New York City Based Serbian-Japanese Instrumental Duo Yagull Greatly Expands Their Post Rock Chamber Soundtrack Concept On Second Album 'Kai', Featuring Extraordinary Multicultural Line-up Of Guests

“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” 
- Raymond Benson, Progression, USA 

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

New York, NY - Yagull's official debut for MoonJune Records, 'Kai', finds the band expanding its post-rock chamber soundtrack concept to great effect. The result is a simmering sonic bouillabaisse, chocked full of choice ingredients which delectably merge to blur the lines drawn by traditional genres - delightfully teasing the palette, while appealing to an expansive range of music aficionados! The group delivers twelve songs on this joyous outing: eight brand new compositions; two tunes from Films, reworked and revisited; plus, two tastefully-revised classic rock covers. The tracks showcase Yagull's considerably potent stylistic capacity, making for a savory, finely-polished sophomore release. This new effort finds Yagull now launching itself from a duo framework - with Sasha Markovic being joined by the extraordinary pianist, Kana Kamitsubo - this most special of occasions is perfectly accentuated by a host of guest contributors; featuring fellow MoonJune international recording maestros, Beledo (guitar, lute), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), and many other great musicians. With 'Kai', Sasha, Kana & company have embarked on a majestic journey that will appeal to a broad range of listeners... and carry them along for the ride!

'Kai,' represents big musical and personal changes for group founder, composer, producer, and guitarist, Sasha Markovic. Yagull has officially became a duo with the addition of Sasha's most challenging collaborator up until this time, pianist extraordinaire Kana Kamitsubo. Sasha and Kana's partnership went further as they became husband and wife. Album 'Kai' and the title track are named after their son born in 2014.

Picking up where the first Yagull CD, 'Films' left off in 2012, 'Kai' expands the post rock chamber soundtrack concept exploring new structures written around acoustic guitar, bass, percussion and acoustic piano. Yagull as a duo has an increased crossover potential for attracting listeners that may not be dialed into any of the specific genres baked into this release.

Yagull delivers eight brand new compositions, two tunes from 'Films' revisited ( Dark, Sound Of M ) plus two covers for this sophomore release. The tracks range from “North” which exploits Kana's mastery of creating evocative mood and space for Sasha to play, folksy “Z-Parrow” while “Omniprism” drifts into progressive rock ambiance. Methenyesque tune “Blossom”, leaves space for special guest Dewa Budjana to shine with another beautiful, lyrical solo. The title track for their son emotes a melody that can easily go alongside “Waltz for Debby” by Bill Evans in any play list. Sasha once again wears his affection for classic rock as a badge reworking the Free song, “Wishing Well”, which was also passionately performed by the late Gary Moore, as well as Deep Purple's “Burn”. Beledo's majestic lute introduction pays a homage to Deep Purple's live version from the 'Made In Europe' record.

Regarding the cover material, Sasha recently explained to DME, “My first serious music love was Deep Purple, since I heard the 'Deepest Purple' compilation along with ‘Rainbow Rising' at age of 11. I’ve been playing 'Burn' in the similar arrangement for fun for many years now. It started as a joke when I was a teenager, and played it along with a friend of mine in a two-guitar arrangement with Zappa-like kind of vocal approach. When I presented this idea to Kana [Kamitsubo] last year, she gave the song completely new dimension with her playful piano solos. We are having a lot of fun playing it live these days. As for 'Wishing Well', I am a huge fan of Free and Bad Company and had to do the tribute to them on this album. I still consider Free the best teenage band that ever lived - since they were all between 16-18 when they started. 'Wishing Well' is one of those songs I grew up on and always liked singing for fun with my acoustic guitar. I just experimented with replacing the vocal parts with classical guitar, and at the end Wen Chang added her violin playing the main riff, so the basic album arrangement was born. Always loved Gary Moore's and Blackfoot's take on it, too. I had a chance meeting with Simon Kirke this summer, and got to play him the song, and he loved it.”

