2013-02-19
One can hear hints of lead singer Luz Elena Mendoza's Mexican roots on Y La Bamba's second release, Oh February. Whether it's the castanets, the handclaps, or the liberal use of the accordion, Oh February has a mexi-folk feel. Ms. Mendoza's tremolo vocals, often fronting male vocal harmonies, are striking. The rest of this Portland band is skilled, but I'm blown away by Scott Magee's dextrous percussion. All in all this is a fine indie-folk disc that has been expertly produced by The Decemberist's Chris Funk. Rebecca Ruth
SILVEROOT
BIG DIFFERENCE
Various Artists
A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver Live
Danny Schmidt
Instead the Forest Rose to Sing
AMOS LEE
As the Crow Flies
HAYDEN
In Field and Town
Mary Chapin Carpenter
The Calling
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