Contemporary Instrumental (Solo Piano) - Paz Del Castillo-TRES best of…

Release Date: March 21, 2020

Label: Noise of Dreams

Website

Paz Del Castillo is a pianist that records solo instrumental contemporary new age music. Essentially it is a contemporary instrumental collection however it so relaxing and beautiful that a listener can use it for meditation as well. Once you start listening you will understand why.

Her most recent release is titled TRES best of… which consists of thirteen tracks of her solo piano work. What I discovered while listening was how full-bodied and rhythmic each track was. The consistent flow of each track is a strong representation of solo piano work and how authoritative and effective that one instrument can be with the right hands, turning music into magic. This is excellent solo piano music with three new tracks included.

One of the best examples of that strength is “Cuevas Del Mar” which translates to “my beach-at the north coast-in Asturias.” The track is full of anticipation, excitement, and above all, catchy rhythms that hold your interest from start to finish. That is but one example, and within every track, some or all of those elements will arise to grab your attention.

Paz creates her music working from the solid ground of classical then transforming the compositions to forge ahead and translate to contemporary instrumental which then crosses over to the sub-genre of new age. I hold firm my belief that most of this type of music blossoms from the classic world of instrumentation. It is not hard to recognize if you listen to this type of music all the time.

Besides this compilation Paz Del Castillo makes a triumphant return to her recording career with the newly released single "I Fight." The word fight can have strong implications both negative and positive, my feeling and thoughts after listening, is that the message was very positive and the music says that loud and clear.

The album closes out with “Lo Quo Se De MI CD-S4QT,” translated it means “What I know about myself,” which serves as an introspective track.

TRES best of…  will deliver the message the artist is conveying and allow each listener to attain a level of peace and relaxation, or meditation if needed. This is music that has many uses and I think it could easily serve as soundtrack music for video and or films. The fact that there are no words gives it a distinct advantage over music with lyrics to think about.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
January 24, 2021

Tracks:

01. Bolinas (“Moods for Piano”) 02.42 ( A little village at San Francisco California, where I recorded my 1st Album
02. Latiendo (“Eleven Drops”) 04.48 (a heart beat-that keeps beating after difficulties)
03. El abrazo del mar (“Eleven Drops”) 04.07 (the embrace of the sea)
04. Improvisación sobre las aguas tranquilas (“Eleven Drops”) 04.29 Improvisation about calm river)
05. Sobre el Cabo de Mar ( “Now” ) 2.40 (About a beautiful Cape over the cliffs in the north coast of Spain)
06. Unchain me ( “Now” )  04.16
07. Cuevas del Mar (“Moods for Piano”) 04.14 ( my beach-At the north coast-In Asturias)
08. Mother ( “Now” ) 06.05 (for my mother, my essence)
09 Tom ( “Now” ) 03.14
10. Hymn ( “Now” ) 04.28
11. Erase una vez una doncella…. (new) 03.17 (once upon a Maiden, about a medieval history)
12 Vals for the Good people 03.13
13. Lo que se de mí ( new) 06.36 ( What I know about myself, and introspective track)

Rock Review: The Catholic Girls-Rock N’ Roll School For Girls

Release Date: November 6, 2020

Label: JSP Records

Website

Hailing from my home state of New Jersey, The Catholic Girls burst onto the rock n’ roll scene in the early ‘80s. Causing all kinds of controversy and uproar in their music, the group never really gained national momentum. However, they were able to garner enough attention along the coast and turn heads. Even the catholic church within Rhode Island decided to ban them from performing at several functions. Rock n’ Roll School For Girls finds root in the modern era that could prepare this band for an epic revitalization of their lifetime.

The Catholic Girls pack a wild punch in this remastered collection of provocative hits. They return more than 15 years later from their last release, to reintroduce themselves to the masses that the world was possibly not ready for. In a not-so-politically-correct, modern world; the band may have more success amongst varying age groups who align with angst-like, rebellion rock. On this two-disc album, essentially many of the songs represent a topic to which is breaking stereotype concepts or causing mayhem.

