Check Out These Local Licks
The Tampa area music territory encompasses everything from hip hop, jazz and blues to Americana, folk and plain old rock 'n' roll. It's not so much that there's good music out there if you'll look for it, it's that there's good music out there that you need to hear. You can test drive most of these CDs at tboextra.com, then buy 'em, play 'em, find out where the bands are playing and go cheer them on. You owe it to yourself. Buy local.
- Curtis Ross, Tribune Pop Music Critic
BLIND BUDDY MOODY: "BLIND BUDDY MOODY"
Blind Buddy Moody's vocals and harmonica have the authority of a musician with miles of hard road in his past. The music crosses easily between blues, rock and country, rendering the distinctions irrelevant. It's Blind Buddy Moody music. (www.myspace.com/blindbuddymoody)
STEVE CONNELLY & THE LESSER GODS: "EVERY MONSTER" (SUNSHINE DRENCHY)
Listeners expecting a showcase for Steve Connelly's formidable guitar skills may be disappointed. Sure, the guitar work is great, but this is an album of songs, with subtle hints of Neil Young and Tom Petty in the lyrics. A veteran of the Tampa area music scene, Connelly's first solo outing shows his lyrical skills to be as sharp as his better-known instrumental and studio abilities. (www.steveconnellymusic.com)
JOEL SANDERS BAND: "IT IS WHAT IT IS"
Guitarist Joel Sanders leads his band through a set of blues and blues-steeped rock. He's got great taste in cover material, as well, taking on tunes by Kris Kristofferson and Robert Cray, as well as an organ-drenched remake of Robert Johnson's “Little Queen of Spades.” (www.joelsandersband.com)
TONY TALE: "SIMPLY TONY"
Tony Tale isn't afraid to amp it up every so often, but most of “Simply Tony” is solidly rooted in bluegrass, with clean picking and high-lonesome vocals dominating. (www.simplytonymusic.com)
THE MOONDOGS: "LUNAR TUNES"
The Moondogs play Americana that isn't bound to the usual roots. Hints of new wave and British invasion are as much a part of the sound as guitar arpeggios and twangy riffs. (www.moondogmusicshop.info)
HUMAN CONDITION: "LIFE IN LINES"
Dean Johanesen and his band mates took their time getting “Life in Lines” right and the care shows. From the deceptively breezy opener, “Wailing Wall,” to the harrowing swing of closer “Circus Queen,” “Life in Lines” defies easy classification but testifies to Human Condition's skill and daring. (www.human-condition.com)
Story: Patience pays off for Human Condition
COLLEEN HART: "THE REST OF ME"
An unusually self-assured debut album, “The Rest of Me” suggests singer-songwriter Colleen Hart suffered her artistic growing pains outside the studio. Her acoustic-based pop-rock is enhanced with jazzy flourishes and chamber pop arrangements. Her lyrics avoid the usual singer-songwriter clichés for something more insightful and disciplined. (www.myspace.com/colleenhartmusic)
WILL ERICKSON: "WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE"
Singer-songwriter Will Erickson made a splash at a recent Friday Extra concert appearance. His mix of Americana, reggae and rock is as seamless as it is infectious. (www.willerickson.com)
TED LUKAS & THE MISLED: "LEARN HOW TO FALL" (NINE ALARM)
There's more to “Learn How to Fall” than guitars, but it might take a few listens to move past the glorious sound of overdriven six-strings played by Ted Lukas and Sunny John Sundstrom. Lukas' slightly worn tenor suits his seen-it-all-but-still-looking lyrics, while the Misled play rock rooted in tube amps and smoky barrooms. (www.tedlukas.com)
McCORMICK PERCUSSION GROUP: "MUSIC FOR KEYBOARD PERCUSSIONS" (RAVELLO)
