[img]7|left|||no_popup[/img] Although I’m sorely tempted to offer up yet another “plague on both your houses” column this week, I thought we could all take a break from hurling contempt at irrational Republican and spineless Democrats. Instead, I want to talk about music – specifically, local musicians that I think are very much worth a good long listen.

Spotlight on: Laurie Melan

I discovered Laurie Melan through the wonderful Malibu Family Wines vineyard located in, yes, Malibu. (Wine! In Malibu! Who knew?) As my wife and I learned one lovely Saturday afternoon tasting wines that hold their own against Napa Valley, MFW holds concerts in their gorgeously landscaped, calm-inducing outdoor tasting “room” on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s the perfect setting for a picnic, a bottle of wine, and jazzy tones to tuck the Sun in for the night.

An experienced performer and composer/songwriter, Ms. Melan performed with notables like John Mayall and The Mamas and the Papas. In 1989, she moved to Los Angles where she joined composer/producer Brett Perry of Daddy Jack Music, an association that led her to composing music for TV shows like That 70s Show. And now, at last, she has released her debut album A Place in the Sun.

As with any music review, there’s always a tendency to grasp for comparisons to other musicians. So-and-so sounds like . It’s a risky, often necessary strategy that can gloss over idiosyncrasies and imply a certain kind of derivative impression. With that proviso in mind, one could say that much like Madeleine Peyroux, Melan has a smooth, versatile voice and carefree, accomplished musical style. She’s jazzy with the kind of music that goes down as easy as an afternoon at the hep café (or an evening with a good bottle of sauvignon blanc). But let’s not stop with Peyroux. With a bit of country, a bit of rock, a bit of folk, a bit of bluegrass – a distillation of influences uniquely assembled, stirred, and poured fresh from a quartet that includes guitar and accordion – Melan is a lively, sassy voice on her own. A Place in the Sun, which surely deserves a place in the CD player, is a robust, uplifting debut and hopefully the promise of more to come. And the good news is that she performs locally, so you can enjoy a live performance. Visit www.lauriemelan.com.

Spotlight on: Steve McLalan and Masha Sorley

I often think of Steve McLalan as Nimble Fingers because of his agility with the acoustic guitar, a skill that landed him opening spots for the likes of Tom Petty, Richie Havens, and Johnny Lee Hooker. As a songwriter, his work has been featured on the Dr. Demento show and ABC’s The Home Show.  After touring with a variety of bands and founding his own LA-based outfit, Ruined Choir, he branched out on his own with The Mustard Suites as the result.

The CD is an affable collection of McLalan’s own compositions, instrumental pieces defined by classical guitar traditions filtered through contemporary sensibilities. The titles are quirky – Skip and Go Naked, Kosher Elevator, etc. – but the music keeps to the ground. It’s tempting to think about those New Age music CDs intended to evoke natural landscapes – the gently babbling brook, wind in the trees – but while McLalan’s compositions evoke all manner of calming imagery, this is categorically not New Age sap. The Mustard Suites is, as the website promises, both a pleasure for the ear and a fountain of calm amidst all the world’s noises. Like I said: classical and modern, all in one. Get yourself a copy at http://themustardsuites.com

Since releasing The Mustard Suites, however, McLalan has veered from the strictly solo path and formed the acoustic-electric duo “Pie” in partnership with singer/guitarist Masha Sorley. It’s a great match. Sorley’s strong, smoky-smooth vocals bring to mind Melissa Etheridge in the real world, if a comparison has to be made, and in her team-up with McLalan she persuasively brings to life a sizeable catalog of covers. Pie has no CD, but you can fill your ears as much as you want with McLalan and Sorley’s live performances at the Culver Hotel Bar.

So there you have it: smashingly good music within reach.

Frédérik invites you to discuss this week's column at his blog.