Showing posts with label Track Evaluations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Track Evaluations. Show all posts

4/23/2015

Track Feature: Eric Tingstad-Swamped


Eric Tingstad's "Swamped" is but one example of his excellence at connecting to the roots and blues music that literally influences all music to this day. His guitar playing and production is superb! I instantly felt a connection to his music as soon as it started playing. Words are not necessary because this music will speak to you! Make sure you check out more of Tingstad's music on his new release Mississippi and read the review

Rating 5/5-Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Eric:
http://www.erictingstad.com

Eric Tingstad’s solo recording career began in 1982 with the release of On The Links. Capitalizing on his gift for composition, On the Links compiled eleven original songs best described as part of the burgeoning New Age genre. The album appeared on his private label, Cheshire Records, under which he continues to release albums of his own music and others. 

Tingstad won a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album in 2003 as artist, engineer, and producer of Tingstad and Rumbel’s, Acoustic Garden. He continues to tour as part of Tingstad and Rumbel, an acoustic duo that remains a standard among listeners of the instrumental/New Age genres.

3/18/2015

Track Evaluation: Fiona Joy-Invisible Train

Fiona Joy has enjoyed tremendous success as a pianist and producer. She joins forces with renowned  producer/engineer Cookie Marenco for her first solo piano album, Signature – Solo, originally recorded in hi-resolution for the audiophile market and one track is presented here in MP3 format for the masses to enjoy.

"Invisible Train" is one of the tracks on the new release. The piano dances and swirls around you and it becomes easy to picture a sleek train rolling down the tracks of your mind. The key is that it's visible only to you, it is what the music can create for only you.

Fiona's fingers bring joy, wonder and the mystery of heaven all at the same time. One listen to "Invisible Train" and you know that she has once again created some magic!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck Rating 5/5


More About Fiona Joy:

http://www.fionajoy.com

About the Album: Signature – Solo

With this new album, Fiona Joy explores the idea of maintaining magic in our lives, even when life itself gets in the way. Her wistful vocals and passionate piano sing to that small place in everyone’s heart, the place where fairytales linger, and where we find the strength to meet reality with grace. From the delicacy of “Little Star”, the complex rhythms of “'Ceremony”, the sophistication of the title track “Signature” to the deeply emotive solo version of “Grace”, Fiona's writing has been called a cross between George Winston's simple melodies and Ludovico Einaudi's musical sophistication. A solo piano album for the discerning listener, performed on an impeccably-refurbished Steinway from the 1800s and produced by Cookie Marenco for Tiny Island Music (a division of the Blue Coast Music Group).

3/16/2015

Track Evaluation: Ryan Stewart-Under The Willow

With Ryan Stewart's new album One Journey there are many others wrapped up inside. Upon closer inspection of the word One you find so much more. The many things that are important to us and make life worth living.

"Under The Willow" is but one chapter in that book of life. The beautiful music formulated with piano and the addition of simply angelic vocals will bring you peace and instant contentment.

The visuals in the video are a good depiction of what the music is trying to say.

Sit back and listen to this slice of heaven now!

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5




More About Ryan Stewart


Ryan Stewart’s passion is music. He has come a long way from the child who was expected to practice the piano before playing with friends, or the teenager who spent his lunch hour playing the piano on the stage at his local high school. Stewart has now fulfilled a third album release “One Journey”, a collection of 13 original compositions ranging from piano solos to fully painted orchestral works.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Stewart says his mother is his inspiration. A classically trained pianist herself, she wanted to share her love of music with her children. Sadly, she passed away from breast cancer when he was just 13. Stewart says this was a poignant moment in his life and he realized the gift she had given to him. He said, “As a teenager I missed her and I would sit at the piano and play and think about her.” His father encouraged him to continue to pursuing his talent.

