Multi-genre guitarist/composer/producer Peter Xifaras has released an album, Fusion, that transcends the term. It is an emotionally satisfying experience courtesy of Shunzo Ohno on trumpet, Xander Nichting on violin, Max Gerl on bass, and Scott Jackson on drums and percussion, along with sumptuous contributions from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. To be transported so effectively to … Continue reading
Ben Sher is a virtuoso jazz guitarist whose appearances around the globe have had an effect on his playing. He has developed and sustained an intercontinental sensibility that eliminates the unnecessary, thus highlighting the essential. It’s a gift that he shares on his latest album, Samba for Tarsila. Samba for Tarsila is a musical tribute to … Continue reading
Label: Gulf Coast Records Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind’s latest album, Behind the Veil, is a powerful reminder of the potency of a certain combination—harmonica, guitar, drums, and gutsy vocals. It’s a magnificent collection of varied blues songs performed by a group who breathe and make music as a single force: Jason Ricci (harmonica, … Continue reading
For those os us who gave up watching ‘American Idol’ years ago—hey, what can I say, I was a big Katharine McPhee fan—finding out that an up-and-coming talent as gifted as Alex Miller almost makes me want to set my DVR to the show again. Although Alex Miller had an appearance on the program, he … Continue reading
Al Basile‘s new album, B’s Time, is another timeless collection of quintessential songs that, when added to the previous output of the eight-time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/cornetist, illustrate what a treasure he is. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of Sweetspot Records, Basile’s label, and B’s Time is its 20th release. The new album, a career retrospective, features 17 tracks from … Continue reading
Popa Chubby‘s new album, Live at G. Bluey’s Juke Joint NYC (on Gulf Coast Records), is the label debut live double-CD set from the solid New York City-based blues guitar slinger (aka “The Beast from the East”). It’s a collection of songs that convey the irrefutable conclusion that he (and his stellar band) can do it all. … Continue reading
If there was ever a song from the heart, it has always been “I Honestly Love You,” the first #1 hit for Olivia Newton-John in 1974. Co-written by Peter Allen and Jeff Barry, the delicate soft-rock classic gets a heartfelt performance in a new duet version. CMA Nashville recording artist Joey Sontz and award-winning international … Continue reading
McEntire has released an album to accompany her latest book, also titled Not That Fancy. The 14-track collection features stripped-down versions of some of McEntire’s most iconic songs in addition to a brand new single, “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” are revisited versions of some real classics. If, like me, your favorite Reba is the quintessential Reba, this … Continue reading
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