BAEBLE CONCERTS: Jill Cunniff at SouthPaw

Jill Cunniff has gotten into some serious world music since her days with Luscious Jackson, and recent album City Beach takes its eclectic cues from bossa nova beats, tropical imagery, and a fair bit of trip-hop. Stripping off those diverse elements is a risky move, but Cunniff's live shows show she's not a product of the studio. Here, she takes a minimalist approach, pairing herself with a single guitarist pushing her jazzy vocals to the forefront on acoustic-based odes to summer, boys, and all-around happiness.

A lot can be done with these renditions, actually. Cunniff strums her guitar occasionally; other times, her nimble-fingered partner handles the accompaniment himself. The two sing together, harmonizing softly and channeling a laidback, coffeehouse spirit. City Beach will make listeners dance, but Cunniff's live show will encourage you to sit back, take off your shoes, and welcome the approaching summer with soon-to-be tanned arms.
- Andrew Leahey