Yagull are also joined by several guest musicians, the extraordinary and diverse line up hailing from eight different countries, including fellow Moonjune international recording artists Beledo (guitar), Dewa Budjana (guitar) and Marko Djordjevic (drums), as well as the long time collaborator flutist Lori Reddy, Anthony Mullin from The Blackfires (guitar), Jackson Kincheloe from Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds ( harmonica ), Gabriel Nat (clarinet), Wen Chang (violin) and Yoshiki Yamada (upright bass). 'Kai' has set Yagull on a journey that will appeal to wide range of listeners. This is essential MoonJune music.

Here's what the press have raved about Yagull:

“Pure, moving, cinematic, and unearthly beautiful!” - RootsTime, Belgium

“Killer stuff the adult ears can't help but love. Hot Stuff!” - Midwest Record, USA

“Delectable acoustic collage of melody and subtle nuance. 'Kai' is a winner!” - Sea Of Tranquility, USA

“Reinvention or revelation, 'Kai' is inviting in both extremes” - Modmove, Australia

“Wonderful album! Captivating like a magical dream...” - Rocktimes, Germany

“These super chill yet richly evocative instrumentals achieve a transporting, cinematic quality.” - Time Out New York, USA

“Instrumental music doesn't get much classier.” - Raymond Benson, Progression, USA

“Fabulous! Gorgeous guitar playing.” - Gayle Austin, Curved Radio, Australia

“Tasteful intelligent music to dream away on.... Beautiful!” - Moors Magazine, Netherlands

TRACK LISTING
1. North 05:33 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
2. Dark 06:58 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Thomas)
3. Heiwa 03:18 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
4. Blossom 05:06 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
5. Mio 05:20 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
6. Wishing Well 04:39 (Free)
7. Burn 03:55 (Deep Purple)
8. Sound Of M 04:31 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
9. Z-Parrow 01:50 (Markovic)
10. Kai 04:05 (Kamitsubo/Markovic)
11. Omniprism 05:50 (Markovic/Kamitsubo/Beledo)
12. Oyasumi 01:54 (Markovic/Kamitsubo)
Produced by Sasha Markovic
Executive production by Leonardo Pavkovic

To purchase Yagull's 'Kai' CD: http://www.moonjune.com/mjr_web_2013/catalog_mjr/067_YAGULL_Kai_MJR067/

For more info:
www.yagull.com
www.moonjune.com
All inquiries to: noanoamusic@moonjune.com

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

Progressive Rock/Classical/Instrumental Review: Cailyn-Voyager

Release Date: January 1, 2015

Label: Land of Oz Music

Website

Progressive rock finds inspiration in classical music then molds and shapes it into its own interpretations and the final results can be awe inspiring. That is not news to listeners of the genre however there always seems to be something new to discover. What is challenging is taking classical gems and creating a magnum opus about a spacecraft and its journeys through space. More specifically, this about an ambitious and multi-talented lady named Cailyn and her recently released projectVoyager. I have included an explanation of each track from the artist for your pleasure if you choose to listen to the provided Bandcamp player. 

Personally I have always had a fascination with the stars and planets and the space program since I was a little boy. That interest and wonder has not diminished, in fact it has grown stronger over the years. So it seems I have a common interest with the artist right from the start.

Cailyn is a fantastic guitar player however she does a bit more including playing bass, keys, synthesizers and drums/percussion on three tracks. There are a few friends that help along the way on select tracks such as Neil Holloman (drums), Deryn Cullen (cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn) and Shelby with vocals (“Neptune”).

The overall mix of the recording is superb. These are complex undertakings and one giant leap for this musician. To venture into this territory is risqué and difficult to say the least. I must admit straight away that the end result is a marvelous achievement of instrumental progressive rock with classical as the rock solid foundation. Classical is the springboard to the eventual music bliss a listener can experience taking in such a recording as Voyager.

