CD and DVD reviews
Brendan McNamara, the singer and songwriter for Extra Time, describes the album Songs with Long Titles as a “Steely Dan meets Supertramp” stylistic effort. There is a whole lot of sonic territory between those two band references, however. Steely Dan famously incorporated legitimate jazz sounds into smart and oftentimes snarky lyrical songs, which made it…
An old-school hard rock style rages forth on Stays In Vegas’ stark vision of “Nevermore.” With a slight nod towards more gothic elements, they build the sound up into a wall of fury. The volume is a must because the song feels physical. Rhythms, while slow, have a determined stance, working themselves into a frenzy…
Ellie Lee sculpts a captivatingly engrossing realm on the urbane jazz noir of “Escape.” The album feels lyrical, all without needing to say a single word. Relatively subdued, the song unspools graciously, striking a delicate balance. Grooves have a tactile quality, allowing for each chord and every sway of the upright bass, along with the…
Mercer Hassy Orchestra updates the classic jazz swagger on the celebratory of “Duke’s Place.” Amongst the pieces are some tried and true classics, deeper cuts, originals, and everything else. They create this immersive atmosphere with songs that stay just as long as they need, incorporating elements of pop, funk, rock, and more into their jazz…
Ronny Smith embraces a chilled-out, nu-jazz style with the glamourous style of “Struttin.” The arrangements have an inherent coolness, for the instrumentation incorporates many styles outside the usual jazz. Elements of funk, rock, and pop, led by impeccable guitar work, help the sound glide. He focuses on the instrumentation and tells an entire story, as…
Powerful vocals alongside a playful disposition define Julia Vari’s feat. Negroni’s Trio’s “Somos.” An intricate dance of colors and gestures, the song wraps itself around the listener. The fully immersive experience shows off the group’s interplay and how easily they sync with Julia Vari’s vocals. Word choice matters because she sculpts each verse carefully, getting…
If judged by the title of his album, Kurt Hagardorn may sometimes feel like an out-of-time, technologically challenged individual. However, when in comes to creating enjoyably memorable rock & roll, the man consistently hits that rock & roll sweet spot again and again with his winning release, An Analog Man In A Digital World. The…
Flippin’ Gothic Fabp formally known as Fabp aka Fabpz the Freelancer is back at it again! To me, Flippin’ Gothic Fabp is one of the hardest working musicians in the hip-hop game with over 2 K songs to his name. There are no brakes for this rapper from Jamaica Queens, NY as he speeds ahead…
“Give Me Your Heart,” Blind Uncle Harry’s most recent single, is about as straight ahead a love song as they come. It’s built upon a slightly jangling electric guitar part, accompanied by accordion. The track also features a female backing vocalist. It simply expresses a desire to partner up with another person. https://blinduncleharry.bandcamp.com/track/give-me-your-heart Blind Uncle…
The video for Alice the G00n’s “CYA” finds the talented singer and multidisciplinary artist reaching a new high point in her brief career. She spared no effort in piecing together this intensely physical and visually compelling clip. The fight scenes and stunt work are alone worth seeking out. However, the accompanying visuals further round out…
Queen Esther selects a swinging, jazzy style for the spry arrangements in “Things Are Looking Up.” With a clear reference point of Billie Holiday, the sound feels alive. Instrumentation goes for this classic kick, as a great deal of flexibility is felt within each piece. She lets the atmosphere expand around her, for this dialogue…
Pure passion burns brightly with “8 Concepts of Tango,” with Håkon Skogstad displaying a real knack for storytelling without saying a single word. The melodies present a sense of yearning, of lust, with the rhythms highlighting the sheer intensity of the experience. Songs do their best to come together, playing off each other, resulting in…
“With the Rhythm of a Catfight” begins quietly with a chiming electric guitar part over a snare drum. Tim Hort sings these words lightly, even though they carry a whole lot of weight. When he sings “I do love you” at one point, it makes this into a love song of sorts – even though…
Jack Wood displays a timeless elegance in the laid-back rhythms and wistful lyricism of “The Gal That Got Away.” A large slew of styles enters the fray. Nods to jazz fusion, lounge, pop, and more come together in this bright stream of colors. Word choice tells a story, that of unrequited love. The album displays…
