Instrumental Acoustic Guitar: Michelle Qureshi-within

Release Date: September 25, 2020

Label: Real Music

Website

within is Michelle Quershi’s twelfth recording. The album encompasses 24 tracks which at first glance looks like a double album however they are shorter in the length with the longest coming in at 4:14 (# 23 “Waiting For A Friend”).

The acoustic guitar is Michelle’s specialty. The cover art indicates the color, nature, and organic placid beauty, much like the way all of these tracks are presented. She covers some ground amongst these tracks. It is filled with an excellent acoustic guitar that would relax the most nervous and unsettled individual. There is no other way to explain the effect this music can have on you.

I typically hear a lot of keyboard-based music so this was a nice step away from that. You come to appreciate acoustic guitar music more if you do not hear it as often as you like. There is nothing complex going on here, it is one woman and one guitar. That is all she needs because she reaches down deep within this music. The title is understated beneath her name on the cover in lower case. I see this at times and wonder why. My thought here is she wanted to bring more attention to her name and the image and what it projects. That is my perception and nothing else though.

Time is irrelevant because what is being offered here is aural substance and the beauty one instrument can produce if placed into the right hands. In this case, Michelle sounds as if she was born to do this because the flow of the tracks is so effortless. As with mother nature, it happens, you accept it and appreciate it or not. For this listener, there is a lot of appreciation for this kind of music. The singularity and simplicity of it are what amazes me and along those lines, then how would something like this keep my attention? Well, it does quite well thank you very much and I had no issue enjoying all of it with complete attention.

There is more to music than meets the eye. It is all-encompassing in regards to atmosphere, tones, texture, and how you perceive it all is the most important factor. It works that way for all of us who love our music. What is there not to like here? 24 tracks of gorgeously composed and played acoustic guitar music suits me just fine any time of day.

Guitar aficionados and listeners alike will all find something to enjoy on within. It does not get any easier and straightforward than that.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 26, 2020

Track List:
01. Above Us
02. With Joy
03. With Courage
04. Sweet Child
05. With Anticipation
06. With Hesitation
07. With Knowing
08. Aurora Glass
09. Content
10. Shores of Atlantis
11. Before We Go
12. With Langour
13. Afternoon in May
14.  With Resolve
15. Storyboard
16. Half This Sky
17. With Certainty    
18. Beneath    
19. With Doubt
20. At Twilight         
21. With Hope
22. With Thoughtfulness        
23. Waiting for a Friend        
24. With Tenderness

Featured Track: Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf-Launch

Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf know how to rock. They were good enough to tour with George Clinton and Parliament last year so that tells you something.

The video provided is a practice session before their tour performing the track "Launch."

I thought of one of my favorite bands Living Colour when they kicked into high gear.
Their sound is composed of funk, high octane rock, hard rock, and psychedelic. Maybe Hendrix would have sounded this way if he had lived and continued to record into the 70s. We will never know that but now we have a band like Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf to satisfy the need for a rockin' band that blends a little bit of everything.
 
And let us not forgot the great lead vocals of Miss Velvet and her marvelous stage presence. It takes energy and charisma to get a great song across to the audience and this lady knows how to bring it with powerhouse vocals in a sexy whirling dervish way.
 
Watch the video and listen you will be impressed and want more, I sure did.

 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
 
   

More About Miss Velvet And The Blue Wolf:

https://missvelvetandthebluewolf.com

Meet The Band:

Miss Velvet ~ Vocals
Executive Producer Constance Hauman ~ Keyboards
Co-producer Nick Carbone ~ Drums
Henry Ott ~ Guitars
James Jones ~ Bass
TJ Robinson ~ Trombone/Congas
JS Williams ~ Trumpet (live)
Trevor Neumann ~ Trumpet (album)
Dan Levine ~ Trombone (album)

Featured Track: Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf-Launch

Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf know how to rock. They were good enough to tour with George Clinton and Parliament last year so that tells you something.

The video provided is a practice session before their tour performing the track "Launch."

I thought of one of my favorite bands Living Colour when they kicked into high gear.

Their sound is composed of funk, high octane rock, hard rock, and psychedelic. Maybe Hendrix would have sounded this way if he had lived and continued to record into the 70s. We will never know that but now we have a band like Miss Velvet and The Blue Wolf to satisfy the need for a rockin' band that blends a little bit of everything.
 
And let us not forgot the great lead vocals of Miss Velvet and her marvelous stage presence. It takes energy and charisma to get a great song across to the audience and this lady knows how to bring it with powerhouse vocals in a sexy whirling dervish way.
 
Watch the video and listen you will be impressed and want more, I sure did.

 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
 
   

More About Miss Velvet And The Blue Wolf:

https://missvelvetandthebluewolf.com

Meet The Band:

Miss Velvet ~ Vocals
Executive Producer Constance Hauman ~ Keyboards
Co-producer Nick Carbone ~ Drums
Henry Ott ~ Guitars
James Jones ~ Bass
TJ Robinson ~ Trombone/Congas
JS Williams ~ Trumpet (live)
Trevor Neumann ~ Trumpet (album)
Dan Levine ~ Trombone (album)

Soul Review: Bobby Deitch Band-Work With Whatcha Got!

