Alright, single by Charlotte Sands. Anthemic pop that starts ever so gently and then explodes, swinging you into the sky wondering how high you will go but enjoying the ride. Sands is powerful, childlike, mysterious and a serious chronicler of the heart. Stream on all major platforms.
Dolores, single by Becky G. Calm, gentle, penetrating. Dolores takes you over with Becky G’s loving and almost seductive voice, while it moves along on a slick current of light beats and haunting inserts. Listen carefully, and often. Stream on all platforms
Le Reve, single/video by Lo Marie. Takes you back to 1940’s nightclubs with a smokey stage and a gentle piano. Lo Marie gently eases you into a movie of memories – some yours, some you just imagine. If you are like me, you won’t be able to get enough of her lonely blues. Stream on Spotify. Video on YouTube.
Strength of a Woman, single/video by Dessy Di Lauro. Soft, moving, and with a punch, this paean to the strength of black girls and women everywhere carries you along with the hypnotic rhythms, sophisticated production, and authentic voice. Lovely, just lovely. Stream on all platforms
The Cuckoo, single by Ric’key Pageot. Classical? Yes, but more as a master pianist shows his range (he is Madonna’s touring keyboardist) and his ability to evoke heart-rendering emotion from the ivories in this composition by African-American composer Howard Swanson that is as new as today and as classical as eternity. Stream on all platforms.
En Vivo Desde Tijuana, álbum by Grupo Emperatriz. This female Norteño band from Tijuana stands out in the male kingdom of regional Mexican music by producing an album (actually, several albums) that is both a great introduction to the fun of tuba and accordion-led party music and stands solidly on its own as great music. Stream on Spotify, Soundcloud. Videos on YouTube. Spanish.
Patrick O’Heffernan
