Showing posts with label Folk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Folk. Show all posts

7/29/2016

Blues-Folk-Pop Review: Jessie Rae-Blue Funk

Release Date: April 29, 2016
Label: Independent

Jessie Rae is blues/folk/pop band hailing from Portland Oregon. They are led by Joan M. Meyer (Singer/songwriter, guitar, bass, keyboards) who provides the edgy from the gut vocals that all blues or blues influenced music requires. There are many contributors to their projects however I need to cite Lauren G. Semler (Guitar, bass, backup vocals) as another key member. He plays some mighty fine guitar and provides some crafty slide guitar when called upon. Both members collaborate on the production end of the equation and Joan also gets behind the boards for the engineering. So to say they have it all covered is spot on.

Blue Funk is their most recent release. Joan’s vocals find the groove especially well when “Back Then” starts. They lay down a funky groove and take a look at the past of the character in the song. The presence of Joan’s vocal style hits home and the band is crackin’ on all cylinders. Besides the funk filled guitar lines the bass and drums just cook right along, and then you get some cow bell to drive it along another step further as the six string hollers out “Hear Me!” 

“Garden of Eden” makes the entire album for me. It was without a doubt the apex of the entire recording. John Dawson of New Riders of the Purple Sage wrote the song. It’s the only cover on the album. All the rest are original songs.     The track carries a great message, the music and Joan’s vocals are perfect as well. She sings “We live in the Garden of Eden and we want to tear it down.” That is one of many messages that ring true in our world today. Lauren’s slide work gives the oomph necessary to get your attention and really hear what Joan is singing about. 

The same thing happens with the curtain closer “Thank You.” It is another message about being thankful and grateful from the singer. Once again the slide guitar rules the day and the funky guitar lines intermingle with a strong bottom line as the bass and drums fall into sync and take a few bows of their own. It is the appropriate follow up to the previous track and an excellent choice to close out the album. 

Jessie Rae is an effective combination of blues, folk and pop. This is not traditional blues however what they do is take the foundation of that sound and build on it and stretch things out a bit. There are enough elements of all three genres to keep it interesting from start to finish. Check out Blue Funk for a soulful musical cruise.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Garden of Eden, Thank You, Back Then

Tracks:
01. Now That We Know
02. In My Wake
03. Sparky
04. For the Corporation
05. Is This It
06. Back Then
07. Go Away
08. Blue Funk
09. Garden of Eden
10. Thankful
 


Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
Founder of:

July 29, 2016
Review Provided By Write A Music Review

6/14/2016

San Francisco Political Singer/Songwriter Pete Kronowitt Releases New Full-Length Album


A Lone Voice Delivers Timely and Salient Political Message

San Francisco, CA – The hunger Americans feel for change is palpable, and no artist voices this urgency better than San Francisco-based Pete Kronowitt, a seasoned singer/songwriter who is releasing his fourth full-length album, A Lone Voice. Pete’s emotive songs fuse acoustic pop and indie-folk, while evoking an era when music was made to battle injustice. A Lone Voice, releasing worldwide on July 15th, 2016, masterfully explores themes ranging from socio-political struggles to musings on the human condition. His sound is a Steve Earle-Elvis Costello hybrid, a heap of Alt-Americana influences.

The album was recorded and produced in Nashville, Tennessee by Grammy-winning songwriter Phil Madeira, with backing musicians David Mansfield on guitars, mandolin and violin, Dennis Holt on drums and percussion, Chris Donohue on bass, and of course, Phil Madeira on guitars and keys. A Lone Voice features a set of lyrical new songs spanning folk, pop, country, and acoustic-punk influences from the Ramones to Pete Seeger and John Mellencamp.

A Lone Voice stays upbeat, despite presenting some uncomfortable truths and lifting the curtain to reveal political and media manipulation. Audiences will join the chorus of the title track “Change Is Gonna Come” (inspired from Sam Cooke's iconic song) and tap to the beat of the album’s protest anthem “Got Guns?” Through his music, Kronowitt pokes fun at the absurdity of extremism and reminds us, the power of change is always here and now – within ourselves.

There are also intimate, personal moments in this collection, drawing connections between the national zeitgeist and the all-too-human emotional toll it takes on those we love. The smooth and Clapton-esque “You Are Here” reminds listeners (and Pete himself) to be present. “Holding Your Hand” is a gift for his wife after 20 years together, and the tender, album-closing “Perfect Day” is a moving tribute to his sister, who took her own life. “Tears on the Back of Her Head,” co-written with producer Phil Madeira, was written for two friends lost to cancer and their spouses, and may be the most stirring track on A Lone Voice.

Pete Kronowitt has toured internationally in China, Japan, and Vietnam, and across the U.S. in the last few years with long-time friend, collaborator, and 30-year veteran bassist John David Coppola. John, who has toured with The Danny Morris Band, was integral on Pete’s debut album Phases of the Heart. That album was recorded in 1993 at Rutabaga Studios with John Alagia, whose production credits include the Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, and Ben Folds Five. Kronowitt’s second and third albums, Threads and elements, were produced by Pete Snell, who toured extensively with Lyle Lovett.

With an unwavering belief that together, we can raise our voices to demand common sense solutions, Pete reminds us, “The people of these great United States are bound by the many things we have in common, and we must reject any manufactured issues which are cynically created simply to divide us.” With his revolutionary new album, A Lone Voice, Pete Kronowitt has called for a rediscovery of the protest song…and not a moment too soon.

Pete Kronowitt will be performing a CD Release party and delivering his strong political messages to the Agora Theater and Ballroom in Cleveland, OH ahead of the Republican National Convention this July 18-21, 2016.

There will also be various gigs throughout 2016 in the San Francisco Bay Area and across the West Coast.

