Trax
By Bliss 08/12/2010
RAY LAMONTAGNE & THE PARIAH DOGS, God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise (RCA): (4 stars out of 5)
The intense troubadour loosens up and goes roadhouse on the Leon Russell-style “Repo Man” and harmonica-accented “Devil’s in the Jukebox,” backed by a peerless LA band whose smooth grooves and rustic settings complement LaMontagne’s husky plaints: guitarists/pedal steel players Greg Leisz and Eric Heywood, drummer Jay Bellerose, bassist Jennifer Condos and keyboardist Patrick Warren. raylamontagne.com
STAR ANNA & THE LAUGHING DOGS, The Only Thing That Matters (self-released): (3 1/2 stars out of 5)
The Washington quartet’s second album favors midtempo rockers structured around the aching contours of frontwoman Anna’s expressive alto, which soulfully illuminates the blue-hued, guitar-driven arrangements. They downshift for “Running Man” and “Tripping Wire” (“Can’t pay the bills but we can pay for the pills/ To cover up what we the world instilled”), an acoustic stunner that makes you wish for more such ballads. Fans of Lucinda Williams and Adele will likely want to hear more. At Spaceland Wednesday and Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena Thursday. staranna.com
ROBIN MCKELLE, Mess Around (E1): (3 stars out of 5)
The assured jazz stylist trades in the big-band swing of 2008’s “Modern Antique” for ’60s-style soul on this notable if uneven collection, giving Leonard Cohen’s “Everybody Knows” a funky soul twist and tackling the songbooks of Willie Dixon, Doc Pomus and the Beatles. McKelle has cited Ray Charles, Etta James and Esther Phillips as inspirations while recording but her style’s her own, even when seemingly channeling Gladys Knight during “I Can’t See Nobody.” At Café Metropol Friday. robinmckelle.com
JEFF RICHMAN, Like That (Nefer): (3 stars out of 5)
Too esoteric for non-jazzbos, but Yellowjackets fans should appreciate Richman’s 15th release, a nicely produced platter of instrumental jazz. The guitarist was once a student of Pat Metheny’s, an influence that still permeates his style and confident leads. Studded with supporting turns by session heavies like percussionist Alex Acuna, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta and bassist Neil Stubenhaus. Richman plays the Baked Potato in North Hollywood with Jimmy Haslip Saturday. jeffrichman.net
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