Trax
By Bliss 03/11/2010
MARTIN SEXTON, Sugarcoating (Kitchen Table): (3.5 stars out of 5)
Uplifting soul, folk, stylish pop, swing and a dash of twang mix together like distinct but complementary ingredients in the singer-songwriter’s latest offering. “Found” celebrates the journey to “find friends among strange faces” while the winning title track “sugarcoats” 9/11 anger with slap-happy rhythms and faux cheer, and romantic ballads “Always Got Away” and “Wants Out” showcase the smooth burn in Sexton’s supple vocals — sometimes a tad too smooth. More Van than Otis, Sexton’s at his best when embracing his inner soulman. martinsexton.com.
REAL VOCAL STRING QUARTET, Real Vocal String Quartet (Flower Note): (3 stars out of 5)
Cello, viola, two violins, four voices: that’s the basic setup for this Bay Area quartet that elegantly blends chamber music with African and Appalachian folk rhythms. The unexpected mix of influences keeps things pleasingly fresh, whether assaying Brazilian jazz (“Fonte Abandonada-Passatempo”), a cinematic take on Paul Simon’s “Night Game” or one of violinist Irene Sazer’s eclectic compositions. Should appeal to fans of Crooked Still and Sazer’s old band Turtle Island String Quartet. At Bootleg Theatre in LA Sunday. rvsq.com.
BLACK REBEL MOTORCYCLE CLUB, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo (Abstract Dragon/Vagrant): (4 stars out of 5)
Robert Levon Been’s thick, sludgy bass lines and penetrating wail, guitarist Peter Hayes’ dramatic licks and ex-Raveonettes drummer Leah Shapiro’s beat-keeping propel the trio’s return, splitting the sonic difference between the reverbed fury of B.R.M.C.’s 2001 debut and 2005’s rootsier “Howl.” Spring-coiled tension between wounded resignation and desire give edge to spiritual cravings — to feel, to believe, to find some kind of sustainable peace — expressed in the roiling “Evol,” “Half-State,” “Mama Taught Me Better” and “Shadow’s Keeper.” At EchoPlex tonight, Friday and Sunday. blackrebelmotorcycleclub.com.
STEVE SMITH, CHRIS SANDERS & HARD ROAD, Signs Along the Road (Desert Night): (3 stars out of 5)
Soulful, mid-tempo bluegrass from New Mexico’s Smith and Sanders, who imbue their observant lyrics with geographical detail, an appreciation for the traditions that bind generations and a keen awareness of time’s passage, all fleshed out with precision and feel by a tight ensemble that includes esteemed banjo-fiddle duo Bill Evans and Megan Lynch. Bend an ear if you’re impatient for new Tim O’Brien or Steeldrivers music. At Coffee Gallery Backstage Thursday, March 18. desertnight.com.
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