Treasures of the local music bin

The next time you're at the record store, bypass Coldplay and Mariah Carey for these lesser-known and nearer-by artists

By Patrick S. Pemberton
ppemberton@thetribunenews.com

It's hard to spend money on a local band's CD. For one thing, there's plenty of music released by well-known, groupie-heavy performers who we know and trust. And let's be honest --- how good can a CD be if it's relegated to the Local bin at Boo Boo Records?

We won't hedge: Some of them are just plain bad. But you might be surprised at how much talent a small community like San Luis Obispo County can produce.

A few of the best performers, like songwriter Jude Johnstone, have had a taste of big-league success. Others, like Damon Castillo, seem to be on the brink of a breakout.

Recently we ventured into Boo Boo's to sift through the Local bin and beyond in search of the best CDs from 2005. We were happy to find impressive offerings. Here are our favorites.

The local list:

Carol Lowell and Kristen Black, 'Postcards from Avalon'

Like the Indigo Girls, each member of this duo has her own influences and sounds. Lowell's higher-pitched, fluttery voice and pop-folk songwriting will make you think of Joni Mitchell, while Black's deeper, bluesy, country vocals are seductive. Together, they make for a nice variety, creating an album with two distinct flavors. The duo -- both Cal Poly chemistry instructors --- will formally launch their CD at Linnaea's Cafe on Sunday.

Red Lights, 'Unlucky Genes'

With roots that trace to Boo Boo's (three of the band members worked there at one time), this six-man band has a lazy, slow-motion style, a la the Shins, that will calm you after a hectic work day. On songs like "You Are Unlucky Genes" and "Misbehavin," James Paasche's vocals echo like My Morning Jacket's Jim James. And on the song "20 Days," he manages to sound a little like post-Beatles John Lennon. Layered guitar parts, well-placed keys and a steady rhythm fuel this band's indie sound.

Inga Swearingen, 'Reverie'

Our favorite pick, this traditional jazz album --- with lounge-style covers and originals --- features twinkling piano, a soft floor bass and brush-stick rhythms provided by the Bill Peterson Trio. But the highlight is Swearingen's soft, clear voice, which reminds one of Julie London but with greater range. And she can scat like Ella. It's no wonder that the San Luis Obispo native, a frequent guest on NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion," won the voice competition at the 2003 Montreaux Jazz Fest in Switzerland.

Sherwood, 'Sing, But Keep Going'

In its relatively short existence, Sherwood has built up a strong audience through the Internet, and their live shows are a hit across the country. Their pop-punk sound -- with lots of cymbals, a tight snare and two-part harmonies -- will easily draw comparisons to bands like Fallout Boy and All-American Rejects. But the album ends with a nice and slow piano piece that will make you think of Ben Folds. The band just signed a publishing deal, and there have been talks with major labels.

Though they met while attending Cal Poly, band members now reside outside San Luis Obispo, but they'll return for a gig next month.

Bob & Wendy, 'Dharma Dream'

Those who know Wendy Liepman will probably better understand the lyrics about her evolving spiritual journey. Others, as Liepman suggests in the liner notes, will have to relate them to their own attempts at introspection. Regulars in the local coffeehouse scene, Liepman and husband Bob have put together a moody folk album. At times, "Dharma Dream" sounds like it was recorded on an old four-track player, which adds to the stripped-down, from-a-different-era feel. Meanwhile, the limited number of instruments (guitar, cello and mandocello) highlights Wendy's voice, which easily rises from a middle to higher range.

Chase Emery, 'Fuel'

At 17, he's already a mature songwriter who plays guitar, piano, bass, glockenspiel and organ. Accented with horns and funky riffs, his songs are soulful like Jamiroquai without resorting to bubble-gum pop. The CD starts off with the very dance-able "Just To Be There" and ends with three acoustic numbers. With a cool stage presence, stylish attire and a head start as a songwriter, Emery seems destined to have a solid career in music.

Shane Stoneman, 'Seasongs and Nightbirds'

In the tradition of singing surfers (Jack Johnson, Donovan Frankenreiter), Stoneman has compiled a collection of laid-back groove music that's conducive to The Stoke. Stoneman, a surfboard shaper, spent four years creating this album, inspired by life on the Central Coast. His gentle vocals are accompanied by sounds from guest musicians, giving the CD a touch of jazz.

Darryl Purpose with Julie Beaver, 'Live at Coalesce'

Beaver, a Cambria native, primarily accompanies vagabond folk singer Purpose on this CD (also sold as a DVD), but she's no second fiddle. In addition to playing violin, she also pitches in country-tinged vocals, both lead and backing. Purpose, a former blackjack pro from Colorado, is a guitar picker with a variety of song inspirations -- from dead folk singers and the benefits of rain to a Florida woman whose husband never came home for dinner.

Damon Castillo, 'Revolving Door'

Coinciding with a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music, a name change made Castillo the official focus of the band formerly known as JND, which appears at Downtown Brewing Co. Jan. 27. As the band continues to makes its pitch to labels, it released "Revolving Door," a five-song disc intended to win a contract. As always, the band parlays funky grooves with Castillo's soulful vocal abilities. "Get Out of My Way" offers a nice poppy Latin sound, while lead track "Weird World" is just funky fun.

Virgil Cane, 'Stereo Fields'

Mellow melodies that jam mark this CD, showcasing the writing of Butch Boswell. "Love Liza" features nice oooo-ing background vocals, while "Trouble" -- voted Best Song at the inaugural Winery Music Awards -- starts with a dreamy, Coldplay-like guitar intro. The solos are good but not overdone, allowing the songs to focus on the writing. Boswell's voice, meanwhile, has a slightly nasally, Glenn Frey sound that adds a Southern rock vibe.

'The Edd & I,' Jim Conroy and Edd Richards

Conroy's strong baritone seems like it ought to be backed by a loud horn section and a gaggle of backup singers. So pairing the troubadour with just a piano seems risky. But Richard's busy fingers pull it off in this collection of jazz standards that feature the music of Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington and Mel Torme.

Dominic Castillo & the Rock Savants, 'The Lost Album'

A lot of ans would probably like to see Dominic and his twin brother, Damon, perform together. But that would be too ... Nelson. Yet they both have obvious solo talent. While Damon is more funk, Dominic is more indie rock. On this CD, "Trying Too Hard" features a catchy chorus, while songs like "Lonely Hours" represent raw garage rock.