What’s Kaleidoscope Listening to This Month? Here’s 5 Recommendations! -By: Jim Barrett

1). Newen Afrobeat: Astounding group from Chile that play Fela Kuti style Afrobeat! It’s unbelievable. I’ve ordered stuff for upcoming shows!

2). Elvis Presley (The Sun Sessions): Pure unadulterated Rock N Roll from a very young Elvis. Primitive performances from Elvis, Scotty & Bill. Produced of course by the inimitable Sam Phillips at Sun Studios. It’s never been better!

3). Velvet Underground (The Robert Quine Tapes): No one has ever captured the real Velvets like this collection of known and unknown gems from the Seminal NYC group. Quine traveled everywhere to see the band and captured them on reel to reel. The sound isn’t perfect but you feel like you’re right there hearing the band at their most creative. The 28 minute Sister Ray is devastating. Check it out!

4). Memories of Times Square Record Shop: Delirious doowop and jump blues from a killer series featuring the cream of 45’s released in the late 50’s. The songs were all carried in the store by owner “Slim” Rose whose taste was impeccable. You’ll have to look for these but the search will be rewarding.

5). Paul Butterfield Band (Live at Winterland Ballroom): Paul’s later band with Amos Garrett (Guitar), Chris Parker (Drums), Ronnie Barron (Keyboards) and Geoff Muldaur (Vocals, Guitar) is a real sleeper. Many highlights but my favorite is Small Town Talk. Available on Wounded Bird Records.