Release Date: August 31, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Bobby Deitch grew up being exposed to an eclectic range of music from his family members. All of those influences come flowing out of his music on Work With Whatcha Got! Which was released a few weeks ago. Bobby heads up the 7-piece eclectic band.

The Bobby Deitch Band offers up nine tracks about the human condition. The male and female give and take vocals on several of the tracks make this music get closer to the heart. Music like this can get you very sentimental but it also is most importantly easy to listen.

The combination of soul, pop, and rock with plenty of funkiness like on “If Looks Could Kill,” keep the flow of variety on this recording consistent. The consistency lies in the strong musicianship and variety of styles that are incorporated in every track. This is one of the coolest tracks on the album for sure. It is as danceable and funky as it gets, the Bobby Deitch Band pull out all the stops on this one. They put the boogie into the Woogie…yes sir!
 
When I first read the write up on the band’s Soundcloud page this segment gave me a hint of all the influences that permeate their sound: Uplifting original Soul music that takes its cues from Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Joel & Michael Jackson.
 
That is about as mixed as you can get for the types of music that you will hear on Work With Whatcha Got! Early influences for Bobby included big band, doo-wop, and pop, so the natural progression was to incorporate the previously mentioned artist's sounds as well.
 
“He Loves Me” features the beautiful vocals of Natasha DiMarco with a cameo appearance by Turkuaz vocalist Shira Elias. This takes the band into a nice smooth groove as they venture into a flat-out love song. The lyrics are to the point and delivered perfectly as the music moves with the emotion of the singer. As she brings her voice to a different register and emotion the band just cooks along with her. It is heartfelt and sexy.

“Constant Complainer (feat. George Porter Jr.)” gets back to the funk and horns of previous tracks with an in the groove bass line that leads the way with in sync drumming. Including George Porter Jr. and his bluesy gritty vocals gives the track a definitive soulful in the pocket blues feel as the band just kills it in support of all the great vocals. This is one of the finest tracks on the album.

Work With Whatcha Got! is full of a lot of great energy and easy to understand and relatable lyrical content. This opens the door for a listener to walk right in. It is a musical welcome mat that you will not be able to resist. And the good news is it comes backed up by some fine music with good vocals to catch your ear on every track.

 
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder
September 13, 2020

Review Provided By MuziMan.net

Track List:
1. Live Together
2. Love Is Just a Kiss Away
3. Work with Whatcha Got
4. You're All That Matters to Me
5. If Looks Could Kill    
6. Love Attack    
7. He Loves Me
8. Constant Complainer (feat. George Porter Jr.)
9. It's You
 

Instrumental Jazz-Rock-Fusion: Manuel Muzzu- 3-Ree

Release Date: July 15, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

3-Ree is Manuel Muzzu’s third proper album. He has a handicap (I would rather call it a disadvantage) with his right hand so he cannot use all his fingers. You would never know that until he told you though. His playing is superlative.

Manuel Explains: My songs are inspired by all the different sounds I manage to extract from my 6 string basses including what may sound like a conventional guitar when I use it as a harmonic instrument opposed to a slap or a straight forward fretless melodic one.

Now think about that for a minute, how does this man discard a disadvantage with the most important factor in playing a stringed instrument, your hands? Amazing is the word as far as I am concerned.

Many things come to mind while listening to 3-Ree. The attraction for my ears and tastes becomes evident straight away as the first track “Give a Fu(n)k” starts. Notice the play on words in the title. Manuel likes to have some fun and give you something to think about as you browse over the track list.
 
He then takes the classic jazz-fusion from Coltrane “Giant Steps” and gives it his title dropping the s calling “Giant Step.” I imagine you would call it that as it sounds like a funky electronica jazz fusion mix with that impeccable bass of his leading the way. It is almost like the sounds of older computers moving at light speed that you would hear in older sci-fi movies or from the space-age cartoon The Jetsons from the 60s. A very interesting take on a legendary jazz fusion track indeed.

Manuel has many guests adding to the overall sounds and atmospheres of each track. As each track progressed through all of its layers of changing bursts of colors and paces, I could not help but think of some of my favorites since I started listening to jazz-rock fusion in the early 80s. Al Di Meola came to mind at first. And of course, his first band Return To Forever that amazing supergroup. “Soca Suca” really brought all of that reminiscing and feeling back to me very quickly. I remember the revelation of hearing Di Meola and Jean-Luc Ponty for the first time. This is great music and for many reasons.

Manuel’s use of the bass is genius and how gets that guitar sound is incredible.  3-Ree is a stellar recording from start to finish. If you are a listener that enjoys jazz, smooth jazz, rock, jazz-rock-fusion, or all of the above, then you are in for a sonic treat of the senses. 3-Ree is the entire palette of the jazz canvas converging into one incredibly entertaining group of tracks.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
September 9, 2020

Track List:
01. Give a Fu(n)k
02. Kosong
03. Giant Step
04. A Place to Be
05. Soca Suca
06. Smoothazz
07. Stay Right To the Bottom
08. Just a Lullaby
 

Kevin Godley - The Final on Vinyl Interview

I had a great time interviewing Kevin Godley an amazing multi-faceted artist that was in 10cc on four excellent recordings, recorded some great music with his band mate Lol Creme and continued on with a solo career and many other projects.

