Six cool things in music, from two points of view:
Dave Ray tribute, Minnesota History Center. My kids are still singing Camile Baudoin's version of the "Oreo Cookie Blues" and marveling at Tony Glover's harmonica skills. I'm still laughing at Willie Murphy's stories.
My Brightest Diamond on "Wits," the Fitzgerald. Shara Worden's marvelous voice will make the radio show a wonderful listening experience (highlight: Neil Gaiman reading "bad Neil Gaiman"), but her stage presence, energy and dancing were fantastic as well.
Hard Working Americans, "The First Waltz." I like Todd Snider, and I like jam bands, so I'm predisposed to like a jam band fronted by Snider. Despite my bias, I really love this live recording/concert video of all covers. Love Hayes Carll's "Stomp and Holler."
Matt Wells, St. Paul
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The New Basement Tapes, "Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon." With Elvis Costello on lead vocals, this supergroup did a melancholy, soulful "Lost in the River," the title track of an album featuring Bob Dylan lyrics set to new music by Costello, Jim James and others.
Ray Covington's Luther Vandross tribute, Bunkers. This Twin Cities singer is so convincingly Luther that he should take this show on tour.
Pearl Jam, Xcel Energy Center. Despite a slow start and too much banter from Eddie Vedder, the boys rocked convincingly for more than three hours.
Jon Bream, Star Tribune
