With smooth Jazz, New Age and classic composition as vessels, Dr. Yochanan Sebastian Winston has rendered a 10-track album of musical interpretations of the teachings of Kabbalah on his album, The Kabbalah Suite. Each track corresponds to one of the 10 Sefirots (attributes) of the mystical Jewish sect. Originally commissioned by a Rabbi friend in…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Your Band Is A Virus – Expanded Edition, James Moore
by •
James Moore is a Music Promoter and founder of Independent Music Promotions http://www.independentmusicpromotions.com/ . He is currently celebrating the release of his book, “Your Band is a Virus”. It is an extensive look at marketing and promoting in the independent artist’s world. The book is straight forward and to the point. It gets right to…
Ugly N**ga Featuring Eye’z, I’m Hot
by •
Fatimah Verrell better known as, Eye’z is a seasoned artist that has been making her presence known one fan at a time. She is a singer, songwriter, producer and actress. This quadruple threat is blessing us with her voice on this latest single, “I’m Hot”. Eye’z teamed up with Ugly N**ga and her voice solidifies…
The Silver Thread – In the Deepwater Midnight (EP)
by •
This is the latest 6 song EP from Pittsburgh based Alt-Rock band The Silver Thread entitled “In the Deepwater Midnight.“ (2012) I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the band or artists has selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening track “In the Deepwater…
Flowerland, The Caffeine Disk (EP)
by •
4 piece Hard Rock act Flowerland just released their new The Caffeine Disk (EP) in 2012 (Gypsy Garden Records). This is a band that’ not only beena round since the early 890’s but has an extensive touring history. Flowerland performed in 56 cities in 12 States opening for such notable acts as: Frank Black, Bad…
Working Class Hussys, Diary of a Working Class Cracker
by •
A listen to the Working Class Hussys’ new album, Diary of a Working Class Cracker evokes a melding of vintage Chicago, ELO-like melodies and a tinge of quirk a la Weezer. The sound as a whole is slightly nostalgic… a sort of “I’ve heard this before” Je ne sais quois. The lyrical matter ebbs towards…
Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders, What You Gonna Do?
by •
Though rooted in “ago” artists the likes of Carl Perkins and Sam Philips; Rockabilly is still alive, well and significant. And within the 12-tracks of the new Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders album, What You Gonna Do?, it also happens to be contemporary. Though the LP may contain some of the same hard luck scenarios…
The Parachuting Apostles, Dish Pig (EP)
by •
The Parachuting Apostles are an Alternative Rock band that comes to us from Philadelphia, PA. Right from the starts I can tell “Dish Pig” is one release that certainly doesn’t disappoint. This is one band that brings to the table effective songwriting via a highly passionate musical delivery. And elite level musicianship. This meshed with…
Bobby Jo Valentine, Home
by •
On the heels of his debut album, A Place To Belong, it seems singer/songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine found what he was looking for considering the recent release of his sophomore effort, Home. After enjoying a burgeoning fan base and several accolades over the past year and a half, Valentine proves that he is not only…
Addison Station, Suit Up
by •
More launching pad than interim project, Connecticut’s Addison Station is set to release their new EP, Suit Up. The album and a corresponding East Coast tour will serve as foreshadowing for the spring release of their full-length, Unplug and Run. Founding member and lead vocalist Trent Gerbers has described the thematic ethos of the album…
Music Industry Management & Booking Directory
by •
C. Cirocco Jones & Music Powers present the e-book Music Industry Management & Booking Directory. It’s a 2012-2013 edition. So despite the vicissitudes of the music industry, one can be confident that the vast majority of this information is accurate and relevant. From Hip-Hop to Country to Pop, whether you are a performer, producer, or…
Rodney Patterson, Love > Fear
by •
Love > Fear is the debut album of Dallas native Rodney Patterson, who has spent years refining his piano chops since his beginning at age 11. Now arrives the work of his creative passion. Patterson says that he strives to bring relaxation through his music. In this effort, he is successful. However, there are also…
MARK HUMBLE, One Centre Street
by •
Who can forget the greatest Rock n Roll party of all time? Fortunately I am old enough to remember some of it. Trust me when I say being in London in the early 60’s and late 70’s was the place to be as bands like The Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Led…
