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 RuthVarious Artists
Por Vida: A Tribute to the Songs of Alejandro Escovedo
BIG HARP
Chain Letters
MARK ERELLI
Hope and Other Casualties
The Belleville Outfit
Wanderin'
Brett Martin Hoerner
Somewhere in Sonoma
Richard Shindell
Vuelta
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.