The consistent theme throughout the album is front-woman Gail Petersen’s distinct style. She makes her mark by emoting her voice in such a manner that gives off much of the same mystique as Stevie Nicks. Starting off the album, disc one is loaded with demo records that made their way into the group’s mainstay discography. Then, disc 2 offers a slew of remixed editions of the prior disc. Both track listings also incorporate a number of new music singles.

See, this band knows how to play up satirical themes, from the threat of schooling that plagued the singer’s home life growing up, to failed relationships and just being flat out wild and reckless. Songs like
“Grounded” and “Grand Theft Auto” are two examples of the bombastic flare that play through much of the first set of the tracklisting. As both of the discs play through, the latter half of the music, a more solemn tone is felt within the album. Emotions rise on tracks such as, “You Let Me Down” and “Should’ve Been Mine” offers a difference in mellow manners. One song is more powerful and utilizes Petersen’s vocal style to her advantage while the latter is a more lyrically somber and plainer sound that shows less is indeed more.

Showcasing their broad discography, this album acts as a reintroduction to a three decade’s worth of bad timing but, amazing talent. These girls know how to mix the flare of rock n’ roll with humor and contradiction to the normal ways of thinking on a particular subject. It seems that traveling through time, forty years down the line just might have its advantages when it comes to The Catholic Girls re-emergence.

Key tracks include: “Grounded,” “Grand Theft Auto,” “God Made You for Me,” and “Down At the Shore.”

Gregg Keniston - MuzikMan.net Staff
January 21, 2021

 
Track Listing
Disc 1:
01. Private School (1981)
02. Grounded (1980)
03. Summer Boy (1980)
04. Dancing on the 44 (1980)
05. Rock’n Roll School for Girls (1980)
06. Somebody in the USA (1980)
07. Grand Theft Auto (1979)
08. Young Boys (1980)
09. Where Did I Go Wrong (1981)
10. Boys Can Cry (1981)
11. Broken Record (1981)
12. You Let Me Down (1981)
13. C’est Impossible (1981)
14. Someone New (1981)
15. Rock’n America (1983)
16. If No One Fell in Love (2000)
17. It Doesn’t Become You (1984)
18. No One Like You (1983)
19. I Was A Lady (2001)
20. Night Shift (The New Jersey Song) [Alternate 2003]
21. Just Before Nightfall (Live at President’s Palace, 1979)

Disc 2:
01. Someone New
02. C’est Impossible
03. A Boy for Me
04. Where Did I Go Wrong
05. You Let Me Down
06. Private School
07. Boys Can Cry
08. God Made You for Me
09. The Only One
10. Make Me Believe
11. Niagara Falls
12. Should Have Been Mine
13. If I Hadn’t Loved You
14. Some Boys
15. Manderlay
16. Shame On You
17. Kiss Me One More Time
18. Down at the Shore
19. Without a Country
20. Somebody Better Get a Room

Track Feature: The Song Gardeners - Warrior Light

The Song Gardeners have once again graced our presence with another single release titled "Warrior of Light."

Once again featured on the track singer/songwriter Corrie Dunn (vocals, piano, guitar), singer/songwriter Mary Gospe (vocals, guitar, percussion), and Chris Day (bass).

Mary sings "Activate the love inside, be a warrior, a warrior of light." This is very spiritual and positive for us all to take to heart. It goes along with the saying "Kill them with kindness." That kind of approach helps people drop their guard and open up to another viewpoint.

This is not a protest song by any means however it does point to the media and the lies both sides have been telling us all along to support their agendas. That is one simple fact that most people do realize. So the message is to be true to yourself and picking a side is not part of the equation. Travel your purposeful path and you will reach the desired destination. The truth shall be revealed if you listen to your inner voice which is a "go with your gut" attitude that cannot miss.

I for one loved the song, lyrics, and the premise of why it was recorded.

 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

The Song Gardener's Media Page: https://ffm.to/qqpx8e2

Visit The Song Gardener's Website: https://www.thesonggardeners.com

The Song Gardeners is a musical trio from the San Francisco Bay Area featuring singer/songwriter Corrie Dunn (vocals, piano, guitar), singer/songwriter Mary Gospe (vocals, guitar, percussion), and Chris Day(bass). 

Their original songs are filled with positive, empowering messages and beautiful harmonies.

