Emily Bonn, Songs From Alabama Street. Nostalgia-based music seems to fare better when it’s littered with timely references. Drawly-voiced Emily Bonn makes songs about washboard shuffles, evening magpies, Mission dives, and RC Cola. Songs From Alabama Street kicks off with an ode to San Francisco’s Rite Spot Cafe, followed by six vibrant honky-tonk tracks. Bonn’s banjo plucking is the highlight. (self-released)
At Windrush School (1800 Elm St., El Cerrito) on October 9. 6-7 p.m., free
SFJAZZ Collective, Live 2010: 7th Annual Concert Tour. Lots of personnel changes at SFJAZZ in recent years means a lot of new blood for the repertory band’s three-disc tribute to Horace Silver, recorded live last year. There are several exhilarating moments, like Miguel Zenón‘s complicated arrangement of “Lonely Woman” and trumpeter Avishai Cohen‘s “Suite for Ward Martin Tavares.” (SFJAZZ Records)
SFJazz Festival runs through November 20.
Joan Jeanrenaud and PC Muñoz, Pop-Pop. Amplified cello is a nice accoutrement, even when it’s not the main star. Joan Jeanrenaud uses hers to great effect on “Freakbeat,” the odd dance track that closes Pop-Pop. She and drummer PC Muñoz don’t always lock in rhythmically, but the sparse tracks are wonderful. (Deconet)
PC Muñoz performs at SF Conservatory of Dance (301 8th St., SF) on Oct. 17. 4 p.m., free
Burnt Ones, Black Teeth & Golden Tongues. Maybe it’s all the fuzz that Burnt Ones pile onto their music, or the oooh-ahhh harmonies that struggle for air beneath a layer of sonic detritus. Whatever the case, this power rock trio seems a lot denser than traditional guitar, bass, and drums. Songs like “Bring You All My Love” and “Gonna Listen to T. Rex” are a faithful reprise of Sixties-era antecedents, albeit with added studio effects. Unerring. (self-released)
At Rickshaw Stop (155 Fell St., San Francisco) on October 22. 8 p.m., $12