After graduating from high school, Stewart was awarded a full-ride scholarship in music to the University of Utah. He perfected his piano skills as he studied, played and taught piano lessons. He especially enjoyed teaching students with an affinity for composition and song writing. Although Stewart eventually left the music department and pursued a career in computers, he never lost his desire to compose and play the instrument he loves. Today, his spare time is spent with music, and his passion has become something his wife, Cindy, and their two daughters cherish when spending time together..

Ryan’s greatest ambition is to combine his love of computers with music to create compositions for the entertainment industry, particularly in film. He has a gift for orchestrating just about anything, beginning with a concerto he wrote at the age of 17. He has composed and arranged music for film documentaries, Cellist Stephen S. Nelson (The Piano Guys), Paul Cardall, Facebook, several dance studios, and several others.

2/25/2015

Track Evaluation: Philip Wesley-Union

Philip Wesley's "Union" is the meeting of a man and his piano and how the sounds produced through that instrument can create beauty and reverberate in the human spirit.

This song will touch your soul in some way, and that is exactly what the artist wants to do. His goal is for people to listen and Transcend any problems or obstacles one may have in their lives through his music.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


 

More About Philip Wesley:
http://philipwesley.com

Philip Wesley’s music has been featured in radio, TV, film and print. It can be found on many of today’s most popular platforms including Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, and CDBaby. His music continues to dominate his genre of ‘New Age’ music and reached #1 on the iTunes charts, The Top 100 on Amazon, Best Seller at CD Baby, and most recently #12 on the Billboard Charts (New Age Catalog Chart) Charting with ‘The Piano Guys’ and ‘Jim Brickman’ The music reviewer ‘Reviews New Age’ recently called Philip
’s album Dark Night of the Soul one of the “50 Greatest New Age Albums of All Time.”

Transcend is Philip Wesley's 7th solo piano album and is about overcoming problems and obstacles in life. Not just overcoming them, but rising so far above and beyond them that they seem insignificant and a distant memory. This album is also about having the courage to change, to face and overcome your fears, and pursuing the people, places, and things in life that captivate you.

A dynamic album with a rich, dark ambient piano sound. Ranging from contemporary/new age to classical crossover. An emotionally powerful album from start to finish. 


2/11/2015

Track Evaluation: David Arkenstone-Inamorata

David Arkenstone has collaborated once again with Charlee Brooks and released his new album Inamorata (just last week). The album is another new age release with a pop flair to it. A little different twist here and there in comparison to previous releases.

The title track is what we are celebrating here and fine choice for a feature indeed. It comes with all the trimmings...soaring vocals, textured and beautiful music for those vocals to float upon and more.

Everything is in place to prime you for full listen of the new album.

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


More About David Arkenstone And The New Release:

http://www.davidarkenstone.com/cool-music.html

Copied From David's Website:

I'm really excited about my new album INAMORATA (released Tuesday, February 3rd!).  It's another collaboration with gifted vocalist and lyricist Charlee Brooks… sort of a follow up to our LovĂ©ren and our last collaboration, Celtic Garden. I had a lot of fun moving sort of into the pop vein a bit. Inamorata has eight original songs in addition to our renditions of the awesome themes from Downton Abbey and Game Of Thrones along with Zedd's "Clarity" and Sarah Brightman's "Harem.'' 

The release is just in time for Valentine's Day and this is an album of well, love songs!  There's also the lullaby that I wrote for my little niece, who was born during the recording. Really enjoyed working with David Davidson again… he's an amazing violinist!  Here's a little 'behind the scenes' look during the recording http://vimeo.com/112805828. It's coming out on the Green Hill label and is already available on Amazon and iTunes. I'm always deeply touched by your support of my music… Inamorata is a special album and I hope you all enjoy it!

2/09/2015

Track Evaluation: Michele McLaughlin-The Space Between from Undercurrent

Michele McLaughlin has a new album coming out titled Undercurrent.

"The Space Between" is one of the exceptional tracks offered by this talented artist.

