Jazz vocalist Lili Maljic recently released her debut album, The Nearness of You – In Loving Memory of Jim Rotondi. The album, which includes ten standard jazz pieces, each with new arrangements, highlights Lili Maljic’s easy-going interpretations of divine material. With a vocal instrument as refined, mellow, and inviting as every other instrument combined, Lili … Continue reading
Circles in a Yellow Room, by Mike Freeman ZonaVibe is a wade, a plunge, a swim, and a utterly fantastic voyage in Jazz-, Latin-, and Blues-styled musical waters. The album incorporates elements of Latin jazz, salsa, mambo, and blues—all characteristic of Mike Freeman’s style. I could happily listen to a vibraphone or a marimba all … Continue reading
Summer isn’t quite over. Oh, sure, on September 21st the season technically changes to autumn, but with the recent release of Candice Ivory‘s new album, New Southern Vintage, things are certainly heating up. It’s a celebration of the blues from an artist who respects them enough to share her own unique take on them. These … Continue reading
Mud Morganfield’s new album, Deep Mud (release date” September 26, on Nola Blue Records) is a reminder of the power of great Chicago blues . Morganfield, the eldest son of Muddy Waters, is dedicated to preserving the Chicago blues tradition, and his his latest music is another solid contribution. This collection, recorded at JoyRide Studio … Continue reading
Johnnie Johnson & Friends have released a new album, I’m Just Johnnie. Marking twenty years since his passing, this project honors Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Johnnie Johnson, renowned for his lively piano performances in many of Chuck Berry’s classics (such as “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Brown-Eyed Handsome Man,” “School Days,” “Almost Grown,” “Back … Continue reading
Label: Blackbird Album Release Date: 9/26/25 Everything We Thought We Wanted, the new release from alt-country band The Far West includes a song that’s something of a revelation. It has an instantly appealing melody, and an observant lyric that imparts great self-wisdom. The reassuring song, “Joshua Tree,” is the second track on the album, and … Continue reading
On his fourth release, Running Through My Mind, David Bailis leads a quintet with Caroline Davis (alto sax), Andrew Links (keyboard), Jordan Scannella (bass), and Kenneth Salters (drums). As spectacular as the individual solos are (and believe me, they are sublime), the album’s true strength lies in the group’s unified sound. In fact, the entire … Continue reading
Grammy nominated country music icon Ty Herndon is teaming up with Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy Award-winning powerhouse vocalist Ashley McBryde to breathe new life into his 1998 hit “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go)” – a haunting ballad about love, loss, and the moment two hearts go their separate ways. The track, set for release on Friday, August … Continue reading
Sometimes the sound of a trustworthy voice, singing calming words of wisdom, are just what’s needed. This is the case with Hudson Macready and his new song, “Rise Again.” It’s a message of hope that speaks directly to those affected by the destructive wildfires that ravaged Southern California earlier this year. Like a good country … Continue reading
The gorgeous album cover is a lot to live up to. Happily for us, on her new release Expressions, vocalist Antonia Bennett does, with style to spare. Antonia Bennett fully inhabits each note, each lyric, indeed, even every rest.. She is subtle, sincere, and pays each song the highest compliment possible: she trusts the material. … Continue reading
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