Good Music Monday: Issue #5

Every Monday, I'm going to start posting info on a musical artist that I think needs some attention, whether it's because they are unknown, under appreciated, or I think they just need a little spotlight. The reason this is "Issue #4" is because I've kind of already spotlighted a few bands in the past. I'll start this week by actually going back and looking at last week's artist.

• "All The Rage" is the debut release from LA-based singer/songwriter Cary Brothers. These four songs run the gamut from power pop ("Supposed To Be") to acoustic folk ("Honestly"), but they all share one thing in common - as Cary says, "They're all pretty much straight from the heart, whether it's being broken or put back together." Cary's song "Blue Eyes" is also featured alongside tracks from Coldplay, The Shins, and Simon & Garfunkel on the soundtrack of the film GARDEN STATE. A native of Nashville, TN, Cary has been writing and performing music since he got his first guitar at thirteen. His influences include early R.E.M., Brit Pop (from The Stone Roses to Radiohead), acoustic folk (Simon & Garfunkel and Nick Drake to Badly Drawn Boy), and a healthy dash of 80's New Wave. Two years ago, Cary was spotted playing at an open mic by acclaimed LA troubadour Gary Jules, who subsequently began booking Cary at the famed Hotel Café in Hollywood, where Cary has become a regular among a group of some of LA's best up and coming talent.

If you go to Cary's website, you'll find ahandfull of free songs. Everything I have heard from him thus far is great. Simple, acoustic, folk like music. It's relaxing, I think that's the best way todescribee it. He also has a My Space page. If you like his music, add him as a friend to keep up with his latest information.

Now on to this week's musician.

• There are some unspoken rules in the jazz world. Rules that say acoustic-oriented jazz musicians are not supposed to have platinum and gold albums or sell out large auditoriums night after night. Rules that straight-ahead jazz releases are not supposed to reach the top of Billboard's pop charts. Rules that jazz artists shouldn't expect to receive standing ovations at Lilith Fair or compete with Santana, TLC, the Backstreet Boys, and the Dixie Chicks in a GRAMMY® category. For the past ten years, someone has been breaking these rules and demonstrating that a jazz musician can, in fact, enjoy mass appeal without sacrificing her jazz foundation. Her name is Diana Krall. Not only has the Canadian singer/acoustic pianist become the top-selling artist on the Verve roster, she has become jazz's top selling vocalist, period. She is a crossover phenomenon who has remained faithful to her bop and swing roots.

This woman has to be one of the best jazz musicians I have ever heard, hands down. Yes... even better then Norah Jones (it's funny how I was looking something up on Norah and found Diana). This is the way jazz is suppose to be. I suggest everyone take a listen. She has previews of her music on her website.

Diana Krall - I Can't Give You Anything But Love

I can't give you anything but love, baby
That's the one thing I've got plenty of, baby
I dreaming awhile, scheming a while you're sure to find
Happiness and I guess all those things you always pine for

Gee it's nice to see you looking swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth's doesn't sell, baby
Till the lucky day you know darn well,well baby
I can't give you anything but love

Previous Issues:
Cary Brothers
Joydrop
Mr. T Experience
Medeski, Martin, and Wood