Jim Farber’s music recommendations
Esperanza Spalding “Radio Music Society” On her first album since becoming a major Grammy-winner, this brainy and skilled jazz singer/ bassist channels her inner pop star — without selling out. Paul Weller “Sonik Kicks” An adventurous leap into avant-garde psychedelia from one of British rock’s most stalwart stars. Dr. John “Locked Down” In which the New Orleans legend revives his spooky “Night Tripper” character from the ’60s to create his funkiest album in eons. Joan Osborne “Bring It On Home” In the past, Osborne reclaimed soul songs. Here she recasts the blues with her own grind and shout. We Are Augustines “Rise Ye Sunken Ships” An album about suicide and depression, told with a U2-like sense of chiming inspiration. Soundtrack “Chico & Rita” Cuban jazz master Bobo Valdes serves as the prime inspiration for a compilation covering a wealth of music inspired by the island’s history. Melanie Fiona “The MF Life” The Canadian/guyanese singer gave up her retrosoul style this time to click into contemporary R&B, sung with a timeless ache. Regional Garland “Mixed Sugar: The Complete Works: 1970-1987” A lost, regional star of ’70s and ’80s soul is rescued from obscurity by this super-funky compilation. Brad Mehldau Trio “Ode” The jazz pianist’s first studio album with his trio in half a decade has as much beauty as adventure. Zeus “Busting Visions” The Toronto-based Zeus hits the sweet spot for anyone yearning for flouncy ’70s style pop-rock. Think: Badfinger meets Queen.