The Wiyos “Broken Land Bell” (self-released)
Right now, it seems like The Wiyos are making all the right moves. Old school sound? Check. Brooklyn indie cred? Check. Summer tour opening for Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp? Helluva check.
“Broken Land Bell,” the third album from the throwback quartet, carefully walks the line between novelty and authenticity. As a step forward, the record features beat-boxer Adam Matta on several tracks including “Roll On Down The Road” and “Stomp.” And while his clever mouth adds hip-hop flavored percussion to the consciously uncontemporary songs, it can feel a little out of place at times.
The highlight here is diverse instrumentation. Banjo, ukelele, stand-up bass, washboard and a bluesy, distorted, harmonica form a beautiful combination and illustrate the rudimentary elements of Americana. “Valentina,” the album’s closing track, feels like the work of a few musical friends in a moonlit New Orleans alley – probably because that’s where they cut their teeth before warming the stage for Dylan. John Hendrickson, The Denver Post
Erika Jayne “Pretty Mess” (E1 Music)
Bria Valente, Prince’s latest protege, should be looking over her shoulder. On her debut album “Pretty Mess,” Erika Jayne makes no bones about emulating the luxurious, erotic sounds trademarked by the Minneapolis mack daddy. She even covers Apollonia’ hit “Sex Shooter” and enlists Sheila E’s quaking drums on “Time to Realize.” Influences are unavoidable, and Prince’s ocean is many fathoms deep, but Jayne’s obsession with one-note sexual fantasies keeps her bound — albeit in satin handcuffs with feather trim — to imitation instead of inventing her own style.
Jayne spins as many dance -floor seductions as she does silky cocoons for lovers — but both modes lack counterpoints, and she never fully surrenders to the id. We won’t lose our bodies to the music if the singer sounds like she’s awaiting Madonna’s approval.
The production of the album (from dance-world luminaries Eric Kupper and Peter Rafelson, among others) excels at creating glistening surface texture, but it’s impossible to sink deeply into “Pretty Mess.” It’s too ingratiating in lyric and intent; not only does Jayne want to sit in Prince’s lap, she wants to sit in ours, too.
Margaret Wappler, Los Angeles Times
Jesse Winchester, “Love Filling Station”(Appleseed Records)
The biggest challenge facing singer-songwriter Jesse Winchester these days is living up to the high standards he set for himself more than 40 years ago. Maybe that’s why the writer of “Yankee Lady,” “The Brand New Tennessee Waltz,” “Biloxi” and other classics recently released his first studio session in 10 years — the satisfying if not always inspired “Love Filling Station.” The album opens on a bright note, with Winchester’s unmistakable tenor softly evoking images of Roy Orbison on “O What a Thrill.” It’s one of several self-penned tunes that wouldn’t sound out of place on one of Winchester’s seminal albums. Winchester’s ties to Southern gospel and R&B. Winchester also brings warmth and spirit to some country-tinted songs. Yet his voice, now frayed around the edges, is best suited to the ballads. Another soulful, subdued, well-crafted album from Winchester is always welcome, and the long overdue “Love Filling Station” is certainly that.
Mike Joyce, Washington Post
