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CONCORD
MARIAN McPARTLAND/Twilight World: The grande dame doyenne of jazz (and music) rolls on, playing as if she’s younger than springtime. Some senior AARP members get a pass just for showing up and refracting on past glories, McPartland won’t even be close to such indulgences for at least another decade. Nearly a century of piano jazz remains in good hands.
MIDWOOD SOUNDS
MICHAEL WINOGRAD/Bessarabian Hop: Possibly the biggest fish in the small pond of klezmer, clarinetist Winograd takes it to places Benny Goodman never thought of as he even manages to work Gwen Stefani into the mix. Not adhering strictly to how klezmer is perceived, he genre splices within the genre and mixes it all up into a lively, sprightly mix that kicks ass. With a full band at his side that can match his energy note for note, this is one of the tastiest world beat diversions you are going to come across.
44035
RITA HOSKING
RITA HOSKING/Silver Stream: Remember when you wanted to like Gillian Welch or Iris DeMent but there just wasn’t something you felt you could grab onto? Hosking takes it to the next level of the game. Maybe it’s because her organic elements weren’t crafted by a major label and really are organic. A rising bluegrass queen with strong folk/rock elements and an appreciation for all things country, her latest gets higher marks than the usual DIY recording because it’s running on a lot more than good intentions. Loaded with verve, spirit and out of the box energy, you don’t have to be a hardcore bluegrass fan to play this often and loud. A top shelf recording all the way.
Volume 31/Number 96
February 4, 2008
MIDWEST RECORD
830 W. Route 22 #144
Lake Zurich, IL., 60047
CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher
©2008 Midwest Record
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I concur with the reviewer on the Rita Hosking record. Her voice makes my toe nails curl…in a good way.
Comment by Tom Wernigg — February 5, 2008 @ 5:33 pm