Trax
By Bliss 05/06/2010
OTIS TAYLOR, Clovis People, Vol. 3 (Telarc): (4 stars out of 5)
The Colorado trance-bluesman hones the lean storytelling skills and electric drama that distinguished career-best albums “White African” and “Respect the Dead” on another compelling set that expands the blues template. Taylor’s impressionistic lyrics sketch out his fascination with individual stories that comprise history, conveying taut emotion and provocative scenes with choice words cradled in atmospheric, minor-key settings from guitarist Gary Moore, bassist/daughter Cassie Taylor, cornetist Ron Miles and pedal steel player Chuck Campbell. otistaylor.com.
ELIZABETH COOK, Welder (31 Tigers): (3.5 stars out of 5)
Country spitfire Cook takes no prisoners on this Don Was-produced disc. There’s no in-your-face single like 2007’s controversial “Balls,” although the racy “Yes to Booty” tries, but Cook offers a clutch of affecting songs. For all her sparkplug attitude, she’s most stunning when playing it straight, as on the bracing “Heroin Addict Sister.” (“She pushes a tiny needle/ It’s like the devil’s DNA/ It takes her somewhere she’s just gotta go/ But can’t afford to stay”). Other highlights: the funky “El Camino,” “Follow You Like Smoke.” elizabethcook.com.
THE TALLEST MAN ON EARTH, The Wild Hunt (Dead Oceans): (4 stars out of 5)
Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson follows 2008’s much-praised “Shallow Grave” with this simple but winningly performed set. Dylan comparisons are inevitable, partly because it’s a classic troubadour setup: just Matsson and his guitar, singing lyrically elegant songs of heartache and wonder propelled by fleet fingerpicking and sly humor. Spin this if you’re a fan of Dylan, Tim Easton, Shawn Mullins. Highlights: “Drying of the Lawns,” “King of Spain.” At Natural History Museum in downtown LA w/Gamble House Friday. myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth.
FRANCIS ALBERT SINATRA & ANTONIO CARLOS JOBIM, Sinatra/Jobim:
The Complete Reprise Recordings (Concord): (4.5 stars out of 5)
A nicely packaged reissue with a reason: the remastered 1967 album is augmented with the seven Sinatra-Jobim collaborations from 1971’s “Sinatra & Company” plus three tracks previously unreleased because Sinatra wasn’t satisfied with his performance. Stan Cornyn’s liner notes colorfully depict the challenges of Singing Soft for Sinatra & Co. The disc’s second half snaps and swings a bit more but remains a clinic on the art of subtlety. In this “American Idol” era, these 20 tracks prove the truth of “less is more.” concordmusicgroup.com.
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