University of South Florida music professor Robert McCormick leads the McCormick Percussion Group on this collection of adventurous avant-garde and classical works. Humor and mystery abound, most movingly on “Apart,” a haunting reflection on mortality. (www.ravellorecords.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS: "DESTINATION UNKNOWN"
This is an excellent compilation of Tampa-area talent assembled by Mike Bagley, alternative music director for listener-supported radio station WMNF, 88.5 FM. Dumbwaiters, Shunda K, Girls on Film, Doll Parts and the now-defunct Giddy-Up, Helicopter! are among the artists represented. (www.wmnf.org)
Previous Local Reviews
JUDY TAMPA & BUNKO SQUAD: "TAINTED" (MEDIARITE)
This Bunko Squad patrols the vices of heart and soul with a perception that's hard-bitten but compassionate. Judy Tampa's deceptively gentle observations are complemented by George Pappas' deceptively rougher ones. And the meticulous mix of blues, folk and country make these sometimes bitter pills of life easy to swallow. (www.myspace.com/judytampamusic)
10TH CONCESSION: "10TH CONCESSION"
The debut album from brothers Evan and Ian Koteles is ready-made for adult-alternative playlists, with creamy harmonies, crisp production and melancholy but hook-filled melodies. (www.myspace.com/10thconcession)
LEIGH HUMES: "COME OUT OF THE RAIN" (PEARL COURT)
Singer-songwriter Humes blends influences such as Joni Mitchell and Mary Chapin Carpenter (with a hint of Phoebe Snow in the vocals) into her sharp observations of life and love, backed by a pleasing blend of soft rock, blues and country. Humes plays a CD release party Nov. 13 at Pelagia Trattoria, Renaissance Hotel at International Plaza. (www.leighhumes.com)
CHUCK OWEN & THE JAZZ SURGE: "THE COMET'S TAIL: PERFORMING THE COMPOSITIONS OF MICHAEL BRECKER" (MAMA)
“The Comet's Tail” brings together top-rate arrangers and musicians from the Tampa area and beyond, playing the music of prolific saxophonist and composer Michael Brecker. Sadly, Brecker passed away during the creation of the project, but this spirited tribute is anything but mournful. The two ballads are sumptuous, while the remaining tracks are challenging but highly rewarding workouts that capture Brecker's spirit and imagination. Guests include Joe Lovano and Brecker's brother, trumpeter Randy. (www.chuckowen.com)
BC: "TIME CAPSULE" (PERIPHERAL)
The future's so dark you'll have to wear night-vision goggles in BC's dystopian, future-shock rhymes. The MC applies his unbeatable flow to lines that are smart, darkly humorous and politically conscious. BC produces one track with Saul Williams, while the rest is handled by Vinnie Saletto, Mudd Buddha and BC's Red Tide partner, Lazy. All keep the sonics hard-hitting and uncluttered. (www.thepopworld.com)
JEREMY GLOFF: "21ST CENTURY LOVE SONGS" (RIOTBOY)
So much for this century. Love is irresistible and happiness is elusive on Gloff's 16th album. Downbeat rock sets the tone, a turnaround from the giddy electro-pop of last year's “1987.” For all its melancholy, “21st Century Love Songs” is one of Gloff's most satisfying efforts. Gloff plays a CD release party Nov. 14 at the Ritz Ybor. (www.jeremygloff.com)
Story: Busy musician keeps CDs coming
DAN MCMILLION JAZZ ORCHESTRA: "NICE N' JUICY" (SEA BREEZE)
Pop tunes such as Michael Jackson's “Thriller,” standards such as “Love For Sale” and originals provide showcases for McMillion's powerhouse band as well as the leader's own stratosphere-scraping trumpet solos. (www.seabreezejazz.com)
THE CHICKEN CHASERS: "BEGGARS CAN'T BE SCHMOOZERS"
A band that lists Chico Marx, Kurt Weill and Lalo Schifrin as influences is setting its bar pretty high. Calling itself The Chicken Chasers raises it even further. These birds can fly, though. As Kurt Vonnegut might say, The Chicken Chasers are unstuck in time, topical references sitting atop hot jazz, with lyrics that swing as well as the rhythm section. (www.chickenchasers.com)
