Jay Stott is a man of many talents who has seen and done a lot in his lifetime. Everything from a ski instructor, fishing guide, bus driver, brick layer, carpenter, hot tub technician, retail worker, raft guide, janitor, heavy equipment operator, house painter to a vacuum cleaner salesperson, airport shuttle driver, bouncer in a strip…
Art Schop is an intuitive artist who seems to be in tune with the universal space of time & sound that surrounds him. Art Schop is set to release his new single “In The Street” off of the upcoming album titled “Starguide”. When you hit Play, the listener will immediately think that they’ve been sucked…
I am proud to say that I have had the pleasure to cover Radio Drive many times over the years and I am always impressed with the steady flow of melodious tunes. I am very happy to get a chance to check out this brand new project titled ‘2020 Vision’ that offers crystal clear clarity.…
This is the fifth release for the talented keyboardist, pianist, drummer and composer, Rick Cutler. ‘Women & Children’ offers the listener much depth with elements of jazz, classical and folk along with ensembles of varying sizes from solo to quintet. Rick Cutler also produced this album and I must say that it is fine work…
When you first see the words The Catalina, one might think of an exotic island or tasty salad dressing OR perhaps the freakin’ “Catalina Wine Mixer”! Well, The Catalina is neither an island oasis, condiment or “Wine Mixer” although the vibe has a welcoming taste that is fine as wine. The Catalina is actually a…
With a name like Bobbo Byrnes, I am already anticipating something super fun & highly original and I have to say that this singer/songwriter did not let me down! The latest single titled “Queen of the Party” is off of Bobbo’s new album called ‘SeaGreenNumber5’. This song is dedicated to all of the female musicians…
Get ready to catch a cool “Breeze” from One Less Guest on their new single. This song is off of the band’s debut album titled ‘Monochrome’ and what a fresh release it is! “Breeze” will make you feel better and is sure to brighten up your day a bit. One Less Guest is a quartet…
I was taken aback by the high quality and well-executed detail put into this new release by Kristian Montgomery & The Winterkill Band. Come to find out that this album was inspired by Kristian’s time spent in prison, so the material is extremely personal. It goes to show that light can form out of darkness…
David K. Mathews is certainly no stranger to the music world as the current keyboard player for the incomparable Santana plus he formerly toured with the band Tower of Power and spent 20 years touring with the great Etta James. Along the way, David has performed with many accomplished artists/musicians and this new project is…
I had the pleasure of reviewing a previous release for Phantom Phunk and knew right away that these guys were true originals, (https://skopemag.com/2020/02/06/phantom-phunk-new-single-day-by-day). Phantom Phunk’s overall sound is truly unique to the core and their latest release, “One Week Ago” stays right in line with this notion. Phantom Phunk includes four members: Hector on guitar…
Hailing from Boston, Jeff Michaels Band is providing fresh, substance-heavy material on the new release titled “Annie”. With elements of polished rock and pop, Jeff Michaels Band gives the audience something new to chew on. Not your basic, mainstream pop/rock song, “Annie” is so much more offering the listener high-quality tunes. Jeff Michaels is a…
Charu Suri is a one-of-a-kind composer & pianist who is taking the art of music to a whole new level on ‘The Book of Ragas’ (scored for jazz trio with Sufi singer). With a completely original style on her latest release, Charu is not afraid to take it to the limit musically. Charu Suri gives…
Cosmos Sunshine is back and better than ever with his latest release titled ‘The Way Is Clear’. I’ve had the chance to review one of Sunshine’s albums in the past and so couldn’t be happier to hear more stirring material from this talented singer/songwriter. I can honestly say that the material is just as impressive…
Marius Holth is a Norwegian singer/songwriter & composer whose musical tastes run the gamut. ‘Wild Poem’ is his latest release and the 12-song set is wildly inventive. It comes as no surprise to me to find out that Marius has an extensive background in stage production and musicals because there are heavy theater-like elements throughout…
