Bo Outlaw & Loiten Twang Depot - Lonestar State of Mind - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The Brooks, a supergroup formed in the early 2010s, is a formidable groove machine. From their beginnings at Dièse Onze to the big international stages, they combine the pleasure of playing, artistic freedom and creative synergy. Their electrifying music, a cross between funk, soul, r'n'b, afrobeat and jazz, is driven by bouncy rhythms, flamboyant brass, inventive keyboards and bewitching guitars. Their forthcoming album, 'Soon As I CanInch (October 4, 2024) promises to propel their grooves to new heights.

Not exactly traditional folk or country but rather a blend of the old and the new, this first from Bobtown draws on a variety of roots-oriented music genres which reflect each participant's unique contribution to the group. It's a little country, a little folk, a little gospel, and recurring themes throughout the album appear to be God, death and the devil. It's a little dark in places but the Gothic edge is masked in gorgeous, 4-part harmonies and lilting vocal and instrumental melodies.

Janaki's debut album was one of the first I mastered for Yarlung Records... People still want to talk about it at audiophile shows, usually with sharpie pen in hand, asking for my autograph on the original CD. This has become one of Yarlung's iconic recordings, an out of the ballpark home run because it combines lifelike sound with hair raising, inspired performances. The 3D presentation, the you are there tonality and perfect acoustic decay in Zipper Hall where this was recorded, reveal three living breathing musicians playing just for us; it doesn't get any better than this.