ALWAYS LIKE NEW Jennifer Nettles
Not only does Jennifer Nettles have a beautiful voice that put
the “sugar” in Sugarland, she put her Broadway boots on vocally for Always Like New. The results are mesmerizing, joyous and uniquely styled by Alex Lacamoire. What is most impressive is her musical interpretation. To take songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” or “Almost Like Being in Love” and present a completely new spin on tempo and make them “almost like new,” it’s a feat that is truly admirable. The whole album of 10 selections is vivid and clear in heartfelt emotions and delivery. Nettles will never lose her country roots but she has grown a new crop of admiration with this set of songs. To hear “Anyone Can Whistle,” a much-neglected gem that is remembered performed by Lee Remick, and to hear this song anew again was just one of many joys on this. Nettles has scored a huge touchdown, and whether it’s a beautiful morning or not, she radiates like sunshine and handles the cloudy days on Always Like New. Available June 25
photo by shervin lainez
ONLY IN AMERICA Verónica Valerio and Van Dyke Parks
It’s quite magical that two music artists
could create something so beautiful without ever meeting in person. There is no shame but triumph in this . . . and that’s Only in America. Take a woman who is a beautiful Mexican singer and harpist whose name is Verónica Valerio. As fate and talent collide, she is discovered by Van Dyke Parks (if you don’t know his credentials, just google it, and remember to “Smile” while you’re doing it). The results result in a stunning combination and as Van Dyke Parks orchestrates this album of just four songs, it’s tropical magic. These four songs could be looped over and over as there is just no doubt of the beauty and stunning arrangements in the presentation by Valerio and Parks. It’s timeless, and just as Lina Romay and Xavier Cugat were a winning combination, the modern times call out for something as well done as this. Available June 11
Bill Biss has been writing since 2000 about the people who create magic in music, film and book. His knowledge of the entertainment business has even impressed gossip columnist Liz Smith. He has been a member of Team Rage since its inception in 2007.
JUNE 2021| @theragemonthly 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32