Michele explains how the track came about:

"The Space Between" is the 5th track on my new album, Undercurrent. It is about moving away from my sister. We used to be neighbors, but when I bought my new house, I moved 10 miles away from her. That may not seem like such a big deal, but that space between us became really noticeable after I moved. This song is for my sister.

I found the music moving and beautiful and it was fitting to the meaning. You can feel the sadness of separation but also a comfort and warmth that very music exudes, like a slice of heaven that gives you peace and assurance. You realize where there was once space there is now unity and the music connects all the dots to make that happen.

I certainly look forward to taking in the rest of Ms. McLaughlin's new release.

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5


More About Michele McLaughlin:

http://michelemclaughlin.com

I've often been told that my music is "haunting and contagious", "relaxing and beautiful", "peaceful and touching". I've also been told that my music is "captivating" and that it transports the listener into worlds of imagination and wonder. For me though, my music is my story...

2/08/2015

Track Evaluation: Sasha's Bloc-Sunday Blues

Sasha's Bloc is a jazz ensemble  that can be appreciated for their original music and traditional jazz sounds.

The music is solid and so are the vocals on their forthcoming release Heart on Fire (check the video EPK provided).

"Sunday Blues" is a proper jazz/blues track that effectively highlights all the talents of the band and the sultry and sublime vocals of  Jane Monheit.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5



More About Sasha's Bloc:

http://sashasbloc.com


With a big-band sound that recalls the vibe of New Orleans’
Preservation Hall Jazz Band infused with the Blues, a hint of Gypsy
Jazz, contemporary jazz and swing, Sasha’s Bloc have been playing 
to sold-out shows across Southern California for the past two years
and have developed a loyal following across the country.

1/30/2015

Track Evaluation: Fletch Towell Band-Heaven Said It All

The last time we heard the Fletch Towell Band it was a hard hitting ballad, and a good one at that. This time out the band wants to know what says it all for you? Well for them it's heaven.

Their new blues/rock track "Heaven Said It All" hits on all the important factors that make a song good, one that keeps your attention and gets your ticker tockin'!

If this track is an indication of what their new album is going to sound like we are in for a lot of fun.

Give it a listen now! Stream the song and watch the video. It's a rockin' double feature!

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5 Stars





More About The Fletch Towell Band: 
http://www.fletchtowellband.com

Sorta rootsy and eclectic. audiences and fans experience a distinct, honest, sometimes intense but always fun show with song lyrics from light to thought deeply thought provoking. Performing and recording original material, writing first and categorizing later, results in a unique collection of bluesy-progressive rock, jazz/rock fusion, upbeat pop-ish tunes, and soulful ballads. Live performances include jazz/rock/fusion improve sessions in many of the tunes, and the band grabs a wide spectrum of listeners with pop-infused vocals, progressive instrumentations, harmonies, and occasional odd meters. Always upbeat and delivering a fun time, while remaining emotionally relevant, the band is unique among today's formula music genres.

1/21/2015

Featured Track: The D/A Method-Janissaries

The D/A Method hails from Karachi Pakistan and however far you may be away from where they reside, there is no distance between them, listeners, and their own brand of progressive rock. Music is universal like that, its makes us one world, a union of souls with a love for music.

With their recently released taster EP Janissarieswhich is the focus of this feature, they serve up over 9 minutes of rockin' progressive diversity. I think if they were looking to show what they bring to the table this was a good choice.

The track features marvelous instrumentation, an ever changing pace and fantastic vocals. It's the whole package. This clearly defines progressive rock in every way.

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5 

 
More About The D/A Method:
https://www.facebook.com/TheDAMethod

The D/A Method are:
Umair Dar
Talha Alvie
Usama Siddiq
Istvan Csabai

The D/A Method is a progressive rock band from Pakistan. With its members having spent significant portions of their lives in both Pakistan and the West, the band combines influences from classic rock, grunge, and metal with a touch of traditional Pakistani flavor to create their unique, progressive sound.