For more information and touring schedule visit: http://www.petekronowitt.com/

For music samples or to pre-order A Lone Voice visit: https://petekronowitt.bandcamp.com/

Press inquiries and interview requests contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR: glassonyonpr@gmail.com or 828-350-8158

For live performance booking or management inquiries contact Mean Bean Records: booking@meanbeanrecords.com

2/12/2016

Audio Fidelity To Release “The Bootleg Series Vol. 6 Bob Dylan Live 1964 Concert at Philharmonic Hall” on Hybrid Multichannel 5.0 SACD


“As eminently listenable as it is historically important!”

Camarillo, CA - Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be releasing “The Bootleg Series Vol. 6 Bob Dylan Live 1964 Concert at Philharmonic Hall” on Hybrid multichannel 5.0 SACD.

This 5.0 SurroundSound mix of Bob Dylan's October 31, 1964 “Halloween” show at New York's Philharmonic Hall is a complete recording and has never been released in this format until now. This 2-CD Audio Fidelity collection presents the entire concert from the original Columbia Records (SONY) master tapes. The package also includes a 56-page book filled with historical photographs and informative notes. The Halloween concert of 1964 had been previously bootlegged on vinyl and CD, but those releases were incomplete and taken from poor dubs off the soundboard tapes.

This 1964 concert is the first all acoustic live performance to enter Bob Dylan's discography. This recording certainly has its share of firsts and highlights, including the only known live version of “Spanish Harlem Incident,” the premiere of the songs “Gates of Eden” and “If You Gotta Go, Go Now.”

Here is Dylan as an eager-to-please 23 year old with nothing between him and his audience but a guitar and a harmonica. His voice is in top form throughout the 19 song set and when Joan Baez joins him on stage the voltage only increases.

In marked contrast to the tight-lipped living legend of the mid-'70s, here is Dylan as entertainer, joking and bantering with the crowd and he proves to be a very masterful performer.

While much has been made of the later electric performance of the 1960s, it is here that you can see how good Dylan really was. He shows all the budding facets of his art up to this time, from the protest songs, the more introspective material and the radical new direction he was pursuing.

Of course, as with all Audio Fidelity hybrid multichannel releases the SACD is compatible on all standard players and includes the 2-track stereo mix layer as well.

2-CD set/5.0 SurroundSound/includes 56-page book
Mastered by Steve Hoffman and Stephen Marsh at Stephen Marsh Mastering

Disc one
1. The Times They Are a-Changin' 3:29
2. Spanish Harlem Incident 3:07
3. Talkin' John Birch Paranoid Blues 4:06
4. To Ramona 6:01
5. Who Killed Davey Moore? 4:46
6. Gates of Eden 8:32
7. If You Gotta Go, Go Now (Or Else You Got to Stay All Night) 4:06
8. It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) 11:26
9. I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met) 4:01
10. Mr. Tambourine Man 6:33
11. A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall 7:44

Disc two
1. Talkin' World War III Blues 5:52
2. Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 4:34
3. The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll 6:57
4. Mama, You Been on My Mind 3:35
5. Silver Dagger 3:47
6. With God on Our Side 6:17
7. It Ain't Me, Babe 5:11
8. All I Really Want to Do 4:01

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com 

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

1/26/2016

Cajun Country/Folk Legend Doug Kershaw Serves Up A Gumbo Of Vintage Unreleased Demos & Recordings On A New 2CD Anthology!


Los Angeles, CA - Known worldwide as one of the most important figures in Cajun music, a renowned multi-instrumentalist, master of the fiddle and accordion, distinctive vocalist, and a highly prolific songwriter, Doug Kershaw has spent most of his career mining the rich musical traditions of his home state of Louisiana, from zydeco to Creole-influence country and folk. Now he looks back on his own illustrious career, all the way back to his days performing as a duo with his brother Rusty in the 1950s, though the early years of his budding solo career, and digs up a stunning collection of more than 50 vintage studio recordings and demos. These never-before-released gems will be available to music fans worldwide on February 5 as Anthology - Rare Masters 1958-1969, a superb 2CD set courtesy of Goldenlane Records.

This treasure trove of an album is split between full band demos (comprising Disc 1) and guitar demos (comprising Disc 2), both showcasing not only an amazing vocal and musical dexterity but also a stunning, frequently moving songwriting talent. Often built around a clever, affecting turn of phrase (see “Shake Hands & Come Out Crying,” “I Wish I Had Died As A Baby,” or “It Takes All Day To Get Over Night”), Kershaw’s music may have roots in a specific region but his lyrics speak to the most universal themes of love, family, and good ol’ fashioned human misery. Kershaw’s own enthusiasm for the songs contained herein has not been diminished at all by the passing years. “I am so proud of this compilation,” Kershaw declares, “It’s like exposing my life to the world. I am who I am because you the people allowed me to be!” With an endorsement like that, no self-respecting Kershaw fan will be able to pass this one up!

Track List:
DISC 1
1. Big Mighty Man
2. Didn't You Hear Me
3. Fais Do Do
4. Two Out Of Three
5. Mary Lou
6. Among Other Things
7. Do Me Right Now
8. A Victim Of Love Gone Wrong
9. Hardly Anymore
10. Give Me Some Girl
11. Am I Lonely Tonight
12. Except
13. Shake Hands & Come Out Crying
14. Pride Versus Love
15. I Can't Love That Way
16. It Takes All Day To Get Over Night
17. I'm Just A Man Called Sam
18. Before I Start Over
19. Baby's Gone
20. Ain't Going To Get Me Down
21. Contract For Misery
22. Around & Around
23. Hollywood to Memphis
24. Future Of Love
25. I Can't See Myself

DISC 2
1. Love's Enemy
2. I'm Going To Get Drunk
3. If You're Not Going To Love Me That's Alright
4. This Is Our Chance
5. Love Bird
6. There's A Wall Being Built
7. Mine Is A Lonely Heart
8. That's What Hurts The Most
9. Misery's All Gone
10. I Wish I Had Died As A Baby
11. A Ring For My Darlin'
12. Our Love Affair Came Tumbling Down
13. Son Of A Gun
14. My Mind's In A Fog
15. Just Hurting Me
16. My Memory Of You
17. That's Alright With Me
18. Mannequin Woman
19. This Is The Strangest Love I've Ever Seen
20. That Far Away Look In Your Eyes
21. Pay No Attention
22. This Is The House That I Live In
23. That's Too Bad About The Summer Night
24. There's No Better Way
25. Louisiana Sun
26. Little Bo Peep
27. Rosie Come Take Me Home

Buy the box set: http://flyt.it/DougKershawCD
Download on iTunes: http://flyt.it/DougKershawDig

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

12/19/2015

Audio Fidelity To Release “Colors of the day - The Best of Judy Collins” on Quad 4.0 Hybrid SACD


“This is Collins at her finest.”

