'A Potluck' by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band

The band, which has a show at Descanso Gardens on July 24 and the Getty on Aug. 12, continues to impress with album number two.

Published: 07/06/2012

by Michael Berick

$12.98, www.luckydiazmusic.com

The local L.A. band has put together a really strong sophomore effort. After Alisha Gaddis’ dulcet spoken-word opening, the band gets the disc off to a spirited start with “Lines and Dots” and the sunny rocker “On My Bike.” You can taste a hint of Ralph’s World in the quite quenching “Lemonade Stand.” Diaz goes to the animals in the disc’s midsection, with the trio of “Squirrelly the Squirrel,” “Monkey Jones” and “Lil’ Red Rooster.” Horns give the first two tunes a nice extra kick. Diaz adapts the old Mexican nursery rhyme into “Tres Ratones,” which has draws in a number of musical styles. Similarly, “Who Stole The Cookie” mixes Elvis Presley-era rock with a bit of Zydeco.

The band, which has a show at Descanso Gardens on July 24 and the Getty on Aug. 12, continues to impress with album number two.

Michael also recommends …

• Pa’s Fiddle – Charles Ingalls, American Fiddler

Various Artists

$11.98, www.laura-ingalls-wilder.com

The third collection of music drawn from the Little House on the Prairie books is a set of instrumental music based on tunes that Charles Ingalls played in the book series. This well-played old-timey music could interest Wilder fans, but will have trouble keeping the attention of most youngsters.

• World of Wonder

Alison Faith Levy

$12.97, www.alisonfaithlevy.com

The former Sippy Cup has created an impressive initial solo outing. It’s a cheery effort that is geared more for little ears (like “Like A Spinning Top”), although the nicely sophisticated “Eye of the Tornado” will appeal to older kids. Levy’s Wall of Sound-inspired interpretation of “Itsy Bitsy Spider” is a real delight and “One More Cupcake” ends the album on a high point (and not the sugar-rush kind).

• Radio Jungle

The Pop Ups

$10.98, www.thepopups.com

The Brooklyn band, known for their puppet musical Pasta, has a new CD populated with colorful characters and songs. In fact, colors are the basis for two of the best tracks, “Box of Crayons” and “Color Wheel,” while “Math Rock” also numbers among the top tunes.

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