What We're Listening To: Abby

Let them Talk Audio CD by Hugh Laurie.

Famous for his role as Dr. House, British actor Hugh Laurie is now showing us another side to his talents. Laurie not only sings but plays piano or guitar on every song as well. This is a collection of New Orleans blues standards that will take you right to the French Quarter. Assisting him in this endeavor are some of New Orleans best musicians from Irma Thomas, Dr. John and the horn arrangements by Allen Toussaint. This is foot stomping, soulful blues/jazz music that you will want to listen to over and over!

What We're Listening To: Laurie

Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons

This British outfit has constructed a solid debut album in Sigh No More. Mumford & Sons are a folk band who offer up emotional ballads like I Gave You All and White Blank Page along with raucous, foot stomping songs such as Roll Away Your Stone and Little Lion Man. There are also hints of bluegrass and Americana intertwined throughout the record. If you like Blitzen Trapper and The Avett Brothers you'll enjoy Mumford & Sons, and may even find yourself anxiously anticipating another album.

What We're Listening To: Abby

Rodrigo y Gabriela, audio CD, Rubyworks, 2006.

11:11, audio CD, ATO Records, 2009

This is the most original, innovative music I have heard in a long time. It is heart pounding, foot stomping flamenco-like latin fusion music by two musicians adept at their craft and able to produce incredible sounds on their acoustic guitars.
Rodrigo and Gabriela have been friends since they were teens in Mexico City. Each had their own band and each tried but failed to be accepted into the Conservatory. Their love of heavy metal and rock brought them together. When things weren't happening for them in Mexico City they decided on the spur of the moment, with very little money and barely able to speak English, to travel to Europe. Their first stop was Dublin where the promise of a place to stay fell through so they had to start busking (playing in public for tips and gratuities). Their reputation spread and they were hired to play at weddings and gallery openings and ultimately clubs. Within a year or two they produced a CD and that in combination with their live performances launched their careers. They are still based in Dublin and tour all over the world.

What We're Listening To: Rita

A Strange Arrangement by Mayer Hawthorne

Mayer Hawthorne is actually Ann Arbor native Andrew Cohen, but when you listen to this debut album, you'll swear you're hearing 60's and 70's soul favorites like the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and Curtis Mayfield. Hawthorne recorded all the instrumental and vocal tracks, then mixed them with a light hand and a modern sensibility into an appealing neo-soul concoction. All but one of the songs is original, and each one is delightful; you'll be singing or humming these long after you turn off the stereo. This unique disc is well worth a listen (but you're sure to want more than one.)