Deborah Henriksson, The Heart’s Cry
by •
Deborah Henriksson is an American native, now living in Sweden, who makes music filled with Celtic sound and soul. Her songs are authentic to the point that one wonders if Henriksson’s original name was Irish. Or perhaps she was among those Vikings who shipwrecked off the coast of Donegal. This Irish spirit is not of…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, DECEMBER 2012
by •
Culture Queer, Nightmare Band (self-released) This Cincinnati 4-piece comprises a couple of filmmakers, a chick drummer and a lot of chain-yanking, not to Weird Al levels but on the border, like if The Darkness were trying to be the Beatles, or if OK Go were trying to edge out Scissor Sisters for a residency at…
Hunter, “Dancin’ Manâ€
by •
About the Artist: Hunter is a stepping stone into the future of pop music. With his distinct R&B/New Wave sound, Hunter is sure to please the ears of all who listen. His debut solo album Pressure is out , so log in daily for updates and to hear new material…
The Mighty One, Shift
by •
Some may fear 21 December 2012 as an apocalyptic day. Some may view it with indifference. Vancouver-based Tim Steinruck a.k.a. “The Mighty One” views it as an “opportunity to remember who we truly are and why we are here. Because we are all Mighty and we are all One!” He believes that there is a…
Toxic Lab Rats, Pandemic Alert
by •
Toxic Lab Rats is a Swedish punk band formed in 2008. They remind me a little of Green Day but with rougher more punk vocals. That lands them closer to true punk than the emo of groups like Green Day. The song “Mama Tried” is an old Merle Haggard song. They did a fantastic job…
Shauna Burns, A Winter Gathering
by •
Intro: About the Artist: Burns hails from Las Vega Nevada. This is her latest release entitled A Winter Gathering. Burns describes her latest musical venture, the Celtic flavored A Winter Gathering, as a new journey for her–a collection of newfangled holiday carols and original songs performed by her with her husband, drummer James Clark…
Norman Lamont, Anywhere But Here
by •
Norman Lamont comes to the airwaves from Edinburgh, Scotland. He has been playing the songwriter scene since 1990 earning his fan base one song at a time. His latest release, “Anywhere But Here”, does not disappoint with an eclectic mix of thought provoking tunes that spin in your head like a vivid dream. This CD…
Drew Schultz, Back to Class
by •
Drew Schultz comes by his funk and soul credentials through years of experience. He got his start with the Four Tops. That experience allowed him to work with a lot of greats in the industry. When it came time to do this disc, he got quite a few of them to guest here. Some of…
Joe Melillo, 1 Step Toward 1000 Miles
by •
Joe Melillo brings a musically and lyrically eclectic medley with his album 1 Step Toward 1000 Miles. From the raucous and guttural blues of “Toughest Around” to the disco endeavor “Music is my Life,” even the most seasoned listener would be unable to predict what comes next. One track, “Percy,” involves the stealing of prescription…
Review of Shadowplay “Visions” LP
by •
Every band strives for that timeless hit. That track, or tracks, that will last longer than a fad, but for an endless period of time. Some come close, or have one track that fits the mold. With “Visions”, the New Jersey rockers Shadowplay have managed to put together a collection of timeless hits. With elements…
DNAC, Shine on Crazy
by •
A zippy title for a lively album, DNAC’s Shine on Crazy is eminently suitable for the dance floor. Even during those moments when the album is subdued, there lurks the potential for a sonic explosion at the drop of a beat. With a diverse past encompassing punk rock, piano, percussion, and bass guitar, DNAC has…
John Dartnell, The Road Goes On
by •
It was surprising to discover that this album of eminently American-sounding music comes from a U.K. native. Not only does Britain’s John Dartnell pull off the sound of Uncle Sam’s country & blues, he also damn well looks the part. See this for yourself at his cyber “circus”: www.JohnDartnell.com As for the album, it is…
G2, Control
by •
Born out of a troubling time in his life, rapper G2 does right by his EP namesake with seven-tracks of electro-laced Hip Hop with nuanced R&B melody and lyrical matter that hinges on the positive and upbeat. Control stands apart from much of contemporary Hip Hop in that it eschews much of the trappings of…
Air, ‘Le Voyage dans la lune’
by •
Let’s just start by saying that creating an album inspired by French director George Méliès’s silent 1902 film A Trip to the Moon is not every band’s cup of tea. However, the dynamic french duo Air have an upper hand since they were already hired for composing a soundtrack for the restored version of the…
Kraig Kilby, Satori
by •