Blues Review: Junior Wells-Blues Brothers

Release Date: November 6, 2020

Label: 2020 Cleopatra Blues

Website

The blues is quite possibly THE genre that is one-hundred percent raw emotion. Given its title, not only is it a solemn color, but it also represents intensity and how the artist might harness that intensity to symbolize their hurt or sorrow. Junior Wells, a pioneer in his time, spent over 40 years crafting his style and paving the way with a “blues-harp” style. This newly remastered collection of Wells’ recordings along with some of the greatest blues guitarists of our current generation. Blues Brothers is a grand ode to the talent and legacy that sadly Junior Wells left for us in 1998.

“Blues Hit Big Town” is a calm introduction that allows the listener to sway into the beat of the music and get them acquainted with the vocal stylings of Mr. Wells. It sets the table for what awaits the listener throughout the record. Sliding into the next track, the fun commences with a jive-sounding, tongue-in-cheek, “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl,” which is a funky bass-induced piece.

“Messin’ With the Kid” sounds like old times, trying to tune radios to the right station to avoid the most static. But, that static and raspiness is what brings the element of flashback and former city-street vibe of jazz and big-band, bluesy culture. “Scratch My Back” starts off sounding very much like the wild-wild-west but, then progresses into a lively and exciting dialogue, while at the same time keeping steady with a mid-tempo vibe to try to entice his love interest in a little bit of a rendezvous of sorts.

We come back down as listeners a bit, as “Worried Life Blues” acts as the bridge between the first and second half of the album. Wells is clearly swooning over someone either he had or someone of whom has since departed from his life in some capacity. Picking up the rear of track five, “When the Cat’s Gone” is a slick, short,  fun song that brings up the imagery… at least to me, of Tom and Jerry. “Lovey Dovey” is a pure, feel-good moment in the record that reminds us that the blues, while often dealing with sorrow or hurt, has its moments of complete opposite effect in positivity. Rather, it just utilizes the same technique as it’s somber counterparts.

“You Got to Love Her with a Feeling” might be the lowest point of the record as it seems to be the most traditional style of blues rhythm and overall tone. “Two-Headed Woman” is a rush of questioning the singer questioning the woman in his life because of her split personality but, he puts up with it because to him “there’s nothing we can do about it. “Snatch It Back” is a snappy jive that sounds much like a 60s dance move or that of which the song might be a dance number through the entire song.

Upon the end of the album, “You Don’t Care” is a dismissive song of used-to-be friends or partners of what sounds to be like a disagreement or cheating scandal between them gone wrong. With both parties telling each other off, adhering to their motives and feelings alone, they “don’t care” how the other person now is dealing with the aftermath. “It’s a Man Down There” is alluding to how the singer perceives that another man might be living amongst the underworld because of a nefarious deed. But, he just doesn’t know for certain if it is.

“Hoodoo Man Blues” is a nice wind-down song to end out the album. It is an overall instrumental piece that soothes the listener’s ear. The track’s sudden divergent rifts within points of the song provide a little jolt of excitement within the overall relaxation of the piece.

Key Tracks include: “Two Headed Woman,”Messin’ With the Kid,” “It’s A Man Down There.”

Gregg Keniston - MuzikMan.net Staff
January 12, 2021

Track Listing:
01. Blues Hit Big Town (feat. Colin James)
02. Good Morning Little Schoolgirl (feat. Pat Travers)
03. Messin’ With the Kid (feat. Tyler Bryant)
04. Scratch My Back (feat. Albert Castiglia)
05. Worried Life Blues (feat. Mike Zito & James Montgomery)
06. When the Cat’s Gone (feat. Harvey Mandel)
07. Lovey Dovey (feat. Eric Gales)
08. You Gotta Love Her with a Feeling (feat. Kirk Fletcher)
09. Two Headed Woman (feat.Guitar Shorty)
10. Snatch It Back and Hold (feat. Joe Louis Walker)
11. You Don’t Care (feat. Popa Chubby)
12. It’s A Man Down There (feat. Bernard Allison)
13. Hoodoo Man Blues (feat. Joe Louis Walker)

Instrumental Progressive Ambient Review: Green Isac Orchestra-b a r (140 gram vinyl LP)

Release Date: September 15, 2020

Label: Spotted Peccary

Website

 

My only regret after hearing the most recent Green Isac Orchestra’s release b a r, is that I did not discover them years ago! This is some of the most creative and color progressive instrumental ambient music I have heard in some time. I had the pleasure of hearing it for the first time on 140 gram vinyl.

