Living off Valencia street in the Mission district of San Francisco definitely comes with distinct musical advantages. Say you fancy a free jazz show? Hop over to Amnesia and chat up a cute stranger. Running late for a sold-out set at The Chapel? Walk just a few brisk blocks and you’ve arrived flushed and ready to groove. While many have mourned the gentrification of this Mission corridor I still revel in the fact that live music can be found just a stone’s throw away from most street corners. It’s one of the many reasons I love this neighborhood and I’m grateful to call it home. Last month I saw two great sets down the street: R&B singer/songwriter Son Little & UK-based Americana singer/songwriter Jade Bird. Those reviews and a new music playlist after the jump:

Son Little

Aaron Earl Livingston, known by his stage name Son Little, released his first self-titled album in 2015. Livingston grew up on R&B and hip-hop in Philadelphia and his music is strongly influenced by this roots sound. His music ranges from jazz to soul, pop to R&B. As NPR Music notes, ” Little’s genre-bending is backed up by an expressive voice…He sings like a preacher’s son, which he is, and delivers his phrases like he knows he might get only one chance to grab your attention.” In Fall of 2017 Livingston released his newest album, Blue Magic, based on the pop song hit by the same name. It was promoting this album that brought Little to San Francisco, and I was overjoyed. After falling hard for his romantic ballad “Lay Down” (off his first self-titled album),  I was keen to see Livingston’s full musical range live. From rock to pop, blues, and jazz the set was full of spark – and even a bit of 60’s era nostalgia showing up in his newer songs. As Paste Magazine points out, his new album feels fresh yet familiar: ” The real sleight of hand, however, is that this New Magic is also the old magic. It sounds and feels both old and new throughout.” Creating a truly original sound in the crowded field of rhythm and blues is certainly a feat these days, bravo Son Little.

Jade Bird

Opening for Son Little, 19-year old UK singer Jade Bird was a sleeper pick since her sound initially was quite sparse and acoustic for the Little crowd (hungry for some soulful, upbeat jams). But a few songs into the set Jade Bird had endeared us to her unique twist on the Americana folk genre. Last September Bird released her debut EP “Something American”, recorded in the USA and highlighting her reverie for the states. As NPR Music observed: “Her phrasing and accent feel as if they’d be as at home in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York as they would on Nashville radio.” To kick off her career by touring with Son Little was a good start for Bird,  expanding her reach across the USA. I found myself interested in Bird’s music since these days I’m eager for a softer stereo sound (perhaps to drown out the harsh political realities).  I was surprised to catch myself unconsciously humming the melody of “Something American” many weeks after her set. Cementing my belief that she has definitely won over this Yankee, and it looks like this year she’ll begin her North American takeover. Cheers!

On the music discovery side of things, I’m a huge fan of the All Songs Considered Tiny Desk Concert series.  They release new videos every week and I can not recommend them enough. They even get 12 piece bands like the Roots to come play in their office. Who says a big sound can’t come from humble surroundings?

Lastly, my new playlist of fresh artists and new songs by old favorites is below.

Happy Listening!