Category: REVIEWS

CD and DVD reviews

Gabriele Guma Presents ‘Day One’

A husband-and-wife duet about genuine love, Gabriele Guma has released his highly anticipated single “Day One” featuring his wife Tiffany Tesfa Guma. Gabriele Guma is a Philly-based artist who is also a dancer, musician, educator, and songwriter. He prides himself that guitar for him is more of a second language than an instrument, and he…

Rob Eberle New Single “Half of You”

We hear a lot about musical journeys running through the course of a song, both in terms of the development of the music itself and the narrative the lyrics lay out before us. Well, Half of You, Rob Eberle’s latest release, seems to effortlessly tick boxes relating to both those ideas. Lyrically, he takes us…

The Mascot Theory New Album ‘Every Sign of Life’

When singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist Erik Kjelland sings, “You don’t have to be out there on your own,” it highlights how the pandemic had a lasting impact on this Texas quintet. Every Sign of Life is an epic-length 15-track album that clocks in at just over an hour. It’s a rock album filled with passionate, and also…

Nana Bangz Presents New Single ‘Alive’

While sometimes incorporating the melodic riff to Seals & Crofts’ “Summer Breeze,” Nana Bangz has created a soulful rap with “Alive.” However, the sample worked into this track is most likely the 1974 cover version by the Isley Brothers. It’s certainly one lively track. Described as a cross between Missy Elliott and Lil’ Kim, Nana…

Tim James With Very Special Guests Presents ‘The Special Guests’

Tim James calls his group Special Guests because its lineup can change from project to project. However, no matter who might be around him, James consistently sings heartfelt songs, like the eleven found on the appropriately titled, The Special Guests. James many times sounds heartbroken while singing this set of songs. Perhaps no more so…

Xolex Drops New Single “Sure Know How to Pick ‘Em”

Call me a believer. I haven’t heard of Xolex until now, and I’m convinced she’ll be a part of country music’s future for many years. Her new single “Sure Know How to Pick ‘Em” is an instant earworm that stakes its territory with listeners less than a minute in and builds on that with effortless…

“Constellation High” by Vili V

If there’s a soulful twist to your verses and a humble tone in your voice at all times, who says you need more than a well-plucked six-string to make a hit rockabilly single? In his new release “Constellation High,” Canadian singer/songwriter Vili V goes out of his way to remind audiences that keeping it simple…

Easy Bees Self Titled Release ‘Easy Bees’

If you especially enjoy melodic rock, the Easy Bee’s self-titled album was made with you in mind. These Bees are a trio that met in 2004 at New England College and formed a band in Henniker, NH. This album is an easygoing 12-song release. Interestingly, one titled “I’ve Got Soul” doesn’t come off especially soulful.…

“Live, Fight & Die” by bd Gottfried

bd Gottfried has a lot on his mind in his single “Live, Fight & Die,” and although he’s an unknown among modern music circles, the narrative of his song translates as well as an epic ballad from a rock n’ roll legend would. He wastes no time attacking the verses with a candid, homespun lyrical…

Nero Simon and the Sunsetters New Album ‘Waveland’ Out March 15, 2024

A classic 70s cool adorns Nero Simon and the Sunsetters’ “Waveland.” With an evident fondness for the Beach Boys, the songs feature honeyed choruses and beautiful melodies. The songs work together to create this cohesive whole. Songs last as long as needed, as relaxing as a summer breeze. Plenty of colors enter the arrangements, and…

Them Dirty Roses New Single ‘Candle In The Dark’

Them Dirty Roses is an Alabama-raised band, featuring two brothers, James and Frank Ford. Although sometimes described as Southern rock, the single “Candle In The Dark” sounds more like hard rock from the South, rather than decidedly Southern rock. Nevertheless this ballad-y rocker is certainly built upon a memorable electric guitar riff. The song begins…

EXTRA TIME RELEASES NEW ALBUM ‘SONGS WITH LONG TITLES’

Brendan McNamara, the singer and songwriter for Extra Time, describes the album Songs with Long Titles as a “Steely Dan meets Supertramp” stylistic effort. There is a whole lot of sonic territory between those two band references, however. Steely Dan famously incorporated legitimate jazz sounds into smart and oftentimes snarky lyrical songs, which made it…

