What's your latest "Discovery"

I picked up The Song Remains the Same concert DVD from Zeppelin about a year ago. I've gone through phases where I spend all of my music time watching it. I'm watching it right now actually. I love watching Page and Bonham. Also Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon. I'd always liked this album, but I really started listening to it about a month ago.

Marco - This is a really great thread. I have been running out of new music recently, since I just enjoy listening too much after finishing the setup of my new system. I picked up several suggestions here and still have long list left.

Following some of the recommendations here, I went out and got the following records:
White Stripes - Elephant
Patty Griffin - Living with Ghosts, Flaming Red
Crouching Tiger - Soundtrack
Madredeus - Anthologia, Ainda
Misia - Ritual
Amalia Rodriguez - The history of Fado

I guess I really got into Fado. I had already seen Lisbon Story a while ago and liked the music but never picked up on it. I haven't had much of a chance to listen to the history CD but it looks like it has a really good collection of traditional Fado singers (Including Amalia Rodriguez and Maria Teresa de Noronha) Not the best recording but worth having.
On the more modern site I'll probably start picking up some more White Stripes Album. I kind of left alternative for a while after leaving my teens and early twenties behind, this one was really refreshing though.

And since this thread is really more about discoveries, here are some of my suggestions:

Rabih-Abou Khalil - Sultans Picnic, Arabian Waltz
This is one of my favorite artists: great original compositions, great soloists and the band exhibits real coherence when playing together. Listen to Sunrise in Montreal on Sultans Picnic, the Harmonica solo is brilliant and fits in surprisingly well into this Middle Eastern/Western fusion jazz. Arabian Waltz is quite different, mixing in elements of western classical music. Also Enja Music does a wonderful recording job on all the records. And if you are lucky you can find them on vinyl.

Zakir Hussein and the Rhythm experience - The Rhythm Experience
Wonderful slightly modern perspective on Indian Classical Music, one of the best Tabla players in the World. And great to watch at a concert (He appears quite often on the west coast in concerts since he is living in LA).

Lester Bowie's Brass Fantasy - The Fire this time
Great live big band brass album. Great recording as well.

Tom Waits - Real Gone
No need to say much about this one...

That's at least a short selection of my current favorites.

Best wishes,

Rene

The Daktari's Soul Explosion is a great set of Afrofunk tunes in the James Brown via Fela vein. Basically a group of Brooklyn session guys with fake Nigerian names but the music works great...big, fat bass lines and great horn work. Has that authentic retro, swimmy, fat-bottomed 70s funk sound. On permanent rotation on the car CD player.

Volebeats:Country Favorites (subtitled Detroit, Michigan). A great sounding alt.country cd with fine vocals and guitar work. Runs the gamut from hard honky tonk to grunge country to pop rock to bluesy stuff. For once a cd without at least 6 songs of filler. It's Buddy Holly meets REM meets the Beach Boys meets 60s garage. Fun cd.

Drive By Truckers:Dirty South. Another great sounding alt.country cd with good vocals and triple guitar attacks. It's the Outlaws meets REM. Absolutely first rate lyrics. A good one to crank up the audio rig.

Siliab - I've loved the Daktaris disk ever since I stumbled across it a few years back, but I've never heard that backstory about who was responsible. In fact, not only does the jacket list all those African-sounding names of the players, but also specifies it as having been recorded in Lagos, Nigeria. Although it states it was mixed in NYC by the same guy (who doesn't have an African name) credited as recording producer, I kind of wondered - since the topic isn't addressed elsewhere - whether this really was supposed to mean remastered for CD. But there were more seeds of doubt: not all the players' names sound genuinely African or even real, no year of recording or original release is listed, and the liner notes and cover photo of a lion with vultures chowing down a kill on the savanna seem a bit arch and fakey. And why don't I see the Daktaris on any Afro-funk comps? But the sound - how could that deliciously dirty voodoo soul stew (to quote one of the song titles) not be authentic? It fairly screams 'vintage'. Could that have been achieved synthetically? And the tunes are too great not to strike me as being the real deal straight outta mother Africa. But at the end of the day the record's just so damn good I decided not to worry about where it really might have come from and simply enjoy it. Still somewhat of a mystery, but I heartily second the recommendation.

Counting Crows - "Hard Candy"

Performance ****1/2 (of 5*)
Sonics ****1/2 (of 5*)

Great band! Great CD! As good as if not better than "August and Everything After"

Highly recommended!!

