Your favorite recent discovery

The Bad Plus. Didn't know quite what to make of them, but very enjoyable stuff. I would imagine they're much better live, but the cd becomes more and more likable with repeated listening.

Rene Marie (Vertigo)- amazing Jazz singer! On the Max Jazz CD label..great scat, accompaniment, and excellent recording quality. Rene writes her own songs as well as interprets others. I've seen her live a couple of times in the last year - she often appears at smaller clubs and puts on a great show! The control she has of her voice is really incredible, and her version of Billie Holiday's song "dixie/strange fruit" is very, very moving......check her out !

I second Iron and Wine, very 'breathy' vocals and intimate with acoustic guitar and occasional banjo (played very slowly). It sucks you in for a mellow listen...

Phil

Spocks Beard. Just heard a CD recently, and want more. They are a little like Gentle Giant, which is my all time favorite band.
Sonny

Blue Floyd,

I have the 1/15/2000 and 1/30 shows. Excellent.