New Music Update: Angelique Kidjo, Delaney & Bonnie, George Cates, Gypsy & More!

Some recent additions to NeverEndingWonder Radio:

TIM MEECE - A TURN IN THE ENDLESS CORRIDOR
Four extended pieces of electric guitar noodling from independent musician Tim Meece.
You can download some free tracks by Tim Meece here:
Free Tim Meece tracks

BAUHAUS - BURNING FROM THE INSIDE

This was Bauhaus's last album and it's an interesting document of the end of the icons of Goth. It contains some unreleased items from the band's early days as well as their last recordings.

GYPSY - GYPSY and IN THE GARDEN


First two albums by 1970s prog outfit "Gypsy." Most compositions were written by guitarist/vocalist Enrico Rosenbaum, which is interesting because it's organist James Walsh that really stands out. His keyboard work is inventive and strong. This and the well integrated vocals, which have a feeling of British prog of the era, make this band stand out from the pack.

KATHI MCDONALD - INSANE ASYLUM

Another rare gem from the 1970s. Kathi McDonald sang as one of the Ikettes and was vocalist for Big Brother and The Holding Company after Janis left. It was a logical choice- her voice is big & bluesy. This is her first solo album, produced by none other than Pete Sears & featuring contributions from Nils Lofgren, Linda Ronstadt, Neil Schon and Papa John Creach among others. She covers Neil Young, Peter Frampton, Willie Dixon and Martha & the Vandellas. She also contributes her own numbers. A dynamite, little known classic of the era.

ANGELIQUE KIDJO - KEEP ON MOVING

Born in Benin, relocated to Paris, Angelique Kidjo has been one of the leading forces in world beat music for over twenty years. This is a "best of" collection of sorts, featuring numbers from five albums released in the 1990s. Of particular note is her recording of Gershwin's "Summertime" performed in Swahili. I know- sounds like a train wreck, doesn't it? Her sensitive rendering of the song transcends any objections. The melody is so pure and she gives it the respect it demands. It may be my favorite version of "Summertime" ever, because it forces you to take a fresh look at the song and realize just how marvelous an accomplishment it is- both the composition and the reinterpretation. She also performs as song with Carlos Santana ("Naima"). The full range of her musical styles are exhibited here- afropop, blues, jazz, funk, rhumba & more.

DELANEY & BONNIE & FRIENDS - MOTEL SHOT

This is the album that got me into traditional American music. I got it because I dug the top 40 hit "Never Ending Song of Love" and was astounded by the rest of what I heard. Lured by the overwhelmingly soulful voice of Bonnie Bramlett and the all-star cast of collaborators which included Duane Allman, Joe Cocker, John Hartford, Dave Mason, Gram Parsons and Leon Russell, I had my eyes opened to the wonders of Gospel, blues, country and folk music all at once. The heartfelt renditions of songs such as Rock of Ages, Will the Circle Be Unbroken and Faded Love all performed on acoustic instruments spoke to me on a very deep level. Combined with the loose "jam session" atmosphere of the recording it makes for a very unique experience.

GEORGE CATES - POLYNESIAN PERCUSSION

This is straight up Exotica. George Cates is mostly remembered, when remembered at all, for his work with schlockmeister Lawrence Welk. Don't worry- there are no champagne bubbles here. This is Arthur Lyman/Martin Denny territory here, done very well. The standards are here- Pagan Love Song, Hawaiian War Chant, Bali Hai. What makes this release stand out are the fact Alvino Ray and Buddy Cole are among the musicians. There's an impressive list of percussion instruments used: Guiro, Boo-bams, Rhythm Logs, Celeste, Marimba, Xylophone, Bells, Pu Ili (or Pui Sticks), Kalaau, Uli Uli, Tympani, Timbales, Conga Drum, Bongos, Maracas, Finger Cymbals (or "Ching-Chings"), and Triangle. My only complaint is there's a bit TOO MUCH of that guiro. That's that thing that looks like this:

A little bit of that goes a long way and we hear it in nearly every song!

All these albums are currently in rotation on
NeverEndingWonder Radio