Carla Bruni

Chopin Etudes, Murray Perahia, Sony, recorded 2001. An absolutely stunning CD! The best set of Chopin Etudes ever recorded, the best Murray Perahia recording he's ever made, and far and away the best piano sound Sony has ever offered. The sound is very vivid, immediate, close-up, with very full dynamic range and frequency range, good strong bass. This is NOT what you'd hear in the concert hall; instead, it's what you'd hear if your head was about three feet in front of the open lid of a Steinway concert grand. This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is mine.

Shostakovich, The Jazz Album

Hey Rene- Thanks, I've been enjoying this one too as it is a steady
source for new material. Glad you looked into the Fado again...great
stuff!

Here's a few more recent discoveries that I've been introduced to in the
past few months:

My jazz-loving audiophile buddy brought over some classics audiophile
selections I had not heard, and very much enjoyed:

Joe Pass, "Virtuoso" - Great Jazz guitar. I think this one's
available in XRCD.

Sonny Rollins, "Way Out West" - Classic Jazz with 'western'
lyrical overtones.

Tom Waits, Real Gone - As Rsbeck said, little more to be said. Waits at
his best...stepping back from the two previous releases,
"Alice" and "Blood Money", to tunes more similar
to "Bone Machine" and "Mule Variations". If you
don't like Waits, no reason to go here, but if you do, you will not be
disappointed.

Lhasa - "Living Road" Rene, and others, you will like this one
if you enjoy Madredeus and Fado. Her first release, La Llorona, is
fantastic as well and a frequently played favorite for me.

One more I don't think I've mentioned. In the vein of traditional Persian
percussion, and challenging to find, Chemirani Trio's CD titled
"Qalam Kar". This one was gifted to me from an Iranian
friend who purchased it over there. EVERY person I've played this for
wants a copy and is wowed by this CD. Audiophiles are astounded by
the dynamics and spatial quality, as well as the music. This recording is
mostly percussion - I believe the trio is a father and his two sons who
play traditional Persian drums (Dumbek, I think it is called). This will
make anyone reconsider what percussion can sound like...a definite
must-have for anyone who loves percussion. Just remarkable! Great
music to move and work to by true masters of the instruments.

Marco

MINDY SMITH. Relatively new on the singer-songwriter scene. Listen to "Angel Doves", track seven on her only major release "One Moment More" on your super hi-fi system. If you like female vocals, you will hear the voice of an angel. Breathtaking.

I can't stop listening to this record. Unfortunately it is not available in any high-resolution format.

Also, I was curious, so I went to see her live in SF recently. All the industry execs were there, arms crossed at first. By the end of the show they were drooling on themselves as if they just saw the next Norah Jones or something. I was completely floored by her stunning voice.

"In Touch", Ray Holman, Ramajay Records... A very well recorded blend of steel pan and more traditional jazz instruments, this is for anyone with an interest or curiosity about steel pan music.

Hi Marco, nice to see that you are still around. I haven't seen any posts of you
lately.

I really love this thread. Nice to see that it got revived again. Thanks for your
new suggestions, I will have to check out the Chemirani Trio's CD. I am
always looking for new Middle Eastern and Indian classical music. Another
Indian classical musician I can recommend to you is Amjad Ali Khan. I saw
him live here in ABQ with his two sons, which are both playing Sarod as well.
Amazing concert.

Also another CD I have to pick up sometime is: Jim White "Drill A Hole In That
Substrate And Tell Me What You See". I have been hearing the single "Static
On The Radio" a few times on Radio Free Santa Fe, and it got really stuck in
my head.

And yes the new Waits is pretty good. Although I am still more a fan of his
older records. I just really like the story telling in his older albums (Closing
Time, Heart of Saturday Night). I really enjoyed his early years albums as well,
which offer prerelease versions of his songs. Only Tom and himself in very
intimate recordings. On the other hand I am looking forward to a stage show
of Black Rider next Saturday in Calgary (even if Tom won't be there).

Hope to hear more suggestions here...

Rene

Hey Rene - Nice of you to notice...I have not had much time to post recently because we've been working on a major renovation of our house since August 1 (actually well before, but the pros took over then). Anyone who's been through a major renovation will understand the lack of time. I've actually taken on a lot of my own work along with the subs, trying to keep pace with the demand of the pros. Up untill a few weeks ago when the drywall started, we were living in our house the entire time. Fun, stressful...like standing in a cold shower with your wife and tearing up five-hundred dollar bills.

