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G. Love's Top 10 Musical Discoveries of 2006

NPR

Published December 19, 2006 at 6:40 PM EST

Philly-based blues-pop singer-songwriter G. Love, who released Lemonade this past summer, chooses the 10 musicians (and musical phenomena) he's most excited to have discovered this year.

1. Marc Broussard

I recently had the opportunity to record with Broussard, and he's an amazing singer -- a young cat from Carencro, La. He takes it to church every time he gets the mic.

2. Shuggie Otis

Son of blues legend Johnny Otis, Shuggie Otis recorded his best work in the '60s and '70s. I've been hooked on his record Inspiration Information.

3. Little Walter

More of a re-visitation of the greatest electric blues harp player of all time. As I progress on the harmonica, I have more and more appreciation for the subtleties of the masters.

4. Slightly Stoopid

These guys continue to impress me with their recordings and live shows -- the vibe is so thick -- and in true SoCal style, they just don't care. They'll blow up sooner or later.

5. Robert Randolph

I knew Randolph was an amazing guitarist, but seeing is reaffirming. I saw and jammed with him multiple times this year, and he just plays effortlessly.

6. Tristan Prettyman

This young singer-songwriter from San Diego continues to grow as a guitarist and singer due to her busy touring schedule. She's getting better and better.

7. Donavon Frankenreiter

Frankenreiter is currently on tour with Gov't Mule, and hanging out with Warren Haynes every night seems to be rubbing off on him. He sat in with me during the filming of my live DVD and nearly exploded my amplifier. A guitar player.

8. "Chicken Noodle Soup"

This is a hot new underground hit song out of Harlem. Just goes to show you that a good idea and simple production is all it takes to have a hit.

9. Edan

I bought two of his mix tapes at the Bodega sneaker store in Boston. They've been keeping us grooving on the tour bus and are full of old-school hip-hop classics.

10. Brooklyn Dawn and DJ Scott Melker

An unlikely crew I recently recorded with in New York City. Melker is a solid but not flashy DJ who can mix with the best. Brooklyn Dawn is a young woman who's in love with combining blues and hip-hop.