Kevin Bryan explores some of this week's alternative CD releases.

Michael McDermott, "Willow Springs" (Pauper Sky Records)- This absorbing lyrical romp seemingly draws much of its inspiration from the collected works of Bob Dylan and "Nebraska" era Bruce Springsteen, with the expletive laden title track emerging as a particular highpoint. The Chicago based singer-songwriter is currently dividing his time between his work with rootsy Americana outfit The Westies and splendid solo excursions such as this, and "Willow Springs" offers ample evidence of the rare qualities which prompted author Stephen King to hail McDermott as "the greatest undiscovered rock'n'roll talent of the last twenty years."

Royal Southern Brotherhood, "The Royal Gospel" (Ruf Records)- The departure of guitarists Devon Allman and Mike Zito could well have sounded the death knell for many a lesser outfit, but Southern Rock supergroup Royal Southern Brotherhood have overcome this apparent body blow with startling ease, and "The Royal Gospel" could well rank as their finest album to date. Replacement axeman Bart Walker and veteran vocalist Cyril Neville now front this eclectic quartet as they serve up joyously groove orientated gems such as "Blood Is Thicker Than Water," "Hooked On The Plastic" and the electrifying closer, "Stand Up" for your listening pleasure.

Tony McPhee, "Foolish Pride" (Talking Elephant)- The Groundhogs were one of the most distinctive and innovative English blues bands during their creative heyday in the late sixties and early seventies, but frontman Tony McPhee has rarely ventured into the recording studio as a solo performer since those days . This 1993 set appeared on the scene some twenty years after its vinyl predecessor, "The Two Sides of Tony McPhee," first saw the light of day and found Tony handling all the instrumentation himself as this criminally undervalued musician indulged his passion for the blues via fine tracks such as "Masqueradin'," On The Run" and "I'm Gonna Win."

Joan Baez, "75th Birthday Celebration" (Razor & Tie)-Not so much a celebration, more a low-key musical soiree, this 2CD set captures a star-studded show which was was held at New York's historic Beacon Theatre earlier this year to mark the 75th birthday of the great singer and social activist , featuring performances from leading lights of the singer-songwriter movement such as Jackson Browne, Judy Collins, Paul Simon and former Fairport Convention guitarist Richard Thompson. The passage of time may have taken its toll on Joan's once prodigious vocal range but this gentle acoustic jaunt down memory lane is well worth an hour or so of anyone's time nonetheless , with Browne's sadly prophetic "Before The Deluge" sharing top billing with Chilean singer Nano Stern's vibrant contribution to "Gracias a la Vida."