Bob Anderson employs a jaunty take in the sly midcentury jazz swing style of “Bob Anderson LIVE!” Instrumentation plays it tried and true, going for this celebratory spirit. Fanfare, excellent piano work, and, of course, that voice help guide the entire journey. Such a careful balance comes into the fray, allowing the work to feel…
Christoher Sluka goes by the simplified moniker of Sluka, and “Saving It All,” his latest single, is a big, rock ballad. It’s also a memorable, emotional piece of music. The track moves to a relatively slow, measured rhythm. It finds Sluka thinking and singing thoughtfully. His voice moves easily between a low and higher register.…
Christian Fabian Trio emerges with a chilled-out blend of jazz and funk on the luxurious “Hip to the Skip.” With a crystal-clear sound that would make Steely Dan proud, the fidelity here feels immaculate. The rock elements of the atmosphere add to the inherent playfulness of the pieces, for they effortlessly blend into this singular…
A taut funk frames the playful and physicality of Stix Bones’ “Olimpik Soul.” The commanding quality of the sound comes through in every possible way. Melodies feature an inherent richness with a rhythm section that feels just as expressive. An entire universe comes into view quickly. Instrumentally varied, they take on many different genres within…
A majestic, timeless sound adorns the classical style of Rebecca Shorstein & Alden Gatt’s contemplative “Shir Hashirim.” The arrangements keep things to the absolute essentials – vocals and a piano. Yet, with such care, they can express so much with those two elements. Melodies have an inherent richness washing over the listener. Despite the simplicity…
Sarah McKenzie embarks upon a beautiful, lilting, and lovely take on Bossa Nova with the soothing “Without You.” Her vocals possess the perfect degree of yearning, with their slow shuffle throughout the journey feeling quite inspired. Nods from Bossa Nova greats emerge out of the whole journey. With a delivery reminiscent of Astrid Gilberto, the…
Sam Ross offers a clever update of the classic swinging jazz style on the soothing trip of “Live at the Mira Room.” They play it all sorts of ways, from the laid-back grooves to going hot right now. One gets to experience the incredible talent they display with ease. Piano work, percussion, and upright bass…
A true throwback to a classic 70s jazz-noir sound, “Top Secret Lab” presents the daring skill of Rob Susman in creating a dense, kaleidoscopic atmosphere. The arrangements contain so many intricate details as to demand multiple listens. Highly creative, the pieces harken back to Frank Zappa’s explorations of the genre, as Rob has no problem…
When the technicalities are off the table and we’re talking about melodic power exclusively, Hannah Ellis doesn’t need much to sound like a truly divine force in performance, but next to the jubilant instrumental harmonies of “Wine Country,” she sounds even more provocative than she already would. In her first full-length album That Girl, this dedicated country singer is pulling…
Jason Bradley’s “Our Troubled Hearts” single includes a lyric about aging and coming to terms with how the world really works. And when we say ‘works,’ we actually mean ‘doesn’t work very well.’ “Do you remember when we were young, and we didn’t care at all?” Bradley asks early in the song. Yes, the world…
A soulful, straight-from-the-heart sound, Nancy Carey Johnson belts it out on the beautiful “Note From God.” Done with the utmost dignity and grace, the song stuns with its faith-driven message. She chooses the lyrics with the greatest of care, ensuring that every word matters. To top it all off further, the arrangement feels perfectly in…
Robert Prester & Adriana Samargia™ present this wild, anything-is-possible sound on the virtuosic “QUENARA.” Only two elements exist within the soundscape – a voice and a piano. Yet, with these two aspects, they craft something that feels all-consuming. It is easy to get lost in the complicated arrangements they offer to their audience. Right from…
Bowmanville proves that Chicago’s classic jazz scene continues to evolve on its self-titled debut. Coming in hot, the whole album has an addictive quality. Instrumentation has a playfulness, keeping the energy up throughout the entire experience. Grooves go for sheer physicality, for they make sure to let the rhythms have a driving pulsating drunkenness. The…