Featured Track: The D/A Method-Janissaries

The D/A Method hails from Karachi Pakistan and however far you may be away from where they reside, there is no distance between them, listeners, and their own brand of progressive rock. Music is universal like that, its makes us one world, a union of souls with a love for music.

With their recently released taster EP Janissarieswhich is the focus of this feature, they serve up over 9 minutes of rockin' progressive diversity. I think if they were looking to show what they bring to the table this was a good choice.

The track features marvelous instrumentation, an ever changing pace and fantastic vocals. It's the whole package. This clearly defines progressive rock in every way.

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5 

 
More About The D/A Method:
https://www.facebook.com/TheDAMethod

The D/A Method are:
Umair Dar
Talha Alvie
Usama Siddiq
Istvan Csabai

The D/A Method is a progressive rock band from Pakistan. With its members having spent significant portions of their lives in both Pakistan and the West, the band combines influences from classic rock, grunge, and metal with a touch of traditional Pakistani flavor to create their unique, progressive sound.

1/20/2015

Track Evaluation: The D/A Method-Janissaries

The D/A Method hails from Karachi Pakistan and however far you may be away from where they reside, there is no distance between them, listeners, and their own brand of progressive rock. Music is universal like that, its makes us one world, a union of souls with a love for music.

With their recently released taster EP Janissarieswhich is the focus of this feature, they serve up over 9 minutes of rockin' progressive diversity. I think if they were looking to show what they bring to the table this was a good choice.

The track features marvelous instrumentation, an ever changing pace and fantastic vocals. It's the whole package. This clearly defines progressive rock in every way.

MuzikMan Rating: 5/5 

 
More About The D/A Method:
https://www.facebook.com/TheDAMethod

The D/A Method are:
Umair Dar
Talha Alvie
Usama Siddiq
Istvan Csabai

The D/A Method is a progressive rock band from Pakistan. With its members having spent significant portions of their lives in both Pakistan and the West, the band combines influences from classic rock, grunge, and metal with a touch of traditional Pakistani flavor to create their unique, progressive sound.

1/04/2015

Featured Track: Cailyn Lloyd-Titan

Cailyn Lloyd is a multi-instrumentalist celebrating the release of her newest release on new year's day and I would estimate she is ringing in 2015 with quite bang with Voyager.

"Titan" is the subject of discussion and the one track being featured on Bandcamp presently. The music shows the diversity of the artist.

It is an excellent track over 5 minutes in length while highlighting the subtleties and power that one song could possibly be on display on one track. The elements of rock, prog rock and classical meet in the middle and create a literal explosion of sound and beauty simultaneously.

Give it a listen now!


More About Cailyn:

http://www.cailynmusic.com

Cailyn Lloyd is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin whose music has been featured on classic and progressive rock stations worldwide.  She is an official Paul Reed Smith artist and a voting member of the Recording Academy.  Her music has received many positive reviews from a multitude of progressive rock sites and print magazines including Vintage Guitar Magazine and Progression. 

Cailyn has completed production on a new, full length album/CD project called Voyager, a collection of musical images inspired by the Voyager Space Program.  The album will be available for pre-order on December 5th, with a release date of January 1, 2015! 


In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities who ruled during the legendary Golden Age. Titan is the largest moon of Saturn, the only moon in the solar system known to have a dense atmosphere, and the only planet or moon for which evidence of stable bodies of surface liquid has been found. The weather on Titan, including wind and rain, creates features similar to those found on Earth such as dunes, rivers, lakes, and seas (probably of liquid methane and ethane), and is dominated by seasonal patterns as on Earth.

Titan is larger than the Moon and is composed primarily of water ice and rocky material. The geologically young surface is generally smooth, with few known impact craters, and is dotted with mountains and possible cryovolcanoes. (A cryovolcano–also known as an ice volcano–is a volcano that erupts volatiles such as water, ammonia or methane, instead of molten rock. Collectively referred to as cryomagma or ice-volcanic melt, these substances are usually plumes of liquids, but also occur in vapor form).