SEAN CHAMBERS: "TEN TIL MIDNIGHT" (BLUE HEAT)
The title of the second track, “Blues and Rock 'n' Roll,” pretty much sums up this no-nonsense offering from the Tampa guitar hero. Chambers' gruff vocals compliment his fiery guitar playing, and his rhythm section used to play with Hubert Sumlin. 'Nuff said. Bonus points for covering ZZ Top's (not the Rolling Stones') “Brown Sugar.” (www.seanchambers.com)
MR. BELLA: "CROSS MY HEART"
Erinmarie Christian's vocals are Mr. Bella's most distinctive feature, soaring over her band mates' well-drafted mix of nu-metal and the heavier side of alternative rock. The band's energy raises it above the usual rock radio fodder. (www.mrbella.com)
SARGE & THE AEROMEN: "CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF" (TWEEDTONE)
More songs about aircraft and food. Swinging rockabilly. Punked-up lounge. Country on speed. Plenty of cursing and so much more. Some of the Aeromen actually are Airmen and are serving overseas, so get this and don't hold your breath for the CD release party. Better yet, throw your own. (www.sargeandtheaeromen.com)
AUSTIN AMMO: "FINALLY HOME"
Hear the one about the singer and the comedian who formed a band? Me neither, but it might ring a bell with musician Phil Austin and funny man Bobby Ammo, who teamed up to make “Finally Home.” The band mixes rock, country, Caribbean and more, and doesn't overdo the funny stuff, either. (www.austinammoband.com)
STEVE VACLAVIK: "THE ROOF NEEDS MORE"
Vaclavik's tone can range from Warren Zevon-wry to hellfire-preacher fierce. Sweet love songs such as “My Little Gift to You” lighten the darkness of the title track and “Run Mary,” originally from Vaclavik's “Long Grass and the Tall Trees” disc, is reprised here in an electric version. (www.stevevaclaviktwang.com)
AYCH: "THE CURE"
“Not Like Them” may be a statement of purpose, but Aych hardly needs to point out that he's his own man. He's got the flow to go head-to-head with the national acts, while the spare production of “The Cure” sets it apart from run-of-the-mill rap. (www.aych101.com)
AMANDA DRAKE & THE BARNBURNERS: "AMANDA DRAKE & THE BARNBURNERS"
This eight-song disc serves as a teaser for the band's full-length CD, coming sometime in the Winter. Drake is a powerful singer and her band likes its country loud with a big side order of Southern rock. “Damn That Bottle (Of Whiskey)” will convince the naysayers. (www.myspace.com/amandadrakemusic)
GERI X: "ANTHEMS OF A MENDED HEART"
Everyone's favorite Bulgarian folk-punk has returned from the harsh climes of Wisconsin and released her most diverse and accessible set so far. “Anthems of a Mended Heart” is the one to show you what the X-fuss is all about. (www.24hourservicestation.com)
TODD ALT: “NOCTURNAL PUPPETS”
Alt's gruff voice adds some grit to his familiar-sounding acoustic-guitar-based alt-rock. “Seventh Avenue” salutes musicians' hopes and dreams while “1,000 Miles Away” has the heartiest hooks. (www.toddaltmusic.com)
O SOM DO JAZZ & ANDREA MORAES MANSON: “INFINITA BOSSA”
Supple, sophisticated sounds from a local outfit well-versed in Brazil's wonderfully diverse music. Take a listen to the lively “Berimbau” and be hooked immediately. (www.osomdojazz.com)
ROPPONGI'S ACE: “INTO THE NIGHT”
Kids. You wanna smack 'em some times. Alex Spoto was only 19 when he made this record with rhythm section brothers Max and Jesse Norton, and it's a first-rate Americana classic. What's he gonna sound like when he grows up? (www.myspace.com/roppongisace)
PALANTINE, “MELEE”
“Melee” is a good description of what goes on between Vinnie Consentino's guitar strings. This is fierce, dirty stuff with some links to Sonic Youth and hardcore punk. Its main components, though, are punk's holy trinity of speed, smarts and aggression. (www.myspace.com/palantineROCK)
