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
Label: Hopeless Romantic Records Joyann Parker is a powerful musician, singer, and I have no doubt, human being. All three are evident on each track of her new album, Roots — an inspiring blend of blues, rock, soul, and Americana that showcases Parker’s multiple strengths as a vocalist. Parker creates and sustains the perfect balance … Continue reading
Lucky is the singer who writes her own songs. As Charlotte Morris proves on her new album Wild Child, the best music is made when the singer and the songwriter are one. One voice, one heart, one story at a time resulting in one stunning album. While is seems that Charlotte Morris must deserve credit … Continue reading
On his new album, The Song Is You, Matt Barber does something almost unheard of these days. He places the focus on the song rather than his interpretation of it. While this might confuse some listeners, it should be recognized as a sign of his trust in the material. He recreates a golden age of … Continue reading
In Book of Stories, arising from composition, improvisation, synergy, and truth seeking, Critical Response challenges the average listener to find a way in to the ideas that have inspired this album. If the listener is up to it, there are rewards to be mined. Even if the tracks don’t point the direction to a solution, … Continue reading
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