Inara George

In the music biz, a family name is more often a curse than a blessing. After all, Tito Jackson never compared to Michael and Janet, and Lisa Marie pretty much puts the Presley name to shame. But the exception to this curse is Inara George, daughter of the late, legendary leader of Little Feet, Lowell George. Her solo debut All Risefeatures a variety of styles confirming her early introduction to Van Dyke Parks, Jackson Browne and Terry Allen. Pop with a purpose, songs like "Mistress" and "No Poem" are appealing, romantic examinations of nostalgia and desire. With slight jazz overtones, this is sophisticated music with obvious connections to Ricky Lee Jones but with a contemporary bent that is both engaging and remarkably free of nepotism.