LISTEN UP

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Bravo

inside: So many music recommendations

Listen Up

Local tastemakers share their favorite music from local

artists.—Derek Moore Singer/songwriter Terra Lopez is “a force,” says CapRadio’s Nick Brunner.

As we head out of the first quarter of 2021, there is some optimism as we get closer to the possibility of seeing live concerts again. COVID has hit promoters, venues, bands and artists especially hard over the past year. But in that time, we have been graced with some amazing material from Sacramento’s own.

We asked local tastemakers to give us their thoughts on bands and artists that you should be paying attention to and, perhaps, helping in these times.

Music is available everywhere, unless otherwise noted.

Deftones Pat Martin is a legend in Sacramento and has been at 98 Rock as the midday jock since 1988. His is the longest-running radio show in Sacramento’s history.

Deftones: “Ohms” (album)—“Last September,

just before the release of the new Deftones album, ‘Ohms,’ I interviewed Sacramento’s Abe Cunningham (drummer and original founding member). I asked him about the title. ‘Is it an electricity reference, or is it a meditative thing?’ His answer? Both. In other words, it means anything you want it to. “The Deftones are not a rock band. They are artists who happen to express themselves, very much collectively, through the medium of music. And this new album is no exception. It’s a musical journey, with astounding dynamic range, going from a whisper to a roar before you even knew what hit you. Powerful stu .

“‘Ohms’ is not a one-listen record. Although it’s unmistakably Deftones, it’s deep in its subtle nuances of their ever-changing art.

“Even the artwork is cool. It’s a set of mysterious eyes comprised of 12,995 dots. You can buy a dot, with your photo appearing as the dot you purchased and viewable online. Proceeds go to UC Davis Children’s Hospital.” deftones.com/adopt

Nick Brunner has been in Sacramento for years now and is currently CapRadio’s assistant program director/modern music director. He hosts “Hey, Listen!,” two hours of new music discovery on Saturdays.

Rituals of Mine: “Exceptions” (single)—“Terra Lopez is

a force. When she isn’t writing music, she’s going hard on socially conscious art installations, podcasts, DJing livestreams to benefit food banks. Her latest record is soaked in synths, deep bass drops and quick, lyrical delivery.”

Igwe Aka: “Not The Hills” (single)—“Aka moved to Citrus Heights from Nigeria as a child. . . . It’s way more rock forward than the work I’m used to hearing from the artist. He can blend genres together in a way that sounds e ortless.”

Rituals of Mine

Nate Curry: “Check Up On” (single)—“I love that Floppy’s copy shop is a major set piece (in the video). It’s a little haunting to see the video cut from its psychedelic, blue-sky backdrop to the same (Floppy’s) corner during the social-justice protests from last summer.”

Mediocre Cafe: “Bunko’s Party” (single)—“It’s easy to find snarky indif-

ference at the center of so many indie rock records, so when someone pulls o genuine, cynicism-free sentimentality, it feels special.”

Igwe Aka

Justin Nordan has been an event producer for years, and for the past eight he has booked talent and produced events for Concerts in the Park. He’s the director of business development at Lyte, a technology platform for fans to safely buy, sell and exchange tickets for live events.

Lee Bannon: “The Big Toy Box 3” (album)—“After a name change to

Dedekind Cut in 2015, he is back as Lee Bannon and doing what he does best: drop funky instrumental hip-hop beats that remind me of J Dilla. This album was released in December and has 30 tracks. It’s intense to get through, but worth every second.

Whoarei: “Love Spectrum” (album)—“Probably best known for being a producer on the Grammy Award-winning Kendrick Lamar album ‘To Pimp A Butterfl y,’ this Sacramento native also put out an amazing album in 2020. It’s smooth, intentional and full of texture and emotion. Easily one of the most underrated musicians in the industry.”

Destiny Molina: “Love, D” (album)—

“This album follows the blurred lines of today’s R&B genre. It twists and turns, and allows me to fall into the sound, without giving away what sound or track will happen next.”

Whoarei

Lee Bannon Destiny Molina

Katie Knipp has been an indie blues/Americana performer for almost 25 years, and she’s blessed with soulful vocals and a great ability to mix several genres into her roots-rock vibe.

Her sixth album, “The Well,” is out now.

Element Brass Band: “Cali Got a Brass

Band” (album)—“Nothing moves me more than a traditional New Orleans brass band. Energy! Fun! Fonk! (Not to be confused with ‘funk.’ ‘Fonk’ has the ‘stanky’ addition that puts it on another level.) How can you not dance or be in a good mood when you hear this?”

The Pressure Lounge: “Pertinent Groove” (EP)—“This super

fun, funky EP gives me a Jamiroquai vibe without taking itself too seriously. I always like to know what Joshua Krage is putting out, because aside from great music, he is always putting out the good supportive vibes on social media.

Element Brass Band

Heather Evans: “Do Better” (single)—“A beautiful song

that is refl ective of our trying times. Heather inspires me with how quickly she can crank out a song. It has just the right amount of emotion and vibe without being ethereal or willowy, like many female artists tend to succumb to.”

The Pressure Lounge

Heather Evans

Clevers

Paul Willis Steph Rodriguez is an award-winning journalist who has written for Sacramento News & Review, Edible Sacramento, Sacramento Magazine and CapRadio for nearly two decades.

Clevers: “Hazel & Oak” (single)—“Post-punk

three-piece Clevers released its self-titled album this past May at a time when the world looked so di erent. Music venues were closing, shows were canceled, and as someone who can’t picture a life without live music, Clevers’ LP really helped me ride that melancholy. Songs like ‘Hazel & Oak’ and ‘Insight’ showcase Shannon Betker’s dreamy guitar ri s and cooing vibrato that create such catchy melodies. Then there’s the thumping bass work of Stephanie Espinosa as it dances alongside Jenny Klug’s steady, heartbeat-like percussion.”

Paul Willis: “Wonderland” (album)—“Local hip-hop artist, educator

and community organizer Paul Willis recently dropped another solid hip-hop album with ‘Wonderland.’ Each track takes listeners through Willis’ memories growing up in Boston with his storyteller-like cadence backed by a talented lineup of Sacramento artists like A Tribe Quartet, who create the lush musical backdrop for songs like ‘Jackson Square,’ with its jazz and Latin vibes.”

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Taste

inside: Market Makers / Cottage Bakers / School Daze

Wellington Wednesdays

During COVID-19, many people have simply burned out on cooking at home. That caused local chef J.D. Snead and his wife, Amber Nunnally, to have an inspired idea: to create a take-andbake BEEF WELLINGTON. Snead lightly sears a 7-ounce filet mignon, wraps it in prosciutto and mushroom duxelles, and encases it in puff pastry. The customer brings it home, pops it in a 425-degree oven for 30 minutes and ends up with an entrée, big enough to feed two. The Wellington is available every Wednesday at $42 a la carte, $55 with mashed potatoes and vegetables. To order, text Snead at (916) 889-6611.

Tabouli, hummus and marinated bean salad Saba Rahimian and Seth Helmly

Crispy chicken sandwich

Seth Helmly preps baguettes for the oven.