Spring is here and with it, more new music. Chicago’s Alligator Records label has a couple of particularly fine offerings among its new releases: Janiva Magness’ Stronger for It and Curtis Salgado’s Soul Shot.
Janiva Magness’ CD hits this week and she has gigs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, March 21, 6-9 p.m., and at The 21st Saloon Thursday, March 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Magness’ Stronger for It was produced by guitarist Dave Darling who also did song co-writes with Magness. The disc speaks of hard times but rings through with survival, as the title Stronger for It suggests. Magness came on the scene as a formidable vocalist. With this CD she takes her mastery to a higher level with the pure, resilient heart that she shares here, voicing emotions from raw to righteous.
Curtis Salgado is a long-time local favorite. For those of you who just skim this column let me say out front that Salgado’s new disc delivers a sound that you should dig if you are fans of soul rediscoveries like Sharon Jones or Charles Bradley. Salgado’s old-school soul vocals ought to be in your library too. Salgado’s brand new disc, Soul Shot, is Salgado at his finest emphasizing classic R&B with horns and back-up singers. Salgado’s voice can deliver both grit and the sort of soaring, wondrous vocals that make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end. And this music is built for dancing. Salgado’s Soul Shot drops April 10. Mark your calendars.
Carolyn Wonderland
Austin’s multi-talented soul-Americana-blues singer-songwriter Carolyn Wonderland has two shows coming up. Wonderland performs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Saturday, April 7, 6-9 p.m.
Wonderland is the main attraction at The Waiting Room on Sunday, April 8, when the Blues Society of Omaha hosts a special membership drive outreach show. The Electroliners open the Waiting Room show at 5 p.m. see omahablues.com for details.
Jammin’ Away the Blues
The Mental Health Association of Nebraska presents the fourth annual Jammin’ Away the Blues concert at Lincoln’s Bourbon Theatre Saturday, April 7. Louisiana blues star Kenny Neal headlines with Lil’ Slim Blues Band and The Blues Project opening the 7 p.m. show. See bourbontheatre.com.
Hot Notes
Sons of 76 play a full evening at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar, Saturday, March 24, 9 p.m.-12 a.m.
Critics are raving about Americana singer-songwriter Joe Crookston who plays Lincoln’s 7th Street Loft Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. See lafta.net.