2013-02-19
One can hear hints of lead singer Luz Elena Mendoza's Mexican roots on Y La Bamba's second release, Oh February. Whether it's the castanets, the handclaps, or the liberal use of the accordion, Oh February has a mexi-folk feel. Ms. Mendoza's tremolo vocals, often fronting male vocal harmonies, are striking. The rest of this Portland band is skilled, but I'm blown away by Scott Magee's dextrous percussion. All in all this is a fine indie-folk disc that has been expertly produced by The Decemberist's Chris Funk. Rebecca Ruth
JOY IKE
All or Nothing
CHRIS KASPER
Chasing another Sundown
LUCINDA WILLIAMS
BLESSED
HOPE SANDOVAL & THE WARM INVENTIONS
Through the Devil Softly
Rachel Harrington
The Bootleggers Daughter
K. S. RHOADS
The Wilderness
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.