Rock Review: James Williamson and Deniz Tek-Two to One

Release Date: September 18, 2020

Label: 2020 Cleopatra Records

Website

James Williamson and Deniz Tek find themselves in a fully-loaded, revved up new music venture, Two to One. The Stooges’ guitarist James Williamson and Radio Birdman’s Deniz Tek team up once again from 2017 and Tek’s 2011 special guest appearance from Iggy Pop and The Stooges’, to unveil a new progressive-rock, garage-punk blend album that is sure-fire to get you rocking out in your garage like the olden days, or on the next neighborhood block party. Coming September 18, Williamson and Tek team up to bring you an album that takes the seriousness out of your everyday life, even if it is just for a moment.

The album explodes onto the scene with “Jet Pack Nightmare.” With its ZZ Top sound-a-like guitar riffs, the song is a great starter. If you listen close enough, it sounds like a timed race of revenge on someone before the person seeking the retribution wakes up. “Progress” sings of being forever in the moment. Where we are recognizing our faults of personal history, we also acknowledge that “tomorrow never comes,” meaning, time is just a construct to some and we will rectify our issues when we feel it necessary or imperative.

“Take a Look Around” is a slower touch of ‘90s ska/alternative music, with a representation of calling out modern-day civilization. It says to observe what is right in front of us, admiring the completely wrong ideals and lifestyles, rather than maybe focusing on our self-improvement and growth. “Good as Gone,” writes itself in its lyrics. A man who has reached his point in tolerating the other party in question. He sings as though this person has pushed him to where nothing can justify him trying to mend the relationship.

“Stable,” is the lead single off of Two to One. The lead singer claims to be in a sort of freefall where nothing anyone does can save him. From when others around him first met him, his character or personality is slowly cracking with imperfections. He feels as though no matter what someone tries to do to help him, it will be nothing but failed attempts. “Climate Change” is a bit of a random tune. While it certainly does call attention to the modern-day debate of ‘climate change’ it seems to be a play-on mockery of the topic. Some of the hypocrisy, and an old vs. young them, provides comedic relief that is subtle but funny.

“Birthday Present” starts with a smooth guitar lick, and the title lends the listener to think it will be something positive and uplifting until the singer begins singing. The song is based in a darker-than-expected tone and a very scattered concept of a celebration, more like the ending of one messy party. “Small Change” begins as a bit of an Americana-rock styled song. For a sudden shift, “Small Change” hints at glimmers of positivity and subtlety peaks at how emotion can increase the effects of the changes in life. A “big heart,” to this singer is key to morphing your life to the way you desire it to be.

“Liar” calls out the singer’s significant other straight to her face. He proclaims what a lot of us feel when we’ve hit the end of the road with someone. “Except the diamond in your ear, nothing last forever” is possibly the boldest claim to how far tolerance can take a person. This woman cannot see right in front of her the actions that led up to the separation about to occur. “No Dreams” is a spiral. The singer is lost within himself, trying to find something to connect to on a physical level of which, unfortunately, failure strikes him at every turn. The song is a fantastic way to represent how our psyche can easily be manipulated and played with. Ending out the album, “Melissa Blue” is of a seductive lady who has an aura of mystery about her, only to end in heartbreak. The song tells of a whole tale of meeting up, a small dose of adventure, and inevitable heartbreak as the two, part ways.

Key tracks include: “Good as Gone,” “Stable,” and “Melissa Blue.”

Gregg Keniston - MuzikMan.net Staff
August 15, 2020

Track Listing:
01. Jet Pack Nightmare
02. Progress
03. Take a Look Around
04. Good as Gone
05. Stable
06. Climate Change
07. Birthday Present
08. Small Change
09. Liar
10. No Dreams
11. Melissa Blue (Bonus Track)
 

Featured Track: Grant Maloy Smith-I See You

Grant Maloy Smith has a beautiful track titled "I See You."  Grant is the performing artist and it was co-written by Mike Greenly.
 
This is one of the most moving and powerful tracks I have heard in quite some time. The video is what really gets you. It will touch your heart and soul.

The acoustic guitar and vocals are a perfect match and I felt chills and wanted to cry watching the video. It reminded me of those that have passed and the direction we are all headed one day.

It was released with the support of Masterpiece Living, an organization dedicated to creating better lives for our elders. They adopted the track due to their work.

This is country, folk, and Americana at its very best and if this track does not touch you in some way you had better check for a pulse!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 

Grant Maloy Smith is a Billboard Top 10 recording artist and Music Row Country Breakout charting songwriter of AMERICAN ROOTS music. His latest album, Dust Bowl - American Stories spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts, including eleven weeks in the Top 10.
 

 https://www.grant-maloy-smith.com/epk

Featured Track: Grant Maloy Smith-I See You

Grant Maloy Smith has a beautiful track titled "I See You."  Grant is the performing artist and it was co-written by Mike Greenly.
 
This is one of the most moving and powerful tracks I have heard in quite some time. The video is what really gets you. It will touch your heart and soul.

The acoustic guitar and vocals are a perfect match and I felt chills and wanted to cry watching the video. It reminded me of those that have passed and the direction we are all headed one day.

It was released with the support of Masterpiece Living, an organization dedicated to creating better lives for our elders. They adopted the track due to their work.