TRIO VIBE: “(ALMOST) LIVE AT SPRINGS THEATRE”
Sam Koppleman's vibraphone takes center-stage here, with solid backing from and occasional spotlights for bassist Philip Booth and drummer Don Capone. Jazz standards dominate but check out Booth's “Zag” and the Beatles “Norwegian Wood” as well. (www.triovibe.com)
VARIOUS ARTISTS: “TALES OF LUST AND LONGING”
The latest compilation from BAAMO (Bay Area Arts and Music Organization), “Tales of Lust and Longing” isn't just a great compilation. It's a document of a scene where blues, rockabilly, folk, punk and synth-pop all flavor the local rock 'n' roll stew. Lusting for a new favorite Rock City? Here's your hook-up. (www.baamo.org)
TOM BRANTLEY: “BONEYARD”
Trombonist Brantley, a University of South Florida professor, leads a swinging session of jazz classics plus originals, including compositions by sideman Jack Wilkins and David Gluck. “Adagio” shows just how expressive the trombone can be and “In a Mellotone” proves Duke Ellington's music is, in the right hands, as fresh as when it was first performed. (www.summitrecords.com)
THE BEAUVILLES: "WHISPERING SIN" (myspace.com/thebeauvilles):
There's a sense that Shawn Beauville lives and dies with every note of the Beauvilles' music, and that passion spills over from the first track of “Whispering Sin,” the Tampa quartet's debut full-length. It's far more ambitious in scope than 2005's “Singapore” EP but just as rocking. This is wide-screen rock, epic and moving.
Story: 'Whisper' Roars With Ring Of Truth
COLD JOON: "POLITRICKS & SOLUTIONS — THE POLITICAL ANTHOLOGY OF COLD JOON 2002-08" (coldjoon.com):
If the term “political music” conjures visions of dour folkies in faded denim, let Cold Joon alter your perception. The veteran Tampa outfit blends danceable world rhythms and pointed but often funny lyrics into a whole new kind of political party. Fans of the current administration may wish to focus strictly on the rhythm.
GREYMARKET: "SOME ORBITS WILL NEVER DECAY" (greymarketband.com):
These guys could give album-oriented rock a good name. GreyMarket's sound is too brash for alternative, too clever for arena rock. It's the sound most bands burden with overwrought and clichéd sentiments, but GreyMarket's smarts and sense of humor save them from such a fate. Big guitars, big drums, big synthesizers, sky-scraping vocals — and it sounds great in the car cranked up loud.
NERVOUS TURKEY: "FATBOY LIKES TO ROLL" (myspace.com/nervousturkeyband):
The band's MySpace page describes them as “boisterously disorderly,” an understatement if ever there was one. In truth, Nervous Turkey sounds like the sort of band that knows the party's no good until the hostess cries. It's the blues as concocted in an untidy garage and filtered through a quart of rotgut.
HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL: "CASTING SHADOWS TALL AS GIANTS …" (myspace.com/hgwt):
Ask just about anyone connected with Tampa Bay's music scene and Have Gun, Will Travel's debut full-length inevitably comes up as the year's stand-out release. Matthew Burke's lyrics tell intriguing stories, and they're matched by the stories told by the band's music. Joshua Hernandez's viola adds drama and atmosphere. Have Gun, Will Travel view Americana as a starting gate, not a holding pen.
REBEKAH PULLEY & THE RELUCTANT PROPHETS: "BACK TO BOOGALOOO" (rebekahpulley.com):
Pulley continues to top herself with her most impressive album yet. Stepping outside her alt-country comfort zone, or maybe just finding a new one, she incorporates gospel, pop and rock into her sound that should put to rest any doubts that this local girl is a big-league talent.
