This was produced with a nice bottom-heavy production from the word go. Lead singer Andrew McConathy is not an imitation, he does emulate expressively a pure Eddie Vedder alt-country vocal halfway to deep-voiced Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies vocalist). But the Hearts’ music has musicality: it’s all golden. The arrangement approach cherry picks Pearl Jam […]
This sophomore effort by Chicago’s Jake La Botz (with producer/bass & guitarist Jimmy Sutton) drops Oct 18th.It’s a 12-track Hi-Style Records’ LP. Resplendent storytelling, street tales, juke joint humid air & a pinch of unusual twists. After a period of drug addiction, Jake emerges to cook bristling, sympathetic sounds with renewed vigor, creativity from […]
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This lady’s been part of the music industry for 15 years. Finally, she sticks more than just a toe into the musical waters & we are the better for it. Helene Cronin has the voice, a great band, lyrics (take time to read them, it’s worth it) & most importantly, she’s an interesting listen. The […]
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Did George Jones come back from the dead? This is exceptional — the approach is not imitation. Jason James is remarkable with the spirit of country legend George Jones. Though, fortunately, not all tracks are Jones inspired. This is not what you generally hear on today’s country radio. Mr. James mines a deep vein of […]
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While award-winning singer-songwriter Susan Gibson has moments where her songs could remind you of other veteran singer-songwriters, Susan does has an abundance of style – all her own. It sets her apart from most & that’s where she exhibits her rootsy attraction. Susan’s arrangements, performance & riveting voice are all on target on this — […]
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Through years of reviews, I heard many artists who went nowhere though they were indeed talented. But they didn’t have enough passion or weren’t committed. Proficient musicians with no songs, or, had songs but no voice, musicians that could play — but could only imitate. Then there are artists who are engaging, challenging, satisfying & consistently […]
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With a wispy, relaxed vocal tone reminiscent of 60’s singers as Sandy Posey (“Single Girl”), Robin Ward (“Wonderful Summer”) & Judith Durham (The Seekers) – Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountain native Dori Freeman offers a beautiful LP (Sept. 27) of positive-oriented songs about single-motherhood, small-town living, & authentic Americana palatable to the most discriminating ears. Every […]
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Don Cherel — award-winning designer/producer of TV commercials drops his first solo 11-song LP Sept 27th: Handmade Content. (Label Logic). The collection focuses on songs of faith, insight & humor. Produced by George Massenburg (Billy Joel, Linda Ronstadt, & Randy Newman) & showcases guitarist Pat Bergeson (Chet Atkins, & Emmylou Harris). I always hesitate with […]
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“…but it’s always a battle…” In 1979 in a moment of clarity alto sax legend Art Pepper said those words about performing jazz. On Sept 23, Omnivore’s 32 remastered John Snyder-produced classics in a 5-CD box arrives. Promise Kept: The Complete Artist House Recordings with Laurie Pepper’s recollections + 19 unreleased performances. The promise kept: […]
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Set for Sept. 27th this 11th studio LP Wild Kingdom (Gold Strike Records) by Austin-based Western swing band Hot Club of Cowtown – is its first in 10-years. The 14-songs showcase all-new classic retro American Western swing. The USA gave us blues, jazz, ragtime, country — can’t forget Western swing. Remnants of the Big Band […]
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