I didn't know Jim White had a new release out. I loved the previous one and if you have not heard it, definitely pick it up. I think the title is "No Such Place". His new title is hilarious! If you like White you may also enjoy Robert Earl Keen.

I will check out Ali Khan. My Iranian friend has introduced me to some really wonderful Persian music. I recently did a photo shoot for a local concert for a very gifted Oud player named Hossein Omoumi. The CD available here of his is very beautiful, but not for everyone. It is quite a meloncholy instrument, especially played solo as it is on this CD.

I do wish Waits performed himself more often. The last concert here in Seattle was in the 90's I think. It sold out faster than any concert in history as I recall from the radio. I also enjoy the early work, but my personal favorites are from the Swordfishtrombone - Rain Dogs phase where he began collaborating with his wife.

Back to work!

Marco

Mindy Smith, Gomez, Wilco, Jerry Garcia acoustic catelog with Dave G...???

Larry Coryell Tricyles: his constant back & forth btwn fusion and st ahead jazz finally merges well in this trio format
Vital Information: Where Do We Come From: shows that all is not lost in fusion
Mofro: Lochloosa: incredible! southern funk from white boys, mostly acoustic
Jon Cleary: keyboardist for Bonnie Raitt: down & earthy r&b, funk, jazz
Madeline Peyroux: Besse Smith soundalike but not just imitation: puts Norah Jones to shame in a big way
Junior Brown: country music meets Hendrix!

Jimmie D. Lane and Double Trouble- "It's Time"

Pat Metheny Group, The Way Up, released 1-25-05. If you like him you're gonna love it. highly recommended!

Tift Merritt--beautiful and the woman can sing, cross of rock, rhythm and blues, and country.
HEM--unique, poetic folk with lush strings--singer has captivating voice.

The Volebeats Solitude CD. The instrumentals I can only desctribe as Country Surf Guitar music.

Also digging the Detroit Cobras. Mink Rat or Rabbit release. Fun old school garage band sound.

The Devil Makes Three is another band that's interesting. Sort of Generation X folk music with an attitude.

And The Shins, Chutes Too Narrow CD continues to get regular play. I'm not tiring of this one at all.

Give "The Ditty Bops" a listen.

Jazz Singer, relatively new on recordings, Rene Marie. I started out with Live at Jazz Standard on MaxJazz. She has 3 other albums on MaxJazz since 2000. She's the real thing! No pop singer, jazz wantabee crossover. Very highly recommended. Great recordings as well.

One of the audiophile mags recently raved about Masterpieces by Ellington. I second the nomination. The sound quality on the first four tracks is beyond great.

Also, "Artifact" by Sound Tribe Sector Nine. I can't categorize the music but it is at once beautiful, engaging, hypnotic, and interesting. Good sound, too.

Right on Newbee! Rene Marie is all jazz all the time.

April Barrows,what a sexy voice,,,,,Zero7,really good electronica

The "Duhks" self titled. A great canadian acoustic based group I just saw live at Suwannee Springfest. A nice blend of irish, bluegrass, soul & alittle funk thrown in for fun.

A "duhk" walked into a store and asked for a tube of chapstick. The clerk said, "that'll be .79." The duhk replied, "Just put it on my "bill". Quack,quack quack.

The next day the same duhk walked into the store and put a pack of condoms on the counter. The clerk said, "Do you want me to put these on your bill?" To which the duhk answered, "Now, just what kind of duhk do you think I am?"

The Duhks are great.

I have two that I have mentioned on other threads, but are worth mentioning again.

1. Hiromi - Brain. Excellent piano jazz. Hiromi's cd is entertaining, fun and different.

2. Christos Hatzis - Awakening. Awakening is a classical piece that explores the tension between an indigenous people and the technology of foreigners by using the sound of trains and Inuit chanting interwoven with the music of a string quartet. I found it a moving piece.

John

Mindy Smith, nice ballads. A young voice kinda like a young Dolly Parton but don't let that put you off, it's a VERY good album and I'm not a country music guy.

Mindy Smith is great russ. Dolly actually joins her on her own song "Joliene" which is a great version of that song.

I'll add one that I think I may have already mentioned on another thread: Joanna Newsom. She's definitely a love her or hate her kind of singer, largely because of her voice, which is a high-pitched little girl voice..kind of like an eight year-old singing. The songs are wonderful, as is her harp playing. If you listen to the lyrics very long you'd quickly realize this is no eight year-old. An unusual combination for sure, but it didn't take long for me to love it. If you try it, don't give up after a few minutes, which I'd hazard a guess some may be inclined to.

