KBUT Music

Welcome to the music page for your community radio station! I will be your guide and host, Chad J. Reich, music director here at KBUT. Welcome aboard, sit, back, relax, and read on. It will be my pleasure to both bring you a regular update of what new releases are impacting the airwaves at KBUT and give you some insight on up-and-coming artists, bands, and collectives. Please check back regularly to keep up with the newest additions to our music library. As always, feel free to request any new music you desire. DJ's are here all day, 970.349.7444. Check the program schedule to see if your request will fit into a specific program's music format.

This week, beginning May 5, we are graced with feature releases from some of today's most progressive collectives.

    The first record of choice this week comes from San Francisco-based folk collective Vetiver. The band--composed of mastermind Andy Cabic on guitars/banjo, Brent Dunn (bass), Sanders Trippe (guitars/vox), Otto Hauser (percussion/keys), and Kevin Barker (guitar/banjo/vox)--set out to create a covers record of their favorite forgotten tunes from the 1967-1973 era. Thing Of The Past proves to be much more than another run-of-the-mill covers record, panning for gems deep in the long-forgotten folk and rock armory, dusting and polishing them, creating a new life, sound, and voice for these tunes. From well-known artists such as the heartbreaking Townes Van Zandt, Loudon Wainwritht III, British metal rockers Hawkwind, and New Orleans pianist Biff Rose to lesser known artists such as folk purist Derroll Adams.

    "I think this is the best record I've yet to make, in no small part because of the songs are so good, but also because I didn't write them..." This sets a parameter for the recordings--much like an actual subject and frame for a painting--but allows Mr. Cabic and the rest of Vetiver the freedom to choose how to paint that piece. The band is graced with the presence of two of Mr. Cabic's heroes, Holy Modal Rounder contributor Michael Hurley and mysterious folk chanteuse Vashti Bunyan. The result is a stellar collection of original takes on classic pieces of work, balancing freedom and restraint in conveying the messages of music from years past in a new light, for a new generation of listeners (fat-cat.co.uk).

    Next, we have a new release from the dynamic duo of M.C. Schmidt and Drew Daniel, together known as Matmos. The album was finished in Baltimore, where Daniel is now a professor of English at Johns Hopkins University, but was recorded all over the world with guests such as Marshall Allen of the Sun Ra Arkestra on a breath controlled oscillator and electro-acoustic genius Keith Fullerton Whitman.

    On Supreme Balloon, released on indie giant Matador Records, we see Matmos abandoning their non-traditional methods of creating music using computers fused with household and found objects. Instead the duo use only synthesizers, heavily spotlighting vintage equipment by the likes of Moog, Arp, Korg, Roland, and Waldorf. Opening with toe-tapping electrified jams and turning into a ridiculous 24 minute epic title track. Warning: the music of Matmos is not for every day listening, and those unfamiliar with the musical territory this duo explores must listen with a very open mind. This band is always unpredictable, but they never cease to amaze.

Finally, of major noteworthiness, Sergio Mendes drops another round of traditional, yet infectious, Brazilian rhythms and smooth melodies. Encanto (Enchanted) may be the most ambitious project yet for Mr. Mendes, as he recruits artists from around the globe--including Belgium's Zap Mama; Columbia's Latin superstar Juanes; the poppy Dreams Come True from Japan; and American sensations such as Fergie, Herb Alpert, Natalie Cole, and Will.I.Am--to fuse native aspects and languages of their music. This formula successfully shows the true diversity of Brazilian music through the eyes of one of its best producers.

Encanto is, in a way, a dream come true for Mr. Mendes. "I've always dreamed of making an album with guest artists from different cultures, singing in their native languages, as a way to illustrate the power and magic of Brazilian music," muses the superproducer. Released on Concord Records and packaged wonderfully brightly, this one to add to your lazy afternoon or cocktail party collection (spectremusic.com).

