Feb 22, 2008

Timeless new albums thrill

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

MICHAEL JACKSON - "THRILLER: 25TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION"
Yeah, yeah, I know. You still have the vinyl molding away in the basement. And that eight-track cartridge just needs dusting ... and a functioning player. So why buy another new issue of the "Thriller" album? A previously unreleased ballad might interest you. There are remixes, including collaborations with Fergie, Kanye West and Akon. There's a bonus DVD. But it's the nine original tracks, presented in pristine sparkle, that will again grab your ear. They serve as reminders that before the scandal and ridicule, there was pop music of lasting significance.

KEITH JARRETT, GARY PEACOCK, JACK DEJOHNETTE - "SETTING STANDARDS: NEW YORK SESSIONS"
Honoring the 25th anniversary of these classic jazz sessions at New York's Power Station studio, ECM has released a limited edition, specially priced three-CD package. These amazingly creative sessions resulted in three albums, released in 1984 and '85. The trio work ageless miracles with such standards as "God Bless the Child" and "In Love In Vain." They make the Great American Songbook sound greater than ever. The triumphant trio performs at San Francisco's Masonic Auditorium on March 8.

LIBBY YORK - "HERE WITH YOU"
The American Songbook gets a lush and lovely treatment from vocalist Libby York. Her sensuously sophisticated performances recall the sultry magic of Julie London. York's intoxicating interactions with guitars, bass and drums prove spellbinding throughout. Highlights include "For All We Know" and "But Beautiful."

WYNTON MARSALIS - "STANDARDS & BALLADS"
This impressive compilation serves up an appealing collection of classics, all enhanced by sensitive arrangements and the elegant excursions of Wynton Marsalis' honeyed horn. Like such songs as "Embraceable You" and "Where or When," his trumpet playing stands the test of time.

RANDY THOMPSON - "FURTHER ON"
This magnetic performer takes the listener on an exhilarating Americana journey, from the country-rocking opener "Don't You See" and the uplifting "Songbird" to the traditional, gospel-sounding title track that closes the album. Thompson's plaintive vocals help fuel his originals, as well as fresh interpretations of tunes made famous by such icons as Bill Monroe.

PATTY LARKIN - "WATCH THE SKY"
"Watch the Sky" is another beautiful collection of songs from one of our finest singer-songwriters. Expressive vocals complement hauntingly lovely compositions. Larkin plays all the instruments and sings all the harmonies on this album.

KAT PARRA - "AZUCAR DE AMOR"
Love is a many-splendored thing. And so is the voice of Bay Area singer/composer Kat Parra. Her sophomore album proves to be cause for celebration, displaying many impressive facets of her talent. Multicultural flavors spice up the music. Produced by Wayne Wallace, the tracks brim with rich, lively sounds. Parra performs at the Improv in San Jose on March 2, as part of San Jose Jazz Society's Sunday Series. The Patois Records Artist Showcase, from 3 to 5 p.m., will feature Wallace and Alexa Weber Morales.

VARIOUS ARTISTS - "BEDTIME BEATS: THE SECRET TO SLEEP"
Jazz can get you jumping. But it can also bring serenity. Having already released a "Bedtime Beats" that featured soothing sounds of Mozart, Debussy and other classical composers, Rhino now offers a compilation of peaceful pleasures from such jazz giants as Duke Ellington, John Coltrane and Bill Evans. The two-CD set presents two hours of music that transport the listener to a more tranquil place.

PAUL THORN - "A LONG WAY FROM TUPELO"
An exceptionally strong songwriter, the Mississippi-born Paul Thorn returns with a riveting effort. "What Have You Done to Lift Somebody Up" is a moving call for connection. The driving title track bristles with intense, bluesy urgency. His wry, self-deprecating sense of humor is evident in the name of his own label: Perpetual Obscurity Records.

ERIC LINDELL - "LOW ON CASH, RICH IN LOVE"
Eric Lindell's latest Alligator release continues his soulfully energetic explosion of rock, funk and R&B. The San Mateo native with the New Orleans sensibility plays San Francisco's Pier 23 Cafe on March 2.

WALTER HYATT - "SOME UNFINISHED BUSINESS, VOL. 1"
With his Uncle Walt's Band, Walter Hyatt became an influential staple on the Austin music scene in the 1970s. In 1996, he perished in the Valu-jet 592 crash. His widow Heidi completed these tracks with such fine musicians as Jerry Douglas, the Jordanaires, Riders in the Sky and Carrie Rodriguez.

RAY DAVIES - "WORKING MAN'S CAFE"
The Kinks' frontman's brilliance hasn't diminished. Often quintessentially British in his fascinations, this new release, his second solo album, provides Ray Davies' reflections on America. With potent, insightful lyrics and engaging melodies, these creations reveal more with each listening. Among the memorable tracks are "Vietnam Cowboys," "Peace in Our Time" and "Real World."

THE BEATLES - "DESTINATION HAMBURG: THE EARLY YEARS" DVD
Beatle buffs might find this of interest. Be aware that it contains no Fab Four music, however. You will get Tony Sheridan numbers, interviews with associates and stock footage. The bonus material includes a radio chat by John, Paul and Ringo. Unfortunately, with their voices sped up, they sound like Simon, Alvin and Theodore.

"INSIDE THE SMITHS" DVD
You won't see Morrissey or Johnny Marr in this documentary. But you'll hear a lot about them. The inside look is provided by the band's drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke. Other talking heads include members of the Buzzcocks, Kaiser Chiefs and Suede. Though no Smiths music is actually heard in the film, intriguing anecdotes will make you dig out the band's old records.