Playlist June 2011

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues. Lest we thought they were kidding, more enduring vocals and ethereal musings in an Americana setting.

Emmylou Harris – Hard Bargain. Filled with mainly intriguing personal originals, this set carries Ms. Harris more out front and almost rocking with the help of producer/guitarist Jay Joyce and multi-instrumentalist Giles Reaves.

Sondre Lerche – Sondre Lerche. The Norwegian’s latest is a subtler version of his past few heavier outings, but hasn’t lost his sweet rolling melodies and ever-interesting arrangements.

Marc Cohn – Listening Booth: 1970. On paper reworking hits from 1970 might sound frightening, but in execution, Mr. Cohn fully delivers original engaging takes on classics of the singer/songwriter era.

Bruce Cockburn – Small Source of Comfort. After some 30 releases, it is amazing how effective and underrated Mr. Cockburn’s guitar playing remains. A true songwriting craftsman is at work here. The voice is as passionate as the content is intelligent and compelling.

Paul Simon – So Beautiful or So What. Simon’s world music explorations and back again bring dazzling effects to this inspired return to form.

Amos Lee – Mission Bell. A shadowy set filled with tight earnest songs with strong vocals and writing with guest star help from Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson. Quiet and lean arrangements nearly hit the mark every time.

Bar Bocce in Sausalito

 A frenzied opening offered up the first glance of the excellent outdoor patio with fire pit and waterfront bocce court. Inside proved a bit loud and bright, but prompt service brought us acceptable wine selections (who chilled the red wines and why?). Local beers may be a better option. Carrot ginger soup was bold and spicy, excellent tender sautéed squid was blended with diced olives, peppers, olive oil and herbs. An intriguing crab pizza, not my first choice, was perfectly cooked with a wood-fired crispy crust and chewy on the inside. Sparse toppings are the style and didn’t disappoint, but doesn't make a meal on its own. Popularity of the outdoor areas for children now keeps many locals away. Limited menu. Moderate.

Josef Aukee at No Name Feb 10

Spoken word performance with Laurie Amat (vocals), John DuPerry (piano/percussion) and Ian Stoba (bass).

Thursday, February 10, 2011
No Name Bar
757 Bridgeway
Sausalito CA

7:00 pm
No cover

Try Musync

Check out Musync.com for licensing great independent tracks for film/video/advertising and other projects.

Playlist April 2010

Listen now:

Peter Wolf - Midnight Souvenirs
Mark Knopfler - Get Lucky
Jakob Dylan - Women & Country
Blood Sweat & Tears - Child Is Father To The Man
Plain White T's - Big Bad World
The Young Friends - Hella

Josef in San Diego

Spoken word performance and poetry reading with Josef Aukee and Joshua Boylan at Winston’s in conjunction with the San Diego Drunk Poets Society. Open mic follows featured readers.

When: Monday, March 15, 2010

Where: Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St. San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 222-6822

http://www.myspace.com/winstonsdrunkpoetssociety

Time: 6:00 PM

Cost: No cover

Also:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Wit’s End, 420 Robinson Avenue, CA 92103, (619) 294-4848

http://www.witsendpubandcafe.com/

Reading this week!

Wed 2/17 at Beale St Bar & Grill in SF
Thu 2/18 at No Name Bar in Sausalito
7:00 pm

Best of 2009

Josef’s Best of 2009 Lists

Music worth the effort:

• Chris Smither – Time Stands Still
• Monsters of Folk – Monsters of Folk
• Rosanne Cash – The List
• Rickie Lee Jones – Balm in Gilead
• Next To Normal – Original Broadway Cast Recording
• Bruce Springsteen – Working On a Dream
• Muse – The Resistance
• Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
• Bruce Cockburn – Slice of Life (Live Solo)
• Sondre Lerche – Heartbeat Radio

Television's better moments:

• Glee
• Mad Men
• Retro Night (KOFY TV 20) & Outta Sight Retro Night (WGN America)
• The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson
• PBS Newshour
• Tony Awards
• The Good Wife
• Rachel Maddow Show
• Brothers and Sisters
• Big Bang Theory
• 30 Rock
• Community

Films to see:

• Rudo y Cursi
• The Brothers Bloom
• Coco Before Chanel
• This Is It
• Brothers