With this album, composer/arranger Mercer Hassy takes the timeless music of Duke Ellington and reinvigorates it with wit and wisdom. The intricate and polished performances of everyone involved are a tribute not only to the Mercer Hassy Orchestra, but equally to the rich source material. As a tribute, it is impeccable. Track Listing: Daybreak Express; … Continue reading
Canadian blues rocker Shawn Kellerman‘s latest album, Hell’s Kitchen, is an energizing listening experience. It brings great hope to those who love solid blues/rock. As long as Shawn Kellerman is on a stage, the state of the genre is in fine shape. The entire ensemble of musicians support each other phenomenally throughout the album. The … Continue reading
Eric Frazier‘s latest album—That Place, Featuring “Return of the Panther Woman!”—is the height of creativity, and, therefore, one of the most rewarding listening experiences to come along in quite a while. Rhythm is at the center of Eric Frazier’s music: the pulse, the heartbeat, the energy of every moment is given full expression. Each of … Continue reading
He turns music into liquid. Sometimes it’s a refreshing drink, sometimes it’s a soothing rain, sometimes it’s a sea that will carry you off on a voyage of discovery. That’s the most immediate reaction I had when listening to Benji Kaplan‘s light touch on his new album, Untold Stories. On the disc’s nine tracks he … Continue reading
Thirsty For Your Love, the album from The Sugar Darlings is a shiny gift of soul, wrapped as blues. Whatever that means. The point is, this is music that will move you as well as make you move. Definitely check it out! Continue reading
The trustworthiness factor in country music cannot be stressed enough. You hear one verse and either you have faith that it’s an instrument telling the truth… or you don’t. Listening to Brock Davis reminds one of this ineffable gut feeling, for his is a voice that inspires freedom from any suspicion whatsoever. Couple that with … Continue reading
The opportunity to hear anew songs you thought you knew well, is a welcome event. It’s something that every Dylan fan has right now with the recent release of Rory Block‘s Positively 4th Street. Where does one start (or end) in choosing which songs to include in a Bob Dylan tribute album? Upon hearing Block’s … Continue reading
(on Gulf Coast Records) Half Texas, half California, huh? I can relate. That was the first half of my life. Having grown up in California, and then discovering Austin, Texas for my college years, I can understand Lara Price‘s impulse to make some compelling music. She is clearly one of the musicians keeping Austin the … Continue reading
One Dime Band – Side Hustle One Dime Band is a perfect example of what can ignite when artists work together, with each other. If there was ever an argument for partnership in music, this duo’s album is it. With this, their debut album, One Dime Band offer a blend of blues and R&B, while establishing … Continue reading
Beyond Belief invites the listener to an introspective world of jazz where melody still reigns supreme.. This album is a journey through master musician Albare’s rich musical landscape. His guitar is not merely an instrument but a voice that speaks of life, experiences, and the often-unspoken narratives of the heart. With this collaboration with his … Continue reading
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