HOT HALF DOZEN. 3.26.24

103 songs landed on my desk this week and there were some gems. From the Mexican regional Xavi star to the 1944-48 recordings of Peggy Lee, there’s quite a range in this week’s HHD

103 songs and videos submitted this week

Bitter in Love. A COLORS SHOW., single by Ayoni. What a beautiful way to say goodbye to an ex, by mixing a little Beyoncé and  Adele with a naturally stunning voice and sometimes biting  words. Just close your eyes and listen, preferably with headphones. Stream on Spotify and watch out for her debut album ISOLA in a couple of months.

Loss,  single by Tonina. Her voice is at once down to earth and ethereal. The orchestration is at once classic and Latin. Her lyrics – well, they hit home. The piano makes you feel like a smokey blues club, but you find yourself tapping your feet to the gentle, but complex rhythms. Altogether, an understated and hypnotic  musical masterpiece, Stream on Spotify.

Quemo Lento, album by Bodine. She knows how to create a unique musical environment and pull you into it. Born in Amsterdam, raised in San Juan, now I Miami, she combines all these cultural and musical influences in 8 songs that range from  Latin -beat-sultry to  melodic rap (well, most are sultry). “Bambi” showcase a truly golden voice, mixed in with her male responders. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.

Corozón de Piedra,, single by Xavi. One of the fastest rising current  regional Mexican stars, his “La Diabla” hit a home run and this one is hard on its heels. If you want to know where regional Mexican music is heading, check him out. This 19-year old has been playing the guitar since he was 10 years old, blending banda and ranchera with blues, R&B, pop and rock (and even an echo of mariachi) in  a mix beloved by young Mexican  fans. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.

Peggy Lee From the Vaults (vol. 1, album collection by Peggy Lee. Something a little different. Remastered rare recordings from  the 1944-48 period by one of the most important musical influences  of the 20^th Century.  She wrote 270 songs, recorded 1,100 masters, and hit the charts 100 times. Not a “greatest hits”, this   collection includes a range of her songs from  hits like  the 1947 “Everyone Loves Someone”  later recorded (by Dean Martin)  to  the sweet  “Speaking of Angels” released with “Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Stream o Spotify and watch oput for vol. 2.

BONUS

Out of the Question, album by Allegra Levy. Slated for release May 20, she and her compatriots Mimi Jones, Allison Miller, Carmen Staaf take jazz to cool new heights. Watch for it.

Patrick O’Heffernan