Catchin' Up. Part II

Trombone Shorty- 4.0
This is not an official cd, but since it’s a “wild card”- why not. I downloaded it off of the internet and is a live recording from the 2011 Newport Jazz Festival. He’s only 25 yrs old but already has 9 cd’s to his credit. He also plays trumpet and drums. Talented dude. Shorty calls his music “supafunkrock”. Ok. I’ll go along with that. You can just feel the energy of this serious funk workout- just try and sit still. I know I can’t. This was a great show. I love everything about it- the honking baritone sax, funky basslines, distorted electric guitars, incendiary trombone, percussion, and organ.

Dennis Coffey- 3.5
Keep the funk going! And where has Dennis Coffey been my whole life? Had no idea. But I like it. The guy is 70 and can still rip it. Great balance between funk and psychedelic rock and some pretty good guest appearances make this one a fun listen.

Beth Hart and Joe B.- 3.5
Beth Hart has a great set of pipes and Joe Bonamassa can play the hell out of a guitar. So- what’s not to like here? This is a blues record that pays homage to the greats that made these songs famous. Loved the inclusion of Tom Waits jazz/soul classic Chocolate Jesus and the upbeat rockabilly of Delaney Bramlett’s Well, Well. Great cd.

Jayhawks- 5.0
This one is on my top 10 desert island list. Nuff said.

Queen- 4.0
I think this is the most fun Queen album. Right from the opening track their campiness shows thru. Brian May is truly great throughout and what can you say about Freddie Mercury. Geniuses both.

Warren Zevon
A great songwriter with more than his fair share of demons. Nice set of tunes that certainly showcased that wry, cynical, and often irreverent sense of Zevon style.