standard R&B or soul tracks, but Lina’s strengths are evident in several cuts. The previously mentioned songs are most representative of Lina’s signature style, but “Who’s Your Daddy” is a funky little track and “Feel the Love” is the album’s first single. Also of note are “Wake Up,” a mid-tempo inspirational number, and “Walk Away” has a nice guitar hook.
Recommended Tracks: 11, 6, 12, 15, 10, 5, 2, 14
FCC: None
Reviewer: Catie Kosinski