Fresh Sounds for October 4

— Courtesy of surfdog records

Paul McCartney, John Wilson and the London Classical Orchestra  Ocean's Kingdom:  By now you know Sir Paul has written and debuted his first ballet, in conjunction with Peter Martins, the Ballet Master in Chief at the New York City Ballet. It is certainly a different beast than writing pop songs for the Beatles, but the same emotional depth and sense of melody is present.

Feist  Metals:  If you remember the hit song "1234" from Feist's 2007 Grammy nominated album, The Reminder, you're familiar with her clear and singular vocal style, which has been compared to Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell. You might be more surprised by the stripped down sound and heartbreak on this emotionally charged album.
 

George Benson  Guitar Man:  This aptly titled album puts the focus on the skills of the master jazz veteran, best known for his 1977 take on the classic "On Broadway." Here, with the help of a top notch live studio band, Benson comfortably blends a mix of jazz standards with his own twist on pop songs, including "I Want To Hold Your Hand."
 

Merle Haggard  Working In Tennessee:  Over 45 years after his first album release, and fresh from receiving the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, the country legend hasn't slowed down. His signature voice and Bakersfield sound are as clear as ever on this collection of original songs, sprinkled in with a couple of Johnny Cash favorites and a new version of his classic "Working Man Blues" with guest Willie Nelson and son Ben Haggard.