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ALEJANDRO BENEFIT: The fact that this city's music community rallied around Texan singer/songwriter ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO shows the affection and respect that Al has generated here. The El Mocambo hosted a benefit concert to help cover his medical expenses. Would have been nice to see more in attendance, but the music played was heartfelt and often excellent. On The Beat caught short sets from the likes of BOB EGAN, ALUN PIGGINS, DEREK DOWNHAM, KEVIN FOX, fine alt-country band BAKERSFIELD, the loose but spirited CRYIN' OUT LOUD CHOIR, and KURT SWINGHAMMER. Unfortunately missed the surprise appearance of FRED EAGLESMITH and GORD CUMMING's new outfit. Those wishing to contribute to a fund for Escovedo can log on to www.alejandrofund.com.

NEW RELEASES: Fans of Italian pop are catered to very nicely on Millennium Italia (released next week on EMI). The value-priced double CD features 36 big hits spanning the last 30 years. Artists featured include ZUCCHERO, LUCIO BATTISTI, UMBERTO TOZZI, PINO DANIELE and ROBERTO BENIGNI. It seems we just can't get enough of the late great jazz trumpeter/vocalist CHET BAKER. There was even a hit play based on his life that ran in Toronto recently, and now there's a fine new CD collection, Chet For Lovers, out on Verve/Universal. Part of the popular For Lovers series, it's well packaged and presented, and features Chet's ever cool voice and/or playing on such classics as "These Foolish Things" and "You Go To My Head."

UPCOMING: Fans of fluent and explosive blues-rock guitar will want to check out American axeman ERIC SARDINAS. He has an excellent new CD, Black Pearls, out on Favored Nations, and he checks into Healey's for a gig on October 17. Word is he's an exciting performer. Also playing on October 17th are local modern rock band HOTEL. They launch their new seven-song CD, Our Demon Brother, with a Horseshoe show. Hotel have changed personnel and toughened up their sound a little, and are well worth catching. JOYDROP singer TARA SLONE guests on the CD, so hopefully she'll show at the Shoe too.

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