The Week Ahead: Today’s Top Tune 4/9 – 4/13/18

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This week’s free download offerings include: a track by triple threat,  I‘m With HerCary Brothers new one “Crush”; a bang from Black Pistol FireKita Klane, who teams up with Brazilian Girls for a remix; and a hefty slice of ‘dreambow’ from Balún.

Monday, April 9 I’m With Her “I-89”

When musicians spend years on the touring circuit, they are bound to cross paths again and again, ​s​uch was the case for Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek), Aoife O’Donovan (Crooked Still), and Sarah Jarosz. This trio of virtuosic music-makers meld their voices, songwriting, and instruments seamlessly. Their music might sound like old bluegrass, but these gals don’t pine away for past lovers; instead they write songs of wanderlust and self-worth like we hear in “I-89.”

Tuesday, April 10 Cary Brothers “Crush”

Cary Brothers is not the name of singing siblings; it’s the moniker of an acclaimed musician. After 8 years, he’s back with a new full-length, which drops later this month. We preview the album with “Crush”, his ode to what his imaginary Molly Ringwald would be dancing to in a John Hughes film.

Wednesday, April 11 Black Pistol Fire “Lost Cause”

Rock-fueled Black Pistol Fire know how to make a lot of noise for just a guitar and drum duo. We hear hints of blues, Led Zeppelin, and Chuck Berry inspiring their songs. Get ready to rock with “Lost Cause.”

Thursday, April 12 Kita Klane/ Brazilian Girls Rmx “Technicolor”

Remixes don’t always sound so different from the original recordings, but when Brazilian Girls got their hands on LA based artist Kita Klane’s James-Bond-Girl influenced “Technicolor,” the song morphed into a kaleidoscopic genre-bending jam.

Friday, April 13 Balún “El Espanto”

KCRW DJ José Galván first wrote about Puerto Rican via-Brooklyn outfit Balún on his Pan Caliente blog a couple of years ago (and again while recapping outstanding bands at SXSW this year). Originally part of a DIY scene out of San Juan, Balún features: a classically trained vocalist and songwriter, Angélica Negrón (also a NY Philharmonic commissioned composer); bassist Noraliz Ruiz, who holds a PhD in ethnomusicology; and José Olivares, a technology educator and pioneering beatmaker. The quartet brands their sound as “dreambow.” Check out “El Espanto.”

(Cary Brothers photo by Michael Muller)