What do Goat Rodeo, Purple Melon and Sinatra-standard-bearer Michael Feinstein have in common? They're great. They're new. And they're on my playlist. Here's the 411.
The Goat Rodeo Sessions
I've been a fan of cello genius Yo-Yo Ma for a long time. Love his classical work, but his new country-bluegrass-classical-fusion album with Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile blows me away. My always-on-the-cutting-edge-of-new-music son Cole gave this CD to me for my birthday and it's occupied the top slot in the SUV CD player ever since.
Henry's Rocket by Purple Melon
I'd never heard of Purple Melon until an aggressive PR guy (me in another life) sent the CD to me. Since I'm always trying to impress Cole with my knowledge of new music (and never quite succeeding) I gave it a listen. Purple Melon has a sound that Boomers will love - it's rock to be sure - with influences of everyone from The Beatles to Boston and maybe even a little (dare I compare?) Queen. Always surprising and infinitely listenable. You're gonna like it.
The Sinatra Legacy by Michael Feinstein
This "new" music isn't just music and it isn't really new. Confused? This is the new Blu-ray DVD of his PBS special where he belts out Sinatra standards from Once in a Lifetime all the way to New York New York. It's a terrific tribute that showcases the powerful musical chops of one of Broadway's best. The Sinatra standard bearer is backed by a 32-piece orchestra and takes the house down with every single note. If you're looking for a great music DVD to add to your collection - and love the Sinatra standards - you need to own this disc.