CD and DVD reviews
Bob Bradshaw brings his gritty & grainy style of music to the forefront with his latest release titled ‘Live in Boston’. This album was recorded in just one day at Q Division Studios in Massachusetts by Rafi Sofer while also mixed by Dave Westner and mastered by Adam Ayan. Even though this record only took…
Root Cellar Xtract brings us back to the mid 60’s and early 70’s when that classic country rock sound was on fire. Hailing from Cincinnati, RCx draws listeners back to the hills of Laurel Canyon, California where this style was born. Root Cellar Xtract adds its own soulful touch to the mix bringing a very…
Daniel Garbin is a highly-skilled guitarist and sitar player who has put together seven original compositions that make up ‘Rising’. This new release incorporates a variety of styles that will drive your senses wild and quench your musical thirst. ‘Rising’ is a jazz record that offers much depth and a distinct richness making for one…
Bluegrass has always had a way of looking backward while moving forward, and Ashleigh Graham’s latest single, “Who We Were Back Then,” is a masterclass in doing just that. Set to release on March 7, 2025, this duet with the legendary Russell Moore is a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and the memories that linger…
Paul Graves has always been one with nature and music and his latest song, “Move That Mountain” is a true testament to that. Not only do you get to hear a new original song, but Skope readers will also receive a stunning video to go along with the single. Paul Graves took a picture slideshow…
Of Limbo’s latest single, “Joke’s On You,” showcases a bold fusion of hard rock and retro grunge that is both introspective and empowering. Part of their upcoming OF LIMBO Unplugged album (set to be released later this year), the Long Beach, CA-based band is carving out a niche in the acoustic realm with this track, representing a significant…
Laura Sawosko’s new album is Not What I Do, continuing her line of Singer-Songwriter genre with country and Americana overtones. She has her own, unique sound, her own, unique genre spin, and Not What I Do feels like a penultimate accomplishment for now as her first record with major backing. “The most meaningful project I’ve…
You will instantly gravitate to Joe Boris because he has a likability factor as an artist that is undeniable. The aura that surrounds Joe and his music is a positive one and ‘Arising’ is upon US! This new release from Joe Boris features 13 original songs and will delight audiences everywhere! Joe Boris is no…
Dave Miles presents his latest single called: “Dichotomy”. Originally from Canada, the accomplished and talented musician recently released the dangerous and proficient single on January 17, 2025. “Dichotomy” almost sounds and feels like a musical highflier that not only wanders off into the rough edge, but also reminds the listener of the importance of rock…
Freemoor’s new release, “Affliction,” lands with the force of a sonic freight train, merging the raw energy of modern rock with unexpected electronic interludes that challenge the listener’s expectations. Hailing from Las Vegas, this emerging artist takes a familiar theme—our perennial fascination with the tragic, misunderstood creative soul—and twists it into a narrative that is at…
Prepare to embrace 13, hot tracks all in the vein of classic R&B and soul with a splash of jazz. Reggie Braxton hails from Motor City USA, Detroit Michigan and that timeless Motown sound is a big part of Reggie’s DNA. ‘The Brax-Tone Experience’ includes originals and covers of classic R&B singles. Reggie’s velvety approach…
Joshua Lassi is a spirited singer/songwriter who is dedicated to his craft and he invites everyone to appreciate ‘The Only Thing That Hasn’t Changed’. Steeped in faith, Joshua allows the power of God, family & friends to help guide him and drive his music. Tackling themes of love & loss and all the of the…
This project is a culmination of hard work and dedication as University of Nevada, Las Vegas Jazz Ensemble 1 has assembled 12, well-constructed compositions. This new album release is put together by UNLV School Of Music, Division of Jazz and Commercial Music and includes students, faculty, and guest artists throughout the 2023–2024 school year. ‘Let…
Vanderwolf has recently released a new song titled As The Sun. This track is a beautifully organic and timeless blend of blues and folk influences. The introduction, in particular, features incredibly dynamic slide guitar playing, reminiscent of old-school Delta blues. The long, sustained notes might bring to mind legendary guitarists such as Blind Willie Johnson,…