Satori is a Zen Buddhist concept, involving a sudden rush of spiritual awakening; it is also the most recent album of one Kraig Kilby. Having discovered the trombone as a child in Denver, Kilby relocated to Germany with his army officer father. There, he played trombone in a symphony, and also began to hone…
YOUR FUTURE LOVERS, Eat, Play, Leave (2012)
by •
About the Artist: San Jose based band Your Future Lovers just released their latest CD entitled “Eat, Play, Leave” in 2012. Band members include Tom Jackson (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Greg McFall (Bass, Vocals), Alan Chang (Keys), and Brad Ranola (Drums) This CD was produced by Alan Chang. I have to say I was extremely impressed…
Vayizaku, We’ll Always Remember (CD)
by •
New Jersey 3 piece band Vayizaku just released their CD “We’ll Always Remember” (2012). Band members include: Albert Kahn (vocals, Guitar, Piano) and Coray Selfert (Bass). This latest 13 song release is far from a self-indulgent ego trip, rather a moving and elegiac artistic statement from start to finish. This is not your overly predictable…
Rosemary’s Garden, Royal Flush
by •
Removed from the acoustic leanings of their debut album, Rosemary’s Garden has returned with their follow-up, Royal Flush–10-tracks of L.A. Pop-laced Alt a la the Charles Bukowski novel, Women. Thematically, the album is rife with lyrical matter that all fall in the range of “love, sex and relationships.” The musicality has also taken a shift…
Antonio Resende, Everything I Know
by •
With his EP Everything I Know Brazilian songwriter-guitarist Antonio Resende has condensed “everything he knows” into a quarter-hour of song. These fifteen minutes — consisting of six tracks, four of them instrumental — offer a blend of Brazilian warmth and vivacity. The opening track, “I Hope You Don’t Say Goodbye,” brings a rather soothing display…
THE CONTRASTING EMOTIONS OF BLACK VENDETTA
by •
Black Vendetta is the one-man ship led by 22-year-old songwriter/guitarist Nathan Virica. Having spent three years of his young life in various bands, he left the small northern UK city of Harrogate and migrated to London. Now master of his own domain, Virica has succeeded in attracting a troupe of talented female vocalists to serenade…
HUNGARIAN RHAPSODY, QUEEN LIVE IN BUDAPEST
by •
Queen is acknowledged as one of the greatest all-time live rock acts. Even the reincarnation tour with Paul Rodgers was a great event. The title is of course a clever play on the compositions of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt. At the time of this 1986 concert performed in Budapest, Hungary, a record…
Nick Peay, Feathers & Fables
by •
Following up on last year’s EP, Nick Peay has released his new four-track album, Feathers & Fables. The album is a snapshot in time, which features Peay at his songwriting best with Blues-spiked, Alt Country musicality and lyrical matter that waxes and wanes between melancholy and upbeat optimism. Throw in Folk and Americana leanings and…
RANDOM STABBINGS & ARTLESS CRITIQUE, NOVEMBER 2012
by •
Highlands, Singularity (self-released) A more psychedelica-focused Gliss or Black Rebel Motorcycle Club would sound like this, mid-speed deep-reverb beach-vampire-rock infused with guitars native both to Warlocks and Kyuss. Makes sense — they’re Long Beach metal-hippies doing the best they can; if you’re keeping score toward an actual buying decision, what you want to keep…
Engloria, Shine
by •
If you take the vocal delivery of Oasis and the jangle guitar of The Connells, you have two of the driving facets behind New York’s Engloria. Following up on last years EP, their debut full-length, Shine is an 11-track collection of guitar driven tunes with nuances of standard Rock, Brit-style Pop and occasional Alt-Country leanings.…
Early Girl, Forever We Change
by •
Collaborative efforts between Gina Longo and Rosemary’s Garden frontman, Michael-Louis de Terre initially began as a backing effort for Longo as solo artist. However, as the music evolved and songs began to take form, they made the effort a duo collective under the working title, Early Girl. The partnership recently yielded fruit from many labors…
Edo Castro, Sacred Graffiti
by •
From San Francisco area comes a fresh Jazz Bassist known as Edo Castro who just released his latest release “Sacred Graffiti” in 2012. (2012) Under Passion Star Records. I always listen to the opening track extremely carefully. It’s the opening track the artist has personally selected to hit your ears first and foremost. The opening…
Al Brake, Self Titled
by •
Among Canada’s greatest exports are hockey goons and country music. With vocals as crisp as his name, and bluesy twang blistering from his guitar, Al Brake lives up to the proud Maple Leaf country tradition. The youngest of 11 children, Al picked up the guitar at age 8 and…