This is country, folk, and Americana at its very best and if this track does not touch you in some way you had better check for a pulse!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 

Grant Maloy Smith is a Billboard Top 10 recording artist and Music Row Country Breakout charting songwriter of AMERICAN ROOTS music. His latest album, Dust Bowl - American Stories spent 17 weeks on the Billboard charts, including eleven weeks in the Top 10.
 

 https://www.grant-maloy-smith.com/epk

Rock Review: Mandoki Soulmates-Living in the Gap + Hungarian Pictures

Release Date: June 19, 2020

Label: 2020 Purple Pyramid Records

Website 

Mandoki Soulmates debuted in 1991. The band consists of many members but, the founding three are Ian Anderson, Jack Bruce, and Al Di Meola; along with Leslie Mandoki. Often coined as a ‘supergroup,’ Soulmates present themselves as a unified front. They direct the band as one whole unit, rather than several different bodies and voices just up on a stage. While most artists and bands either remain on one side or the other of the political aisle or keep their personal politics out of their artistry, Mandoki Soulmates lightly sprinkles political undertones throughout their music, especially on the newest released album Living in the Gap + Hungarian Pictures.

Now let’s get down to the business of the music. “Living in the Gap” starts the album with a big-band/jazz, funk-fusion that is quite fitting for such a time as this. The group sings of unity and bridging the ‘gap’ to where we separate from others intentionally on almost every subject nowadays. It also hints of a thought that there is no “right and wrong” rather, it’s a matter of collective agreement or disagreement.

“Young Rebels” is a shout to how all different young individuals, each with varying backgrounds and experiences are trying to get through each day of this world and possible change in a peaceful but ever-so-nonchalant manner. In the same way, they cannot decide whether they are trying to bring about some old ideals as a youth, or much older but with youth mindsets and hopes. “Turn the Wind” takes a bluegrass-like spin in the record. It comes down to simply a relaxed tune, but, it does beg the question within, “can we stop anything, anymore, at all?” Or, is it a lost cause in trying to make a big change? “Where We Belong” sings of this back and forth between feel-good moments and some that dig in a little deeper in pain or sorrow.

What I might call the ‘anthem song,’ “Let the Music Show You the Way” is a bright and uplifting tune to bring anyone out of their funk. Completely void of any particular signaling or message, it simply enlightens the listener that music is the universal peacekeeper as it allows us to align our feelings to any song we choose. “Too Much Pride” belts out a trumpeted jazz message of an overwhelming sense of pride, unable to move out of our own way to see more clearly, other individuals and how they see and feel through life.

“Old Rebels” is a continuation of “Young Rebels” but, carries the same message from before with a wiser, somewhat opposing perspective. “Welcome to Real Life” eerily fits well with today’s political and human climate. Between the unrest of all of us being quarantined and innocent individuals dying all across the country, the lyrics ring too true, wherever your viewpoints may fall. “Hottest Queen of Cool” invokes a sexy, sleek, jazzy number to a woman who absolutely dominates what seems to be the entertainment lifestyle, almost emulating a Hollywood starlet, turning everything before her, about her.

“Wake Up” is a call-out type of song to all who will listen to change the things we see going on in the world before it might be too late, according to the band at least. Singing of “dark hearts and free minds,” one can imagine, the song is to be about making the world as bright and light as can be. “Mother Europe” follows with a song seemingly of a love of the European continent as though they are defending the nation. “I’m Not Your Enemy” begins with a 2-minute and fifty-second instrumental, cool and mellow guitar-turned-keyboard-turned trumpet solo. Afterward, the singer comes in calm and peacefully proclaiming how she and another do not have the same mindset of anger and resentment. Instead, she speaks of how she will always remain by the other’s side. Another minute and a half instrumental solo takes place before the chorus chimes back in.

A stroke of a piano keyboard twinkles the next song, “Sessions in the Village.” While the singer sings of what sounds to be a very poetically structured verse, the song then cuts from her to a synthesizer party, including a trumpet at times;  making waves in this piece to make it seem like it is a village celebration. “Utopia for Realists” brings back a male vocalist to explain how the band sees modern awareness of the world’s happenings as a glimpse of the utopia beyond. “Transylvanian Dances” is a piece of periodic verses and an overall somber tone. At the 12:22 mark, it begins to speed up for about a minute and eight minutes, turning into an all-out rock fest. Then, ending it out, it slows back down to a man singing of his son being pointed towards open roads.

“You’ll Find Me in the Mirror” is the singer looking back and reflecting on what might have been of him and now he longs for that same trust and security back that he once had. Then comes in “Return to Budapest,” and it’s exactly what you’d expect from that title. It’s a soothing, alluring song of tradition and simplicity. “Barbaro” does give off the initial impression of barbarianism with its rush of drums. When the trumpet kicks in, it turns into more of a jam session of beautifully blending instrumental families. With the piano, it kind of throws a bit of a side curveball but keeps the dramatization of the piece going, sounding like the song is growing faster and faster; thus, more exciting. Ending out the entire album, “The Torch” sings of empowerment and strength to those who come after the singers, in relaxed, chant-like fashion.