Enjoy a refreshing dose of super original songs that are all perfectly programmed and set to ‘Perpetual Motion Vol. 1’. The Quivering Palm is made up of one creative individual by the name of Kevin KP Hahn and he is on a mission to achieve perfect flow & musical symmetry. ‘Perpetual Motion Vol. 1’ is…
Arturo O’ Farrill is an accomplished pianist, composer and promoter of Latin music. Born in Mexico and raised in New York, Arturo creates compositions that encompass both flavor & substance. Through snazzy, well-constructed improvisations, Arturo O’ Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra invites you on a rollercoaster of moods & mindsets on the new…
UniversalDice’s Misfit Memoirs is one of those albums that’ll probably make you want to buy a leather jacket, drink whiskey in a dimly-lit bar, and rethink every bad decision you’ve ever made—just so you can feel something. This isn’t some standard rock album, but an unapologetic exploration of every messy feeling in between. Gerry Dantone,…
Flippin’ Gothic Fabp continues to deliver raw & gritty rap to the masses. I have had the pleasure to hear a lot of Flippin’ Gothic Fabp’s tracks over the years and he never disappoints. With over 2,000 songs to his name, Flippin’ is simply fearless & relentless when it comes to producing music. This is…
Chris Chitsey, the only living country artist to chart #1 singles across four decades, continues his remarkable career with his latest release, “Chasing Taillights.” This poignant single, the fourth under his eight-track deal with Clinetel Nashville|SONY, exemplifies Chitsey’s knack for delivering relatable themes wrapped in an irresistible blend of heartfelt storytelling and contemporary country melodies.…
Mark Witt’s long-awaited EP has finally arrived as ‘Infinity Smile’ will delight audiences everywhere. This record comes 15 years after the release of his previous EP’s titled ‘Leave It Alone’ and ‘Loose Associations’. The love of music never wavered for Mark Witt during his hiatus and so now ‘Infinity Smile’ is born and will live…
Time is ticking away, but Clay Wulbrecht is taking advantage of every second on the new album ‘The Clockmaster’. Unconventional measures and lush compositions make this recording a fascinating listen. Clay Wulbrecht takes you on an incredible journey through space and time with the new release ‘The Clockmaster’. The musicians on this 10-song set are:…
Lucid Dream packs quite a powerful punch with the band’s latest release titled ‘A Peaceful Death’. Hailing from Sestri Levante, Italy, this remarkable environment and terrain certainly helped shape the new album. From the ocean and forests to the mountains and caves, these serene Italian destinations helped breath invigorating life into ‘A Peaceful Death’. Lucid…
Alan Chaubert is putting on a jazz clinic on ‘Just The Three Of Us’ by showcasing a distinctive style and superb musicality. Alan plays both the muted trumpet and piano at the same time on this new album making for one soul-stirring, listening experience. Alan Chaubert covers some classic cuts by jazz notables such as…
CODE QUEEN @ 5: CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF EMPOWERING WOMEN IN EAST AFRICA IN THE ‘MODERN AGE’ Date: 28th March 2025 Venue: Motiv Bugolobi Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM RSVP and Inquiries: Visit our website at [https://www.etc.education/kampala] Educating The Children (ETC) through its latest initiative, Code Queen, which provides free training in sought-after tech skills to young unemployed women…
Prepare to fully embrace ‘Great Big Sky’ by Brian Grilli because it is bursting with infectious energy. This new album will connect with many people due to Brian being a relatable artist. Brian Grilli covers human emotions superbly on ‘Great Big Sky’ and makes the bigger picture sound better than sliced bread! This is Brian’s…
Benjie Porecki is a successful pianist & organist who has a very distinct style and has quite the musical background. Benjie’s latest release is titled ‘All That Matters’ and features six original compositions and four tasteful covers. With different tempos and a variety of elements on display, Benjie Porecki tackles love, loss and ‘All That…
