You Won’t Hear This On Radio: By Trevor J. Leeden

THE J ANN C TRIO

AT TAN-TAR-A Modern Harmonic/Planet

This impossibly rare private press release from 1966 finally gets a deserved general reissue. Led by sassy bass playing vocalist Ann Delrene, Carl Russell (guitar) and Jerry Dugan (drums) complete the dirt busting Missouri trio as they embark on a roller coaster ride taking in rockabilly, bossa nova, jazz, folk and lounge. Whether covering Astrud Gilberto or Hank Williams, Delrene irreverently scratches and purrs like a playful Wanda Jackson, breathing unexpected life into chestnuts like ‘If I Had A Hammer’ and ‘Moon River’, and lighting a fire under classics like ‘Hey Bo Diddley’.

JIM LAUDERDALE

HOPE Yep Roc/Planet

Seeing the Americana icon perform is a truly uplifting experience and it is entirely appropriate that his new release should strive to inspire through messages that celebrate the resilience of the human spirit. Blessed with an innate songwriting ability to seamlessly traverse country, rock, soul and bluegrass, Lauderdale’s gentle drawl exudes both warmth and considerable pathos. Songs titled ‘The Opportunity To Help Somebody Through It’, ‘The Brighter Side Of Lonely’, and ‘Here’s To Hoping’ bring comfort in trying times. A new Jim Lauderdale makes the world seem a better place.

By Trevor J. Leeden

NICK LOWE

THE CONVINCER Yep Roc/Planet

He needs no introduction, his place in contemporary music as songwriter and performer is already assured. Arguably the high point of his storied canon, this 20th anniversary (can it really be that long ago) reissue of his crooning masterpiece includes several unused demos, all diamonds previously gathering dust. With a 10th anniversary edition of The Old Magic, plus vinyl reissues of Dig My Mood, The Impossible Bird, and Labour Of Lust all in the pipeline, there has never been a better time to revisit the soulful pop brilliance of Nick Lowe.

MIKE ZITO

RESURRECTION Gulf Coast Records/Planet

The prolific blues/rock guitar ace’s latest is yet another flint hard statement of positive intent. Most of the eight originals are flashy slices of soul/ blues featuring Zito’s trademark molten licks, but he still finds space to wind it back a notch for texture on a couple of tasty acoustic numbers. Three spirited covers (JJ Cale, Willie Dixon, Eric Clapton) round out the album, the pick being an impassioned wah-wah assault on ‘Presence Of The Lord’. One suspects Zito needs to make room for more Blues Music Awards on the mantelpiece.

IKE & TINA TURNER

THE BOLIC SOUND SESSIONS Sunset Blvd/Planet

The early part of the 1970’s was the Turners’, in particular Tina’s, most dynamic period and aligned with the establishment of their Californian recording studio Bolic Sound. The 36 tracks included here are drawn from these sessions and include both studio and live recordings. The absolute highlights here are the live performances of numerous Beatles, Creedence, and Stones songs that became a staple of their stage show. The intoxicating power of Tina’s voice is cause for multiple replays; what an instrument.

ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO

LA CRUZADA Yep Roc/Planet

Collaborating with Italian rockers Don Antonio in 2018, roots rock legend Escovedo released the outstanding The Crossing, a concept album that dwelt upon the American Dream from the perspective of Mexican and Italian immigrants. Now comes the same album recorded entirely in Spanish, and it is a triumph. No matter what the language, the music is totally compelling, from the furious punk-inspired outpouring of ‘Sonica USA’ to the brooding intensity of the title track. English…Spanish…you need both.

DEB RYDER MEMPHIS MOONLIGHT

VizzTone/Planet

Originally hailing from Chicago, Ryder has the blues in her blood. Her fifth album showcases her burgeoning skills as both a songwriter and a powerhouse singer. The sound of Memphis can be heard through the horn flourishes and gospel/ soul undertones as Ryder howls and moans her way through Delta and Chicago blues, as well as some tasty Tejano-flavoured blues (with help from Los Lobos luminaries David Hidalgo and Steve Berlin). Ronnie Earl lends a hand with some shredding licks, but this is all about the newest blues shouter on the block.

SILVER SYNTHETIC

SILVER SYNTHETIC Third Man Records

The eponymous debut by the New Orleans quartet belies their punk rock upbringing. Instead, they deliver a carefree exploration of rock’n’roll with heavy overtones of late 60’s/ early 70’s country-rock. The Byrds, Neil Young and Tom Petty spring to mind, and the harmonised vocal treatment bears the hallmarks of The Association or America. There are waves of jangling 12-string, infectious melodies and an overriding sense of feelgood. It works a treat.