Marco
Marco

Marco, I have her album The Milk-Eyed Mender. Great songs and playing. The voice is a bit of a challenge, as you say.

Yes, sorry I forgot to mention the title, which is indeed "The Milk-Eyed Mender" (thanks Drubin). I think she self-published two earlier CD's, but I've never heard either. The Mindy Smith, by the way, is titled "One Moment More".

Marco

Big and Rich...Progressive country. A little country...a little heavy metal...some mexican rap...a little satire and a couple of decent ballads.

Nice bass...and some sweet acoustic guitar...some powerful vocals... will set you back on your heels.

2nd cut and the last cut are filled with emotion.

and

"Save a Horse...Ride a Cowboy" ROCKS

Not a country fan...dig this band.

Tom Russell, The Man from God Knows Where, recommended here by a few folks (thanks). an incredible opera-like historical immigrant journey of great music.

Mindy Smith again!!!!

Bluegrass fans check out "The Biscuit Burners"

how's this for eclectic?
King Crimson - "The Nightwatch" It's a live 2 disc CD of the group playing in Amsterdam in 1973. Ubelievably good recording and playing by the Fripp/Wetton/Bruford/Cross erra band.

and . .

Rachel Podger, Arte Dei Suonatori Baroque Orchestra playing Antonio Vivaldi "La Extravaganza" (12 violin concertos). Incredible string arangements, terrific dynamics.

E.S. Posthumus , Unearthed .. If you like the main theme for the TV Show "Cold Case" its on here. I can't praise this CD enough.
Go to there web site , The song "Nara" (theme to cold case) should start playing. Sit back and listen . This song gives me goose bumps.

http://esposthumus.com/

There are a couple of CD's that I have been getting a lot of rotation time. Buddy Miller "Universal United House of Prayer" - not too preachy and a nice blend of country & blues/rock. Next up is Rusty Truck "Broken Promises" - It has that Bakersfield country slant with real solid songwriting. Lastly is Neil Finn "One All" - Some really good pop with an edge. I think its one of of best pop CD's relased in the last couple of years.

Eliza Gilkyson "Land of Milk and Honey" the title says it all!

It's more of a re-discovery, but I picked up Jah Wobble's 'Rising above Bedlam' on the weekend and have since ordered another 3 Jah Wobble CD's at Amazon....I listened to this stuff 10 yrs ago and it sounds even better today!

Gary Jules "Trading Snakeoil for Wolftickets" - Gary's an excellent Singer/Songwriter, and this is great album. He is in the mixing process of a new album also.

Jim Bianco "Handsome Devil" - This guy is sounding more and more like early Tom Waits, but with a little something extra thrown in....

Check them out!
Z

not much of a suprise but Van's (M) "Magic Time" This man is a treasure god bless the soul

Some good friends just introduced me to the music of Jeffrey Foucault. His two albums, Stripping Cane and Miles from the Lightening, cut right to the top of my frequent rotation list. From Wisconsin, mostly acoustic guitar and great songwriting, and a voice like Bruce Springsteen might wish his own would smooth out to. Folksy, Americana, great acoustic guitar and lyrics, down to earth. Great stuff. Also plays in the band, Redbird who's self-titled album is also wonderful.

Marco

Kasey Chambers "Wayward Angel" from Australia

Ray, are you recommending the import version of the Kasey Chambers? It's a lot pricier than the domestic.

Mary Gauthier: "Mercy Now". Like Lucinda Williams & John Prine combined. Great lyrics. Great tunes. Terrific sound.

Flacre,i have the domestic version,sounds pretty good,i have not heard the import version,

Jerry Garcia & David Grisman a cd called So What from Acoustic Disc.com. If you love acoustic music, better still acoustic jazz this ones for you. Check it out. Your toes will tap and your head will bob. Then you will start it over and do it all again. Then the wife will say honey it's time for bed!!!!! Oh well there is tomorrow night.

I was going through a hundred or so LP's at a local thrift store recently, when I found a record of the70's British prog rock band Renaissance. I was a major prog rock fan during my teens, but I always overlooked this great band in the record bins with this incredible female vocalist named Annie Haslam. I can not begin to tell you how regretable it feels to have missed out on hearing such a wonderful singer for the past 35 years of my audiophile life. Annie still sings today and has new CD's available. To learn more about her you can go to her website at www.anniehaslam.com. Check out her art work too.