The epic “Jupiter” puts everything previously discussed into proper perspective. The track has it all, flourishes of great leads on guitar, percussive elements that stand tall and ready like an army of frontline soldiers digging in for battle, then the keyboards take you from the launching pad in your mind’s eye right into warp drive. It is the most brilliant track in the album. The “Titan” follows that lead with more of the same explosions of sound and beauty which come at you from all sides and the many colors of the musical universe embark your senses on yet another journey into deep space, it is indeed quite a voyage. One could not ask for more in two consecutive tracks like this. Then the icing on the cake is the rocking “Miranda,” which Cailyn says to all the guitar aficionados - “Besides all the beauty of space and the craft that takes you on this voyage there is some shredding of the six- string offered up to show I can flat out rock.” It is an eye opener to be sure. When people talk about all time guitar legends do you ever hear a woman’s name mentioned? I am a guilty party as well. Perhaps with more people like Cailyn that can change and why not?

As the music plays on and takes through the universe you begin to understand just what a great musician and particularly good guitar player this lady Cailyn is. An indie artist such as this will never be as famous as someone like Rick Wakeman who took all the best of his classical influences and created masterful solo albums we shall never forget. Cailyn has done the same thing in a most professional and precise manner, much like those that came before her (Yes, King Crimson etc.) so why shouldn’t that kind of recognition be bestowed upon this musical genius created by this very talented individual? Because those kinds of things only happen to a miniscule segment of the musical population, as unfortunate as that is. 

Voyager is great album that needs to be heard now by not only everyone in the prog rock community but anyone that loves and appreciates good music that happens to takes you on an unforgettable adventure. That is what you will get with this album, a ride you will not soon forget.

If you support artists like this by purchasing the download or CD, great music will continue to become available and then some of the focus can be taken away from the 2% percent of which are millionaires that are constantly being pushed on the radio whether they have any talent or not, and most don’t. It’s all about discovery and the best part is you can listen before you take out your wallet. This is a wonderful time to be alive and be a music lover, we have it all at our disposal and thanks to artists like Cailyn our faith is restored. We find that there are some talented musicians that are willing to share their gifts with us without any fanfare and millions of dollars in advertising to back them. It is all done on minimal budgets, a lot of heart, sweat, and most of all an honest day’s work. I would support that kind of individual any day over the façade of glitz, glamour and all the booty shaking. This is real and music does not ever get more true or spectacular than this. Wondrous stories indeed…

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jupiter, Titan, Miranda

January 6, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: Voyager - A powerful symphonic introduction leads to a bluesy guitar progression followed by a powerful progression of chords that builds to a grand crescendo before a return to the opening theme complete with synths, voices, guitars, and drums. Io - Pure progressive in 7/4 time.  A brooding concoction of keys, guitars, synths, and drums. Europa - A quiet, reflective track; both New Age and bluesy with a solo cello and sax. Jupiter - The magnificent composition by Holst, arranged for guitars, drums, and synths into a powerful progressive rock piece.  This piece adapted very well to a rock arrangement. Titan - A hybrid of classical elements and driving rock.  An eclectic mix of strings, keys, and guitars. Saturn - Although Holst based his pieces on the astrological rather than the astronomical, he seemed to capture the essence of the outer planets very well.  This track has an eerie wistful feel. Enceladus - The outlier of all the arrangements, free form, no key or time signature.  Synths, keys, voices, and some cool effects. Miranda - An intriguing mix of metal and classical reflecting the chaotic nature of this moon. Uranus - Holst wrote this piece in 6/4 time which adapted well to a heavy bluesy triplet drum track and screaming guitars. Ariel - Pure hard progressive rock mania mostly in 5/4. Triton - A piano intro, followed by a manic rock guitar/synth solo and then a reflective bluesy guitar finish. Neptune - Holst penned this piece in 5/4, an eerie piece that closes with a wordless choir that is sung by a very talented session artist. Pale Blue Dot - Carl Sagan used this phrase to describe a final photo that Voyager took of the Earth as it was leaving the Solar System behind.  This plaintive New Age-Rock hybrid includes a solo cello and English horn. Heliopause - Returns to the opening theme of Voyager and then builds over variations on the opening theme to a powerful conclusion of voices, keys, synths, drums, guitars.

