“Do This Life,” written by Phil Barton, David Thompson, and Brad Rempel, might be the single that brings High Valley the attention they deserve. It’s an exuberant song, full of an optimism that is instantly appealing. The vocal interplay between Brad Rempel and Alison Krauss is a perfect fit. They match each other’s energy and tonal … Continue reading
Recorded live at the legendary Power Station Studios in NYC, in front of a live studio audience, Vanessa Collier‘s latest album is the high energy listening experience that will get you through the coming winter. From the moment she is introduced at the start of the disc, to last song’s final sax button, Vanessa Collier … Continue reading
PBS-TV frequent artist Chris Ruggiero adds his music to the pile of holiday albums that I look forward to playing nonstop until at least New Year’s Eve. This collection will find itself near the top of that pile this year. It’s a satisfying gathering of traditional and classic songs, such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Christmas (Baby … Continue reading
David Foster: “We haven’t recorded together in 17 years so we thought it might be time to do it again! Kat has the most beautiful voice and she doesn’t know how to deliver less than a perfect vocal every time! When you make Christmas music, you literally get a free pass to do whatever you … Continue reading
It’s all about the song. Well, it’s all about how the band plays that song. Alright, alright… technically, it’s all about the effect the band has on the listener. And, using that criterion, Eric Demmer‘s new album — So Fine — is powerful stuff. I dare you to play these twelve tracks and not get … Continue reading
Honest Lies, the new album from Montreal-based blues/rock guitarist, and songwriter, Justin Saladino is out now. It suggests that the band has continued its evolution into the roots-rock and blues realm. Saladino’s guitar playing has a free, expansive style that works well by contrasting the song’s compact lyrics. The ten original songs on the album … Continue reading
This album, the latest from Rusty Wright Band, is an imaginative expression of the tried and true elements that make blues/rock the genre that you can count on to please. At first listen, you might think it’s going to be the perfect Halloween party soundtrack — (There’s an eerie narrator and a definite haunted vibe … Continue reading
There’s something undeniably sophisticated about the soulful growl and wail of A.W. Cardinal on Scream, Holler & Howl, the latest release from blues duo Blue Moon Marquee. It’s an album that transports the listener to other dimensions, and Mr. Cardinal is a trustworthy tour guide through the musical carny underground terrain. All in all, it’s … Continue reading
“A Holiday’s a fine time for a mitzvah… whether you’re a Gentile or a Jew!” If you’ve been thinking that it’s about time someone came out with a new Jewish-Appalachian holiday song, you’re in luck. We can thank the band Handsome and the Humbles for answering our prayers. They’ve released the song “That’s A Mitzvah!” … Continue reading
The exclamation marks in the title of Duduka Da Fonseca & Quarteto Universal’s new album — Yes!!! — are a fair warning. By the time you’re listening to the first track, however, you realize that they are unnecessary; each note played is an exclamation mark. The musicians at work here are Vinicius Gomes (guitars), Helio … Continue reading
parcbench .live 