Camarillo, CA – Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity will be releasing the ultimate “best of” collection by folk legend Judy Collins on Quad 4.0 Hybrid SACD. Colors of the day - The Best of Judy Collins first arrived in record stores in 1972. The recording features Collins' earliest, most time-honored recordings. The song that propelled the album sales was her number one hit, “Both Sides Now,” an alluring Joni Mitchell tune that dominated the charts for months.

Collins' voice is remarkably beautiful, her phrasing, her ability to enunciate and her vocal range place her in a category by herself. Her amazing talent is on full display in this excellent collection that includes Collins' explorations into folk-pop, country-pop (“Someday Soon,” an Ian Tyson classic), British folk (“Sunny Goodge Street,” The Beatles “In My Life”), and gospel (“Amazing Grace”) that clearly show her eclecticism.

The thoughtfully programmed collection includes the Leonard Cohen classic, “Suzanne.” Cohen's haunting and evocative lyrics are masterfully interpreted by Collins who was an early champion of his amazingly poetic folk songs. Some of the record's finest moments are from her exquisite 1968 album Who Knows Where the Time Goes including that album's title track. Also included are two of her lovely autobiographical compositions, “My Father” and “Albatross.”

“This anthology brings the 'best-of' collection to a new art form.”

Track listing:
Someday Soon
Since You Asked
Both Sides Now
Sons Of
Suzanne
Farewell to Tarwathie
Who Knows Where the Time Goes
Sunny Goodge Street
My Father
Albatross
In My Life
Amazing Grace

Produced by Mark Abramson, David Anderle
Mastered: Stereo CD, SACD mastering and 4.0
Analog to Hi Definition DSD Digital Transfer: Steve Hoffman and Stephen Marsh

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

7/13/2015

Lauded Bay Area Songstress Bekah Barnett to Release Her Sophomore Album “RISE” Recorded at Fantasy Studios


Berkeley, CA - Bekah Barnett is an operatically trained singer-songwriter who has been captivating audiences for years with her emotionally engaging songs, poetic lyrics, soaring melodies, and catchy piano riffs. A refreshing blend of Jazz, Folk, Pop, and Spiritual music, Bekah Barnett’s piano-driven tunes and soulful voice have been compared to Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant, Adele, and Joni Mitchell. Her sophomore full-length album RISE, available both physically and digitally worldwide with its release on August 21st, 2015, was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California with local producer and master pianist Julie Wolf (Ani DiFranco, Carly Simon, The Indigo Girls, Dar Williams).

Bekah was raised in Santa Cruz, CA, with the nearby ocean a constant companion and source of inspiration. She moved to Oakland to attend Mills College, and it wasn’t long before she was lured into the Music Department, where she studied classical and operatic voice. In the years since Bekah has been making her presence known. Her song What I Know of the Light is featured in the documentary Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption by 108 productions. She was honored to sing her disarmingly sweet original love song, Butter Your Toast, at Oakland City Hall to commemorate the first gay marriages in Oakland following the repeal of Prop 8. Her well-received debut album, Find Shelter Here, was released in 2012.

After years of playing and singing regularly in the Bay Area, Bekah auditioned for America’s Got Talent in February of 2014 at the persistent requests of her 92-year-old grandmother. The long audition process consisted of waiting around for over seven hours to play for 90 seconds, and although the experience was ultimately disappointing, she did get a good song out of it. Fame & Fortune is a gem of a track from RISE that stands out with its driving industrial loop and triumphant and honest lyrics. It is a commentary on the reality TV fame machine, and the carelessly regarded dreams of the countless individuals involved.

Bekah Barnett recorded RISE with producer Julie Wolf. A resident producer at Fantasy Studios, Julie was able to tap musicians for the album who have played with some of Bekah’s idols such as Ani DiFranco, Natalie Merchant, The Indigo Girls, and Anais Mitchell. Todd Sickafoose contributed his melodic and captivating bass lines to the project. Allison Miller, three-time Jazz Ambassador of the US State Department, created the original drum arrangements and loops. Hans Teuber composed and played horn arrangements for several of the songs, Michael Papenburg visited the studio for a day to lend his considerable talents layering acoustic and electric guitar on several tracks, and Lyris Hung arranged and played violin on many of the tunes. RISE was engineered and mixed by the adept Adam Muñoz (Snarky Puppy, Herbie Hancock, Dave Matthews, and Bill Frisell).

Recording at Fantasy Studios with these accomplished musicians was beyond Bekah’s wildest dreams, and it was an incredible experience that encouraged her to grow and develop in major ways. It all started with a grant from the Irene B. Wolt Lifetime Trust that a coworker encouraged Bekah to apply for. When she was awarded some seed money, she began to consider the idea of working with a professional producer. It was thanks to the encouragement and connections of her songwriting mentor Rachel Efron that Bekah was introduced to Julie Wolf. Bekah was familiar with Julie from the years she spent touring with Ani DiFranco, whose music was a huge inspiration. “I remember the first time I met with Julie at Fantasy Studios,” says Bekah. “I was so excited and nervous, but she was amazing. Her presence is so warm and she was so enthusiastic about my music, she put me at ease right away. After that I was over the moon.”