When you say timing is everything, Scott Waters couldn’t have timed this project any better with his new release titled ‘Peace Signs & Dragonflies’. With 12 well-composed songs on this album, a sense of peace & joy is the overlying theme. Who couldn’t use a little good, old-fashioned peace & happiness to brighten their days;…
This Providence, Rhode Island-based duo is most certainly onto something with their latest release titled ‘Heading To The Outer Realm’. Ontologics is made up of: singer/songwriter, Ian Campopiano and Matthew Walshe on drums. These multi-instrumentalists create an experimental type of sound that will blow your senses! The label of genre doesn’t exist here as one…
‘Strapped & Loaded’ is the perfect title for this new release by Men Without Armies, because it is pedal to the metal from beginning to end! There are no breaks and no slowing down for Men Without Armies as they invite you to be part of a high-octane, musical experience. ‘Strapped & Loaded will get…
‘Hard Jazz’ is the perfect title for this new album by Kenny Carr because the jazzy notes are in place but built around an edgier, Rock foundation. Kenny Carr is an accomplished musician/guitarist who had the pleasure of touring with the great Ray Charles for over 10 years. Since then, Carr has kept very busy…
I am so very happy to come across this singer/songwriter/musician named Tim Young and his music because it is just the jolt I needed! As a native of Chicago, this Pop-Gospel artist has seriously ignited me and helped me realize once again what is and ALWAYS should be first and foremost in my life: GOD.…
Pete Bernhard is a stand-out singer/songwriter who finally gets to tackle the wonderful world of folk music on his third solo release titled ‘Harmony Ascension Division’. On recording this new album, Pete Bernhard stated that this “folk album gave me a chance to worship some of my heroes”. One folk hero that comes to mind…
I had the chance to recently interview Mr. Benjamin Thomas and discovered right away that he was one passionate artist and one optimistic person – P – https://skopemag.com/2020/04/11/jimmy-rae-meets-jazzy-soul-sensation-benjamin-thomas As a glass-half-full-kind-of guy, the positive energy simply radiates off of Benjamin Thomas and his upbeat melodies. Benjamin Thomas lives by the three L’s when it comes…
I’ve had the pleasure to review Fabp’s music many times now and one thing is for certain; consistency. Fabpz the Freelancer consistently turns out raw, unfiltered tracks where I picture a mad, hip-hop scientist in his lab brewing up killer combinations of beats & hooks. His latest release is titled ‘The Devil’s Dream Dossier’ and…
As a fan of real hip-hop growing up, I think back to the Golden Age of hip-hop when old-school rap reigned supreme. Jumping ahead to 2020 and I have to say that I am heavily disappointed with the mainstream rap scene overall. Too many generic, copy-cat artists being pumped out and promoted to the public…
Get ready to have your ears blown away by the sheer strength of Sophie Dorsten’s voice box! This teenage singer/songwriter from the Phoenix, Arizona area may be young, but her singing and songwriting abilities exhibit extreme maturity. I was lucky enough to review Sophie’s previous singles, “Roses” & “Growing”, and now I am blessed to…
Right off the bat I am hit with a powerful portrait of a Native American on the cover of this album, which gives off a very strong presence. Ken Dunn certainly matches the intensity of the mighty yet peaceful warrior depicted on the cover with easy-breezy, thought-provoking tunes. ‘Ashes In The Morning’ is Ken Dunn’s…
Operatic Electric is made up of two multi-faceted artists: Composer/DI.J./Guitarist, Gene Pritsker & Juecheng Chen as countertenor. This is the duo’s debut, self-titled album and what a dandy! The record includes material written by Gene Pritsker for Juecheng Chen and electronics as the two musicians explore classic works by: John Dowland, Henry Purcell, Sergei Rachmaninoff,…
Nelson Sobral is most certainly musically-inclined and musically involved coming up with ear-catching material as a solo artist. Nelson is also a co-writer and guitarist for rock and roll band The Celebration Army, plays lead guitar for soul/R&B singer/songwriter Jeremy Voltz and plays bass for singer/songwriter Mattie Leon. When playing live, Nelson’s band goes by…
