Only one release really shines for me this week, but it shine, shine it does like a full moon on a clear night.
My pick of the week:
Shawn Mullins
9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor
(Vanguard)
acoustic, folk, americana
Referring to the New Orleans home studio of old friend Mike West, the title of the album lets The Pickin’ Parlor take on a new life after being destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Mullins and friends orchestrate an amazing range of unfettered acoustics, recording much of the album in the heart of the 9th Ward. The closing track, classic “House of the Rising Sun”, is such an appropriate way to end the disc. Do yourself a favor and go preview the full recording on AOL Music.
Other notable releases for week of February 14, 2006 from:
April Verch, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, Los Lobos, Mountain Heart and Various Artists (tribute to John Fahey)
About the author: Tom is a Design Director for Viget Labs currently living in Northern Virginia with his wife and two kids. 