Bekah and Julie spent months in pre-production, fine-tuning each song and recording high quality demos to share with the musicians. The album that resulted from all of this amazing collaboration has greatly exceeded expectations and the results show with this finely crafted collection of wonderful songs. Listening to the first completed mix moved Bekah to tears. She says, “Everything sounded so amazing and it was just so overwhelming to hear it all finished, polished, and balanced. We had done all this work for so many months and it was clear that it had paid off. It was beautiful.”

Bekah has always had a deep connection with music. She writes songs like journal entries, natural byproducts of her life that help her to express her emotions in a way that she finds incredible and deeply healing. “I honestly don’t know where I would be without music in my life. I’m addicted,” she says. “Music is such a unique art form because it can connect people of all different backgrounds from all different walks of life and make it so that they are united in the same moment, in the same room, listening to the same song. It can reframe ideas that are often controversial so that a message that might be difficult to convey in a conversation is effectively communicated through a song.”

RISE will be released on August 21st, 2015. Visit Bekah’s Bandcamp page to pre-order the album at http://urbanminstrel.bandcamp.com/

For more information on shows, new music samples, or to join the mailing list visit Bekah’s website www.urbanminstrel.com.

For Physical Distribution Inquiries please contact Steffen Franz or Ben Lang at Independent Distribution Collective at 415-292-7007 or via e-mail sales@independentdistro.com

For Digital Distribution Inquiries contact Jerome Forney at IDCDigital at 415-292-7007 or via e-mail jerome@independentdistro.com

For Press and Radio Inquiries contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR at 828-350-8158 glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For more information on booking Bekah for live performances please e-mail urbanminstrel.bekah@gmail.com

6/22/2015

Progressive/Symphonic Rock Review: Karnataka-Secrets of Angels

Release Date: 30th March 2015
Label:  Immrama Records

The new album from the band Karnataka, Secrets of Angels, has just landed on the review desk and is album No 5 from the band. The debut album was Karnataka (1998), followed by The Storm (2000), then Delicate Flame of Desire (2003) and finally, The Gathering Light (2010). Not the most prolific band, with 7 years between albums 3 and 4 and then a further 5 years between 4 and 5. One reason may be the ever changing personnel within the band. Ian Jones is the only original member of Karnataka from the mid 90’s, and while the same band members recorded Karnataka and The Storm, there was a change for Delicate Flame of Desire, with another female voice added (Anne-Marie Helder) as well as a female guest (Heather Findlay). The Gathering found only Ian still present, Lisa Fury as the vocalist, and new drummer, bass player and keyboard player. 

Secrets of Angels was made with Karnataka as a 5 piece group comprising, Ian Jones (bass keyboards and guitar), Hayley Griffiths (vocals), Enrico Pinna (guitars and vocals), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards) and Jimmy Palagrossi (drums). Enrico was also part of the band for the previous album. There is a few guest musicians involved as well. Troy Donockley adds Uilleann Pipes and low whistles, Seana Davey adds harp and Rachel van der Tang and Clive Howard from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra add cello and viola respectively.

The album, Secrets of Angels, is an 8 track album with a running time just under an hour. The shortest track on offer is “Poison Ivy” with a playing time of 4:14 minutes and the longest track is the closing, title track “Secrets of Angels” with a running time of 20:00 minutes.

The opening track, “Road to Cairo” (5:27) races out of the speakers and grabs you firmly by both ears. With a violin introduction, the track then moves into a heavy riff which conjures up little aural glimpses of Kashmir from the Led Zeppelin album, Physical Graffiti. The vocals of Hayley tower over this eastern tinged stunner. What a superb opening track which certainly makes you start to savor what other gems this album has in store.

“Because of You” (4:43) has a gentle piano intro into more of the heaviness, with riffs and orchestral thundering. Crystal clear vocals by Hayley soar with seemingly no effort and carry the track onwards. There is more emotional depth to this track than the previous one, and again a piece of music that hits the “sweet spot” in your mind.

“Poison Ivy” (4:14) fires up with more or the thunderous orchestral sweeps and maintains its pace throughout its 4+ minutes. Track No 4, “Forbidden Dreams” (5:48) is a more laid back entity, at least for Karnataka, and is memorable for that alone. A dip into the heavier, more powerful style of band statement takes the track onwards and embeds the melody deep within your mind. 

“Borderline” (6:19) has a hugely atmospheric start, all dark and ominous, before Hayley’s voice demands attention, all the while backed by almost malevolent strings. The powerhouse of the band, the drums and bass are very obvious on this track. This is another stunningly memorable addition to the album.

“Fairytale Lies” (4:58) is a real change into the land of the ballad, with piano and strings. Hayley’s voice is so clear and powerful, and although the intensity of the track builds rises and falls, the lasting impression is of the gentler side of the band.

The penultimate track, “Feels Like Home” (7:06) has a theme plucked on the harp and when the voice kicks in, you relax into familiar Karnataka territory, although in this track the dark, ominous and malevolent soundscapes are omitted. Replacing these facets is an almost uplifting style of music, but I must admit that these last 2 tracks have not had the same impact that the previous tracks have had.

The finale to the album is the epic length title track, “Secrets of Angels” (20:00). Celtic sounds abound at the start of the track, courtesy of one, Troy Donockley from Nightwish, and an amazing aural soundscape is produced. The voice, when it appears, fits the storytelling scenario like a glove. Tension builds, heralded by the entry of some percussion, and you await the change happening, but you are kept waiting until about the 4 minute mark, when the full symphonic rock of Karnataka is unleashed. The track pulsates this way and that as it passes through each of its’ seven phases, allowing the band members to showcase their skills. A big plus point with “Secrets of Angels” is that the music flows seamlessly through all of its phases whether a full band workout or gentle Celtic areas, and there is always the little theme from the intro putting in an appearance in different ways. This is a true tour-de-force that ends the album on a majestic note.