MAGGIE COUNCIL: "NOT IN THE HOUSE" (myspace.com/maggiecouncil):
Council's a mom, as you might have guessed from the CD title, as well as Track 3, “When Mama's Happy.” Council also celebrates her home on “Nebraska Avenue” and “Palm Trees in My Backyard.” Council has a knack for capturing life's tiny details that strike a chord with listeners. This is her first release in quite a while and it's very welcome return.
STEVE VACLAVIK: "LONG GRASS AND THE TALL TREES" (myspace.com/stevevaclavik):
Vaclavik's warm baritone gives his acoustic folk-pop extra resonance. This brief album (or long EP) is full of warm reflections on love, live and heroes (“Bob Dylan”).
SPOTLUCY: "SUSPENSION OF DISBELIEF" (spotlucy.com):
Like Secret Machines and Riddle of Steel, SpotLucy shows how expansive the power trio format can be. There are prog sensibilities at work here, but never at the expense of melody or structure. A strong effort.
JETEYE AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE: "ROSE FEVER" (jeteyeandthebrotherhoodoftherose.com):
Reminiscent of ‘80s metal with a touch of Queensryche's pomp and prog, Jeteye's songs are built on power-chord riffing and shredding solos. Larro Mirro's mannered vocals may not be to everyone's taste, but they're distinctive, and the band's technique is unquestionable.
THE MEMPHIS TRAIN UNION: "OUT ON THE ROAD" (NINE ALARM RECORDS):
Dave Korman, leader of the late and lamented Leonard Croon Band, returns with a stripped-down trio that's every bit as rocking as his old outfit, if a little more bruised and bluesy. The title should tell you where this one's going to sound best. (myspace.com/memphistrainunion)
MARK BARRIOS: "WEST TAMPA STYLE" (markbarrios.com):
The Tampa area already has produced smooth jazz stars in Mindi Abair and Eric Darius, and guitarist Mark Barrios could be next. Aided by Allon Sams, Barrios' clean, clear picking is spotlighted over R&B and Latin grooves.
RONNY ELLIOTT: "JALOPYPAINT" (ronnyelliott.com):
Elliott's well of stories never seems to run dry, and "Jalopypaint" is another collection of dreamers, losers, artists (scam and otherwise), whores, hoodlums and other weary saints. He's Jack Kerouac with Tom T. Hall's soul and Cowboy Jack Clement's handle on reality.
VARIOUS ARTISTS: "CHEATIN' HEART — TALES OF LIES & LOVE" (baamo.org):
As with other BAAMO (Bay Area Arts and Music Organization) compilations, this one is a first-rate survey of the local scene. "Cheatin' Heart" would be worth buying just for Ronny Elliott and Rebekah Pulley's duet on Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart," but there are 15 other good reasons contained in the grooves.
VERA VIOLETS: "DIRTY RAINBOW" (safraninsound.com):
Glam, goth and garage make wonderfully nasty bedfellows on Vera Violets' disc. Undercurrents of Jesus and Mary Chain-style feedback should weed out the sightseers. Psychedelia with impeccably applied eyeliner.
ADRIFT: "ABSOLUTION" (myspace.com/adrfitsounds):
Guitarist Jack Owen has played with Cannibal Corpse and Deicide. With Adrift, he pursues a more melodic approach, although the quartet still packs plenty of crunch.
STEPHANIE CARPENTER: "LEAVING STEPFORD" (myspace.com/stephaniecarpentermusic) :
Singer-songwriter Carpenter's songs of independence are backed by acoustic guitar and sturdy country-rock.
TODD GRUBBS: "TIME, SPACE AND THE ELECTRIC" (toddgrubbs.com):
A guitarist's guitarist, Grubbs' fretwork is the star here, but not at the expense of the musical backing. The songs are crisp prog-metal expertly played and captured with appropriate sonic sheen by Grubbs, who also produced.
WIN WIN WINTER: "A BRIEF HISTORY OF ..." (24hourservicestation.com):
Chiming guitars and a sturdy rhythm section link Win Win Winter to a woolly rock past, but "A Brief History …" never takes the easy retro route. The quintet sounds familiar and fresh at the same time. This five-song EP will have you craving more.