Track Evaluation: Cailyn Lloyd-Titan

Cailyn Lloyd is a multi-instrumentalist celebrating the release of her newest release on new year's day and I would estimate she is ringing in 2015 with quite bang with Voyager.

"Titan" is the subject of discussion and the one track being featured on Bandcamp presently. The music shows the diversity of the artist.

It is an excellent track over 5 minutes in length while highlighting the subtleties and power that one song could possibly be on display on one track. The elements of rock, prog rock and classical meet in the middle and create a literal explosion of sound and beauty simultaneously.

Give it a listen now!


More About Cailyn:

http://www.cailynmusic.com

Cailyn Lloyd is a guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin whose music has been featured on classic and progressive rock stations worldwide.  She is an official Paul Reed Smith artist and a voting member of the Recording Academy.  Her music has received many positive reviews from a multitude of progressive rock sites and print magazines including Vintage Guitar Magazine and Progression. 

Cailyn has completed production on a new, full length album/CD project called Voyager, a collection of musical images inspired by the Voyager Space Program.  The album will be available for pre-order on December 5th, with a release date of January 1, 2015! 


In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities who ruled during the legendary Golden Age. Titan is the largest moon of Saturn, the only moon in the solar system known to have a dense atmosphere, and the only planet or moon for which evidence of stable bodies of surface liquid has been found. The weather on Titan, including wind and rain, creates features similar to those found on Earth such as dunes, rivers, lakes, and seas (probably of liquid methane and ethane), and is dominated by seasonal patterns as on Earth.

Titan is larger than the Moon and is composed primarily of water ice and rocky material. The geologically young surface is generally smooth, with few known impact craters, and is dotted with mountains and possible cryovolcanoes. (A cryovolcano–also known as an ice volcano–is a volcano that erupts volatiles such as water, ammonia or methane, instead of molten rock. Collectively referred to as cryomagma or ice-volcanic melt, these substances are usually plumes of liquids, but also occur in vapor form).

12/15/2014

Featured Track: Michael Dulin-My Beloved

Michael Dulin's new album My Beloved is set for release in January of 2015. The title track is most impressive and puts the album into proper perspective while delivering the intended message.

Dulin's piano expertise brings forth images of what commitment and love should be. Without words you would think that would be difficult to express however he gets it done through his nimble fingers.

Sit and back and listen to "My Beloved" now.

MuzikMan Rating-5/5



More About Michael Dulin:

 http://www.michaeldulin.com

Michael Dulin is a native of Brookside, Alabama. From the age of two, it was apparent that he had an exceptional gift for music. After attending Alabama School of Fine Arts, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at Birmingham-Southern College, where he was twice awarded the Alys Robinson Stephens Piano Prize. He completed his musical studies at The Juilliard School in New York, working with master teacher and concert pianist Adele Marcus.

He was a finalist in the Carnegie Hall International Piano Competition, and was awarded the Silver Medal in the Second Annual International Audio-Video Competition in New York. In addition to performing his original music throughout the United States, Michael appears both solo and with orchestra in performances of classical music. He has also toured as keyboardist with the legendary Motown group, the Temptations.

Michael’s albums of original music have twice been awarded the prestigious Lifestyle Music Award. Three of his albums have reached the #1 spot on NAR World Airplay Charts. His music has been licensed for release in South America, Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

Dulin and business partner Daniel Whiteside own and operate PSI Studios, a digital recording facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Michael is president of Equity Digital and Equity Digital Music. In addition to being an award-winning composer of music for radio, television, theater and film, he is in demand as session musician and producer.

Michael Dulin is a Christian, and is happily married to the woman of his dreams, with whom he shares a spoiled chocolate Lab named Riley. His hobbies are languages, hiking, travel, and tennis.

12/14/2014

Track Evaluation: Michael Dulin-My Beloved

Michael Dulin's new album My Beloved is set for release in January of 2015. The title track is most impressive and puts the album into proper perspective while delivering the intended message.