Key Tracks include: “Living in the Gap,” “Too Much Pride,” Barbaro,” and “I’m Not Your Enemy”

Gregg Keniston - MuzikMan.net Staff
July 15, 2020

Track Listing:
01.   Living in the Gap
02.   Young Rebels
03.   Turn the Wind
04.   Where We Belong
05.   Let the Music Show You the Way
06.   Too Much Pride
07.   Old Rebels
08.   Welcome to Real Life
09.   Hottest Queen of Cool
10.   Wake Up
11.   Mother Europe
12.   I’m Not Your Enemy
13.   Sessions in the Village
14.   Utopia for Realists
15.   Transylvanian Dances
16.   You’ll Find Me in Your Mirror
17.   Return to Budapest
18.   Barbaro
19.   The Torch

Jon Anderson Interview With The Final On Vinyl Podcast

Listen To My Interview With Jon Anderson As We Discuss His Incredible Solo Album 1000 Hands-Chapter One.

It was quite an honor for me to interview the legendary vocalist/musician Jon Anderson of Yes fame and incredible solo work. Thank you kind sir for all of your time!

Blues Review: Shirley King-Blues For A King

Release Date: June 19, 2020

Label: Cleopatra Records, Inc.

Website 

Powerhouse? Check. Musical family lineage? Check. Try as you might, to find a smoother summer sizzler than Blues For A King, you won’t have much luck. Shirley King, the daughter of famous blues legend B.B. King, arranges a collection of 11 feel-good tracks of classic covers and original pieces. Not much is known of Ms. King personally. She was born in 1949 and unfortunately, most of her adult life remains spotty, other than the fact that she was an exotic dancer since 1969. In 1990 she switched over to the blues and has done her father’s legacy well.

Looking at the artwork for this record, it is simple and colorful. Much like the genre it embodies, the album is bold and captivating utilizing color and animation. Blues finds a way to show the same concepts keeping the lyric structure symbol and coloring the singer’s tone beautifully with the emotion of often strife and trouble.

With two albums under her belt, Blues For A King soars into the stratosphere with songs holding mainly a strong, upbeat tone. Select songs such as “Can’t Find My Way Home,” “Gallows Pole,” and “Hoodoo Man Blues” do carry a more serious, darker sound but, not so much so that it completely changes the mood of the entire record for the listener.

“All My Lovin’” and “Feelin’ Alright” starts the album off as  “good morning world, how are you today?” and “sultry meets self-confidence” songs respectively. How can you not turn the volume up when the singer exudes so much love of life. “I Did You Wrong” is far from wrong at all. It acknowledges the pain the singer caused her significant other, feeling nothing but remorse for her part in a failed relationship. She then wants to reach out somehow to attempt to repair the damage in front of her.

We turn the volume back up to 11 when “That’s Alright Mama” comes blaring on. It’s an ode to what comes through every child vs parent situation, regardless of age, in terms of big decision making. One party might be uncomfortable with a decision like moving on or out, while the other party objects to any notion of the idea. “Can’t Find My Way Home” is calling upon those who live with their heads in the clouds or who might feel superior to other people or a group of persons. In this case, the singer is struggling to focus on the journey back to her home to spend more time searching for something greater than her home, not acknowledging a sense of superiority; rather comfort in simply being a wanderer for the time being.

“Johnny Porter” resembles a lot of a similar story-teller song “The Night the Lights Went Out In Georgia.” It speaks of a child who is making careless, destructive decisions on the streets. Meanwhile, his mother is worried sick about his well-being. The song is a coming-of-age combined with testing waters theme like no other.

This “Feeling Good” rendition is smokey, intense, and powerful where it often is light, bright and airy. Though, it still manages to keep a positive tone with the obvious lyrics and guitar accompaniment. “Give It All Up” is the honeymoon phase of life. Ready to throw caution to the wind and feel some constant goodness in her life, Shirley King is laying it all down for the one she loves. Then, we arrive at “Gallows Pole.” Another darker song on the record shows how human life can turn into a value for some people, with not a care in the world to rethink their action.

“Hoodoo Man Blues” is a struggle to find out why everything seems to be going topsy turvy in the singer’s world at the moment. She calls out for the Lord but, it seems the message isn’t getting through. Rounding out Blues For A King, a wonderful cover of “At Last,” makes the album shine and feels as though there is peace among the blues.

Key tracks include: “That’s Alright Mama,” “At Last,” and “Gallows Pole.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
June 11, 2020

Tracks:
01. All My Lovin’
02. Feelin’ Alright?
03. I Did You Wrong
04. That’s Alright Mama
05. Can’t Find My Way Home
06. Johnny Porter
07. Feeling Good
08. Give It All Up
09. Gallows Pole
10. Hoodoo Man Blues
11. At Last 

Jazz Review: Rhy Dongju-Lions’den II: Arium

Release Date: May 15, 2020

Label: 2020 Dongju Lee

Website

Rhy Dongju is a youth progressive jazz and classical musician who grew up in the Republic of Korea. As a multi-disciplined, growing young man, Dongju exited the military in 2017 and then began to watch his music career blossom. Having released five albums so far, his latest Lions’den II: Arium, is his newest venture, creating an explosion of big-band flavors fused with jazz stylings.

