THE BOOK LA: Going back to the beginning and growing up in Canada. What music surrounded you, inspired you?

Esthero: My house was always filled with music. I loved it all. My dad listed to a lot of 'crooner' stuff, jazz, etc. My mom loved folk, Bob Dylan, Jim Croce, James Taylor and classical music. My bro went through numerous fazes as his love for music was insatiable.... anything from Clapton to U2, and Prince to Motley Crue... he sort of lost me in his hair metal faze and I became really interested in Jane’s Addiction, PearlJam... and also got into the Shoegazer scene... I loved the early Verve albums, My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and Mary Chain. I also liked anything soulful, and used to make my dad play 'Georgia' at the piano every time he got near it. that was really one of the first songs that would just take me away... to a sweet melancholic place.

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We r In Need of a Musical Revolution

A group has made music history in the UK for reaching the top of the charts via download sales only. The huge buzz surrounding the debut release of Artic Monkeys demonstrated that you can make a huge name for yourself with no one having actually heard your music, KCRW’s typically mellow Sounds Eclectic Evening (see special events) shook its audience with surprise guest Franz Ferdinand and Z-Trip, the Orb kept people dancing inside at the Walt Disney concert hall until 6am, and Coachella organizers put Pop Superstar Madonna in their limited capacity dance tent, but with crowds in the 50,000+, concerns have been raised that people may actually die. Welcome to Spring !

Mixing Tango (Go-Tan in Parisian reversed syllable slang) with dance beats could have been perceived as a dismissible fad, but then you would never have witnessed the passion that possesses its piano, bandoleon, guitar and violin line up during Gotan Project’s live performances. But Lunatico (XL/Beggars) doesn’t replicate any past formula. Bridging the gap and recording the album with a full string section and local musicians in Buenos Aires, the French combo returns to the roots of the Argentinean tradition. Collaborating on the opening track, Calexico brings its Americana desert blues to the mix, while Argentinean rapper Koxmoz would make you believe that Hip Hop actually sounds better in Spanish. With such remarkable improvements and in spite of the many copycat projects that have jumped on the bandwagon since the success of “La Revencha Del Tango”, Gotan Project remains peerless.

There might be enough purple on the cover of Van Hunt’s “On the Jungle Floor” (Capitol Records) to forecast its content. The Atlanta’s Neo Soul prodigy admiration for Prince (who finally got his name back) turns this sophomore effort into a quasi tribute. Funky rhythms and sexy guitar licks playing off an all too familiar falsetto have replaced the Rocking Soul that made his sound genuine. Déjà vu? D’Angelo did the same. But as good a record as it may be, one Prince on the record market is enough. It’s always better to sound like yourself than someone else. More Van Hunt on the next one please.

If you are a Massive Attack fan, you probably already own most of the rarities and remixes offered on Collected (Virgin Records). For those unaware of the Bristol Trio’s (now a duo) influence on the popular music landscape since the official birth of Trip Hop with their 1991 release “Blue Lines”, this is an essential retrospective. Purists may cringe at the idea of a “best of”, as each landmark release had its place in time, and like a Pink Floyd album, was conceptualized following a well defined creative thread. Amongst the most exciting items is the Simple Minds inspired “I against I” featuring Mos Def from the Blade 2 SDTK, the Marvin Gaye cover of “I want you” featuring Madonna from a tribute album, and the new track “Live With Me” featuring vocalist Terry Callier. All measured against classics featuring Sinead O’Connor, Tricky, Tracy Thorn, Elisabeth Frazier and Horace Andy. The Special Edition features a number of music videos, many unseen on American TV. Even if “Collected” resembles a grab bag designed for mass consumption, it is a worthy tribute to a “massive” body of work spanning two decades.

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got Sondre Lerche’s swing. His affection for the Rat Pack musical era is made evident in the Duper Sessions (Astralwerks). The Norwegian folk wonder gives Harry Connick Jr. an unlikely run for his money and masters the difficult task of creating new classics for a genre now confined to background music in shopping malls during the holiday season. With a seductive vocal croon reminiscent of Chet Baker’s, this jazzmatazz is all his own, with the exception of a few covers: Cole Porter's "Night And Day”, Elvis Costello's "Human Hands" and Paddy McAloon's "Nightingales”. Those who have seen Lerche stand alone with his Gibson in front of a sold out Hollywood Bowl in the Summer of ‘04, know that this kind of confidence takes more then boyish good looks, it requires extraordinary talent as well. Give the man a stage in Vegas.