Progressive Rock/Classical/Instrumental Review: Cailyn-Voyager

Release Date: January 1, 2015

Label: Land of Oz Music

Website

Progressive rock finds inspiration in classical music then molds and shapes it into its own interpretations and the final results can be awe inspiring. That is not news to listeners of the genre however there always seems to be something new to discover. What is challenging is taking classical gems and creating a magnum opus about a spacecraft and its journeys through space. More specifically, this about an ambitious and multi-talented lady named Cailyn and her recently released projectVoyager. I have included an explanation of each track from the artist for your pleasure if you choose to listen to the provided Bandcamp player. 

Personally I have always had a fascination with the stars and planets and the space program since I was a little boy. That interest and wonder has not diminished, in fact it has grown stronger over the years. So it seems I have a common interest with the artist right from the start.

Cailyn is a fantastic guitar player however she does a bit more including playing bass, keys, synthesizers and drums/percussion on three tracks. There are a few friends that help along the way on select tracks such as Neil Holloman (drums), Deryn Cullen (cello), Nancy Rumbel (English Horn) and Shelby with vocals (“Neptune”).

The overall mix of the recording is superb. These are complex undertakings and one giant leap for this musician. To venture into this territory is risqué and difficult to say the least. I must admit straight away that the end result is a marvelous achievement of instrumental progressive rock with classical as the rock solid foundation. Classical is the springboard to the eventual music bliss a listener can experience taking in such a recording as Voyager.

The epic “Jupiter” puts everything previously discussed into proper perspective. The track has it all, flourishes of great leads on guitar, percussive elements that stand tall and ready like an army of frontline soldiers digging in for battle, then the keyboards take you from the launching pad in your mind’s eye right into warp drive. It is the most brilliant track in the album. The “Titan” follows that lead with more of the same explosions of sound and beauty which come at you from all sides and the many colors of the musical universe embark your senses on yet another journey into deep space, it is indeed quite a voyage. One could not ask for more in two consecutive tracks like this. Then the icing on the cake is the rocking “Miranda,” which Cailyn says to all the guitar aficionados - “Besides all the beauty of space and the craft that takes you on this voyage there is some shredding of the six- string offered up to show I can flat out rock.” It is an eye opener to be sure. When people talk about all time guitar legends do you ever hear a woman’s name mentioned? I am a guilty party as well. Perhaps with more people like Cailyn that can change and why not?

As the music plays on and takes through the universe you begin to understand just what a great musician and particularly good guitar player this lady Cailyn is. An indie artist such as this will never be as famous as someone like Rick Wakeman who took all the best of his classical influences and created masterful solo albums we shall never forget. Cailyn has done the same thing in a most professional and precise manner, much like those that came before her (Yes, King Crimson etc.) so why shouldn’t that kind of recognition be bestowed upon this musical genius created by this very talented individual? Because those kinds of things only happen to a miniscule segment of the musical population, as unfortunate as that is. 

Voyager is great album that needs to be heard now by not only everyone in the prog rock community but anyone that loves and appreciates good music that happens to takes you on an unforgettable adventure. That is what you will get with this album, a ride you will not soon forget.

If you support artists like this by purchasing the download or CD, great music will continue to become available and then some of the focus can be taken away from the 2% percent of which are millionaires that are constantly being pushed on the radio whether they have any talent or not, and most don’t. It’s all about discovery and the best part is you can listen before you take out your wallet. This is a wonderful time to be alive and be a music lover, we have it all at our disposal and thanks to artists like Cailyn our faith is restored. We find that there are some talented musicians that are willing to share their gifts with us without any fanfare and millions of dollars in advertising to back them. It is all done on minimal budgets, a lot of heart, sweat, and most of all an honest day’s work. I would support that kind of individual any day over the façade of glitz, glamour and all the booty shaking. This is real and music does not ever get more true or spectacular than this. Wondrous stories indeed…

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Prog Rock Music Talk Founder

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Jupiter, Titan, Miranda

January 6, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Tracks: Voyager - A powerful symphonic introduction leads to a bluesy guitar progression followed by a powerful progression of chords that builds to a grand crescendo before a return to the opening theme complete with synths, voices, guitars, and drums. Io - Pure progressive in 7/4 time.  A brooding concoction of keys, guitars, synths, and drums. Europa - A quiet, reflective track; both New Age and bluesy with a solo cello and sax. Jupiter - The magnificent composition by Holst, arranged for guitars, drums, and synths into a powerful progressive rock piece.  This piece adapted very well to a rock arrangement. Titan - A hybrid of classical elements and driving rock.  An eclectic mix of strings, keys, and guitars. Saturn - Although Holst based his pieces on the astrological rather than the astronomical, he seemed to capture the essence of the outer planets very well.  This track has an eerie wistful feel. Enceladus - The outlier of all the arrangements, free form, no key or time signature.  Synths, keys, voices, and some cool effects. Miranda - An intriguing mix of metal and classical reflecting the chaotic nature of this moon. Uranus - Holst wrote this piece in 6/4 time which adapted well to a heavy bluesy triplet drum track and screaming guitars. Ariel - Pure hard progressive rock mania mostly in 5/4. Triton - A piano intro, followed by a manic rock guitar/synth solo and then a reflective bluesy guitar finish. Neptune - Holst penned this piece in 5/4, an eerie piece that closes with a wordless choir that is sung by a very talented session artist. Pale Blue Dot - Carl Sagan used this phrase to describe a final photo that Voyager took of the Earth as it was leaving the Solar System behind.  This plaintive New Age-Rock hybrid includes a solo cello and English horn. Heliopause - Returns to the opening theme of Voyager and then builds over variations on the opening theme to a powerful conclusion of voices, keys, synths, drums, guitars.

New Age Instrumental Review: Lawrence Blatt-Emergence

Release Date: March 11, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

Produced by Will Ackerman of the incomparable Imaginary Road Studios and written by Lawrence Blatt, Emergence is an album that will keep you company for many long hours. It is an album filled with images of the natural world in all of its wonder. Patterns. Diverse and seemingly simple, they can create masterpieces of form and function. Such is the case with Emergence. Artists involved in this project are: Lawrence Blatt (guitar, accordion, mandolin), Charlie Bisharat (violin), Lila Skylar (viola, violin), Eugene Friesen (cello), Sam Bevan (double bass), Jill Haley (English horn) and Richard “Gus” Sebring (French horn).

“Emergence” is the title track to the album. It features violin and guitar movements that evoke images of a new seedling bursting forth from the cocoon of mother earth. The trembling growth of a frail tulip as it stands straighter each day and turns its face to the light. One day at a time it grows stronger until it stands tall away from the green stems and leaves, bursting into burgeoning crimson glory. Violin and guitar dance as the repeating majesty of life and finally death and renewal comes again and again. Beauty. Grace. Life.

“Gar Du Nord” is the third piece on the album and it struck me utterly when first I heard it. Double bass, cello, viola, violin and guitar twist and undulate in chord progression and scale theory to craft a spiral of thought provoking effervescence. 

“Poloyne” is a pulse pounding dance that could be the background to a well-crafted romantic drama. Eyes meet across the room. Hands join as two flames connect on the ball room floor. Sweeping movements bent on seduction win the increasingly rapid beating heart as the tempo increases. Violin and guitar create passion with flamenco influences. A powerful piece filled with evocative imagery.

“Green Corn” is the last piece on the album and has a combination of French horn, guitar and violin. Truly artful, this is a tale that unwinds into wide open spaces and the freedom of land and prosperity. Jaunty and full of life, this track is as regal as it is masterful. The American Dream of land, independence and prosperity. This is our land. Green corn and fields of plenty…

Lawrence Blatt has succeeded in comforting the savage beasts in my household. Even as the thunderstorm rages outside, the soothing tones of Emergence have brought the canine residents of my abode into happy slumber. (Thank goodness for small miracles!) The exploration of patterns and progression of chords has truly crafted each work into a snowflake like accomplishment. I find it amazing that no written music was given to individual performers, letting them rely on music theory and the talents that come from deep within. This is a project all the participants should be very proud of and is one that will be in my collection for a very long time to come. 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Emergence, Gar Du Nord, Poloyne, Green Corn

Tracks: 
01. A Promise in the Woods
02. Emergence
03. Gar Du Nord
04. Walking Among Tulips
05. Passing Up Bridges
06. Entering the East Gate
07. The Place Where Monarchs Go
08. Poloyne
09. Where the Pines Once Stood
10. Say Hello Again
11. Illuminations
12. Green Corn

