Sweet Sweet’s “In Tandem” celebratory spirit is an absolute joy as it explores the communal sensibility that informs the best kind of folk music. Full of hope the songs recall the similar pop-folk sensibilities of Grizzly Bear and the Fleet Foxes. Melodies are downright beautiful as they incorporate strong rhythms, many layers of sound courtesy…
Category: REVIEWS
CD and DVD reviews
Charles Wright – ‘Something To Make You Feel Good’
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Half century navigating the treacherous byways and boulevards of the music world hasn’t dampened Charles Wright’s enthusiasm for performance and songwriting. Each of the dozen songs on his latest studio effort, Something to Make You Feel Good, is a fully realized anagram of his musical influences, often times equal parts R&B, funk, blues, soul, and…
Natalie Jean – ‘Unafraid’
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Effortlessly blending together elements of jazz, R&B, pop, and dance, Natalie Jean’s “Unafraid” is a true tour de force. Poetic in nature Natalie Jean lets each song tell its own story, as they focus on relationships, on how people interact, move on, and look on wistfully at their decisions. The production values are impeccable as…
Sawtooth Brothers – ‘One More Flight’
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The four piece band Sawdust Brothers hold the rare, and not altogether meaningless, distinction of being the only dual brother act within recent memory working within any popular music tradition. Clint and Luke Birtzer form an impressive team with Jesse and Ethan Moravec on the band’s debut album, One More Flight. This eleven song collection…
Juvicsa – ‘Eyes to Land’
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With a large angelic sound, Juvicsa’s “Eyes to Land” is a radiant joy. Anchored by undeniably strong vocals the collection has a deep engrossing sound. Lyrically the songs possess a keen poetic sensibility. Juvicsa’s voice serves as the heart and soul of the collection, as her narratives revolving around relationships work wonders. Melodically rich, the…
Dubbs – EP
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With thoughtful lyricism and irresistible hooks, Dubbs creates music that blends together a vast variety of styles. Stylistically his music runs the gamut from the absolute club banger like “Invited 2 Tha Club” to the tender “Thru Blind Eyes”. A sense of positivity permeates all of his songs as he looks towards the future with…
Nick Dakota, ‘Vision’
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Nick Dakota embodies cool with a sound that rocks hard but is also downright country to the core as he puts his own, rad spin on things. Dakota came across as a seasoned and polished singer/player, so was shocked to hear that ‘Vision’ is his debut album. Thought maybe my eyes were playing tricks on…
Brent Daniels, Every Road Has A Turn
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First thing I heard right away from Brent Daniel’s voice was that distinct clarity and also a real down home, country tone. When I discovered that this is Brent’s first recorded album I was absolutely floored! Reason being is because Brent Daniel sounds like a pro who has been playing for years and this effort…
Giacomelli – ‘Loose Canons 2.0’
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Effortlessly blending together elements of classical minimalism and chiptune, Giacomelli’s “Loose Canons 2.0” radiates joy. With sunny melodies present throughout the album the textures shimmer and shine. Reminiscent of Terry Riley’s landmark composition “In C” the entire album comes together as a satisfying swirl of sound. Infinitely memorable these are songs that present a sense…
Daniel Friend – “Through the Clouds”
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Daniel Friend’s “Through the Clouds” has a delicate pastoral quality to it. Lead by a gentle tender guitar the piece feels so soothing. Exploring cadence and rhythm, the sound feels reminiscent of Iron & Wine’s fragile pieces. Without saying a word, a careful narrative is formed, a sweetness woven within the airy atmosphere. Attention to…
Matthew Neves – “Cheers to Nothing”
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Matthew Neves explores a psychedelic dreamy sound with the deeply moving “Cheers to Nothing”. With his strong vocals emphasizing introspection, of the disappointment that the day to day brings, Matthew Neves captures the numbness that can often change a person. Arrangements are spacious with a light, loose feel that feels timeless in nature. The rhythm…
The KC Sisters – “Touch The Sky”
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“Touch the Sky” shows off the impressive vocal and lyrical stylings of the KC Sisters. Singing a song of hope and encouragement they create a deeply moving inspiring piece of work. Effortlessly blending together elements of jazz and gospel into a satisfying whole, the KC Sisters prove to be adept at storytelling, revealing exactly how…
Un5gettable – “Sorry”
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The latest single from the singing quintet Un5gettable is another helping of their typical understated humor and light country influences. While the band’s concept is predicated on poking fun at the boy band craze of the late 1990’s and early 21st century, “Sorry” is a traditional country ballad at heart, though one with a bare…
Chris Murphy – ‘Red Mountain Blues’
