Apr 18, 2008

Artists tip hats to music greats

Band tributes abound on Web

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

SAN FRANCISCO'S SUMMER OF LOVE REVUE
This Pearl is a gem! On the revue's MySpace page, an electrifying rendition of "Piece of My Heart" awaits you. Boudeeka, as Pearl, brings Janis Joplin back to life with soul-stirring vocals. Assembled by the producers of last summer's Monterey Summer of Love Festival, the revue also offers recreations of Led Zeppelin, the Doors, Hendrix, Airplane and the Mamas & the Papas. A light show establishes a trippy '60s atmosphere. Catch the show at Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on April 24 and May 30, as well as at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on May 3.
www.myspace.com/sanfranciscosummeroflove

HOUSE OF FLOYD
This is the musical house that Pink Floyd Built. The Bay Area-based tribute contingent re-creates the magical, mind-blowing sounds and visuals of the classic English band. They play the Little Fox Theatre again Memorial Day weekend, on May 2.
www.houseoffloyd.com

ZEPPARELLA
Ever wonder what Led Zeppelin would sound like, if it was an all-female band? Wonder no more. San Francisco's Zepparella provides a power-packed answer. On the band's MySpace page, tunes from the new album "A Pleasing Pounding" and live cuts prove that this group is no gimmick. Transcending the category of tribute bands, these women really know how to rock!
www.myspace.com/zepparella

AMERICAN SPEEDWAY
If you like to vent with hard-core punk/metal, American Speedway gives it to you full throttle. The songs on the band's "Ship of Fools" album are rock torpedoes aimed at total destruction. Check out the ferocious live videos on their Web site.
www.americanspeedwayrocks.com

ZANE LEWIS
For country music with a pop/rock tinge, try Zane Lewis. This Texan serves up an appealing sound. On his page, you'll hear instantly grabbing songs from his recently released, self-titled album. Among the winners are "Come With Me" and "Fly."
www.myspace.com/zanelewis

HOUSTON JONES
On the Web site, you can hear lots of samples of this top-notch band's heartfelt, rootsy songs. Most of the musicians in Houston Jones (fronted by Glenn Houston and Travis Jones) were original members of the Waybacks. On April 26, Houston Jones plays a Noe Valley Music Series concert at 1021 Sanchez St., San Francisco, a benefit for Music in Schools Today. That organization, MuST, provides much needed music programs to more than 10,000 Bay Area kids.
www.houstonjones.com

JENNI ALPERT
Los Angeles-based Jenni Alpert presents an extraordinary variety of musical moods as seen on her MySpace page. Alpert displays an elegantly expressive vocal style and exceptional songwriting skills. Among the terrific tunes are the pretty, poppy, anthemic "All We Need is Love," the funk-infused "Untied," the poignant "Heaven" and an exquisite "Something Beautiful." This captivating artist deserves widespread recognition.
www.myspace.com/jennialpert

MALINDA DeROUEN
The lovely silkiness of DeRouen's voice mesmerizes on an a cappella rendition of "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans," as well as a piano-backed, live performance of "Misty." DeRouen is appearing in "Ragtime!" at Montgomery Theater in San Jose through April 27.
www.myspace.com/malindaderouen

JESSIE BAYLIN
Outstanding folk-pop singer-songwriter Jessie Baylin offers a pair of pleasing numbers on her Web page: "Was I On Your Mind" and "Leave Your Mark." They're truly memorable songs performed in riveting, utterly convincing fashion. Baylin returns to Great American Music Hall on May 27.
www.myspace.com/jessiebaylin

DOLLY RAPPAPORT
Redwood City-based talent Dolly Rappaport, an accomplished saxophonist, also demonstrates a wonderfully winsome voice. Her Web site points you to a sparkling array of songs penned by Dolly and Mitch Rappaport. Discover such potent pop material as "Tonight is All We Need" and "You're the One." Also peruse Dolly's vibrant artwork and watch a video of her Pioneer Saloon performance.
www.dollyrappaport.com

THE HUMAN VALUE
Los Angeles band The Human Value has developed a strong foothold in the U.K., thanks to extensive gigging over there. The band sparks ample excitement wherever they play. The husky, urgent vocals of Turu drive the New Wave-ish indie rock. Multi-instrumentalist Hiram contributes intense, involving sonic foundations. Experience such edgy, energizing songs as "Give Me" and "Kill Pangs."
www.thehumanvalue.com

LISBONNE
Prepare to be absolutely enchanted. The delicate charm of London-based Lisbonne can't be denied. She creates eclectic, eccentric, entirely disarming songs. There's an irresistible innocence beaming from such compositions as "Songs to Be Sung" and "Nothing New." A breezy, jazzy feel brightens this sunshine pop. Allow wonderment to wash over you.
www.myspace.com/lisbonne