DanaWright, Sr. Staff Writer

December 19, 2014

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Instrumental-World-Flamenco Review: Eric Kamen-Serenades

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Label: Indie

Website

It has been since the 2008 The New Art of Urban Flamenco release since we had the pleasure of hearing Eric Kamen. Yes that is long stretch between albums but it happens in this music business especially when you go to work every day like everyone else to survive. God knows it has become nearly impossible to make a living these days unless you are part of the 2% that make the millions. You know the artists that you hear 10 times a day all day with the same hit singles on the radio?...those millionaires. Eric Kamen is so far removed from that it’s like he is in a different universe and I am sincerely thankful for that. This man actually has natural talent, there is no help from anyone to fix his mistakes or cover them up with fluff. He is the ultimate indie D.I.Y. artist. What you get is all Eric and it is musical perfection…a literal musical bliss for the mind, body and spirit.

So now we have a new album titled Serenades to help us say goodbye to the summer and usher in the fall. The autumn is so inviting with all its crisp cool days and the splendor of the trees changing color then shedding their leaves once again. This is comparable to what Kamen does on this new release. He takes a different direction and puts more focus on guitar led journeys that have some real prolific bass lines. He plays a certain brand of world flamenco instrumental music peppered with the R & B beats from the city streets that gives it all such a unique crossover flavor, well just find it irresistible. 

“Red Moon” is an example of how you cannot underestimate the power of the acoustic guitar and well placed bass lines. It is as picturesque as a sunset in Singapore as it rests on the horizon, gleaming off the water, putting all the junk boats to bed once more. If you have witnessed that it’s amazing, breathtaking and unforgettable. The music is as powerful and mighty as an oak tree in all its glory on a warm summer day and then in same breath as gentle as a breeze coming off the ocean waves as you let your feet sink into the hot sand. This is the kind of music that can only find a path through the ears into your mind’s eye to create these scenarios. 

This time around Kamen relied less on the beats and sounds generated through that level of recording and he let his guitar do the talking from start to finish. There are many other sounds but they complement his guitar rather than pull you away from it. His past work is superb but this is a departure from the last outing and it brings the finite sound of the acoustic guitar to the fore in all instances. The beats and various sounds come in to accentuate the unique offerings in each track. The way the album kicks off with “The Lost Tribe” makes it a perfect choice to set the mood and atmosphere going forward. “La Cubana” is effortless in its tempo and it invites you to another land far away, as Kamen’s music always magically does. Now what I found interesting was “Tribute to Jimi.” It is a great track but the last person I would have thought of was Hendrix while listening. However if you listen to this music you realize that you cannot compare it to rock although at times I hear elements of surf rock turned upside down and sideways to make it all new and more interesting. Any good guitar playing is a tribute to Jimi as far as I am concerned. The man changed the world with his short stay here, his influence stretches across the cosmos, and it will continue to do so.

“The Blue Grotto” is a superb rendering of rapid fire guitar lines that seem like they are flying off Kamen’s fingers so fast that you would see sparks. The beats and drums form the backdrop that gives it that “worldly faraway place vibe” that Kamen has down cold. It all comes together and says hello in a big way.

Eric Kamen is an artist extraordinaire and his flair for taking his multi-colored paint brush that we call the guitar and creating a masterpiece is a gift from god. I am very glad he has decided to share his art. I hope the wait is not so long for the next installment of this audible magic.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Lost Tribe, Red Moon, Tribute to Jimi

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

September 1, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

Track Evaluation: Eric Kamen-Lost Tribe

 

"The Lost Tribe" is an instrumental guitar track that builds steadily. Eric Kamen adds his beats to a world flamenco guitar sound.

The bass is very strong backing the guitar and it actually provides a platform for the rest of the track to follow and develop. A very unique and enjoyable sound!

MuzikMan Rating 5/5

Prog Rock Featured Band: Ollocs

The band Ollocs are an impressive U.S. based instrumental progressive rock band. The homegrown talent of this band grew out of North Babylon New York. A lot of the time when we feature these bands they are from overseas so it is nice to know some of the great new music coming from the genre is finding inspiration right here in the states.