MOJO GURUS: "LET'S GET LIT WITH …" (mojogurus.com):
The Gurus sound considerably looser than on 2005's Jack Douglas-produced "Shakin' in the Barn," and that's all for the better. New guitarist Doc Lovett has that economical rhythm-lead thing down and Kevin Steele's vocals are the perfect blend of country drawl and punk sneer.
Story: Gurus Get Their Mojo Back
BUTCH RYAN BAND: "TIME TO WAIT" (butchryan.net):
The Ryan outfit plays no-nonsense rock 'n' roll, Springsteen minus the bombast, alt-country without the faux-Appalachian twang. There's an added poignancy because this set contains the last recordings of drummer Jeff Wood, a Tampa scene mainstay for two decades, who passed away last year.
TRIBAL STYLE: "OLDE TOWN" (tribalstylemusic.net):
Favorites among Tampa area reggae fans, Tribal Style lays down mellow, roots grooves all across "Olde Town."
KING OF SPAIN: "ENTROPY" (myspace.com/musicofkingofspain):
Matt Slate (ex-Pohgoh, Maccabees) goes the one-man-band route under the King of Spain guise, and the results are far more of a joy to listen to than describe. Brian Eno and Sigur Ros come to mind fleetingly, but Slate's gorgeous-as-clouds atmospherics and teasing melodies are a sub-genre unto themselves.
KNOWING STU, "REFLECTOR" (myspace.com/knowingstu):
The eye-catching sleeve graphics might suggest a band obsessed with kitsch but this female-fronted quartet turns out tough-as-nails power pop. Tina Louise's vocals are just a hair below feral and Dean Johanesen's guitar riffs are razor sharp.
GEOFF'S EVIL TWIN: "STAR UNSTUDDED" (geoffseviltwin.com):
Geoff Ford's songs are strong enough to shine in this unadorned acoustic-guitar-and-voice setting. The eight-song set shows hints of Paul Westerberg in the tongue-in-cheek and heart-on-sleeve lyrics and haunting melodies.
Tenspoke Indies, "Blinded by the Sound" (tenspokeindies.com):
Formerly known as Harry Dash, this veteran quartet sounds revitalized on this full-length follow-up to last year's eponymous EP. Big choruses and snarling guitars announce that the Indies are ready to rock.
AL"COFFEE" McDANIEL: "BLUES IN MY SHOES" (almcdaniel.com):
Coffee's blues go down smooth but deliver a righteous jolt. He's got big-name help from producer Narada Michael Walden and blues great Lucky Peterson on some tracks, but his commanding vocals are entrenched at center stage.
Story: ‘Coffee' McDaniel Pours Smooth Blend Of Blues, R&B
MAGADOG, "SUNRISE" (myspace.com/magadogtampa):
Tampa's ska favorites reunite for a disc that finds them stronger, surer and tighter than ever. "Scare Tactics" and "The Seven Year Itch" are standouts on a solidly enjoyable album.
ZILLIONAIRE: "THE STREET LIGHTS HAVE BEEN TURNED DOWN" (newgranada.com):
Music this subtle shouldn't pack such an unsettling punch. This comes from the excellent, fluid playing as well as the hint of menace in Heath Dupras' understated vocals. They risk it all on an epic untitled bonus track in which a minimalist groove grows and grows over 23 minutes right before your very ears.
LEGATTO STACCATO: "LEGATTO STACCATO" (mekkarecords.com):
Nasty, elastic dub-jazz-funk grooves from the trio of Ronnie Dee (sax), Lemonjello (bass) and Tommy Fessenden (drums), all of whom can be heard swinging in local band Gravy as well.
HOLLOWPOINT: "BAIT AND SWITCH" (hollowpointband.us):
Hollowpoint plays no-nonsense hard rock that acts as if hair metal and thrash never happened. Fans of vintage '70s and early '80s arena rock — Nugent, UFO, Ozzy and the like — won't be disappointed.