Dulin's piano expertise brings forth images of what commitment and love should be. Without words you would think that would be difficult to express however he gets it done through his nimble fingers.

Sit and back and listen to "My Beloved" now.

MuzikMan Rating-5/5



More About Michael Dulin:

 http://www.michaeldulin.com

Michael Dulin is a native of Brookside, Alabama. From the age of two, it was apparent that he had an exceptional gift for music. After attending Alabama School of Fine Arts, he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance at Birmingham-Southern College, where he was twice awarded the Alys Robinson Stephens Piano Prize. He completed his musical studies at The Juilliard School in New York, working with master teacher and concert pianist Adele Marcus.

He was a finalist in the Carnegie Hall International Piano Competition, and was awarded the Silver Medal in the Second Annual International Audio-Video Competition in New York. In addition to performing his original music throughout the United States, Michael appears both solo and with orchestra in performances of classical music. He has also toured as keyboardist with the legendary Motown group, the Temptations.

Michael’s albums of original music have twice been awarded the prestigious Lifestyle Music Award. Three of his albums have reached the #1 spot on NAR World Airplay Charts. His music has been licensed for release in South America, Korea, Japan and Malaysia.

Dulin and business partner Daniel Whiteside own and operate PSI Studios, a digital recording facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Michael is president of Equity Digital and Equity Digital Music. In addition to being an award-winning composer of music for radio, television, theater and film, he is in demand as session musician and producer.

Michael Dulin is a Christian, and is happily married to the woman of his dreams, with whom he shares a spoiled chocolate Lab named Riley. His hobbies are languages, hiking, travel, and tennis.

12/03/2014

Track Evaluation: Kathryn Kaye-Patterns Of Sun And Shade

Kathryn Kaye's music is highly acclaimed by critics and fans alike. The new release Patterns Of Sun And Shade, due out January 1st 2015, is destined to bring more accolades to the artist.

I thought it was appropriate to introduce the beautiful title track to an audience anticipating more of her wonderful sounds of grace articulated through the ivory keys.

Sit back, relax and enjoy "Patterns Of Sun And Shade," it is most certainly a spiritual experience that will lead down the path of enlightenment.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5 


More About Kathryn Kaye:

http://www.kathrynkaye-music.com

Kathryn continues to work with Will Ackerman and several other outstanding musicians, including Tony Levin (bass), Eugene Friesen (cello), Tony Bisharat (violin), Jill Haley (English horn), Jeff Haynes (percussion), and Gus Sebring (French horn). Heavy as a Feather and What the Winter Said, her next two albums, reached #2 and #1 on the Zone Music Reporter charts. Heavy as a Feather was nominated Best Instrumental Piano Album of 2012, and What the Winter Said won Best Holiday Album for 2013. Her fourth album, Patterns of Sun and Shade, will be released January 1, 2015.

11/24/2014

Featured Track: John Otott-Tesoro

John Otott, instrumental new age artist, has just released his new album titled Colors. One of the tracks that I felt stood out was "Tesoro." Its elegance and beauty will take frazzled nerves and tried spirits and change those feelings to peace and joy.

Otott's excellence with the ivory keys will deliver a slice of heaven to your ears. With music like this it's not so much about the journey but about the destination - where it can take you.

"Tesoro" and many other tracks on the new album will provide instant stress relief. Find out for your self and listen to the stream provided.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5


More About John Otott: 

http://www.johnotott.com


A multi-instrumentalist and composer, John started playing piano at a young age. Taking up the bass guitar in high school, John went on to play in a series of rock bands and regularly performed at such Hollywood hot spots as The Whiskey A Go-Go, the Troubadour and the Roxy. He then transitioned into an instrumental jazz/rock band that performed with such artists as Lyle Mays (of Pat Metheny fame), Latin star Tania Maria, Grammy award winning sax player Gato Barbieri and Thelonious Monk Jr. However, he always maintained his love for piano music composition.