READ THE ENTIRE FEATURE AND LISTEN!

Marco Granados Celebrates The Music of Venezuela On New Release

New York, NY - December 16, 2008- Prepare to take a vacation unlike any other! Warm culture, proud tradition, and undeniable spirit come together in the form of passionate music with renowned flutist Marco Granados’ newest release Music of Venezuela. The record embodies the infectious joy of Granados’ homeland and serves as a whirlwind tour of jazzy, Latin America-inspired folk music.....READ MORE...

Marco Granados-Music of Venezuela Review

Artist: Marco Granados
Title: Music of Venezuela
Genre: World-Latin-Folk-Instrumental
Label: Soundbrush Records
Website
CD Baby Link
Source Link

Marco Granados states in the liner notes of his beautiful serenade to his country Music of Venezuela, that the music of Venezuela is one of the rare treasures of Latin America, it seamlessly combines cultures, musical traditions, rhythms and the spirit of a people in a joyful and innocent voice....READ MORE...

JoJo Styles Renews His Love for Latin Instrumental Jazz on Two Releases

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JoJo Styles-Bossa Nuevo Vol. 1 & 2 Review

Artist: JoJo Styles
Title: Bossa Nuevo Vol. 1 & 2-Light of Love/The Offering (Cool Groove-Hot Guitar)
Genre: Instrumental-Latin-Jazz
Label: Casa Grande Records
Website
MyBandsMusic Profile
Source Link

JoJo Styles had the benefit of developing his music while watching some of the legendary figures perform in San Francisco. He saw Hendrix and Santana and was all over the Bay Area attending the free concerts of the day. Those days are history but for the people that lived and soaked up the vibes of those times the memories are forever imprinted on their souls...READ MORE...

Captain Hammond-The Origin of Captain Hammond Review

Artist: Captain Hammond
Title: The Origin of Captain Hammond
Genre: Instrumental-Rock-Fusion
Label: Hammond Beat Records
Website
Amazon Link
Source Link

Looking for something a little different to put in your CD or MP3 player? Then blast into orbit with Captain Hammond’s The Origin of Captain Hammond,” an instrumental blend of psychedelic rhythm and blues, rock, and fusion. More than a band, Captain Hammond is an extremely innovative, unique, and energetic musical experience...READ MORE...

Alex Rosselli-2012 Review

Artist: Alex Rosselli
Title: 2012
Genre: Instrumental-Rock-Progressive-Fusion
Label: Independent
Website
CD Baby Link
Source Link

Alex Rosselli has reached another level of creativity and conceptual artistry on his new release 2012. After listening to this interesting and entertaining recording of instrumental rock, fusion, and progressive amalgamations, it seems all of the albums prior to this were developmental, leading to the current creation and metamorphosis of this incredibly talented artist.....READ MORE...

Gordon James-In Joy Review

Artist: Gordon James
Title: In Joy
Genre: Smooth Jazz-Instrumental
Label: Caress Music
Website
Source Link
CD Baby Link
iTunes Link

This music is about the joy of life. Gordon James believes that we can interpret life in a beautiful way through music. I believe this to be true as music is the universal language everyone understands.....READ MORE...

Tony Senatore-A 12-String Bass X-Ploration

Artist: Tony Senatore
Title: A 12-String Bass X-Ploration
Genre: Instrumental-Rock-Jazz-Fusion
Label: Independent
Format: DVD
Website
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The name Tony Senatore is not a household name when it comes to bass players. Chris Squire, Tony Levin and Jack Bruce are not mentioned in the same breath but I must say after hearing Tony’s music and watching his new DVD A 12-String Bass X-Ploration, that I am convinced; he could play right alongside those legends. Tony is a very humble man and he knows his instrument. He knows it so well that he decided to share his love and respect with his instrument by recording an instructional DVD for those that want to learn more about the bass that was born in 1978. Even if you do not play the bass, there is plenty of enjoyment on this DVD visually and aurally...READ MORE...