KUTX Host Jay Trachtenberg shares the best songs ever
August Greene – “Black Kennedy”
Up first is a new single called “Black Kennedy” from August Greene, who is not a person but a moniker for an intriguing supergroup. It brings together three formidable talents: the esteemed rapper, songwriter, and actor Common along with Houston-born, Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper, and hip hop producer/jazz drummer Karriem Riggins. They lay down a positively sublime groove over which Common delivers a conscious and empowering narrative. This is a tune that will really grow on you.
Caroline Rose – “Soul No. 5”
On a different side of the musical spectrum is “Soul No. 5” from New York-based singer-songwriter Caroline Rose. She’s largely abandoned the serious tenor of her early career for a far more playful and rambunctious persona. With roots in pure pop, rockabilly and punk, she fashions a driving sound with a mischievous, almost carefree, delivery on this tune. She’ll be back in Austin on June 21 to play indoors at Stubb’s.
Lukas Nelson – “Find Yourself”
A bit closer to home, my final selection is a tune that’s not really new since we’ve been playing it on KUTX for a few months now, but it’s one that I dearly love. It’s “Find Yourself” by Lukas Nelson and Promise Of The Real. Lukas is the son of Willie Nelson, and he’s really coming into his own. KUTX hosted him at the Four Seasons during SXSW and he tore the place up. This song is a prime example of heart-felt, blue-eyed soul, and for the record, that’s Lady GaGa on backing vocals. Catch Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real as part of Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic at the Austin 360 Amphitheatre.
