PICTURE THIS: Jose James @ New Parish, Oakland 3/9/13
José James packs the New Parish for a night of jazz.
HEAR THIS: Caldecott
Caldecott merges an off-beat writing sensibility with straight-ahead rock on their engaging debut.
“Bottoms Up” by The Hot Toddies
Sun-kissed but cynical, this all-female surf-pop band hides a rowdy lifestyle between layered harmonies.
HEAR THIS: Sentinel
Make a spot for Sentinel on your next playlist, or more appropriately, mixtape.
“Earnest Keep” by Alison May
The scent of smokey Americana wafts from this singer-songwriter’s mellow, nuanced debut.
“West Coast Rock & Roll” by Fever Charm
Disaffected college kids let loose on this high-octane LP – but you may be scratching your head at some familiar sounds.
PICTURE THIS: Santigold @ Fox Theater, Oakland 12/12/12
The concert was a passionate one night stand.
Bloc Party @ Fox Theater, Oakland 12/6/12
Bloc Party encountered a crowd chomping at the bit in Oakland, but fell just short of meeting everyone’s unrealistically high expectations.