Fresh Sounds for September 13

— Courtesy of surfdog records

Lady Antebellum  Own The Night:  It will take a lot to displace multi-Grammy winner “Need You Now” as the most well-known Lady Antebellum song. But “Just A Kiss,” the lead single from the band’s third album, has actually climbed the Country radio charts faster than the 2010 runaway hit did. All that success seems to have a bred a new confidence, which shines throughout Own The Night.
 

Wynton Marsalis & Eric Clapton  Play The Blues Live From Jazz At Lincoln Center:  Who has brought more attention to the blues throughout their careers– from entirely different points of view – than these two artists? You can hear the passion they have for this music, and the respect they have for each other, on this wonderful recording. It captures two sold-out shows on Marsalis’ home turf. Yes, it’s strange to hear “Layla” with a jazz band playing behind those guitar licks, but it works. It is the blues, after all.
 

Nick Lowe  The Old Magic:  Nick Lowe is proof positive that some things get better with age. Originally part of the post-punk British Invasion of the late 1970’s, Lowe has focused his late career on exploring mellower pop and country sounds. His evolution into a master balladeer is in prime evidence here with songs like “House For Sale” and “Stoplight Roses.” This is one of the year’s most satisfying listens.
 

Jimi Hendrix  In The West:  This fairly random collection of Hendrix performances was originally released shortly after his death, but has been out of print since 1974. Hardcore fans will enjoy these versions of “Red House,” Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode,” and five previously unreleased tracks. Any new version of “Little Wing” is worth the price alone.