CD Reviews for 02/03/10 – Duke Robillard & Sunny Crownover, Crazy Heart Soundtrack, Nancy Apple

Written by Dan Ferguson on February 4, 2010 and posted in Boudin Barndance Reviews .

Compact Capsules for February 3, 2010
by Dan Ferguson

Duke Robillard and Sunny Crownover
Tales from the Tiki Lounge
Blue Dutchess Records

The spirit of Les Paul and Mary Ford, and then some, is all over the grooves of Tales From the Tiki Lounge from local hero Duke Robillard and singing sidekick Sunny Crownover. Listen to the 16 tracks comprising this suave little ditty and one can’t help but think Robillard is having the time of his life yanking cool sounds galore from his goldtop Les Paul ax. Whereas Crownover’s singing is out front and the perfect compliment, dissect Tales From the Tiki Lounge and it’s Robillard’s melodic magic on guitar that is truly spellbinding. (Visit www.dukerobillard.com)

Crazy Heart Soundtrack
New West Records

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re likely aware of the R.I. connection to the new film Crazy Heart. Adapted from a book by RIC professor Thomas Cobb, while I‘ve yet to see the film I can vouch for its tasty soundtrack. It mixes country classics, blues, and singer/songwriter fare, not to mention newfangled twangy originals from modern outlaw Ryan Bingham and co-producers T Bone Burnett and the late Stephen Bruton several of which are performed by the film’s star Jeff Bridges who isn’t half bad as a singer.

Nancy Apple
Shine
Ringo Records

In her Memphis hometown, Nancy Apple wears many hats, all in the spirit of spreading the roots music gospel. Singer, songwriter, weekly picking party host and radio DJ, the last few years have brought tough times to the affectionately dubbed Cadillac Cowgirl. You might not know it listening to her new release Shine with its “Memphis mix” of folk, twang, rockabilly and soul. Her first album since 2005 and recorded at legendary Sun Studio, it’s as much catharsis for Apple as ear-pleaser for roots music lovers. (Visit www.nancyapple.com.)

(Dan Ferguson is a free-lance music writer and host of The Boudin Barndance, broadcast Thursday nights from 6 – 9 pm on WRIU-FM 90.3. He lives in Peace Dale and can be reached at [email protected].)
<...