Other Noteables

Martha Wainwright: From one of music's most talented families, Martha follows more in the vein of brother Rufus's modern indie sound than father Loudon's traditional folk workings. For fans of Lisa Germano, Feist, Kate Bush, or Shivaree.
Robert Walter: One founding member of Greyboy Allstars brings another arousing collection of jazz infused funk. Or is it the other way around?
Eliza Gilkyson: A new feel from Eliza who uses Americana, rock, jazz, and traditional folk styles to build on her Grammy-nominated 2005 release Paradise Hotel.
Common Market: One of the leaders of the Pacific Northwest hip hop movement show us whey they are one of the most laid back, yet well-spoken, troupes out there today. Often on tour with Blue Scholars and Living Legends, this would be a show not to miss for those interested in conscious hip hop.
Tony Trischka: This man is worthy of an entire book of praise. He will go down as one of the best teachers (he TAUGHT Bela Fleck), pickers, and innovators of the bluegrass genre. This is nominated for 2008's Best Bluegrass Album, and contains 10 brand new, original tracks.

This week, beginning April 28, we see releases from two CLASSIC artists.

First up is the latest release from former Traffic and Blind Faith founder, Steve Winwood. Produced by Mr. Winwood and released on Wincraft Music--a subsidiary of Columbia Records--allowed total artistic freedom that veteran musicians desire. On Nine Lives we hear traditional "Back In The High Life"-esque adult contemporary pop fused with jazz a la alto saxophone. "It still tastes like Steve, smooth, fluffy, and served in big bites...now...fewer calories and production fat." --Dallas Morning News

Next comes This Kind Of Love, the latest in a string of comeback attempts by Carly Simon. Released on Starbucks' label Hear Music, this Mrs. Simon's first collection of original music since 2000's Bedroom Tapes. Blending the Simon sounds of years past with a touch of Brazilian flare, this record runs the gamut of emotions from romance to anger and humor. Listen in for one of her 13 original tracks.

Amazing new music comes to us this week in the hip-hop genre as well. Minneapolis, MN, once a hotbed of rock music (think Replacements, Husker Du) is now an emerging power in independent hip hop, not surprising given it is the label Rhymesayers' headquarters. The starchild of this scene is, and always has been, the duo Atmosphere. On MC Slug and DJ Ant's latest release When Life Hands You Lemons, You Paint That Sh*t Gold, we hear Slug's maturity grow over an abundance of live instrumentation, heavy pianos, and even an appearance by Tom Waits as a beatboxer on "The Waitress." Arguably the best indie hip hop record to come out this year.

Finally, we are graced with the first Portishead release in 11 years, Third. The Bristol, U.K., collective does not revisit their dark trip-hoppy, smoky jazz, and future-cabaret sounds of the 1990's as much as they move forward with spindly guitars, vintage-sounding electronics, and pulsating beats. Beth Gibbons' voice is still magical as ever, but listeners expecting a redux of the Portishead of the mid 1990's may walk away yearning for more.

Other Noteables

Love Psychedelico: Japanese female duo hit the spot on their US release. "Love" is the name, rock 'n' roll is the game.
Graham MacRae: This man is in charge of radio promotion for Warner Brothers--one of the largest (yet best) labels out today. Influences from Jimmy Page, John Fahey, and Robert Wyatt. Great fingerpicking throughout the record
Mother Truckers: Recently packing CB's Center For the Arts, here is another collection of Americana rock for grilling season 2008.
Jeff Healy: This was recorded one month before the blind guitarist's lifelong battle with cancer finally ended. This is his first foray back into the blues since his shift into jazz in the early 21st century. R.I.P., Mr. Healy. You are a legend in the blues community.

KBUT strives to provide a balance in music programming for our listeners. Throughout the week, listeners may hear a variety of rock, folk, blues, bluegrass, jazz, world, funk, soul, reggae, hip-hop, electro, and new age. Point your browser to http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kbut/guide.guidemain for a descriptive list of DJ�s and their programs found only on KBUT.