In a world of singer/songwriters who seem content to stick to a tried and tested formula, I’ll See You Down The Road stands out like a sonic beacon in a mist-covered landscape. But that’s because, as the rest of this fantastic EP proves, this is far from their natural environment. Instead, it is a brilliant,…
Lou Reed’s name comes immediately to mind while listening to David Belle’s single, “Free.” For starters, Belle mostly speaks the verses of this song, only actually singing during the track’s chorus, which gives it a distinctly Reed-esque vocal vibe. Furthermore, the song’s lyrics offer up character studies of a few people, in much the same…
The surging popularity of Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency, has brought to the forefront the pressing need to navigate the intricate world of Bitcoin taxation. This article serves as an extensive resource for comprehending the complexities of reporting and complying with tax regulations in the context of Bitcoin. By gaining insight into the tax consequences…
The cryptocurrency revolution ushered in by Bitcoin is a remarkable chapter in the history of finance and technology. It introduced the world to the concept of digital currency, decentralized ledgers, and the potential for financial sovereignty. In this article, we will delve into the evolution of cryptocurrencies inspired by Bitcoin, exploring the key developments, innovations,…
In the landscape of emerging technologies, the fusion of blockchain and satellite networks is instigating a profound revolution, poised to redefine the very essence of financial transactions. Bitcoin, as the trailblazing cryptocurrency, stands at the vanguard of this metamorphosis, with aspirations to transcend terrestrial limitations and embrace the boundless expanse of space. This article delves…
In the dynamic realm of cryptocurrencies, China’s digital yuan has emerged as a pivotal force, sparking widespread interest and curiosity. This comprehensive analysis seeks to unravel the intricate layers of the digital yuan’s role in the crypto market, delving into its development, technical intricacies, regulatory framework, adoption trends, economic implications, and the challenges it navigates.…
A chaotic series of beats and streams of consciousness delve into Flippin’ Gothic Fabp’s immersive “Catalogue Pulse.” Serving as a roadmap for his life, the songs feature tremendous bursts of energy. The nature of the tracks indicates that everything is in flux. Even the lyrical content suggests the lawless state of the world at this…
There sure is a whole lot of variety on Otis Infrastructure’s album, In A Room. There’s room (so to speak) for the semi-psychedelic “Unclenched Fist,” as well the more straightforward ballad in “Ballet For A Yesterday.” It’s a 12-song cycle of surprises, to put it succinctly. The act is a three-piece, featuring guitarist/vocalist Dean Essner,…
The Complaints exemplify high quality, indie rock music to the core! The Complaints are led by guitarist/front man Dean Petrella with bassist Chris Cruz and drummer Anthony Marotti. Musical influences range from Tom Petty and Radiohead to Cold Play and Matchbox Twenty. ‘Chasing Light’ is the fifth, full-length album for The Complaints and is extremely…
Jennifer Klein delivers a powerful build-up on the clear-eyed “Illusion.” The entirety of the journey has this fully lived-in quality. Arrangements go for the eternal, with the atmosphere feeling classic in its cadence. She has a genuine ear for melody, letting the melody grow alongside the increased intensity of the piece. By allowing the song…
OB1 & Nnennaya Kelly celebrate love on the tender, giddy tones of “Angel.” The beat does not stop, with its Afrobeat effect a particular joy. Sun-drenched, there is a tropical flavor deep in the many layers. Infusing the melody within the infectious rhythm adds to the inherent playfulness, as the song makes sure to move…
Zen Mountain Poets will blow you away with their latest release titled ‘Stellar Ignition’. Originally started as a jam band, Zen Mountain Poets stays true by creating original material that also pays homage to the singer/songwriters of yesteryear. Zen Mountain Poets refers to their music as “psychedelic neo-prog folk jazz” and known for unique musical…
The Ephemeral is a hard rock band, but it is also a progressive act, as well. It’s album, Your Burden Is Safe With Me, alternates between sophisticated instrumental sections, and more straight-out metal. Similarly, vocals may be clean one minute, then harsh the next. It’s a sonic mixed bag, for sure, but it is also…
