Blogs

Album of the Week - Robyn Hitchcock "I Often Dream of Trains" - TH 12/10

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Robyn Hitchcock Album Art
This week's featured album is I Often Dream of Trains by British singer-songwriter Robyn Hitchcock. Robyn started out in the 1970s with the Soft Boys before going solo in the early 1980s. He's known for quirky, haunting poetic lyrics that in early days drew comparisons to the style of Syd Barrett. 
 
I Often Dream of Trains is his third solo album, released in 1984. It's an all acoustic effort, with Robyn's lyrics and vocals at the front, backing himself on electric and acoustic guitars and piano. 
 
Today, Robyn remains an active recording and touring artist, with no less than 20 studio albums under his belt. His most recent release, The Man Upstairs, came out in 2014. Check out the man and his music at robynhitchcock.com.
 
KDRT's Album of the Week airs every Thursday evening at 5 p.m. PT. This week's host is Jess Goddesse.

Dave Nachmanoff on The Folk Brothers, December 9th

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David Nachmanoff photo

Davis resident Dave Nachmanoff is an award-winning singer-songwriter and renowned guitarist. He tours nationally and internationally as a solo act, as well as valued accompanist to Al Stewart. Over the many years he has resided in Davis, Dave has been a generous supporter of this community. In a rare local appearance, Dave will do a benefit concert on December 12th for Yolo Food Truck, which is raising the funds to purchase a new refrigerated truck. Dave will join the Folk Brothers live in the KDRT studio between 10 and 11 AM on Wednesday, Dec. 9th.   He’ll bring his guitar, play some songs, talk about his storied musical career, and tell us why we heard him singing in Starbucks across North America last month. Please join us!

Jazz After Dark December 08 2015

Jazz 1946 – 68 tonight. Cool, soul, mellow, and more. Metronome All Stars (Frank Sinatra vocals) * Nat King Cole * Vince Guaraldi (Autumn Leaves) * Stan Kenton * Ella Fitzgerald * Illinois Jacquet * Jimmy Giuffre & Jim Hall * Art Blakey * George Benson * Frank Sinatra & Duke Ellington * and wrapping it up with guitar by Al Di Meola from 1999. Happy 100th, Frank!

Listening Lyrics, 12/11/15, with Andrew Castro and Casey Groat

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andrew Castro comes to KDRT

Andrew Castro

(link is external) is a Sacramento  based singer songwriter. His new EP "RED HEARTS" is now riding on the EP chart of iTunes. Andrew has been on the show before but now as an up and coming "star" we will talk about his new release. Andrew will be joined by singer/songwriter and producer Casey Groat. Andrew's acoustic upbeat pop styled music is catchy and melodic while providing lyrics that are thoughtful and personal and can relate to anyone who has been in love and out of love in any type of relationship. His live shows are high energy and though he is a solo performer his live looping and the rhythms and sounds created on his guitar provide a sound, power and energy most songwriters don't have. 

Album Review: Looking Forward, Looking Back, by Symphonic Jazz Orchestra

Looking Forward, Looking Back album cover

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Symphonic Jazz Orchestra is a group of Los Angeles musicians who combine American jazz with the traditional format and sound of European orchestras. The group is heavily involved in the Los Angeles community, playing at auditoriums around the LA basin and investing lots of resources into teaching music in underfunded LA County schools. 

Album of the Week - Thursday 12/3/15 at 5:00PM - "And, As Always; The Infinite Cosmos" by Stelth Ulvang

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Stelth Ulvang And, As Always album cover

This album shows Stelth Ulvang at his best. It's quite a departure from his role in The Lumineers, showing us Stelth has a lot to offer. "And, As Always" is a delightful mix of original tunes that are personal and insightful, and a commentary on life. From the onset, the album keeps the listener engaged, using a very simplistic approach to a full band/symphony on a variety of songs. Stelth clearly demonstrates his ability to master multiple instruments and his skills as the producer for this CD. This is the real deal--the sound quality and Seth's abilities just shine through on each track. 

Jazz After Dark December 01 2015

Cool jazz tonight! Peggy Lee & Harold Mooney * Nat King Cole * Leo Wright * Johnny Hodges * Illinois Jacquet * Yusef Lateef * Stan Getz * Art Pepper with Chet Baker * Chet Baker with Paul Desmond * Art Pepper * Ella Fitzgerald with The Count Basie Orchestra * Milt Jackson * Swing de Gitanes
* Replays Thursday 11 pm * Friday at midnight * Saturday 9 pm

Album Review: For One to Love, by Cecile McLorin Salvant

For One to Love

For One to Love

Ever since winning the Thelonius Monk International Jazz Competition in 2010, Cecile McLorin Salvant has been one of the rising stars in jazz. For One to Love is a fine showcase for her fantastic voice. Her range in both pitch and emotions is remarkable, as she sings both high and low, innocently and angrily. This album mixes originals and covers in a soft, classic style, using only uses three instruments (piano, drums, bass) in a minimalist and simple fashion, allowing Salvant's voice to take centerstage, where it shines. Her voice, combined with romantic lyrics, convey powerful emotion throughout, especially on tracks "Look at Me" and "Monday." The album also has a lighter side, as demonstrated by tracks "Growlin' Dan" and the whimsical "The Trolley Song." For One to Love is a solid third album for Salvant and a worthwile listen for fans of Salvant and classic jazz.