The Big Mackoofy Return with “Slave New World” — A Psychedelic Warning for the Modern Age The Big Mackoofy are back in 2025 with one of their strongest offerings ever-“Slave New World” is their latest single and features the imaginative production and arrangement of Jeff Lucas, the Lyrical and melodic powers of Tony Joseph, within which…
Karl Latham is a well-established jazz and rock drummer and he has released a follow-up to ‘Living Standards’ with his latest album titled ‘Living Standards II’. If you love classic rock tunes but with a jazzy twist, then you’ll really enjoy this new record. Karl has revisited eight popular rock songs on ‘Living Standards II’…
Get ready for reimagined versions of classis rock hits that are all jazzed up on Jae Sinnett’s latest release titled ‘The Blue the Lines Project’. Incredibly, this is Jae Sinnett’s 21st album and what a thrill ride from start to finish! Jae tackles the songs of some music greats and they include: Rush, Rare Earth,…
Eddy Mann’s “String of Pearls” is a reflective folk-rock track that weaves together spirituality, introspection, and hope. The song’s gentle yet resolute arrangement provides the perfect backdrop for its poignant lyrics, which explore the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of peace. Inspired by biblical teachings, the song resonates deeply with listeners navigating life’s…
If you enjoy a country album that covers humor, heartbreaks and honky tonks and everything else in between, then ‘House Arrest Ankle Bracelet’ by Reagon Hudson is your ticket. There’s a certain, unique charm to the way Reagon sings and never a dull moment lyrically when consuming the new record. A classic country feel is…
George Highfill epitomizes what country and western music is all about by delivering that twang and honky tonk sound perfectly. Touching on all the highs & lows of life while swingin’ along to the two-step beat, George Highfill will delight fans everywhere with his new release titled ‘Thank A Trucker’. This new album is a…
‘Waves’ is the first of 12 albums to be released in 2025 for LA-based music vet, Fernando Perdomo. This is the first installment of ‘Waves’ for January 2025 and Fernando is set to release a new album each month. With 10 instrumentals, Fernando explores many worlds & elements as ‘Waves’ comes crashing into your ears.…
Get ready for an eclectic mix of styles that will ignite your senses on the new release titled ‘Situation’. If you’re up for creative jazz numbers by a talented ensemble, then this is the right ‘Situation’ for you. This is the third album release for Alex Coke & Carl Michel Sextet and includes charming &…
When it comes to holiday music, it’s easy to get bogged down in the classics. But every so often, a fresh track bursts onto the scene, reimagining what a festive song can be. This year, Ava Della Pietra’s “Reindeer Rebellion” delivers just that: a fun, unexpected take on holiday cheer with a rebellious twist that…
Rob Massard is a talented musician & singer-songwriter who plays and writes from the heart. Rob’s spirit comes alive when he performs his songs. His latest release is titled ‘Old Soul’ and Rob Massard proves that he is one vulnerable artist. Rob is not afraid to get personal and expose his emotions to the entire…
Get ready for modern jazz originals that will excite your senses on ‘Hō’ihi’ by Noel Okimoto. Noel incorporates a wide variety of styles & tempos on this new release making for one invigorating listen. The new album is due out January 1, 2025, so get ready for jazz that will knock your socks off! With…
If you’re in the mood for a highly inventive tune that will keep your ears buzzing from start to finish, then “That’s It For The Badlands (Haokah Mix)” is your fix. Jude Gwynaire is an accomplished composer, musician & writer and his latest single is a neo-western-style composition. Jude approaches the creation of sounds and…
Ranzel X Kendrick strikes the folk scene again with his latest single called “Reminisce”. The talented singer-songwriter drives the listener into an unusual and deep musical experience unlike others. “Reminisce” feels and brings a unique, profound, and immeasurable sound, yet it stays fresh and generates a soundscape of modern freestyle folk sound. Somewhere in between…
This jazz quartet out of Honolulu has most certainly found the groove with Groovology’s debut release titled ‘Almost Home’. Variety is the spice of life and Groovology delivers a wide variety of musical spices to tempt your senses on the new album. 11 original compositions fill your ears with joy as sensational solos can be…
