In Diana Krall’s latest album, Wallflower, the jazz singer teams up with composer David Foster to cover a collection of baby boomer-era classics. Krall and Foster bring a bossa nova vibe to The Eagles’ I Can’t Tell You Why, and a lush, film scoreworthy orchestration to The Mamas & The Papas’ California Dreamin’. The album is definitely a mood piece (I mean, who thought there could be an even more easy listening version of 10CC’s I’m Not In Love?). Krall’s intoxicatingly smooth, smoky voice soothes like a glass of red wine on a cold night. (Out February 3)
Indie, rock singer/songwriter (and former drummer for The Fleet Foxes) Josh Tillman made seven solo albums under the moniker “J. Tillman” before switching to the pseudonym “Father John Misty” for his breakout 2012 album, Fear Fun. In addition to beautifully-written songs, FJM gained attention for his crooner stage presence, like that of a hipster Tom Jones. The press release for his follow-up, I Love You, Honeybear, was accompanied with a letter from Tillman describing the album: “Nearly every tune is augmented by something special, be it orchestral strings, a mariachi band, questionable electronic drum solos, ragtime jazz combos, soul singers, or what have you. I’m pretty sure there’s a sitar in there somewhere.” (Out February 10)
A dead ringer for a young Cat Stevens, José González is a Swedish singer/songwriter. (His parents are Argentinian if you are wondering about the name). He is known for his beautiful acoustic cover of The Knife song, Heartbeats (used in the viral “balls bouncing down San Francisco” Sony ad from 2005). His lo-fi acoustic sound is both sparse and velvety at the same time. González’s third solo album, Vestiges & Claws, features a new set of original songs, which blend his intimate vocals with the warm tone of his classical guitar. (Out Feb. 17)
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