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Craving the spotlight and blandishments of fame has never motivated Chris Murphy’s long career as a live performer, songwriter, and recording artist. Murphy, instead, has consciously chosen to work his magic along the fringes of popular music, frequently paying respect to decidedly retro forms long fallen from commercial favor. The rewards are ample. There’s a…
Eddy Bayes “Motionless”
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Delivered with passion and precision, Eddy Bayes creates a perfectly paired down kind of folk with “Motionless”. By focusing on the absolute essentials Eddy Bayes revels in uncluttered arrangements. Everything appears to be so crystal clear throughout from the nimble expressive guitar work to the strong strings that weave their way in and out of…
Dan Costa – ‘Suite Três Rios’
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Elegant to its very core, Dan Costa’s “Suite Três Rios” is the perfect embodiment of the casual cool of Brazilian jazz. Dan Costa gives lots of room for each instrument to get its own space within the album, as the album virtually teems with life. Stylistically, Dan Costa goes from the energetic samba to the…
Dom Mar Kz – “Destiny”
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Dom Mar Kz’s “Destiny” is a heartfelt ode to forging one’s own path in life delivered with fiery passion. Effortlessly blending together elements of country, rock, and pop, the song comes together so perfectly. Attention to detail is incredibly important as the arrangement is colorful with elements brought together like a vast tapestry of sound.…
Davy Sage – ‘Waiting For You’
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Davy Sage’s “Waiting For You” is the sound of celebration. With lyrics poetic in nature the songs explore the concept of love and desire. Throughout it all what ties the collection together is a perfectly crafted pop sensibility. Stylistically these pieces vary from the overwhelming power of dance to delicate R&B ballads. By working with…
Sarantos – ‘Perfection From Every Angle’
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Sarantos shows off his deep knowledge of deep house with the joyful dance grooves of “Perfection From Every Angle”. With lyrics that emphasize exactly what people wait for, that moment of absolute freedom, Sarantos creates a lovely world with his song. The celebration of the world becomes apparent as Sarantos sings strongly over the insistent…
Blaza Duval – ‘For The Glory’
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Blaza Duval’s “For The Glory” explores the innermost desire to succeed. With lyrics that emphasize accomplishment for oneself, the song is a powerful ode to self-motivation. Throughout the song Blaza Duval’s flow is flawless as he states exactly what is needed in order to achieve his goals. By being in control of his destiny Blaza…
Rawzilk – “Joys and Horrors of Broken Souls”
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A glorious industrial grey churn defines the compelling and emotionally rich “Joys and Horrors of Broken Souls” showing off Rawzilk’s ability to explore darker impulses. Tying these songs together are carefully delivered lyrics with vocals that appear to rise above the din. Strong beats, unforgettable melodies, and a great sense of song craft brings the…
Bongo Boy Records – ‘The Summer Compilation BONGO BOY BEACH’
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Mark Baxter’s “Great Escape” opens the collection up on an airy, tropical note. Nicely mixing elements of indie rock with a hint of jazz, the song sprawls out luxuriously. Lyrically the song has a dreamy, longing quality to it. “Follow Your Bliss” shows off A Year From Monday’s blissful grooves. With clean guitar riffs and…
The Lowest Pair – ‘Uncertain as It Is Uneven’
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The second of two new full length albums from Kendl Winter and Palmer T. Lee, known together as The Lowest Pair, isn’t an extravagant affair. The eleven track release Uncertain as It Is Uneven is firmly rooted in the folk and bluegrass music that has carried the duo from completely obscurity to being held up…
Moon and Pollution – ‘The Box Borealis’
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Style clashes and fusions often produce some of music’s most thrilling breakthroughs. Moon and Pollution is an impressive new duo hailing from the St. Paul, Minnesota area quickly making a reputation for themselves as creative, challenging purveyors of vocal, melodic, and rhythmic art. Make no mistake that Moon and Pollution are capable entertainers. The blend…
Mr. Envi’ – ‘Evryday Hustle’
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Mr. Envi’ shows off his impeccable flow with the flawless “Evryday Hustle”. Lyrics focus on the daily grind, on the things that come up on a day to day basis. By creating a vast carefully woven narrative throughout the collection Mr. Envi’ shows how people live, what they long for, and what they can achieve.…
Junk Parlor – ‘Mick Jagger’s Heart’
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This single by Junk Parlor is definitely a keeper. For all of who are into Alternative-Americana and Indie-Rock music, or even just know the song “Dear Doctor” by the Rolling Stones, you would very much appreciate this song. It’s somewhat dark with a meaning that’s just unclear to me as this genre is definitely not…
Jonnie & Joy – ‘Running Home (EP)’
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Jonnie & Joy consists of Jonnie Rockwell (keyboards and backing vocals) and Joy Tolbert (lead vocals), two old-timers that were once part of 80s Bangles-esque all-girl band Starchild. After spending nearly two decades apart, Rockwell (who attended med school and became a family medicine doctor before returning to music) and Tolbert (who recorded and toured…
Something Like Sound – ‘Mortails’
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Something Like Sound weaves together elements of rap, grunge, and folk into a flawless whole on “Mortails”. Impossible to pigeonhole Something Like Sound seemingly does it all and does it well. Over the course of “Mortails” Something Like Sound show off their impressive chops from the commanding rhythms to the soulful vocals. Tying all of…
Jordan Bennett – ‘Outcasts and Untouchables’
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Full of heart and soul, Jordan Bennett’s “Outcasts and Untouchables” is a perfect kind of pop. With emotive vocals the songs simply soar. Lyrics are highly articulate akin to conversations with cared-for friends. Arrangements serve as the ideal accompaniment hitting the right kind of vulnerability. Stripped down to the absolute essentials everything works from the…
Gesso Mysticeyes – “Love Vibrations”
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Gesso Mysticeyes creates an effortlessly stylish groove with “Love Vibrations”. Funky to its very core everything about “Love Vibrations” works wonders. The guitar work is magnificent going from mere support of the infectious rhythm to its absolutely exquisite soaring into the sky. Strong vocals serve as the center of the song as all else revolves…
Bruce Lev – ‘The Declaration of Independents’
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Tapping into rock n’ roll’s heart and soul, Bruce Lev’s “The Declaration of Independents” is pure fun. With a wide variety of styles the pieces are woven together impeccably. Vocals are sung straight from the heart, the arrangements flawless, and with the right amount of passion. From the rollicking swagger of “LIVE On Alabama Drive”…
Bucky Hayes and The Commonwealth – ‘100 Miles to Macon’
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Bucky Hayes and the The Commonwealth create a true classic with “100 Miles to Macon”. Sung with absolute honesty, “100 Miles to Macon” is a gentle kind of joy. With soulful delivery, Bucky Hayes creates a sense of wonder with his poetic lyricism. Accompanying him is just the perfect mixture of Americana, country, rock, all…
Charles Wright – “She Don’t Believe In Love”
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Charles Wright is a Mississippi boy, seasoned musician, with a musical career that spans over 50 years. I like this guy, he’s groovy, funky and cool; funking it up all over the place. Fun FUN and just when you think you’ve had enough fun he goes and makes you have even more fun. Wright…
Michael Todd – “Crashland”
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Sung straight from the heart Michael Todd’s “Crashland” presents the best of Americana. “Crashland” serves as a series of short stories, exploring what it means to alive in the world. Thus what results is a sense of humor, tragedy and introspection coming together into a satisfying whole. By weaving together such a wide variety of…
Dwen – “One More Drank/Ridin High”
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Dwen’s sound is positively dominating. With a sense of celebration throughout the two pieces Dwen creates an undeniable sense of joy. Rhythms positively bounce. Volume is an absolute must as the songs work best at an almost physical amount of sound. By far the highlight of the pieces is Dwen’s impeccable flow which is the…
Tinsley Ellis – ‘Red Clay Soul’
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Tinsley is another of the well traveled bluesmen. He’s shared the stage with numerous blues legends. This is his 19th release to accompany yet another tour. All I Think About is a moderate shuffle paced song, about himself. Givin’ you Up is a nice cut that has a certain Motown feel. Don’t Cut It is…
The Jelly Jam – ‘Profit’
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The Jelly Jam is made up of Ty Tabor (King’s X) on vocals, keys, and guitar, John Myung (Dream Theatre) on bass, and Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Dixie Dregs) on drums. Ty either wrote or collaborated on the songs. Care is a medium paced metal influenced song. Stain On The Sun is a ballad paced song…
Jeff Healey – ‘Heal My Soul’
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Jeff was definitely a solid force in the blues/rock field for quite a while before his untimely passing in 2008. This offering is comprised of previously unreleased material written by Jeff during the period of 1996-98. He is well remembered for his unique ability to easily crank out riffs with his “Axe-on-the-lap” playing style. Recently…
Eleanor Tallie – ‘No Turning Back’
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Eleanor Tallie’s Israeli upbringing and classical musical training isn’t the usual pedigree for a soul singer, but Tallie isn’t your usual pop performer. Her debut EP No Turning Back introduces the world to much more than just a great singer – her songwriting skills and talents as a multi-instrumentalist set her far apart from many…
Jay Brown – ‘Can’t Help But Wonder Disc 1’
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Sung straight from the heart, Jay Brown’s “Can’t Help But Wonder Disc 1” harkens back to the proud tradition of the solitary singer-songwriter. With a sound that teems with life, Jay Brown’s work feels completely honest. Lyrics guide these rustic piece all the way through, with the just right mixture of storytelling and poetry. Arrangements…