TRAVELING NORTH, "FOR THAT WORLD" (travelingnorth.com):
Traveling North has a toe in alt-country but retains the freedom to follow the song wherever it takes them on this 11-track disc. "Into the Ground" is an attention-grabbing opener while Steve Connelly adds eerie pedal steel to the Middle East-scented closer, "This Is Your King."
COLD JOON, "CRACK! THE BEST OF COLD JOON" (coldjoon.com):
This generous 15-track sampler will help get novice listeners up to speed with the Tampa area's premier African/reggae/if-you-can-dance-to-it-we-play-it fusionists.
THE RELICS: "A LITTLE TOO LATE" (payplay.cd/relics):
The sepia-tinted cover photo might suggest an old-time bluegrass act, but The Relics play Fleetwood Mac-style soft rock with a significant folk influence, hence the version of "House of the Rising Sun" which closes the album.
AUDITORIUM, "EP" (mekkarecords.com):
A five-song sampler from Joran Slane and Co.'s long-awaited full-length, titled "Chinese Democracy," er, no, "The New Aezthetic." The band's art-prog touches are applied with an amount of taste rare in the genre; and these are just plain good songs, with or without the bells and whistles. Still, we like us some heroic lead guitar work, which Jerry Outlaw provides on "Martyr," and look forward to the full CD when Axl, er, Joran decides to let it go. Full disclosure: TBO.com Entertainment Producer Ryan Bauer is a member of the band.
THE HUMAN CONDITION: "FIVE" (human-condition.com):
Knowing Stu's Dean Johanesen fronts this excellent roots-rock outfit. Johanesen's country-hued compositions are backed by a hard-riding rhythm section and some stinging guitar work on this five-song outing that leaves us wanting more.
STEVE ROBINSON, "UNDERCURRENT" (steverobinsonmusic.com):
Headlights lead singer Steve Robinson follows up his excellent 2004 solo disc, "Away for the Day." The recipe is the same — brilliant melodies, beautiful harmonies and songwriting that captures the best of Anglo and American pop. The results are the same as well — pure pop heaven.
VARIOUS ARTISTS: "STAND UP: A BENEFIT CD" (standupforkidscd.com):
Tampa area performers such as Red Room Cinema, The Vera Violets, Military Junior and Jeremy Gloff contribute songs to a CD benefiting Stand Up for Kids Tampa, a group helping homeless and abused teens in the area.
RED ROOM CINEMA: "RED ROOM CINEMA" (myspace.com/redroomcinema):
Red Room Cinema is a band of few words. But the stories it tells with its gracefully shifting rhythms and otherworldly guitar melodies soar beyond mere verbs and nouns. The plane may be going down on the cover of RRC's CD, but its music soars on in infinity.
TOMMY McCOY: "KICKIN' THE BLUES" (tommymccoy.com):
Commander Cody and T.C. Carr lend guitarist McCoy a hand on this fun collection of originals and covers, including The Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers" and Tom T. Hall's "I Can't Dance," made famous by Gram Parsons.
GIDDY-UP, HELICOPTER!, "I AM SECRETARY" (giddyuphelicopter.com):
It's rare when a band can establish so strong an identity on its first album that identifying its influences seems irrelevant. Giddy-Up, Helicopter! does just that on "I Am Secretary." If the recording doesn't capture the group's live dynamics, it succeeds by showcasing the songwriting and arrangements, which are staggeringly good. One of the best albums - not just local albums - of 2007.
Story: Giddy-Up Charges Out Of The Gate
THE DITCHFLOWERS: "CARRIED AWAY" (theditchflowers.com):
It will come as a shock to absolutely no one familiar with the past work of Ed Woltil (Mad for Electra) or Brian Merrill (Barely Pink) that the duo's album is shiny, perfect-blue-sky pop. So what? Surprises are overrated. Truly great pop music can't be.Fans of Elvis Costello and Squeeze may want to have a fainting couch nearby.