Beat Pharmacy’s brilliant 2005 debut “Earthly Delights” is still warm from having sojourned so often in my CD player, yet its follow up “Constant Pressure” (Wave Music) has already hit the store shelves. Consistent with its predecessor’s blend of Jazz, Dub, Deep House and Ambient grooves, it ads collaboration from spoken word maven Ursula Rucker and Reggae singer Micky Dread, Mutabaruka and Paul St-Hilaire. Perhaps prolific producer Brendon Moeller never leaves the studio, or he had enough prime material for two albums. Either way, before you start the sexy good times, you may want to check your bass levels and the temperature of your bong water.

buy it now

The Downtempo genre have always been on the fringe of the ultra disposability. What saves Nightmares On Wax (a.k.a. producer George Evelyn) from relying too much on his sampler, is a sensibility deeply rooted in Funk and Soul. With each new release, N.O.W inches further away from any processed electronic assembly. “In A Space Outta Sound” (Warp) breaks away from the generic sound of sample loops and takes a more organic approach with live instrumentation and the help of vocalist Mozez of Zero 7 returning the collaborative favor, as well as Chyna B. and Sara Garvey. It would be exciting to see N.O.W. become a band and evolve towards a deeper groove, and meet Quincy Jones on his own turf rather than sampling him.

buy it now

There’s more to Brazil then Bossa Nova and Samba. Multi instrumentalist-singer-songwriter-producer Apollo Nove taps into the same 60’s and 70’s Synth Psychedelic Pop nostalgia that made Thievery Corporation a favorite amongst urban hipsters. Such innovation hasn’t been heard in Sao Paolo since Suba’s untimely passing. “Res Inexplicata Volans” (Crammed Discs) isn’t completely polished, but its ruggedness makes the melodies sound more authentic. Vocalist Cibelle (Suba) and Seu Jorge (the guy playing Bowie songs in Portuguese in the movie The Life Aquatic) contribute their vocal talent, and the record was mixed in Paris by Air sound engineer Yann Arnaud. Just like its title (the Vatican’s official Latin translation for U.F.O.) Apollo Nove’s sound isn’t readily identifiable, but hearing is believing.

Oye! Oye! Gnarls Barkley makes music history! Reaching the top of the UK charts via legal download before the album hits the store! Crazy! (also the name of the song) If you haven’t heard the buzzing surrounding the release St-Elsewhere (Downtown) you must be living on another planet. Danger Mouse, whose production work on the 5 times platinum Gorillaz album Demon Days has gathered more press clippings in 2005 then the “Brangelina Affair”, has obviously not said his last word. Neither has Cee-Lo, who has not only sold hundreds of thousands of records of his own, written singles for P Diddy, Ludacris, Common, but also penned and produced the Pussycat Dolls #1 unbearably unavoidable worldwide hit "Don't Cha". Together, they are a lethal combo bent on getting you hooked up on cool tunes, leaving it to bewildered critics to decipher this particular musical concoction. What if Gnarls Barkley completely dodged being categorized? That would be crazy.

Indie Brooklyn quartet Ambulance Ltd. is filling the long gap between albums with a tasty treat called New English (TVT). More on the acoustic tip than their previous album, this EP features 2 new songs, a few rarities and a Pink Floyd cover of Fearless (Meddle) worth the price of admission alone. Whenever a band breaks out of format to simply enjoy with the music they play, the indulgence is felt on the listener’s end as well. Load in your I-pod for campfires and long road trips.

I caught Mellowdrone on stage at a Gen Art event back in 2002 not knowing it was a one man show (at the time). Venezuelan born mastermind Jonathan Bates would play meticulously layered pre-recorded loops via foot pedals and achieve a broad sound you wouldn’t expect from a solo performer. You knew then this was an original artist worth following. Fast forward to 2006 and Box (3 Records/ Red Ink) once opened, reveals Mellowdrone as a quartet produced by Tony Berg (Beck, X, Aimee Mann), in an eclectic assortment of rock ballads and epic anthems where no two songs sound alike. Whether expressing amusement or vulnerability, Bates wide vocal range and introspective lyrics make every emotion palpable. Box delivers dark tales from the opium den written in blood, lullabies for the wicked.

Warning: abusing Kraak and Smaak may cause uncontrollable ass shaking… this new Dutch combo guarantees intoxication from your car stereo, to the lounge, to the dance floor, or better yet, the roller skating ring. It’s not all old school Funky rhythms and Jazz breaks on Boogie Angst (Jalapeño Records). The occasional Bossa Nova sends you to a dreamy chill zone, long enough to launch yourself back into the next Disco track. But now this: the trio has been spotted dealing the good vibes with live sets on keys, bass and drum. What? Real musicians? There’s a novelty in the Dance world. Get funked up.

In an unexpected creative turn, Ursula 1000 (a.k.a. NY producer Alex Gimeno) trades his Sci-Fi Martini lounge Cha-Cha for Glam Rock and dirty Electro Funk. Don’t worry about shuffling the 12 song playlist through your I-pod, this mutant mix grinds together more ethnic influences than a Brooklyn street market. Here Comes Tomorrow (ESL music) features many guest performers like Los Amigos Invisibles, Cristina of Ze Records, Tower of Power and many more. In keeping with the Eighteen Street Lounge tradition, Latin flavors permeate every track, but with more sophistication and less of the tongue-in-cheek parody of prior albums. One stroke of genius, and suddenly it looks like Ursula is all grown up.

