April 2006 List

"Better Way": Ben Harper
(Both Sides of the Gun, 2006)
I'd always been curious about Ben Harper but only ever happened upon his music here and there rather than actively seeking it out. Because he recently released a two CD set with two distinctive moods shaping each disc, I thought it was a good excuse to finally warm my ears to his music; I now feel like I've joined the party!

"Here Today Gone Tomorrow": Ronnie Spector
(The Last of the Rock Stars, 2006)
Ladies and gentlemen: I am proud to announce the first release by my company - Ronnie Spector's The Last of the Rock Stars! Currently only available outside of the U.S., the album illustrates Ronnie's enduring influence among rock musicians, past and present, especially when she lets loose on a cover of The Ramones' "Here Today Gone Tomorrow." (Note: even if it wasn't released by my company, I'd buy the album - it's that interesting of a listen!)

"The Thrill of This Love": Van Hunt
(On the Jungle Floor, 2006)
Ever since its release on April 11, the new album by Van Hunt has hardly left my discman or my stereo, boasting an impressive variety of musical soundscapes serving as a backdrop for Hunt's mutable voice. For those who thirst a change from insipid neo-soul or committee-made R&B, Van Hunt's second album is the tonic!

"Previsão": BossaCucaNova feat. Adriana Calcanhotto
(Uma Batida Diferente, 2005)
Thanks to a listening station at the Tower Records near Lincoln Center, I've discovered yet another song blessed by the angelic voice of Adriana Calcanhotto (see May 2005 list). BossaCucaNova's music perfectly conjures the feeling of winter turning to spring and Adriana's voice is like a flower opening its petals towards the sun.

"Wisteria": P-1
(Power, 2006)
Like "Previsao," "Wisteria" is a song that suits the change of seasons, feautring a bass line that drives the deep-house rhythm and adds muscle to lead singer Beth-Anne Arensten's rapturous exclamation, "We're so overjoyed by our looooove." Now that Power is officially available, I'm thrilled to share my excitement about this particular song, which is fast-becoming my theme for summer 2006! (Check out www.p-1music.com for more info...)

JUNE POINTER: 1953-2006
April's blog is in memory of June Pointer who passed away on Tuesday, April 11 at 52 years old. She was one of the original Pointer Sisters, a group whose sound has been with me since childhood. June sang lead on such songs as "Happiness," "He's So Shy," "Jump (For My Love)," "Dare Me," and "Baby Come and Get It."