Stays In Vegas Present New Single ‘Nevermore’

An old-school hard rock style rages forth on Stays In Vegas’ stark vision of “Nevermore.” With a slight nod towards more gothic elements, they build the sound up into a wall of fury. The volume is a must because the song feels physical. Rhythms, while slow, have a determined stance, working themselves into a frenzy…

Ellie Lee ‘ESCAPE’ Set For Release May 24, 2024

Ellie Lee sculpts a captivatingly engrossing realm on the urbane jazz noir of “Escape.” The album feels lyrical, all without needing to say a single word. Relatively subdued, the song unspools graciously, striking a delicate balance. Grooves have a tactile quality, allowing for each chord and every sway of the upright bass, along with the…

Mercer Hassy Orchestra Presents “Duke’s Place” Coming April 15, 2024

Mercer Hassy Orchestra updates the classic jazz swagger on the celebratory of “Duke’s Place.” Amongst the pieces are some tried and true classics, deeper cuts, originals, and everything else. They create this immersive atmosphere with songs that stay just as long as they need, incorporating elements of pop, funk, rock, and more into their jazz…

Ronny Smith To Release ‘Struttin’ on April 19, 2024

Ronny Smith embraces a chilled-out, nu-jazz style with the glamourous style of “Struttin.” The arrangements have an inherent coolness, for the instrumentation incorporates many styles outside the usual jazz. Elements of funk, rock, and pop, led by impeccable guitar work, help the sound glide. He focuses on the instrumentation and tells an entire story, as…

Julia Vari feat. Negroni’s Trio Presents ‘Somos’ on March 16, 2024

Powerful vocals alongside a playful disposition define Julia Vari’s feat. Negroni’s Trio’s “Somos.” An intricate dance of colors and gestures, the song wraps itself around the listener. The fully immersive experience shows off the group’s interplay and how easily they sync with Julia Vari’s vocals. Word choice matters because she sculpts each verse carefully, getting…

Kurt Hagardorn Presents New Album ‘An Analog Man In A Digital World’

If judged by the title of his album, Kurt Hagardorn may sometimes feel like an out-of-time, technologically challenged individual. However, when in comes to creating enjoyably memorable rock & roll, the man consistently hits that rock & roll sweet spot again and again with his winning release, An Analog Man In A Digital World. The…

Flippin’ Gothic Fabp Drops “Just How Open Mic”

Flippin’ Gothic Fabp formally known as Fabp aka Fabpz the Freelancer is back at it again! To me, Flippin’ Gothic Fabp is one of the hardest working musicians in the hip-hop game with over 2 K songs to his name. There are no brakes for this rapper from Jamaica Queens, NY as he speeds ahead…

Blind Uncle Harry New Single ‘Give Me Your Heart’ Out March 6

“Give Me Your Heart,” Blind Uncle Harry’s most recent single, is about as straight ahead a love song as they come. It’s built upon a slightly jangling electric guitar part, accompanied by accordion. The track also features a female backing vocalist. It simply expresses a desire to partner up with another person. https://blinduncleharry.bandcamp.com/track/give-me-your-heart Blind Uncle…

Alice the G00n Releases Mesmerizing New Single-Video’s

The video for Alice the G00n’s “CYA” finds the talented singer and multidisciplinary artist reaching a new high point in her brief career. She spared no effort in piecing together this intensely physical and visually compelling clip. The fight scenes and stunt work are alone worth seeking out. However, the accompanying visuals further round out…

Queen Esther Presents ‘Things Are Looking Up’

Queen Esther selects a swinging, jazzy style for the spry arrangements in “Things Are Looking Up.” With a clear reference point of Billie Holiday, the sound feels alive. Instrumentation goes for this classic kick, as a great deal of flexibility is felt within each piece. She lets the atmosphere expand around her, for this dialogue…

Håkon Skogstad Presents ‘8 Concepts of Tango’ Out March 15, 2024

Pure passion burns brightly with “8 Concepts of Tango,” with Håkon Skogstad displaying a real knack for storytelling without saying a single word. The melodies present a sense of yearning, of lust, with the rhythms highlighting the sheer intensity of the experience. Songs do their best to come together, playing off each other, resulting in…

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…