RAGE RECOMMENDS

GERSHWIN COUNTRY

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN AND MUSICAL GUESTS

The finest and the feistiest of country western singers of note come together to duet with Michael Feinstein on Gershwin Country. It’s a novel idea that should be cherished for its originality with Liza Minnelli as executive producer. Singer, musician and producer Feinstein came up with a “hoot and holler” of a concept with this newly released CD. It takes the beloved songs from George and Ira Gershwin, and presents them in the gentle spirit of Americana and with the kick of a celebration of a county-styled fair that is both romantic and full of rollicking fun. It’s a front porch full of this genre of music and a who’s who of memorable names who join Feinstein in 11 songs by the Gershwin brothers. The main stage of this special recorded event features Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Brad Paisley, Lyle Lovett, Rosanne Cash, Vince Gill, Amy Grant and more. Plus, if you love Liza — who doesn’t — she has recorded the closing track “Embraceable You” with Feinstein. Feinstein’s voice excels with just the right touch on each song. He’s quite familiar as a scholar of song in his own right and he’s ready for a rodeo of sounds in all regards. Paisley goes to town with Feinstein on “I Got Rhythm,” and this version is a bootkicking escapade with a tempo janglin’ faster than a silver spur. There is the lonesome trail and the giddy-up exuberance of “Clap Yo’ Hands” in unison with Feinstein and Lovett. My “blue-ribbon” prize goes out to Grant with her tender dish of a duet of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” The song is so beautifully presented. Had to go back for seconds and thirds! The selections served up may have you saying, “Who could ask for anything more?” Yes, this is a darn and mighty fine way to rope in a special part of the American songbook and take it for a ride, “country-style.” Sit a spell and enjoy. Available now

A POINT OF VIEW

BOBBY COLE

A blast from the coolest past: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s Bobby Cole. This 1960s singer/songwriter and pure talent turned the heads of none other than Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland. Cole went on to be Garland’s musical arranger on television and stage. Those are some pretty good credentials in my book. He’s a pure saloon singer with a jazzy edge, and it’s well worth it to hear Cole sing and play in your own private room courtesy of Omnivore Recordings. Mixing the piano flair of a Peter Nero and the vocal qualities of the very best of the times, it’s a rare treat to hear the magic and heartache burst from this guy. Originally released in 1967, A Point of View’s songs were all written by Cole, including 13 unissued bonus tracks. Indeed, Cole is a lost treasure to bring home and adore. Available April 15

A WHITE ALBUM

RAIN PERRY

There is a storyteller behind the eyes of Rain Perry. Her voice fits naturally into her songwriting skills and the songs she chose to cover. She lays down a smart and realistic look at history’s grip on race, love, money, family and, most importantly, it’s a musical lesson without the preacher or the steeple but just the people. Most of her songs don’t need a two-minute warning as she takes over five minutes to share each story in song in six of the nine selections. Mark Hallman creates just the right textures of instruments and produced A White Album. Rain Perry makes her musical emotions quite clear in a timely fashion. Available April 15