ALYSSA GRAHAM'S list of "MUSIC YOU SHOULD HEAR"
(in no particular order)

10. FIVE LEAVES LEFT - NICK DRAKE - The folk legend has so many beautiful albums including "Pink Moon" of course. However, this album was the first I heard and it spoke right to my soul. Similar to Billie Holiday in that when I I'm down I can always count on Nick Drake to be more down. Perhaps it's because he's so mysterious and suffered a mysterious death but a song like "Thoughts of Mary Jane" makes me feel like he's a ghost in my room.

11. BRAZILIAN DUOS - LUCIANA SOUZA - Incredible vocalist and all around musician. Her pure charm permeates every single note on this project. She's so fluid and yet she can swing so hard. This is the album I bust out when I want to turn friends on to a great talent. The project also features some of the finest Brazilian guitar playing I've ever heard by Romero Lubambo, Marco Pereira, and Walter Santos.

12. IN A TRANCE - LIONEL LOUEKE - I'm just fascinated with this guy. the way he seamlessly weaves his West African roots into his playing and singing while still delivering an amazing "Jazz" album. He is gentle and soothing and radiates a sense of joy. He also has a new album out called "Karibu" which I am anxious to get my hands on. All of his music is so unique and great for a setting a mood.

13. MY FUNNY VALENTINE - CHET BAKER - Oh be still my heart. Though most people know Chet for his legendary trumpet playing, he is often overlooked as a vocalist. His delivery and sincerity will simply melt your soul and make you fall in love all over again. The album is, dedicated to lovers, and in addition to his exquisite instrumental solos, his vocals on songs like "Someone To Watch Over Me" are simply divine.

14. THE BLUES and THE ABSTRACT TRUTH - OLIVER NELSON - crazy radical band on this album dedicated to exploring the blues. How can you go wrong with such a lineup. Nelson is so imaginative on this project while still being simple and subtle. I spent many nights in college sitting with friends in a dimly lit room listening to Freddie, Paul, Roy, Eric, Bill, and Oliver in a state of awe.

15. LADY LAZARUS - ANDREW FOSTER ALTSCHUL - Though I realize this is a "music you should hear" list. I had to include this incredible "novel you should read" that has influenced me tremendously. Best said by Andrew Sean Greer, 'Lady Lazarus' is a poetic satire of rock and roll, and a rock and roll ode to poetry. For me poetry and music go hand and hand and this novel brilliantly examines their relationship and the importance of art in a postmodern world. It is breath-taking, fluid, and ironic, just as a good song should be.

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