Bonnie Raitt, Slipstream – It’s hardly a comeback, but Raitt certainly took a break from the limelight, with only a handful of performances and no new material since 2005’s Souls Alike. The legendary blues singer-songwriter and slide guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is set to release her 16th studio album, the first on her own Redwing Records label. The album includes 12 new recordings, including Raitt’s take on songs by Bob Dylan and Loudon Wainwright. Coincidently, Raitt kicks off a tour supporting the album in Oklahoma with performances at First Nation Casino in Newkirk on May 1 and Choctaw Casino in Durant on May 3.
Train, California 37 – The San Francisco pop trio has been a radio staple beginning with their 1998 self-titled debut and the single “Meet Virginia” through the inescapable “Hey, Soul Sister” from the multi-platinum 2009 release Save Me, San Francisco. Other than the debut single, “Drive By,” Train has managed to keep details of the album under wraps, but musically it would seem to be similar to Save Me, San Francisco. The wine enthusiast musicians will also release their third vintage, the aptly named California 37 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jason Mraz, Love Is a Four Letter Word – Thirty-four-year-old Mraz launched his career and honed his style at Java Joe’s, the legendary San Diego coffeehouse where Jewel made her debut. He quickly signed a record deal and released Waiting for My Rocket to Come and the breakthrough 2005 follow up Mr. A-Z. Mraz generally takes his time between albums, though, so fans are anxiously awaiting his fourth studio album, and if No. 1 iTunes single “I Won’t Give Up” is any indication, they won’t be disappointed.
Jack White, Blunderbuss – Primarily known as frontman for The White Stripes, White has worn a number of hats. He formed two other bands, The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather, produced three dozens albums, including highly acclaimed recordings for Loretta Lynn and Oklahoma’s own Wanda Jackson, and has collaborated with everyone from Alicia Keys to Danger Mouse to Stephen Colbert. The three songs we’ve heard from the album continue in White’s lo-fi style with deeply personal lyrics, which he says could only have been recorded solo.