“Ricasso” begins the album like the introduction of a theatrical performance as the curtain draws up, the number is exciting the listener for the start of the show. The tone almost makes the track sound as though it came from a spy movie. It’s a wonderful track to start with as there are no sudden or extreme changes, rather it is a simple, soothing piece.

As track two begins, and you glance over at this particular album artwork, you see a driver’s side car mirror. It's black and white, city street depiction is perfect for this album as it makes you feel like your right in the heart of a city That appears to be the theme of the record, along with a little throwback glance at the 1950’s scenery, painted in the listener’s mind. “Pp,” with a build-up of what might sound like a crescendo of tension, quickly dissipates back into a steady stream of uptempo, staccato strumming. What makes this track so appealing is that there are four different stages within the song; one which circled back to the crescendoing tension again to end out the song.

“Elvis Remember,” simply put, is pure fun. The song bursts with a cheery fanfare that becomes a toe-tapping two-minute tune. It’s appealing to the ear for as quick of a number as it is. Then, we fall into “Revenue” is the first track to have a bit of a somber note to it. The drumbeats offer up a variance of flavor to just having the guitar play through the entirety of the track. “Venue” starts as a dream sequence. It's light, piano keys offer beauty to the piece soon incorporating in the drums and as the guitar sets up to play, allowing it free reign. During the two to three-minute mark, the climax of the song has probably the most interesting exciting release of music throughout the whole album.

When “Syren” comes on it offers a cooler, mellow tone, and though it may be a little more melancholy than that of “Revenue;” it is still sleek with intervals of hill and valley moments particularly at the three-thirty to the four-minute mark. “Aroes Intro” is full-on spooky. It is a minute of elusiveness and piano pleasure. Getting into the main tune of “Aroes” is exciting and simplistic at the same time. There is a fair and even balance between the guitar and piano arrangements within “Aroes” which complement the track to have it be the standout track of the entire album.

Full of downbeats and dark tone “Rachmaninoff Rhapsody, Pt.1” is short but, a severe throw off course of what the listener has become accustomed to hearing through Lions’den II: Arium. As it’s follower, “Rachmaninoff Rhapsody, Pt. 2” comes to play, it offers a variance to its counterpart. While it sounds very dramatic, it gives off a vibe of a very high-speed chase or action-packed scene that might result in a grand finale. Coming to a close, “Arium” is the closing credit everyone can gather and stand and applaud to as victor has won or the hero is now enjoying a moment alone or with their love interest, after having accomplished whatever had needed to be done. It has a smooth and warm tone sure to leave you satisfied and just enough to want to know what the future might have in store for this rising, accomplished artist.

Key tracks include: “Venue,” “Arium,” “Ricasso,” and “Elvis Remember.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
May 30, 2020

Track Listing:
01. Ricasso
02. Pp
03. Elvis Remember
04. Revenue
05. Venue
06. Syren
07. Aroes Intro
08. Aroes
09. Rachmaninoff Rhapsody, Pt. 1
10. Rachmaninoff Rhapsody, Pt. 2
11. Arium

Indie Pop Review - Hinds - The Prettiest Curse

Release Date: June 5, 2020

Label: Lucky Number

Website

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Madrid-based indie rock band, Hinds has released their third studio album, The Prettiest Curse, a collection of textured, guitar-driven power pop sure to please a broad range of music fans. Originally named "Deers," they changed their name in 2014 due to legal threats from a band name "The Dears." "Hinds" actually means female deers.  

Don't be fooled by the cover art. This ain't no pajama party. The sound is hard, hooky, and infectious without being syrupy. The music will march into your brain and take up residency. And while it ain't no pajama party, soul-bearing confessions and heartfelt admonitions overtake the conversation. The blistering guitar screaming out in the most desperate moments underscores a unique sense of both yearning and resolve in the lyrics. 

Hinds are benefactors of their geography. The sonic sensibilities and perspectives gained by creating music in Madrid and outside the influence of the U.S. pop machine are evident. This infusion is a jolt of adrenaline into the dying beast. "The Prettiest Curse" strengthens the band's restless abandon while adding more prominent drums, fuzzier guitars, and more passionate choruses. 

"Riding Solo," "Take Me Back," and "Burn" are a few of the standout tracks rife with hooks, clapbacks, and singalong choruses. There's a powerful punk-pop undercurrent and an unrelenting attitude which only serves to strengthen the offering and accelerate the rush of adrenaline to your brain. That said, there are moments on the album which drift into the more formulaic and predictable garage-pop sound, yet they are few and far between.  

All tolled, The Prettiest Curse has a quick absorption rate. It gets into your blood instantly and is one of 2020's biggest surprises. 

- Tom Endyke | Guitar & Pen

Adult Contemporary/New Age Review: Richard Shulman-Life Seasons

Release Date: July 1, 2020

Label: Richheart Music

Website

Richard Shulman has recorded 28 albums and collaborated on dozens more. The soon to be released Life Seasons is the next proper album.

I like the thought of the seasons theoretically and how it fits each individual's age and current life situation. For instance, the winter of your life would likely be your seventies or eighties dependent on your health.

I would consider Life Seasons as a new age album thematically but musically it is adult contemporary with different elements sprinkled in. Richard’s beautiful piano playing takes center stage and he creates each track like the colorful pictures on the album cover.

