Produced by Dave Stryker Apparently, a little lockdown can be a useful thing. Guitarist Dave Stryker has released Prime—the first recording featuring his working trio. Along with Jared Gold on organ and McClenty Hunter on drums, Stryker offers eight new compositions and the mesmerizing standard “I Should Care.” From the inspiring title track “Prime,” to … Continue reading
New Country: Brit Taylor — ‘Kentucky Blue’
Brit Taylor — Kentucky Blue Label: Cut A Shine Records (in collaboration with Thirty Tigers) Release date: 2/3/23 Musicians: Brit Taylor (Lead Vocals), Miles Miller (Drums, Percussion), Dave Roe (Electric Bass, Upright), Russ Paul (Electric Guitar, Steel Guitar, Tic-tac Bass), Mark Howard (Acoustic Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Ukulele), Joey Miskulin (Accordion), Matt Combs (Strings), Sam Bacco … Continue reading
New Americana: Peach and Quiet — ‘Beautiful Thing’
Peach and Quiet, is “a partnership in music, romance and life from the lushly forested and rocky shores of Pender Island, just off Canada’s west coast.” The touching duo (Heather Read and Jonny Miller) have released their latest album, Beautiful Thing, and their music is as alluring as their official description. If you appreciate solid musicianship, … Continue reading
New Blues: Diane Blue — ‘Live! At the Fallout Shelter’
Diane Blue‘s new album, Live! At The Fallout Shelter, features the vocalist and harmonica player Blue, along with Chris Vitarello (Guitar), Dave Limina (Hammond B3 organ), and Lorne Entress (drums), on seven originals and two covers. The release, co-produced by Blue and drummer Lorne Entress, was recorded at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts. Contemporary blues … Continue reading
New Folk: Jefferson Berry — ‘Dreams of Modern Living’
Dreams of Modern Living, the new solo album from singer/songwriter Jefferson Berry, is an opportunity to take a moment and appreciate the noble role of the songwriter in contemporary society. Berry takes on issues, realities, and possibilities of the day and explores them in thoughtful ways, all the while capturing their essence within perfect acoustic … Continue reading
New Jazz: Doug MacDonald — ‘Big Band Extravaganza’
West-Coast guitarist and jazz legend Doug MacDonald is an artist so consistent, so correct, so precise, while at the same time so swinging that —as far as any jazz lover is concerned— he should just keep on releasing album after album, until virtually every known jazz song has been recorded… perhaps even with several alternate versions. The most … Continue reading
New “Vintage” Country: Melissa Carper — “Ramblin’ Soul”
Label: Thirty Tigers How to describe Melissa Carper‘s new single,”Ramblin’ Soul”? Well, it’s the most original — while also convincing my soul that every note was already an old friend — song around. It’s a tune that lifts your spirit, with a performance that somehow assures you that everything is going to be just fine. … Continue reading
New Country Single: “Do This Life” (High Valley ft. Alison Krauss)
“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
New Blues: Vanessa Collier — ‘Live at Power Station’
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
New Christmas Music: ‘Christmas with Chris Ruggiero’
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