This album, Secrets of Angels is a superb release and shows that Karnataka have undergone a slow evolution to get to this point. With so many personnel changes this achievement has certainly had obstacles to overcome, but I think that it is safe to say, that the band of Hayley, Ian, Enrico, Cagri and Jimmy, have finally “nailed it.”

My advice is very simple, and that is to listen to the epic final track, “Secrets of Angels” and you will soon be on your way to purchase the album. This is one of the best albums that I have heard so far this year, and I have heard a lot of albums this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Road To Cairo, Borderline, Secrets of Angels

Tracks:
 

Road To Cairo
Because of You
Poison Ivy
Forbidden Dreams
Borderline
Fairytale Lies
Feels Like Home
Secrets of Angels


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
June 22, 2015
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Progressive/Symphonic Rock Review: Karnataka-Secrets of Angels

Release Date: 30thMarch 2015
Label:  Immrama Records

The new album from the band Karnataka, Secrets of Angels, has just landed on the review desk and is album No 5 from the band. The debut album was Karnataka(1998), followed by The Storm (2000), then Delicate Flame of Desire (2003) and finally, The Gathering Light(2010). Not the most prolific band, with 7 years between albums 3 and 4 and then a further 5 years between 4 and 5. One reason may be the ever changing personnel within the band. Ian Jones is the only original member of Karnataka from the mid 90’s, and while the same band members recorded Karnataka and The Storm, there was a change for Delicate Flame of Desire, with another female voice added (Anne-Marie Helder) as well as a female guest (Heather Findlay). The Gathering found only Ian still present, Lisa Fury as the vocalist, and new drummer, bass player and keyboard player. 

Secrets of Angels was made with Karnataka as a 5 piece group comprising, Ian Jones (bass keyboards and guitar), Hayley Griffiths (vocals), Enrico Pinna (guitars and vocals), Cagri Tozluoglu (keyboards) and Jimmy Palagrossi (drums). Enrico was also part of the band for the previous album. There is a few guest musicians involved as well. Troy Donockley adds Uilleann Pipes and low whistles, Seana Davey adds harp and Rachel van der Tang and Clive Howard from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra add cello and viola respectively.

The album, Secrets of Angels, is an 8 track album with a running time just under an hour. The shortest track on offer is “Poison Ivy” with a playing time of 4:14 minutes and the longest track is the closing, title track “Secrets of Angels” with a running time of 20:00 minutes.

The opening track, “Road to Cairo” (5:27) races out of the speakers and grabs you firmly by both ears. With a violin introduction, the track then moves into a heavy riff which conjures up little aural glimpses of Kashmir from the Led Zeppelin album, Physical Graffiti. The vocals of Hayley tower over this eastern tinged stunner. What a superb opening track which certainly makes you start to savor what other gems this album has in store.

“Because of You” (4:43) has a gentle piano intro into more of the heaviness, with riffs and orchestral thundering. Crystal clear vocals by Hayley soar with seemingly no effort and carry the track onwards. There is more emotional depth to this track than the previous one, and again a piece of music that hits the “sweet spot” in your mind.

“Poison Ivy” (4:14) fires up with more or the thunderous orchestral sweeps and maintains its pace throughout its 4+ minutes. Track No 4, “Forbidden Dreams” (5:48) is a more laid back entity, at least for Karnataka, and is memorable for that alone. A dip into the heavier, more powerful style of band statement takes the track onwards and embeds the melody deep within your mind. 

“Borderline” (6:19) has a hugely atmospheric start, all dark and ominous, before Hayley’s voice demands attention, all the while backed by almost malevolent strings. The powerhouse of the band, the drums and bass are very obvious on this track. This is another stunningly memorable addition to the album.

“Fairytale Lies” (4:58) is a real change into the land of the ballad, with piano and strings. Hayley’s voice is so clear and powerful, and although the intensity of the track builds rises and falls, the lasting impression is of the gentler side of the band.

The penultimate track, “Feels Like Home” (7:06) has a theme plucked on the harp and when the voice kicks in, you relax into familiar Karnataka territory, although in this track the dark, ominous and malevolent soundscapes are omitted. Replacing these facets is an almost uplifting style of music, but I must admit that these last 2 tracks have not had the same impact that the previous tracks have had.

The finale to the album is the epic length title track, “Secrets of Angels” (20:00). Celtic sounds abound at the start of the track, courtesy of one, Troy Donockley from Nightwish, and an amazing aural soundscape is produced. The voice, when it appears, fits the storytelling scenario like a glove. Tension builds, heralded by the entry of some percussion, and you await the change happening, but you are kept waiting until about the 4 minute mark, when the full symphonic rock of Karnataka is unleashed. The track pulsates this way and that as it passes through each of its’ seven phases, allowing the band members to showcase their skills. A big plus point with “Secrets of Angels” is that the music flows seamlessly through all of its phases whether a full band workout or gentle Celtic areas, and there is always the little theme from the intro putting in an appearance in different ways. This is a true tour-de-force that ends the album on a majestic note.

This album, Secrets of Angels is a superb release and shows that Karnataka have undergone a slow evolution to get to this point. With so many personnel changes this achievement has certainly had obstacles to overcome, but I think that it is safe to say, that the band of Hayley, Ian, Enrico, Cagri and Jimmy, have finally “nailed it.”

My advice is very simple, and that is to listen to the epic final track, “Secrets of Angels” and you will soon be on your way to purchase the album. This is one of the best albums that I have heard so far this year, and I have heard a lot of albums this year.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Road To Cairo, Borderline, Secrets of Angels

Tracks:
 

Road To Cairo
Because of You
Poison Ivy
Forbidden Dreams
Borderline
Fairytale Lies
Feels Like Home
Secrets of Angels


Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
June 22, 2015
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

6/12/2015

Alt-Rogue-Folk-Rock Group Yeti Love To Release New Single On June 15th

Folk duo from south set to release their latest new single, ‘Lonely Road’, is set for release on June 15th, and you can hear it here.


https://soundcloud.com/yetilovemusic/lonely-road-radio-edit

The pair have labelled their unique combination as ‘alt-rogue-folk-rock’, which is as fitting a description as any. Based in South London, they have been playing together since 2012 and ‘Lonely Road’ is the latest fruit of their labours.