“Summer Solstice” is performed by Richard’s trio. The lazy season is given the proper treatment with some cool jazz-inflected laid-back sounds. In the same frame of reference “Bohemian Summer” is a nice jazz number to kick off your shoes and soak in. As the notes are created your mind is set at ease, imagine just floating on a soft billowing cloud.

As we move into the changing seasons “Pre-Autumn” segues into “Sweet Autumn.” The tides of the music change with the season as the paces slow down and speed up in different parts of the composition, intimating the real-life changes you can see when nature does its magic. As autumn ends then we go “Spinning Into Winter” with a nice vocal performance from Wendy Jones, to follow is a solo piano performance from Richard titled “Winter Solstice.” His solo playing is very elegant and appropriate for the distinctiveness of the winter season and all its beauty as it covers the mountains and trees.

“Winter Solstice Dream” continues our seasonal walk through one of mother nature’s most celebrated seasons. It is the most prolific track that includes a spoken word performance from Wendy. The dialogue is significant and reflects much more than the actual season. It goes beyond relating to us as humans and how we translate mother nature’s work. The track runs for 9:52 with a backdrop of Richard’s tinkling ivories leading down the path of realizations as the spoken word continues telling a fascinating story. It is an exceptional track and presented beautifully.

The cycle continues with “Hope for Spring” and the beginning of the thaw with “Early Spring.” Richard’s piano is alive and thriving with exuberance and a consistent rhythm.

Now that I have heard all of the piano instrumentations, I have the belief that the foundation of this music was derived from classical and morphed into a new age, contemporary, and jazz leanings type of listening. All of it made for a perfectly enjoyable listen from beginning to end.

Life Seasons is quite the journey, offering each listener a taste of every season through the eyes and hands of many talented artists through the piano and other assorted instruments. Everything that went into this recording is just as dissimilar as all the seasons. That is the one element that I found the most interesting and relatable. Of course, every listener will find something different and that is what makes it so unique and special to those that choose to listen.

The personal for this diverse musical collection includes:

The Trio:
Richard Shulman - piano, all compositions and arrangements,
Zack Page - bass on all except #8,10, 13.
Rick Dilling - drums on all except #8,10,13

Vocal Quartet:
Wendy Jones - soprano #4,7,9,10,13 and flute on #7
Paula Hanke - alto #1,4,9,13.
Sherman Hoover - tenor #4,9,13.
Bob Bencze - bass/baritone #4,9,13.
Ron Clearfield - cello #1,7

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
June 5, 2020

Track List:
01. Life Seasons - 5:00 - vocal feat. Paula Hanke
02. Summer Solstice - 4:40 - trio
03. Summer Night - 4:02 - trio
04. Bohemian Summer - 4:13 vocal quartet
05. Pre-Autumn - 5:13 - trio
06. Sweet Autumn - 4:33 trio
07. Spinning into Winter - 3:30 vocal feat. Wendy Jones
08. Winter Solstice - 3:39 - solo piano
09. Velvet Shoes - 3:22 - vocal quartet
10. Winter Solstice Dream - 9:52 - spoken word feat. Wendy Jones
11. Hope for Spring - 5:20 - trio
12. Early Spring - 5:36 - trio
13. The Fairy of Mystery Blue - 3:14 vocal quartet


Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Indie Rock Review: Muzz - Muzz

Release Date: June 5, 2020

Label: Matador Records

Website

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Newly-formed Indie-Rock supergroup, Muzz swings a velvet hammer on their self-titled debut album. Interpol frontman Paul Banks is joined by old friends Matt Barrick (The Walkmen) on drums and Josh Kaufman (Bonny Light Horsemen) on everything else.

There is a familiar soft acoustic 70's classic rock vibe that feels like a synthesis of Mike Nesmith, America, The Allman Brothers, and Marshall Crenshaw. Yet with all these strains crying out for recognition, the end result is inspiring and unique.

"Bad Feeling" sets the tone, fuzing in a subtle lo-fi hum, like crickets on a summer night. The lyrics are deep and profound and the meaning isn't often clear upon the first listen. "We're pretty ancient, that's what all the silence means. Speed runs the whole generation, the torment of ease." The velvet hammer hits hard on the infectious gem "Evergreen" which speaks of love, addiction, and dependency, "One medication, one thing to bring you over. ... Don't ever really need it, somehow it's taking over."

The single, "Red Western Sky" is a hauntingly perilous expression of low self-worth which feels a lot The National's dramatic hurtling. "Everything Like it Used to Be" is Byrd's-sounding track with layered rhythms and harmonies and one of the stronger cuts on the album. It's not all mellow gold, however. "Knuckleduster," and "How Many Days," pack a punch and Josh Kaufman's skilled guitar work comes front and center.

All in all, Muzz has dropped a promising debut from three friends whose talents blend well. Paul Bank's seductive and polished vocals ride nicely over Barrick and Kaufman's smart sonic textures. It's a laid-back summer sound which will go down nicely by the pool, along the beach or on the open road with the windows rolled down.

- Tom Endyke | Guitar & Pen

New Age Instrumental Review: Bernward Koch-Becoming

Release Date: May 15, 2020

Label: Myndstream

Website

Bernward Koch is a German multi-instrumentalist and Becoming is his fourteenth proper recording.