COLORS is John’s latest release (November 2014). The CD contains a collection of piano-based instrumentals interwoven with emotional and often dramatic string and keyboard arrangements. Many of the songs are inspired by his life events, conveying a true sense of meaning through music.

John is a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization that, in addition to producing The Grammy Awards, supports music industry professionals through advocacy, outreach programs and student initiatives.

11/23/2014

Track Evaluation: John Otott-Tesoro

John Otott, instrumental new age artist, has just released his new album titled Colors. One of the tracks that I felt stood out was "Tesoro." Its elegance and beauty will take frazzled nerves and tried spirits and change those feelings to peace and joy.

Otott's excellence with the ivory keys will deliver a slice of heaven to your ears. With music like this it's not so much about the journey but about the destination - where it can take you.

"Tesoro" and many other tracks on the new album will provide instant stress relief. Find out for your self and listen to the stream provided.

MuzikMan Rating 5/5


More About John Otott: 

http://www.johnotott.com


A multi-instrumentalist and composer, John started playing piano at a young age. Taking up the bass guitar in high school, John went on to play in a series of rock bands and regularly performed at such Hollywood hot spots as The Whiskey A Go-Go, the Troubadour and the Roxy. He then transitioned into an instrumental jazz/rock band that performed with such artists as Lyle Mays (of Pat Metheny fame), Latin star Tania Maria, Grammy award winning sax player Gato Barbieri and Thelonious Monk Jr. However, he always maintained his love for piano music composition.

COLORS is John’s latest release (November 2014). The CD contains a collection of piano-based instrumentals interwoven with emotional and often dramatic string and keyboard arrangements. Many of the songs are inspired by his life events, conveying a true sense of meaning through music.

John is a voting member of the Recording Academy, the organization that, in addition to producing The Grammy Awards, supports music industry professionals through advocacy, outreach programs and student initiatives.

11/15/2014

Track Evaluation: Patty Mattson-Dear Mama

Patty Mattson has a new album out with several country flavored tracks. One of her favorites and mine is "Dear Mama."

Everyone has a special connection to their mother and the track is a heartfelt message to Patty's or your own. Anyway you look at it-it touches you in some way.

It doesn't hurt that it has a bouncing country tune to get across all those words either! Great music and lyrics are all you need to make a message clear and it sure looks like this lady was successful on "Dear Mama." 

MuzikMan Rating: 4/5 

More About Patty Mattson:

http://pattymattson.com

Prior to her record releases, Mattson had her songs included on the soundtracks of several motion pictures including Friends and Lovers starring Robert Downy Jr. and Claudia Schiffer as well as Ghosts Never Sleep starring Faye Dunaway, Tony Goldwyn, and Sean Young.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for this talented singer songwriter as Mattson continues to add to her Recording, Songwriting, and Voice Over successes with her flourishing companies Madison Music & VO and Studio19 Songs. Armed with an impressive performer’s resume she has landed feature roles such as the Peacock Centerpiece for Pier One, the Speedtalker for Toshiba, Lollipop in the Indy film Into Temptation with Jeremy Sisto and Kristin Chenowith, and the soul singing karoke nun in NBC’s Rhythm & Blues. She also appeared in Unsolved Mysteries and What Should You Do.

Patty Mattson, this curvaceous, quadruple threat for songwriting, unforgettable vocal stylings, acting, and mellifluous and character-driven voice overs is pure magic.  Watch, listen, and know.



11/13/2014

Track Evaluation: The Dead Reds-Born To Survive

The Dead Reds perform a smokin' track titled "Born To Survive."

This is raunchy rockin' blues influenced music. Not for the faint of heart. If you can picture a smoke filled pub with the house band wailing away in the wee hours of the morning well...The Dead Reds would be that band!

MuzikMan Rating: 4.5/5

Website: 
http://www.thedeadreds.com/