Jan 29, 2016

Musical Thank You #9: Reina del Cid

It has been too long since my last “Musical Thank You” post. Really, it has been less than three months since my Ron Sexsmith/Neko Case post, but if I hope to get through half of what I would like to do, I need to step it up.

Originally this blog series was to be limited to those artists I have spent many dissolute years following. But this post highlights an artist whose name I hadn’t heard until yesterday. She and her band made quite an impression last night and it occurred to me that I have been introduced to several talented and interesting acts over the past two plus years at Loud in the Library events. The sponsoring Friends of the St. Paul Public Library (website) deserve a shout-out.

Larson and Davina album covers Before I move on to the ~~artist~~ artists who made such an impression yesterday, I have to mention several others introduced to me at these events.

Rogue Valley and The Roe Family Singers are a couple of acts that stand out in my memory. They are worth hearing. But if before yesterday I could choose only two artists to recommend, I would urge you to check out Bethany Larson and the Bee’s Knees and high energy jazz/blues band Davina and the Vagabonds. I have both of the CDs shown here and I can tell you that either (or both!) would make a fine addition to your music collection. I encourage you to check out their music (for free!) on YouTube.

Today, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what I saw and heard last night from Reina del Cid and her band. More accurately, what I saw and heard the last night and what I have seen and heard today on YouTube.

The above track is an acoustic version of one of the standouts played last night with her full band. Other highlights were “Library Girl” (very appropriate given the venue), “Death Cap” and a solo acoustic “Morse Code.”

This video is available on Reina del Cid’s YouTube channel and is a part of her mostly acoustic “Sunday Mornings with Reina” series. Look for her original compositions as well as Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Simon and Garfunkel and other covers there. Great stuff!

Toni Lindgren With her voice and songwriting talent, Reina del Cid has just got to be headed for stardom. One can only hope that real quality has a place in a pop music scene that seems to be dominated by so much that is extraneous to the music.

Speaking of talent, Reina del Cid lead guitarist Toni Lindgren (that is her at right) is loaded with it. She is a joy to watch and hear. Her website promises a solo release of her guitar music in 2016. I will be watching for it.

Support local music! I’ve just ordered a copy of Reina del Cid’s album The Cooling. I bought mine from the band’s website. Buy your own copy and if you do not enjoy it, let me know and I will buy it back from you.

Here is a bonus video featuring the full band and in particular the guitar work of Toni Lindgren:

Saturday morning update: The Star Tribune featured a photo of the band in a story this morning about the library update. Wolfie and I are barely visible (he and his debonair visage; me in my elevated wheelchair). Click on image to see a full-size version.

Musical Thank Yous:

DATE	TITLE
10/04/2019	#12: The Beatles
08/19/2016	#11: Van Morrison
04/11/2016	#10: Conor Oberst
01/29/2016	#9: Reina del Cid
10/01/2015	#8: Ron Sexsmith and Neko Case
05/13/2015	#7: Elvis Costello
10/09/2014	#6: Longhair Music
08/27/2014	#5: Neil Young
06/19/2014	#4: Arcade Fire
03/14/2014	#3: Mike Doughty
02/10/2014	#2: Lucinda Williams
02/07/2014	#1: Richard Thompson