THE URBANE COWBOYS: "… ONLY TRUTH TONIGHT" (urbanecowboys.com):
Twang, thunder and cranked-up country riffs from these Tampa cowpunks, with a cover of The Pixies' barn-dance favorite, "Wave of Mutilation," thrown in for good measure. The righteous rough-and-ready production captures the Cowboys at their smoky-bar-on-$2-PBR-night best.
3 GREEN WINDOWS: "RED DOOR" (toddgrubbs.com):
Opening track "Red Door Blues," not to mention Robert Johnson and Rolling Stones tunes among the originals, suggest this is local fret-burner Todd Grubbs' blues-rock outlet. Keep listening, though, and encounter jazz, countryish-pop and shimmering Steely Dan chords. The performances of Grubbs, singer Bo Smith, bassist Alan Tatum and drummer Jeff Henry are spot-on regardless of the genre.
OFFSHORE RIOT: "OFFSHORE RIOT" (offshoreriot.com):
With its mix of ska, dub, punk and hip hop, Offshore Riot draws inevitable comparisons to Sublime. Titles such as "The Bong Song" don't hurt, either. A listen to cuts such as the instrumental "Floater," though, confirms Offshore Riot is capable of establishing an identity all its own.
DENISE MOORE: "NOTHING STANDARD" (denisemoorejazz.com):
Moore sets herself an unenviable task here, putting her own spin on well-worn favorites such as "Lush Life" and "Come Rain or Come Shine." That she does so is a testament to her good taste, fine voice and her band, Then Some, which draws from the finest musicians in the Tampa area. A swinging treat.
LORNA BRACEWELL, "FLOWERS ON THE CHAIN" (lornabracewell.com):
The influence of Melissa Etheridge and Ani DiFranco was obvious on Bracewell's earliest work. But on her previous album, "God Forbid," and especially this new one, she's moved past those influences and into her own territory. "Flowers" is Bracewell's toughest, most provocative and most satisfying release yet.
VANCE BORLAND: "LIVE LIKE WE BELIEVE"(vanceborland.com):
Borland's voice reaches frequencies most often associated with Leonard Cohen; and there's an ominous, Cohenesque portent to much of what he sings here (except for the 1932 vintage "When Did You Leave Heaven," which is Bowie all the way). Insightful lyrics also help give an air of drama to Borland's songs.
CHARLIE SOUZA: "LIVIN' IN PARADISE" (charliesouza.com):
Souza was the bassist for Tampa '60s greats The Tropics and logged some time with a young Tom Petty as well. His new album is a pleasant mix of pop and rock with some soul flourishes. Opener "Carry Me Back" is a natural for local classic rockers and the album also includes an update of The Tropics' "Black Jacket Woman."
BETTY'S NOT A VITAMIN: "BETTY'S NOT A VITAMIN" (bettysnotavitamin.com):
Regulars around Tampa in the '90s, Betty's Not a Vitamin has reunited to gig constantly and record this disc of shamelessly catchy pop-rock.
THE SHEILA KIRSTEN HUGHES BAND: "PERSPECTIVES" (skhughes.com):
Hughes is an earnest singer-songwriter who should appeal to fans of Jewel and Sarah McLachlan. "Perspectives" is an impressive recording thanks to glossy production, Hughes' dramatic vocals and some fine and subtle use of string arrangements.
STONE MARMOT, "ROCK -- FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T DIG ROCK" (stonemarmot.com):
Stone Marmot belongs to the proud tradition of nerd rock -- Buddy Holly, The Embarrassment, Weezer: performers who love the big beat but have given up trying to look elegantly wasted. "Rock" is sweet, simple but smart pop.
SCHOLARS WORD: "HOW LONG" (scholarsword.com):
Scholars Word's mailing address may be Lithia, but its heart lies in Kingston, Jamaica. This is convincing roots reggae with socially conscious lyrics and a multidimensional, dub-heavy production.
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