MYSPACE MUSIC PICK OF THE MONTH: SPOOKY
Not to be confused with the DJ of the same name, Spooky is a UK based production duo comprised of Duncan Forbes and Charlie May, who has been in existence since 1992. Studio collaborators of DJ/Producer Sasha, their song “Belong” was the track opener on his recent “Evolver” mix CD, establishing a lush and ethereal electronic soundscape representative of their work. This isn’t music from the DJ underground, but 21st Century Soul occasionaly reminiscent of Rae and Christian, but with less of an R&B foundation. I was very fortunate to meet them in December 2004, and get a preview of their upcoming album which they hope to release state side in 2006. Each track is a song with various guest vocalists and musicians, and will undoubtedly be recognized as a chill out masterpiece. In addition Spooky is planning to re-release their groundbreaking debut Gargantuan by this summer. Their myspace profile www.myspace.com/thebandspooky showcases both “Belong” and the lustful “Strange Addiction”, as well as older instrumental material. Pure and pleasurable audio.

For questions or submissions email mgoldstein@thebookla.com

BKLA: Was there a moment where you said to yourself: “this is what I want to do with my life” or did you know all along ?
I think I always knew how much I loved music....and that I wanted to sing to the world. I remember being 7 yrs old and seeing Sammy Davis jr. on TV. He was my first idea of what a 'star' was. I remember turning to my father and saying "daddy, when I grow up do you think I can sing with Sammy?"

BKLA: Once you left home, how’d you enter the professional world of music ?
Completely by accident. Happy accident though.

BKLA: Your critically acclaimed debut, “Breath from Another”, was dubbed a Trip Hop album. Do you feel your music related to the likes of Morsheeba, Sneaker Pimps and Portishead? Or do you feel part of your talent was being overlooked because you had been assimilated as part of a trend?
I just never knew what 'trip hop' meant. There were so many groups thrown into that category and they all sounded completely different to me to me really, there are only two kinds of music: soulful music and soulless music.

BKLA: 7 years between albums. What happened to Esthero ?
Digital cable and Jagermeister.

BKLA: Before the release of you new album, you did guest vocals for many artists across the musical spectrum. How does working with others affect your work ? Did any particular experience mark you ?
Working with Poetic definitely helped me to see life through different eyes... I also learned a lot from my experience with Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez and also John
Forté...

BKLA: A great variety of moods and influences inhabit Wikked Lil Grrrls. Did anything in particular influence its making ?
Not really, just life. I see it as a series of 'snapshots' of my life over the last 7 years.

BKLA: Love is the central theme in many of your songs. Do you base your lyrics on real life, personal experiences ?
Most definitely.... but a touch of fantasy usually makes for a better song.... becoming a character... taking an emotion to the extreme.... it makes for better storytelling.

BKLA: Your gigs have always been big stage affairs. Many musicians, turntables, backing vocals, etc… What’s it like to play live for you ?
It’s an incredible honor for me to play with my full band. it makes me feel alive.

BKLA: Are we in need of a musical revolution ?
I wrote the song, didn't I ?! Somebody could miss the point of the song entirely. It is not a 'diss track' ? I don't feel anything about Britney or Ashanti, I don’t know them personally, they are merely used as examples of pop culture. It is an anthem of urgency.

BKLA: This myspace thing, revolutionary…. or ?
Myspace is its own universe.

BKLA: The Pink Pirate. Alter ego? Myth or legend ?
I am her. I am all of her, every her.

BKLA: What are your plans while in LA ? Any new exciting music projects ?
To keep breathing. To keep creating. To move with purpose. To be useful,
and to learn.

Words and Photos: Marc Goldstein (www.myspace.com/mar©). Make Up: Michelle Morgan. Hair: Tamara McNaughton. Wardrobe Stylist: Jamie Crowley. Fur and Gold: Dress by Hayley Starr Necklace by Wahine Jewelry. Pink Princess: Gown by Ch-ii. Necklace by Wahine Jewelry. Pink Pirate: Black String Bead necklace by Wahine Jewelry. Silver Bracelet by Patricia Candido. Silver skull rings and Silver anchor charm necklace by Geoff Thomas. Esthero’s own: black hooded jumper from DNA, pink coat vintage Sak's 5th Ave. vintage black boots from 'Gadabout', belt buckle from 69 Vintage, blouse and bra by Cosabella. Very special thanks to Bobby Trendy for graciously letting us use his showroom on La Cienega and Melrose.

Esthero online:
www.nearlycivilized.com
www.myspace.com/pinkpirate1

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