CD and DVD reviews
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…
Blind Uncle Harry presents his latest single called: “Hey Hey Kendra Ann”, dropping on December 27, 2024. The talented and independent recording artist based in Bloomington, Indiana, strikes the music scene again with a hip and engaging track that will take the listener far away. Blind Uncle Harry combines country, folk, rock, and 60’s vibes,…
If you’re in the mood for innovative jazz with improvisations that have no limits, then ‘Edible Flowers’ is a suitable arrangement. Enjoy this musical bouquet that is filled with so many colors on ‘Edible Flowers’. Jessica Jones Quartet is an established ensemble that has been performing since the 1980s and ‘Edible Flowers’ is the group’s…
Prepare to reel in this catch of the day with Gordon Thomas Ward’s festive single titled “Fisherman’s Carol”. Soak up this cheerful number that will fill you with joy during this Christmas season as “Fisherman’s Carol” is calling your name. Gordon Thomas Ward is a masterful storyteller with a gift for bringing lyrics to life…
Doug MacDonald has been part of the Southern California jazz scene since the 70s and continues to come up with dynamic records. MacDonald has been a part of at least 28 albums dating back to 1979 as a solo artist and featured session player on numerous projects. His latest album is titled ‘Santa Monica Session’…
This new release by Danae Xanthe Vlasse will knock your socks off as popular figures in Greek mythology come to life right before your ears! ‘Mythologies II’ is more than just a regular album; it’s a cinematic experience that will tantalize your being. ‘Mythologies II’ is already nominated for a 2025 Grammy for “Best Classical…
Austrian singer-songwriter B.B. Cole’s second studio album, Of Love and Loss, is an ambitious leap forward. It establishes her as one of the genre’s brightest new artists. While Austria is better known for its classical music lineage and Alpine folk traditions, B.B. Cole carves out a unique niche, blending country and soul with elements of blues, gospel, and…
Route 3’s Just Believe follows up their 2022 collection Losing Time with seven outstanding examples of modern bluegrass. Vocalist/guitarist Jason Jordan penned six tracks, one with mandolin maestro and fellow singer Greg Potter. However, the former’s undeniable stamp on the band’s identity may be initially misleading. Route 3’s newcomers will quickly realize what the band’s existing fans already know…
If you drop a lucky coin into a well hoping for a young, indie pop artist to emerge on the scene, Ava Valianti will appear with “Wishing Well”. This new single by singer/songwriter Ava Valianti is so well done and offers rich material for your listening pleasure. Ava is no pop-tart by any means and…
Pete Price’s sophomore solo album, Pictures in Time, is a luminous addition to the Americana landscape, weaving deeply personal narratives with timeless instrumentation. Price, a seasoned storyteller and musician, crafts a 12-track journey through the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery, cementing his place among the genre’s most reflective voices. Anchored by Price’s warm, soulful…
If you’re searching for music that is completely outside-the-box and unconventional, then Vincenzo Virgillito’s ‘Precondition’ is your cup of tea and will be released January 1, 2025. This is not your typical jazz record by any means with Vincenzo exploring a vast array of musical styles, song structures and sound textures. As a highly-skilled bassist…
Bluegrass and, to a lesser extent, folk music are inextricably woven into Tennessean Jim Hurst’s musical DNA. The guitarist, singer, and general force of nature within bluegrass circles has enjoyed a two decades-plus long run as one of the most well-respected musicians in that style. His new single, “One More Lonesome Train”, travels through familiar…
A glorious funk-rock groove rolls through on Omer B’s “Sneak String.” This is a physical sort of funk that forces you to get up and dance. Omer B avoids trends for something timeless by going for a classic stance, with the neat mix of the guitar and bass allowing for a balanced approach. Melodies come…
If you crave an original progressive rock album that goes outside the box to create new ideas & spaces, then ‘Cautionary Yell’ by SLUKA is for you. This new release is SLUKA’s 14th studio album and ‘Cautionary Yell’ is already receiving quite the buzz. Being referred to as some of their best material to date,…
It’s hard to believe that this is a solo debut album release for Sam Kuslan because he sounds like a seasoned vet in the studio with ‘Runaway Love’. This independent artist brings to you a refreshing style that merges a wide array of musical elements & genres. Kuslan is inspired by the likes of Jamie…
L.D. Levy is a jazz multi-instrumentalist and playwright who is a self-taught musician. As a longtime member of the jazz scene, L.D. Levy has toured Europe as a woodwinds soloist and has played with the likes of Beaver Harris, Ed Blackwell, Don Cherry, Richard Davis, collaborating with the Astral Weeks bassist for a full LP,…
If you’re in the mood for jazzy swing tunes, then ‘Brooklyn Oasis’ by Ken Serio Quartet is your ticket! Bringing me back to my high school days where I played alto saxophone for jazz band and just fell in love with this style of music. With all the freedom to improvise and fuse different stylings,…
If you’re ready to give your ears an extreme workout, then look no further than Jason Blake’s new release titled ‘A Confusion Sequence’. With so many different elements hitting your ears from all directions, Jason is not holding back and appears to have no limits musically. Brace yourself for one wild ride as Jason Blake…
One may be thinking by the title that this is some sort of drug-induced reference or that this Rob Massard fellow is high as a kite! Quite the contrary as Massard is, in fact, high on life and can hang his head high in the clouds with this new release “So Very High”. In a…
A limber energy runs through Liz Cole’s infectious “I Want to Be Happy.” The band picks up on her spirit, following and punctuating her lyricism. With a lovely demeanor, the songs unspool and work best when taken together. She leaves plenty of room for the rest of the group to stretch out, with some nice…
“The Wayfarer’s Inn” by Peter B. Unger is a captivating and profound story about spiritual journeys, confronting doubts, and rediscovering faith. The narrative begins in a dramatic setting—a cold and dark night—where a tragic accident on a desolate highway sets the tone for a reflection on the fragility of life. The tense atmosphere and detailed…
A slew of genres within a bluesy framework defines BMK’s reflective “Tales of the Upright & The Electric Pulse.” Songs get stripped bare to the core essentials. Rhythms have a timeless grace. Thoughtfully avoiding trends, they go for a timelessness, feeling like they could have emerged from any decade. Vocals have a world-weary cadence, lending…
Ginetta’s Vendetta delivers a tasteful and elegant take on jazz with an outright timeless approach to “Fun Size.” Utilizing a pocket trumpet, she sculpts an entire world teeming with life. The songs flow one into the other, ensuring the album works best when taken together as a coherent whole. Best of all, her instrument of…
The real core of rock and roll and the spirit that it embodies is put on full display here with ‘Rock and Roll Emotions Part Two’. Rhett May captures that rebellious tone in brilliant fashion by delivering raw ‘Rock and Roll Emotions’. I had the chance to review ‘Rock and Roll Emotions Part One’ back…
Margaret Slovak and Chris Maresh present a hushed reverence with “A Star’s Light Does Fall.” These skeletal musings feel undoubtedly intimate. Every gesture gets amplified in the vast open space by keeping arrangements to the absolute essentials. The interplay between them feels inspired, as they rely upon the themes as a starting point. How they…
Michael Burke goes for an elegant, elastic, and confounding series of grooves with the constantly twisting “A Strange Mistake To Make.” Indie rock, electronica, and folk all get filtered through his distinctive, unique vision. The lyrics have a pained expression behind them as he pours his heart out. Nods to groups like Lambchop’s most recent…
