New releases: Jan. 30, 2007

This week brought a delightful convergence of random things that began with a trip to Japan's first Krispy Kreme store and led, quite circuituously, to a nice stranger informing me of a happenin' Americana music scene in the beautiful Japanese town of Kamakura, only an hour or so by train from where I live. Turns out Kamakura is home not only to the Great Buddha, but also to an Americana records importer and a cafe/bar/music venue specializing in Americana music. How great is that? Much more on this Americana scene later, when I've had a chance to check it out. But for now, I thought I'd add it today's list of exciting music stuff going on.

Now for the rest of that list -- the CDs!

New releases of note for the week of Jan. 30:
Norah Jones -- Not Too Late (Blue Note)
Kenny & Amanda Smith Band -- Tell Someone (Rebel)
Paolo Nutini -- Those Streets (Atlantic/WEA)
Eamonn Coyne & Kris Drever -- Honk Toot Suite (Compass)
Oisin McAuley -- Far From The Hills of Donegal (Compass)
Bill Kirchen -- Hammer of the Honky Tonk Gods (Proper American)