Venerable guitarist (and former member of The Band) Jim Weider has assembled an all-star cast—Tony Levin, John Medeski,  Sid McGinnis and Randy Ciarlante, and producer John Holbrook—as he steps slightly away from his musical roots on his latest release, PERCoLAToR. Well, more than slightly. He comes out blazing in the rock/fusion fueled "The Maze," where he wails  and squeals his way through a catchy tune. Hard-hitting title track "Percolator" is propelled by funk elements, while the gorgeous melodies of  "New Day" and "Smooth Move" juxtapose the muscular, heavy hitting "Troll." The real departures, "Flight" and "Rain Daze," are stocked with synth bass and drum programming and sound quite contemporary.

Weider's guitar work is often fast, furious, and fluid, but he never overplays. He relies on finesse, touch, and technique to tell his stories without words. Ultimately, Weider is at the top of his game and not limited to just one style or genre.
www.jimweider.com

The legendary Levon Helm's latest music party is a live CD/DVD recorded at his Woodstock studio. Starting with the slow simmer of "Sad Hours," the songs here are tried and true, well worn gems, like Muddy Waters' "Blow Wind Blow," Little Walter's "Oh Baby," and Willie Dixon's "I'm Ready." But they never sound tired. Davis' own tunes, "I Ain't Lyin'" and "California Blues" (aided and abetted by Garth Hudson's accordion), fit like a glove, powered by his down and dirty voice and the lonesome howl of his harmonica. Mike Merritt effortlessly brings real life to inherently simple bass lines, while guitarist Fred Scribner's superb chording and fills provide unusual texture.

The companion DVD provides inside glimpses of how this music was recorded before a small audience. The shots of Helm playing border on an instructional video for drummers show perfectly how he works his magic. The exuberant Davis is a treat to watch as well.

It seems anything Helm has his hand in is true American music. Here he provides the heart and soul of the project, as he does wherever he goes. But this configuration has a real chemistry and timeless feel.
www.levonhelm.com

It's uplifting music like this that makes me wish Ear Whacks was multi-media. If it were, you would see the big, wide grin on my jowly mug and know how I feel about the music instead of having to wade through the punditbabble I'm about to spew.

Those looking for proof positive that spring is just around the corner need only listen to the bluegrass clarity of the effervescent "Wide River," wherein Johnson, her voice as clear and true as that first warm breeze, stares at the daisies on her window sill, imagining herself running through open fields with her partner. Heartfelt and rootsy folk rock rules the day, as "Could It Be," "Sailboat," "Start Over," and the exquisite "Deer" ably display. Dynamic and textured ensemble playing by husband Kyle Esposito, Steve Mayone, Kevin Maul, Doug Marcus, Eric Parker, and Bob Resnick shines throughout, most impressively on the Allman-ish drive of "One More Time."

Because there is such an abundance of fine music emanating from our glorious valley, I regretfully don't get to hear it all. But I will say without hesitation, this is some of the finest talent around.
www.megjohnsonband.com