On Bernward’s website, he says "Music gives wings to a brighter life“ That statement is so true especially with what the year 2020 has brought the world. With all the pain and suffering on this planet, we are desperately in need of more artists like Bernward to keep making music that heals.

I also found something else noteworthy on his website that touched my soul. The US organization "Massachusetts Fallen Soldiers" uses his music to heal suicide-prone soldiers who have come back from crisis areas in different places in the world and often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I am from Massachusetts; I am a vet, and my father served in WWII so this means so much to me. Thank you Bernward.

This music is graceful, filled with beauty, and ultimately a wonderful tool for relaxing, meditation, contemplation, or simply listening enjoyment. That is without a doubt the entire reason this man makes his music. I am sure every time he records it is a process but a labor of love at the same time. He gives away sheet music on his website for two of his albums! I find that so generous of him to do that. Aspiring piano players can learn and play his music. So, the fact he gives us such beauty and peace through his music is one thing, then to give his actual sheet music away, well that is just amazing. May all of that good karma come back to you tenfold sir!

Listening to this music really helped me today. I had to walk away from the news that has been coming across our TVs and step back and take a breather. We all need it, especially now. I personally need to know that there are still loving and giving people out there and Bernward is surely one of them.

“Sparkling Eyes” was one of my favorites and I added it to my NAMR Spotify Playlist. It reminded me of my wife when I first met her and she still has that sparkle to this day. It is a gift to listen to this music and go through so many feelings, memories, and at times, sadness is coaxed out of me but I still feel good when the music finishes. This is music that puts me in a place that is not of this earth, we call it heaven. Maybe there is some truth that we choose our parents and start in heaven and return once we leave our bodies. It is possible, anything is if you believe.

Becoming is a very significant word. It can mean any number of things dependent on who you are and what frame of mind you are in when you are listening to this music. For me, it is about being me with no mask or wall to protect me, just me taking all of the sounds, textures, and colors in, then processing it all. What I get in the end is something very special, spiritual if you will, whatever one can call it, it is a blessing that I receive with a lot of gratitude. Every second of my life I am Becoming who I am, evolving, learning, growing, and sharing my experience, strength, and hope with everyone I know and meet.

I hope each and every listener can find a road to take within this music that allows healing. You just never know where Becoming is going to take you but that is exactly what makes it so intriguing. Every listener will find their way through this music, whether it is intentional or not, I am guaranteeing that these tracks are going to affect in you in a prolific manner, but you must let it happen, just listen and Benward, he will take you there.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 30, 2020 

Track List: 
01. A Magical Dream
02. Lavender Fields
03. Moments of Love
04. Sparkling Eyes
05. Alone on the Way
06. Becoming
07. Mysterious Afterglow
08. The Bright Spring
09. The Harvest  
10. A Swan Dream
11. Floating Leaves
12. September Impressions
13. Long Long Time Ago


Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

New Age Vocal Review: Prem Vidu-Encounter – Medicine Songs from Ma

Release Date:  June 4, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Prim Vidu and his newest offering Encounter – Medicine Songs from Ma was a pleasant surprise for my new age tastes. Normally the vocals I hear on releases are some background embellishments. This however is all vocals with the traditional instrumentation you would come to expect from a new age release.

I had no idea what I was in for with this album, I just trusted that Prem was a new age artist looking for an opinion on his music. Well he asked the right person and everything does happen for a reason. This is Prem’s first release and everything was composed and performed by him and his team. Besides singing he plays a multitude of instruments. It is quite impressive as this album is his first and an independent release. This is about belief in your life, love, gratitude and the pureness of one enlightened soul.

Some of the instruments used are nylon guitar, shakers, kit acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolin, piano, synths, fretless bass, flugelhorn and trumpet. And that is the short list!

To create an album with all vocals and to have that new age color, depth, and meaning, you need all the right instruments. Based on what I heard, things were done properly and Prem and his fine team of musicians pulled out all the stops and present one beautiful recording.

The one and most important instrument is Prem’s vocals. I found an immediate attraction to his warmth and flowing vocalizations. The lyrics are from the heart and soul of a man that has found his true path through the music and spirituality. Prem says “"There is no shorter umbilical to your soul than singing!" How that rings so true for me and I am sure countless others that will enjoy Encounter – Medicine Songs from Ma.

At this particular moment in time I feeling some back pain and, in the music, and words of Encounter – Medicine Songs from Ma I found comfort and healing sounds. Although I must admit some of the lyrics are not understood because they are not in English, however that did not matter. Prem’s voice is so inviting and smooth that you just go with all the flow. The instrumentation is certainly quite excellent, which helps to get you at your comfort zone.

There is plenty of variety musically which keeps your interest besides the digging down deep lyrics presented on this amazing group of tracks. Anyone that can appreciate our humanity, spirituality, a variety of instruments, and incredible vocals, well, that about says it all doesn’t it. This is thoughtful words set to a magnificent array of instrumentation! You need to hear Encounter – Medicine Songs from Ma.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
May 27, 2020

Track List:
1. Holy Divine Mother
2. May I Have The Strength
3. Cancel The Show
4. Oh Your Glory
5. Mighty Presence
6. Floating
7. Your Love Heals Me
8. Everything That Is Here
 

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews