Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

Stephen Monroe – “The Devil”

In an age where so many bands are reiterations on the same theme, Stephen Monroe’s “The Devil” feels refreshing honest. Full of true grit and soul, the song has a raw intimate quality to it. Vocals are straight from the heart. Kept to the absolute basics the fidelity is pristine. With the guitar as his…

Temporary Hero – “CHET”

Temporary Hero’s “CHET” is a stunningly brilliant take on Chet Baker’s work. With tasteful electronic arrangements akin to Andy Stott’s delicate work, CHET is something truly special. Sounds are perfectly polished with every sound glistening. Melodies radiate warmly. Tempos owe quite a bit to the dub-techno work of Rhythm and Sound. Remarkably creative the vocals…

Tomás Doncker – “This Mess We Made”

Fiery and funky, Tomás Doncker’s “This Mess We Made” hits hard. These are songs directly from the heart. With close attention to thoughtful lyricism the songs possess deep meaningful messages. Indeed, vocals are the focal point of the album. Everything else revolves around Tomás Doncker’s vocals. Rhythms are infectious, riffs are playful, and there is…

Paul Meadow – ‘Cheap & Easy’

At the first instance, I thought that Paul Meadow was a single person, but later on I realized that I was entirely wrong. Apparently, it is the autograph of the Brooklyn duo that features Chris Lee and Stirling Krusing. Starting off in their native borough, I have to attest to the fact the group is…

Keez – “Water Creatures”

Keez’s “Water Creatures” is a lush polychromatic album. Neon-hued with night vibes the songs possess infectious grooves and careful attention to detail. Playful in tone the songs have a party atmosphere that ties everything together. Airy in tone the songs range in style from the light on their feet dance work of “The Game” to…

C’nky Siwela – ‘My Name in the Echo’

C’nky Siwela has a video for his single, My Name in the Echo. Siwela has gained a new fan out of me. Reigning from South Africa this young flautist infuses a pop dance tune with a powerful emotional concept. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1g6w2xj3BE I watched the video countless times and it brought a mixture of tears…

My Politic – ‘Anchor’

So across my desk slides the new 9 track CD from Nashville based 3 piece band “My Politic.” “My Politic” are: Kaston Guffey (vocals/guitar), Nick Pankey (bkg.vocals/guitar), Wilson Conroy (bkg.vocals/banjo/dobro mandolin, banjo). During my initial research of these 3, there were a few lines from their bio that I really liked: It all began back…

The Humble Grapes – “Brooklyn Bridge”

I am completely impressed with this new-single from The Humble Grapes – let me just say that straight-up and right off the bat. There’s plenty of reasons why…and we’ll get into them all – “Brooklyn Bridge” is a potential crossover-hit that could appeal to a massive range of people from male to female, young &…

Bitter’s Kiss – “Love Won’t Make You Cry”

Sometimes you just know when you’re running into a future-voice of music. You get that chill on your spine…that tingle that comes from listening to something truly magical and truly special. In the case of Bitter’s Kiss – that magic is supplied by the young Chloe Baker, who is already well on her way to…

Gordy Hunt – ‘Seniority’

Gordy Hunt composes richly-layered tunes about life, heartbreak, love, sacrifice, memories, joy, triumph, toil and other realities of humankind. His artful lyrics and sensational performances reveal life’s extraordinary moments and via his own vivid, personal adventures. It’s obvious to me Hunt is an experienced singer/songwriter/performer/musician that reminds me of a wide range of influences, including…

Lynne Taylor Donovan – “Dear Santa”

I for one, love this time of the year as it is a time for reflection and giving back and genuinely appreciating the blessings you were given throughout the year. Lynne Taylor Donovan has the spirit and sings her heart out in her Christmas song, Dear Santa. Donovan is popular in the Canadian country music…

Joel Ansett – “The Nature Of Us”

Joel Ansett’s “The Nature Of Us” is life-affirming. Reassuring and warm in tone the arrangements are pitch-perfect. Languid in tempo the songs are introspective, nicely emphasizing the quiet joy the world can bring. Vocal delivery is remarkable and helps to bring the entirety of the album together. Guitars are crisp, the percussion precise, and the…

L’TRIC “THE BEACH”

Following the astounding success of their debut single ‘This Feeling’ earlier this year, the electrifying duo L’Tric are set to keep the feel-good vibes flowing with the announcement of their next sure-fire hit, ‘The Beach’. Dropping now via Neon Records, ‘The Beach’ will no doubt see Ivan Gough and Andy Jaimes sweep up once more…

Nave – “Espresso”

Ohhhhhhhh boy! You ever have that moment…whether it’s staring at the garbage-dude outside in winter, or the call-center ‘help-desk’ representative, or maybe even the mayor of your hometown dealing with municipal headaches…could be anyone with any occupation really…but have you ever had that moment where you’re like, ‘DAMN – am I ever glad I don’t…

Plum – “Light Years, Dark Years”

Demonstrating a natural-inclination towards music that has a real party-atmosphere, chilled-vibes and exciting rhythm & grooves – Plum is kicking some ass on Light Years, Dark Years, their brand-new EP. Full of crunchy & distorted guitar-riffs, fantastic drum-rolls & fills and melody that soars through the psychedelic-rock hooks that rock throughout the EP, it sounds…

Jupiter in Velvet – “The Beauty of U”

Jupiter in Velvet has a new single out called, The Beauty of U. This nomadic soul has an emotive retro sound that turns our clocks back to a time when there was a wide variety of styles on top 40 radio. “The Beauty of U” Audio https://www.reverbnation.com/jupiterinvelvet/song/24126505-the-beauty-of-u This is a hooky blast from the past,…

Chris Beyer – “Distances”

Masterfully merging elements of pop and shoegaze Chris Beyer’s “Distances” is an absolute delight. Best taken in as a whole “Distances” is sequenced as if waking up from a dream. From the subdued “Intro” to the blazingly hot “Medicine” Chris Beyer traverses through it all. Tying everything together is his reassuring vocals. Remarkably tasteful the…

THE BRIAN SETZER ORCHESTRA – ROCKIN’ RUDOLPH

Brian started this orchestra thing some 25 years ago, always picking great musicians and showing his talent on leading the action. The release of Rockin’ Rudolph (their first studio album in 10 years), coincides with their 12th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour. Brian was involved with all of the song arrangements. Even though the guitar is…

BledJon – “The Popular Loner”

BledJon explores the smoothest of sounds on the impeccably produced “The Popular Loner”. With a low key easy flow BledJon’s songs have a certain dreamy quality to them. Remarkably tasteful BledJon’s samples are extraordinary running the gamut from the casual jazz grooves of “Fievel” to the bleak electro soundscapes of “Mancala”. Everything simply works. Tying…

Glen Naylor & Chris Wilson – ‘Under A Paris August Moon’

Australian singer/song writers Glen Naylor and Chris Wilson deliver a lighthearted and jazzy track with ‘Under A Paris August Moon.’ The title of the song truly embodies what you feel while listening to the song, its smooth and gives that fancy feel that you think of when you think of Paris. ‘Under a Paris August…

Kenny Fame – ‘Goodbye’

Kenny Fame delivers chilling lyrics in his ballad Goodbye he talks about how there is no “good” in saying goodbye. This track can be seen as somewhat of a tribute to those that lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack against Paris. It is amazing what music can do, it can be there to…

Chickenpox Party – ‘Chickenpox Party’

On Chickenpox Party’s self-titled debut they made raw blues rock for the masses. With their album they build upon rock’s origins offering up dense complex pieces of music. By tying the pieces together with a sense of play such as the album’s childlike intro “Scabby the Clown” and the kazoos that mark the end of…

Lee Williams – “Fly Away”

Nobody plays the guitar like Lee Williams. Immediately sounding like a classic “Fly Away” shows off Lee Williams and his impressive undeniable chops. Thankfully he has a band that is more than able to match his level of mastery. From the physical felt as much as heard drums to the subtle yet precise bass, everything…

Sara Stevens – “Promise”

Sara Stevens is a classical crossover singer out of Marietta, GA. At the young age of 15 this magnificent songstress displays pure precision with her voice. She uses her instrument to display her original composition, PROMISE with angelic conviction. MP3 or Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wl3gLoEFF4 Stevens is a force with impeccable skills unlike anyone I have…

Shadows & Mirrors – ‘Dangerous’ EP

Some pretty inventive stuff coming out of the speakers this morning due to the dark-art & mischevious-music of Rockford, Illionois’ industrial/goth/electro/rock band Shadows & Mirrors. A set of rhythmic-grooves that pulse wildly like the beginning spurts of a jugular-stabbing; the music still has a ton of life to it thrashing out. It is very difficult…

Billy Crain – ‘Family Matters’

Jaunty and joyful, Billy Crain’s “Family Matters” celebrates the importance of togetherness. Throughout “Family Matters” Billy Crain shows off his impressive guitar skills and masterful lyrics. With a fully formed sound and powerful vocals the entire thing follows a clear concise narrative. A sense of purpose pervades the entirety of the album as the songs…

Camp Dark – ‘Nightmare in a Day’

Camp Dark is a new MPLS band featuring singer/songwriter Adam Svec & producer/drummer Graham O’Brien, featuring contributions from: Dan Choma, Matt Friesen, deVon Gray, John Keston, Matt Leavitt, Robert Mulrennan, Casey O’Brien, Chris Salter. Camp Dark’s first offering, Nightmare In A Day, (or Beware the Night) started as a song skeletons composed by Adam Svec…

Marchan Noelle – “Time Zone”

Marchan Noelle is approaching the music scene rapidly with a gypsy spirit and raspy tone. This indie artist is bringing the late 60s to early 70s vibe back to music. Which has quite frankly been missing for far too long. Her new track “Time Zone” is reminiscent of the Janis Joplin era with flowing instrumentals…

LESLIE WEST – ‘SOUNDCHECK’

The former NY “Mountain” man has put together a new release with help from his friends guitarists Peter Frampton and Brian May, keyboardists Bobby Whitlock and Max Middleton, bassists Jack Bruce, Rev Jones, and David Hood, drums Joe Franco, and vocal help from Bonnie Bramlett. A few originals, and some unique covers of some classics.…

JOE LOUIS WALKER – ‘EVERYBODY WANTS A PIECE’

The R&B singer/guitarist has a career going back to the 60’s playing with guys like Lightning Hopkins (who once threw him off the stage), B.B. King, and James Cotton, and has released 24 albums. He’s won four Blues Music Awards, including the 2010 Album Of The Year Award for Between A Rock And A Hard…

WALTER TROUT – ‘BATTLE SCARS’

Just coming off liver transplant surgery and the agony of waiting for it to finally happen, Walter didn’t waste any time getting back on the road and in the studio. This album, his 42nd, reflects his recent afflictions and a newly inspired blues journey. Walter just started a global tour with his current lineup of…

FLYING COLORS – SECOND FLIGHT: LIVE AT THE Z7

Flying Colors is made up of talented veterans Steve Morse on guitar, Mike Portnoy on drums, Dave LaRue on bass, Neal Morse on keys and vocals, and Casey McPherson on vocals. The release is set to be in multiple versions, including 2-CD’s and a DVD. The release is also done in various unique ways. The…

Nashaat Salman – ‘Universal Melodies’ EP

Hmmm…you know what I have got a hankering for? Some world-music…some tunes that come from another continent other than my own for a moment or two… …oh hey look – it’s Nashaat Salman – from Zurich! Right here, right now? I mean…that seems awfully convenient at the moment…but yeah – I’ll take it! Let’s have…

LESLIE WEST – ‘SOUNDCHECK’

The former NY “Mountain” man has put together a new release with help from his friends guitarists Peter Frampton and Brian May, keyboardists Bobby Whitlock and Max Middleton, bassists Jack Bruce, Rev Jones, and David Hood, drums Joe Franco, and vocal help from Bonnie Bramlett. A few originals, and some unique covers of some classics.…

May Devun – ‘Penumbra Lounge’

May Devun does it all and does it right on “Penumbra Lounge” from deeply felt R&B to powerful pop. Her undeniably strong voice serves as the heart of the album. Soulful in tone the songs revolve around her passionate delivery. Thematically the songs deal with the universal difficulties of love. At times full of joy,…

Xavier Toscano – “Apologies Wasted”

Apologies Wasted is a pulsating pop hit, with pumping bass and electric sound. With over 400 subscribers on his YouTube Vevo account Xavier Toscano is making moves with his Top 40 inspired tracks. In the Apologies Wasted music video his thumping beats are accompanied by nicely choreographed dance numbers. This song is family friendly and…

Rebecca Hosking – ‘A Few Broken Pieces’

Rebecca Hosking is making strides in the country music world. Based in Nashville, she has been paying her dues for some years now. Becoming more and more known throughout her years she is becoming a very popular indie country star in the music community of Nashville. She even has had 5 songs in the top…

Anne Marie Bush – ‘UnZipped’

Brash, beautiful, and bold, Anne Marie Bush’s “UnZipped” points to the future of pop music. With a commanding voice she rises above the intricate arrangements. Smoky and silky smooth the songs are full of love and optimism. Lyrically the songs explore the concept of relationships, of trying to find that perfect kind of balance. Everything…

The Radio Hour – ‘Radio Power’

Tim Hort is a male indie-rock artist based out of Chicago. This locale might just be the perfect location to explore the unpredictable realm of musical expression. His latest album “Radio Power” is a somewhat dark-witty-melancholy but truthful collection of melodic rock that reveals all the a-typical conventions of vintage alt-rock, creating a solid yet…