In the years since their foundation, Yeti Love have been slowly building in following an momentum thanks to their thoughtful songwriting and eye catching live show, which has earned them some fantastic coverage for their work up until this point. The buzz is building, and in ‘Lonely Road’ they have the right vehicle to continue on that journey

If you want to see the band they have lots of upcoming tour dates:

Live Dates:
May 13th - Red Lion Godalming
May 21st- Kings Head Guildford
June 4th  Shortlands Tavern London
June 6th  Matthews Yard  Croydon
June 11th  Pelton Arms Greenwich
June 19th Barge Inn Wiltshire
June 21st  The Acoustic Solstice et la fete de la musique   Batley Yorkshire
July 12th  One Summers Day Festival  Guilford 
August 29th  Airballoon Garden Party Coulsdon 

For more information on the band check them out here:
Links:



Yeti Love Sensational New Single ‘Lonely Road’ + Tour Dates



Yeti Love are a folk duo made up of songwriters Peter Hamilton and Dave sears are about to release their cracking new single 'Lonely Road' on 15th June!

Hamilton is also influenced by his own ancestry, being half Spanish and, at a young age, falling in love with the folk traditions of home town Galicia. Having started out as a drummer before expanding his own musical horizons, his love of rhythm was informed by this specific branch of celtic roots music. Married to Sears’ intricate, multi-instrumental approach, the result is a hybrid sound unlike any other act on the circuit today.

New single, ‘Lonely Road’, is set for release on June 15th, and you can hear it here.

https://soundcloud.com/yetilovemusic/lonely-road-radio-edit

The pair have labelled their unique combination as ‘alt-rogue-folk-rock’, which is as fitting a description as any. Based in South London, they have been playing together since 2012 and ‘Lonely Road’ is the latest fruit of their labours.


 Live Dates:
May 13th - Red Lion Godalming
May 21st- Kings Head Guildford
June 4th  Shortlands Tavern London
June 6th  Matthews Yard  Croydon
June 11th  Pelton Arms Greenwich
June 19th Barge Inn Wiltshire
June 21st  The Acoustic Solstice et la fete de la musique   Batley Yorkshire
July 12th  One Summers Day Festival  Guilford 
August 29th  Airballoon Garden Party Coulsdon



Links:


6/04/2015

UK Country Rock Band Quill Featuring Bev Bevan of ELO, The Move and Black Sabbath to Release New Album “Brush With The Moon”


Birmingham, UK - QUILL is a well-established, 7-piece country/folk/rock band based in Birmingham, England, from the same stable as ELO, Black Sabbath, The Moody Blues, Led Zeppelin, Christine McVie (Fleetwood Mac) and more, have been wowing audiences for many years. In the past, all of these musicians played in and around Birmingham and kept in touch with each other.

Says lead singer Joy Strachan–Brain, “ 'Brush With The Moon' is Quill's first album to be released Worldwide and we are excited!!Until 2012, Quill was one of the busiest gigging bands in the UK, just getting out there and making music. Our self-penned album 'Privileged' sums up how we felt, doing a job we loved, visiting interesting countries , meeting amazing people and making music.”

The band's new album “Brush With The Moon” is a collection of songs written by the late BEN BRAIN. Ben was bass player and husband to Quill's lead singer Joy Strachan–Brain. He left a legacy of wonderful songs and inspired by Jeff Lynne's use of John Lennon’s demos on “Free as a bird”, Quill was moved to use Ben's vocals and original demos to create this new album. “Brush with the Moon” is a tribute to Ben and has truly been a labor of love.

Featuring respected musicians: Bev Bevan (ELO, Black Sabbath), Brian Tatler (Diamond Head), Tony Kelsey (who has played guitar with Robert Plant, Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi) and Matt Davies (well respected bass player and vocalist) along with band members Joy Strachan-Brain, Dave Bailey, Kate McWilliam and Tim Tandler

Bev Bevan commented, “Over the years I have always been an admirer of Quill. I was particularly a fan of Joy, the lead singer, who I considered to be the best female singer around the Midlands area. When I was asked to put a band together for a national tour called 'Stand up and Rock and found that the show needed a female lead vocalist, I immediately asked Joy to be part of it and she agreed. Since then 'Stand up and Rock' has become one of the most successful shows around with sell out tours around Great Britain. About a year ago I joined Quill as percussionist (being a drummer, I have always also liked playing percussion instruments too and have done so in the studio with The Move, ELO, Black Sabbath and Jose Feliciano). It's great to be doing it live on stage now, and playing drums on some songs too. The line up has changed since I joined and the band now has a more folk and country rockier edge to it. The band is also now concentrating on just theatre shows and festivals and I'm very proud to be part of it and delighted to be on this current , newly released album 'Brush With The Moon'. Joy and I are writing songs together and we are looking forward to recording tracks for another album to be released later this year.”

Ben Brain was not only a fantastic wordsmith and performer, but a well respected artist. All of the album artwork consists of Ben's sketches, which accompany his handwritten lyrics. All of Ben's drawings seemed appropriate for the “Brush With The Moon” digipak artwork. The front cover is a water colour painting Ben had produced depicting the songs on the album. Additional artwork contribution to the album was from Ben's daughter, Jenna Swann.

Featuring
JOY STRACHAN-BRAIN (lead vocals)
KATE McWILLIAM (violin/vocals)
DAVE BAILEY (keyboards/acoustic guitar/vocals)
TIM TANDLER (drums/percussion)
BEV BEVAN (drums/percussion)
MATT DAVIES (bass guitar/vocals)
TONY KELSEY (guitar/mandolin/vocals)

Tracks:
1. Quicksilver
2. Tumbling Years
3. Schoolyard
4. Poppy Fields
5. Nine Mile Camp
6. England
7. Hollywood Blue
8. Wedding Dress
9. Twister
10. Man In White

To purchase Quill's “Brush With The Moon”:
Amazon: http://geni.us/h5Y
iTunes: http://geni.us/2CPd

QUILL is enjoying performing to sell-out shows throughout the UK, taking the audience on an exciting and emotional journey that features songs from an album that the audience can relate to.

Quill tour dates
Acoustic Festival of GB - June 21, 2015, Uttoxeter Racecourse Wood Lane ST14
www.acousticfestival.co.uk
Americana Festival - July 12, 2015, Loughborough Road Loughborough LE12
www.americana-international.co.uk
Robin 2 - August 1, 2015,
Artrix Theatre - August 15, 2015, Bromsgrove Highway Bromsgrove B60
www.artrix.co.uk
Abbey Theatre - September 26, 2015, Abbey Green Nuneaton CV11
www.abbeytheatre.co.uk
Prince of Wales Theatre - October 9, 2015, Arts Centre Cannock WS11 1DE
www.wict.org/cannock/theatre
Assembly Rooms - November 7, 2015, 1 Mill Street Ludlow
www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall - December 4, 2015, Upper Clifton Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 6AB
Huntingdon Hall - December 11, 2015, Crowngate shopping Centre Worcester
www.worcesterlive.co.uk

Watch the promotional video:


Official Website: www.quilluk.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

2/12/2015

10,000 Maniacs Announce Official Release Date Of Their New Album And Offer A Sneak Peek!


Jamestown, NY - Having conquered the alternative rock world with multi-platinum selling albums and unforgettable singles such as “These Are Days,” 10,000 Maniacs are about to release the most ambitious album of their career, a full-length collection of traditional British Isles folk songs, titled 'Twice Told Tales', newly interpreted by the band whose organic, neo-folk sound has influenced countless others. The official street date for the album is April 28 and will be made available on both CD as well as a special 180-gram 12” vinyl format from Cleopatra Records!

Founding member and keyboardist Dennis Drew explains the germination of the project, “Folk music of all types has been a strong influence on the band. One of the songs on the new record 'Do You Love An Apple' has been in our repertoire for 30 years. We've also recorded Carter family songs and other American, Irish and British Folk music in the past.” With that experience under wing, the group set out to create an entire album's worth of modern versions of traditional British folk classics that would fit right alongside the rest of the 10,000 Maniacs' body of work. “These are timeless melodies,” Drew continues, “Some songs are funny, some are heartbreaking. Most are 100, 200, 300 years old. It's crazy how they can be turned into 21st century pop songs!”

For a taste of what fans have in store, the band is streaming one full song from the new album, a delightful Irish rhyme “Misty Moisty Morning,” on Soundcloud.

Listen here: https://soundcloud.com/cleopatra-recs/05-misty-moisty-morning/

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

2/10/2015

10,000 Maniacs Announce Official Release Date Of Their New Album And Offer A Sneak Peek!


Jamestown, NY - Having conquered the alternative rock world with multi-platinum selling albums and unforgettable singles such as “These Are Days,” 10,000 Maniacs are about to release the most ambitious album of their career, a full-length collection of traditional British Isles folk songs, titled 'Twice Told Tales', newly interpreted by the band whose organic, neo-folk sound has influenced countless others. The official street date for the album is April 28 and will be made available on both CD as well as a special 180-gram 12” vinyl format from Cleopatra Records!

Founding member and keyboardist Dennis Drew explains the germination of the project, “Folk music of all types has been a strong influence on the band. One of the songs on the new record 'Do You Love An Apple' has been in our repertoire for 30 years. We've also recorded Carter family songs and other American, Irish and British Folk music in the past.” With that experience under wing, the group set out to create an entire album's worth of modern versions of traditional British folk classics that would fit right alongside the rest of the 10,000 Maniacs' body of work. “These are timeless melodies,” Drew continues, “Some songs are funny, some are heartbreaking. Most are 100, 200, 300 years old. It's crazy how they can be turned into 21st century pop songs!”

For a taste of what fans have in store, the band is streaming one full song from the new album, a delightful Irish rhyme “Misty Moisty Morning,” on Soundcloud.

Listen here:

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

2/02/2015

Folk/Prog Rock Review: Dave Bainbridge-Celestial Fire

Release Date:  24th November 2014
Label:  Open Sky Records


This is an interesting release for review, as I have recently reviewed the live Iona release, and Dave is a member of that particular band. This is the second solo release by Iona’s co-founder, Dave Bainbridge, following on from Veil of Gossamer (2004) and is titled Celestial Fire. The impetus for Celestial Fire comes from the excitement and exhilaration Dave received when listening to his early musical heroes, including, Yes, Gentle Giant, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Curved Air, Clannad, Deep Purple, Mike Oldfield and many more.

The sound of Celestial Fire encompasses an array of soundscapes, Celtic, progressive, spiritual and folk rock, and according to the press release, “a larger than usual dollop of what some might term progressive rock type musical adventuring.”

As Celestial Fireis a solo album, there are many excellent musicians making guest appearances across the album. Dave plays, 6 and 12 string guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, piano, organ, keyboards, autoharp, finger cymbals, Darbukka (Middle Eastern drum), Chimes, Indian leg bells, beer shaker, tambourine and, if that wasn’t enough, contributes to the backing vocals. The guests include, and I will only mention a few of the 19 musicians involved, Colin Leijenaar (drums, mellotron choir), Randy George (bass), Damien Wilson and Joanne Hogg (vocals), Troy Donockley (Uilean pipes, various whistles), David Fitzgerald (tin whistle, flute, Chinese flute, and soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones) and Frank van Essen (string ensemble, solo viola, solo violin).
Celestial Fireis a 10 track album with a playing time of around 74 minutes. There are four tracks with running times in excess of 10 minutes, with the title track, “Celestial Fire” the longest at 15:22 minutes and the other tracks fall into the 6 minute or under category. The two shortest tracks are linked, track 1 and track 9, “Heavenfield” and “Heavenfield Reprise” lasting 1:10 and 0:46 minutes respectively.

The opening track, “Heavenfeld” (1:10) has a very Celtic feel to it with the Uilean pipes very prominent playing a haunting theme, which only lasts for just over a minute but is an excellent beginning to the album.

The Title track “Celestial Fire” (15:22) starts with a band tour-de-force, including some stinging guitar work, driving the track from the start. As the starting sound fades into some background atmospheric sounds, a female voice is heard away in the distance, before becoming richer and more powerful. The male and female voices join leading into a passage of superb acoustic guitar and keyboards. If it is possible for a track to merge the elements of rock while retaining a dream-like state at the same time, this track does just that. Uilean pipes continue the Celtic soundscape with a slow, almost somber passage which evolves back into the rock area again. There is more time for the excellent guitar work to be given a little spotlight. The track moves effortlessly between the out and out rock style, with amazing duets, to the more atmospheric passages throughout its 15 min length and is the type of track that demands the replay button get pressed.

 
“See What I See” (6:03) continues the rock/atmospheric scenario before “The First Autumn” (4:03) arrives as a haunting ballad fronted by one of the guest female vocalists.  Track 5, “For Such A Time As This” (10:30) is another of the extended tracks, with piano introduction, interspersed with soaring guitar and full band “chunks,” which instantly brings the ears to attention. Touches of the fusion and jazz/rock associated with the Mahavishnu Orchestra (circa Birds of Fire) pepper this workout and there is a superb, if unexpected, acoustic passage to calm the driving rock which then returns to carry the track out.

“Innocence Found” (5:48) returns to the very Celtic sounding soundscape but replaces the Uilean pipes with guitar and is another hauntingly atmospheric piece of magic. The 13+ minutes of “Love Remains” revisits the jazz/rock arena and even hints at Yes styled guitar passages, throws in ethereal vocalizations and majestic synth passages as it ebbs and flows, with the guitar passage around the 10 minute mark being simply stunning, prior to the full blooded outro of the track. 

“In The Moment” (14:20) is a superb track, filled with atmosphere, as the track builds, edging at times toward the sound of Iona, and seems to undulate along for the opening 5 minutes before a rougher, more powerful style takes over, including some excellent keyboard work. Around the 9 minute point the track moves into a rockier context, with the guitar soaring above all, before there is a keyboard passage which just “nails it.” After looking as if the ending was going to be building up and then out, the sound drops away and the ending is very gentle.

“Heavenfield (reprise)” (0:46) is just that and flows into the last track, “On the Edge of Glory” (3:05) which features those Uilean pipes, and is a haunting track, stunning in its simplicity. The sound builds around the 1:30 minute point with harmonized vocals augmenting the melody of the pipes. This is an unbelievably poignant ending to what is a stunningly amazing album.

Take one excellent musician/composer, add the Celtic foundations of Iona, allow the artist to expand into prog rock and jazz fusion areas at times, surround said musician/composer with an amalgamation of skillful musicians as support and you have produced Celestial Fire, a stunning album that you should not hesitate to add to your collection. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Celestial Fire, For Such A Time As This, On The Edge Of Glory

Tracks:
Heavenfield
Celestial Fire
See What I See
The First Autumn
For Such A Time As This
Innocence Found
Love Remains
In The Moment
Heavenfield (reprise)
On The Edge Of Glory



Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk
February 2, 2015
Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

1/18/2015

Rock Fusion Review: Dave Matthews Band-Recently – Two 10” 180 Gram Vinyl EPs

Release Date: November 28, 2014
Label: Legacy

For the vinyl lovers of Earth, Record Store Day is an amazing time filled with limited edition vinyl releases from some of our favorite bands. And not only do we get one day in April, but we get a second day on Black Friday. The Dave Matthews Band has been a part of Record Store Day for a few years now, releasing their Live Trax series in chronological order. However, on Black Friday 2014, DMB rolled out a very special 10” 180 gram vinyl edition of their first EP Recently, along with a second disc containing the hard to find “Pumpkin Recently” Promo EP. It comes in a gatefold jacket with the two different covers, and you will find a download code on the inside so you can get MP3 version of the music as well. A nice little surprise, considering this may be one of the only ways fans will get the Promo EP in any form.

Although many of the songs found on the EP can be heard on their debut album Remember Two Things, there is still plenty to be enjoyed from here from fans and collectors alike. For instance, there are two different edits of the title track. There is a radio edit of “Tripping Billies” that chops nearly 4 minutes off the Remember Two Things version, but still retains what I would consider essential listening material, including Carter Beauford’s phenomenal drum skills. Intimate acoustic versions of “Warehouse” and “Dancing Nancies” show these tracks in some of their earliest incarnations before making the big time on DMB’s major label release Under the Table and Dreaming. Finally, explosive versions of “All Along the Watchtower” and “Halloween” showcase the raw talent of the band even in their earliest days.

Aside from being a cool collector’s item (and the easiest way to snatch up the rare Promo EP), DMB’s vinyl release of Recently is an incredible value. Two 180 gram 10” records, a nice gatefold jacket, an MP3 download code, and over 40 minutes of breathtaking music make this an item fans shouldn’t miss. The price may seem a bit steep, but it is well worth it.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Halloween, Tripping Billies,  Warehouse

Tracks:
Original EP
01.Recently (Edit 2)
02.Dancing Nancies
03.Warehouse
04.All Along the Watchtower
05.Halloween

Tracks 2 and 3 are live acoustic versions performed by Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds.

Promo EP
01.Recently (Radio Edit)
02.Ants Marching (Radio Edit)
03.Tripping Billies (Remember Two Things Radio Edit)
04.The Song That Jane Likes (Radio Edit)

 
Austin Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Contributor
January 18, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music