March 30, 2005 - 10:24 AM

Hold Me Back, Jorane Is Coming

Lots of music recently, which might actually get me to go out to music venues with regularity again. I am forlorn to find out that I missed Leslie Feist last week when she was opening for fellow Canadians Stars at the Troubadour (what can I say, I was in Florida). Apparently, Canadian indie rock is the next new "thing", and these two are finally reaping some success and recognition from this. Happily, though, this newfound "respect" has led to Feist getting her album released in the States next month on Interscope (it had previously only been available as an import from France, the U.K., or Canada). And it looks like she might be touring 'round these parts again in May. Her album Monarch (Lay Your Head Down) from 2000 was one of my top 5 of that year, and I was lucky enough to see her with Sarah Slean and Sarah Harmer in Boston a couple times back then. Her new album, Let It Die was number 8 on my year end list last year.

Next week, a performance that I thought I'd never get to see is happening in L.A. Jorane will be at the Hotel Cafe on April 6th (Amy Cooper opening). She has a date in Chicago on the 2nd, one in NYC on the 4th, and a few scattered up and down the west coast from the 6th through the 13th. I am thrilled as punch to have her coming through. She's a cellist and a singer-songwriter from Quebec who crosses territory between Tori Amos and John Cage. Her second album, 16 MM, sounds like 16 tracks of free improvisation with a close-knit ensemble, full of cinematic grandeur, intimate revelations, and playful instrumental banter. It was one of my surprising favorites of 2001. Her albums have been a bit difficult to track down in the U.S., but it looks like her latest is getting a proper release here soon, and she's touring to support it. I behoove all of you who can, and are interested in a night that might be challenging but also has the chance to be mindblowing, to go see her.

Last night, on the recommendation of my friend Victoria, I wandered down to the Hotel Cafe to see brit Nerina Pallot play. She did not disappoint. At the end of one of her songs, I discovered myself on the edge of my seat, leaning forward, eyes glued on her, pulled in by the gravitational force of her music. I think the word that bests describes my state at the end of the night was "enraptured".

Nerina stuck mostly to the piano where she reminded me of Fiona Apple and Rachael Yamagata, but also played a few songs on the guitar where she was a little Joni Mitchell and Beth Orton. Her first album is available as an import on Amazon, and her second is being released in the U.K. next week. She's looking for a deal in the U.S. which is why she's been touring a little here. I'm certainly looking forward to more chances to see her this summer.

Speaking of Victoria, she'll be all over the place in the next few months, including here in L.A. in May. Check out her website at www.victoriavox.com .

There's a show this Thursday at the Tangier Restaurant featuring Angela Correa. My friend Ger has been hyping her to me, so I'll try to make it. He said Sylvie Lewis is attending too, and she's scheduled to play there herself on the 5th.

Maria Mckee is having a cd release show on the 19th of April at the HC, and I don't have to be so lamenting that I missed Kinnie Starr a few months ago to have dinner with Elin, because Kinnie's back at the end of the month! This is gonna be a good month, I tells ya.

Now Listening To : Diana Krall- All For You
Random Thought : Something happened this past weekend, didn't it? What was it...what was it....

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