I have a long history with Rhett May and have to be honest when I say if I was to give away an award for Most Improved Artist Over Time, this musical trendsetter would take the grand prize! It has been an amazing journey for Rhett May thus far and I am proud to say…
The Queen of magnetic EDM continues to satisfy the musical palette with her latest video release titled “Take Me Higher (Craig London/Boughton Remix)”. I’ve had the pleasure to work with eM numerous times and her natural talent & strong perseverance never ceases to amaze me! I’ve always adored the three words eM stands by: “Inspiration.…
I can’t believe it’s been nearly 10 years since I first came across this guitar virtuoso! Back in 2010, I reviewed Brennan’s album, ‘Bullet Ride’ (https://skopemag.com/2010/11/25/brennan-dylan-bullet-ride) and it was at that moment I knew my ears were witnessing guitar greatness. Jumping ahead to the present, I’m thrilled to see Brennan Dylan continuing to shred away…
When you think of the phenomenal story-tellers of yesteryear like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon or James Taylor, Gordon Thomas Ward would be in that same vein for Today. This multi-dimensional artist takes listeners on a lyrical journey on his new 2 Volume set called ‘Eiderdown’. Gordon Thomas Ward is setting the gold standard for singer/songwriters…
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the multi-talented artist, Daniel Park in the past and I feel like this particular record is perfect timing. Yes, this is a Christmas-themed album and we are in Spring, BUT with all of the confusion and worry out there today I say why not! I’ve always thought Daniel…
Earl Donald is bringing House-inspired, Indie dance to the forefront with this brand new song titled “Birds of Paradise”. This is the featured single off of Earl Donald’s new EP called ‘A Lighter World’ and is simply soaring. This Toronto-based artist is responsible for all of the music and lyrics while the mixing and mastering…
Loco in Spanish means crazy but there is absolutely nothing unsound about this new release from Latin recording artist PJ Sin Suela. Actually, it is insane that “Loco Loquito” is PJ’s first official release from his upcoming debut album. The sound quality and production put forth toward the making of this single is top-notch and…
Whoever said rock and roll is dead hasn’t met the preacher’s daughter with sass & brass, Danielle Bloom. Growing up, Danielle started singing in church but was craving more of that rock-sided nature. Music has been in her blood for years and now she is about to grace us with her powerful, edgy presence, so…
Julia King is a musical trendsetter of sorts as she gives the big middle finger to categorized genres. This label-free singer/songwriter from New York has just released her debut album titled ‘Radio Therapy’. I am actually shocked to discover that this is the first recorded album for Julia King because she comes across as a…
Get ready to grab a full glass of SixFoxWhiskey that is aged just right with their latest release titled ‘Naughty Air’. Nothing Naughty about what I’m hearing on this new album but rather a professionally clean record with plenty of fresh Air to go around. SixFoxWhiskey brings an exciting dose of vibrant music on ‘Naughty…
If you’re sick of the same old music on mainstream channels, then brace yourself and your ears for something that is off the beaten path. The name of the group is Tyrants in Therapy and the new release is ‘Spoken Weird’ that is sure to change your whole perspective on the art of music. If…
There is nothing ‘Pseudonymous’ about this group that calls themselves Whitewater Ramble because what I’m hearing is 100 % legit music that is super original. Whitewater Ramble resides in Colorado and was named one of Denver Westwood’s Top 10 Colorado Bluegrass Bands for 2018. If you’re thinking this is your typical bluegrass band then think…
Sabiine is knocking it out of the box with her latest release titled “On My Mind”. The 23 year old singer/songwriter from Atlanta has a single on her hands that is just screaming for Pop radio! I promise you that “On My Mind” will get stuck in your head for days to come! “On My…
