Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

Jack Wood Presents ‘The Gal That Got Away’ Out March 29, 2024

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 LIVE! Out March 29, 2024

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…

Sluka New Single ‘Saving It All’

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 Release ‘HIP TO THE SKIP’

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…

Stix Bones Present ‘Olimpik Soul’ ft. Bob Beamon

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…

‘Shir Hashirim’ by Rebecca Shorstein & Alden Gatt

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 Presents ‘Without You’

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…

‘Live at the Mira Room’ by Sam Ross

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…

Rob Susman Presents ‘Top Secret Lab’

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…

Upstart Country Songstress Hannah Ellis Raises The Bar With New Album “That Girl” 

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 Presents New Single ‘Our Troubled Hearts’

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…

Nancy Carey Johnson Presents “Note From God” and “Birthday Cake For Breakfast” from ‘Choas & Grace’ Album

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…

New Album ‘QUENARA’ by Robert Prester & Adriana Samargia™

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 Present New Album ‘Bowmanville’

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…

David Belle Presents New Single ‘Free’

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…

Navigating Reporting and Compliance: Bitcoin and Taxation

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…

Mapping the Evolution of BTC-Inspired Cryptocurrencies:Bitcoin’s Descendants

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,…

The Quest for a Decentralized Satellite Network:Bitcoin in Space

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-Depth Analysis: Digital Yuan’s Position in the Crypto Market

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.…

Flippin’ Gothic Fabp Presents New Album ‘Catalogue Pulse’

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…

Otis Infrastructure New Album ‘In A Room’ Out 01/18/24

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 with ‘Chasing Light’

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 New Single ‘Illusion’

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 Present New Single ‘Angel’

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 with ‘Stellar Ignition’

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 Present New Album ‘Your Burden Is Safe With Me’

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…

‘The Healers (Featuring Peter Hutchison)’

‘The Healers’ may be a debut release, but Peter Hutchison has been involved with music making for over 3 decades. This new project merges a variety of elements from rock and country to Celtic, folk and bluegrass. This combination of styles makes for an amazing listening experience as your ears will thank you. ‘The Healers’…

Otis Infrastructure New Single ‘In A Room’

“In A Room” from Otis Infrastructure is a complex rock song, with nods to both post-punk and progressive rock. The act is a self-described “experimental rock group” that calls the New York City area home. It’s also a trio, which means every member is required to be – and is – a strong musician. The…

‘Alone on Christmas Day’ by The High Plains Drifters

Gilt with a pristine studio varnish, the acoustic guitar that slides into focus on the back of a swinging beat in “Alone on Christmas Day,” the new single from pop syndicate The High Plains Drifters, is as soft as silk but riddled with a tense finish in the master mix that makes anyone listening to…

eM is ‘Out of the Darkness’

eM is an accomplished vocalist and producer based in Melbourne, Australia and her new EP is titled ‘Out of the Darkness’. I have worked with eM many times in the past and she always seems to pack a powerful punch into each project. This new release is no different as eM pours everything she has…

Ryan Van Dordrecht New Album ‘Undone’ Release Date January 5th, 2024

Ryan Van Dordrecht explains his new album’s title as “the kind of thing that happens in your personal and creative lives when you stop trying to control everything.” He further elaborates, “I had to come to a new level of maturity to make this record.” Indeed, attempting to control everything and everyone is not only…

Rhett May Delivers ‘Rock and Roll Emotions Part One’

Rhett May hails from Melbourne, Australia but has deep roots to Culcutta, India where he was raised. One will hear the multi-cultural influences on the new EP titled ‘Rock and Roll Emotions Part One’ as Rhett May is the new International Man of Musical Mystery. His mystique lies within the music itself where there are…

Singer/Songwriter Brooke Josephson Releases Heartfelt EP

Singer/songwriter pop doesn’t often sport an extroverted commentary, let alone a narrative that builds optimism over introspection on the surface, but that isn’t stopping Brooke Josephson from incorporating this exact theme into the new heartfelt record Live & Let Live. Josephson expands upon the surreal elements in modern pop-folk exponentially in the six songs included here; Live…

Why Hiring a Freelance Copy Editor is a Game-Changer for Your Writing

In the ever-evolving landscape of content creation, the written word holds unparalleled significance. Whether you’re a blogger, a business owner, or a budding author, the quality of your writing speaks volumes about your professionalism and credibility. While crafting compelling content is essential, ensuring it’s error-free and polished is equally crucial. This is where a freelance…

Riding the Crypto Wave: Understanding the Bitcoin Paradigm

Bitcoin, a groundbreaking digital currency, has emerged as a transformative force in the financial realm. Originating in 2009, Bitcoin operates on a decentralized platform using blockchain technology. This article delves into the core concepts of Bitcoin, its historical evolution, and its significance in the contemporary financial landscape. Apart from this, learn about the power of…

Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Your Roadmap to Cryptocurrency Prosperity

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a groundbreaking force in the financial landscape, with Bitcoin leading the charge. In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of Bitcoin and provide you with a comprehensive roadmap for success in the cryptocurrency realm. Beside learning about BTC potential, also learn about the seamless cross-chain transactions.  Definition and Overview of…

The Wheel New Album ‘The Wheel’ via Lakeshore Records

Avram Brown titled his album and project name The Wheel, and it fits because this ten-song set covers a cycle of emotions. Many times, these are sad emotions. Then again, some of these lyrics speak to his 14-year marriage falling apart recently, so much sadness would be expected surrounding that marital casualty. However, let’s start…

Adrian Sutherland Releases Two New Singles

Adrian Sutherland, the formidable roots-rock virtuoso hailing from the remote landscapes of Canada’s Far North, is gearing up to unleash his musical opus, “Precious Diamonds,” and the preview comes in the form of two singles – the anthemic “Precious” and the uplifting “Diamonds.” As Sutherland stands on the cusp of a promising career trajectory, the…