Morten Lund and Andreas Eriksen were together know as Green Isac for 25 years as a duo only, until the Green Isac collaboration expanded to a five member ensemble and rechristened themselves Green Isac Orchestra in 2015. bar is their second release as a quintet.

There is never a dull moment on b a r, in fact, this is full of brilliantly executed compositions. The operative words here is “creative” and “expansive.”

“Volcanic” starts things off and the title is very descriptive of what you will hear to get your heart pumping and your imagination kicked into high gear. It comes in just shy of a healthy 8 minutes of instrumental bliss starting off with ambient texture and building into a volcanic eruption of sounds. The track ebbs and flows between power and softer moments provided by the cello then it switches back to that colorful blasts of passion and sound. I do not think there could have been a better track on the album to get things started. When you look and see six tracks your first impression may be that is not many however you can take my word for it, it more than fills both side of the 140 gram vinyl.

“Le Grand Sportif” is 7+ minutes and it begins with a spacey intro into nice keyboard work allowing for a minimalist approach to introduce the cello. The track engages you and is in a continual evolving cycle that can be fascinating. Some good percussive sounds push it to another level as it moves closer to the end before closing out.

“With Hat” is shorter journey at 3:25 with orchestral sounds of the cello leading the way then a heavy drone like sound comes in sounding like a powerful but suggestive hammer then the gentler part of song is ushered in with an emphasis on the synths. The track has some very strong progressive movements that would please any instrumental music listener.

Side B opens with “Don Progini” (note the last name) letting us all know if we already didn’t that this is definitely progressive music! There are some interesting changes going on in this track and so many sounds converging into a blossoming full sound taking advantage of all the tools at their disposal, the band makes sure you are still paying attention. The keyboards reminded me of Tubular Bells.

“Aarwaaken” comes in over 6 minutes and starts with a spacey/spooky synth with a world edge provided by the percussive elements then it morphs for a very short period over to classical path. Mind melting synths arrive to give it that sci-fi feel as well to keep things interesting. The only way to describe this masterful composition is to call it acoustic-progressive-ambient with a classical underpinning.

“Without Hat” closes the curtain on this aural journey starting with a guitar, which was different in comparison to all the other tracks. Various synths are the building blocks of the track and it provides excitement and leads the listener to a colorful ending to close out the album.

Why stay the same is the mantra for b a r and that works very well for this excellent recording. They never do the same thing twice and that is what makes b a r  so enjoyable and something you will want to hear more than once.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder

January 3, 2021

Track List:

Side A:
1. Volcanic
2. Le Grand Sportif
3. With Hat

Side B:
4. Don Progini
5. Aarwaaken
6. Without Hat

Jazz Review: Charu Suri-The New American Songbook EP

Release Date: December 20, 2019

Label: Amala Records

Website

If it has been a while since you heard some great jazz, specifically with piano as the main instrument, and a gorgeous female voice, then I have found one artist you simply need to hear now. Her name is Charu Suri and with her latest EP The New American Songbook, she makes quite a musical  statement.

Charu is the first female Indian American jazz composer to premiere work at Carnegie Hall. Charu has been playing the piano since the age of five and performing since the age of nine. She won an international piano competition at the age of 15. When you start in music that young, there is ample time to develop and certainly in this instance all those years have paid an enormous number of dividends.

Danielle Erin Rhodes’ voice is perfect and she can get so high and clear; is the vocal instrument on display with all the music, particularly Charu’s exceptional piano, accompanying her that puts the finishing touch on every track. Even though you may only get four tracks, it is very satisfying, and this could be the taste of what is to come. If that is the case, I look forward to an entire album of music and vocalizations like those on The New American Songbook.

The track “A Little Joy,” is made for the Holiday Season and was just released on YouTube, and will be on Spotify on January 30th. This is the kind of music people need to hear now and not because it is great music with a soothing beautiful voice getting you some comfort, it is all about having just a little joy, maybe for the length of the song or for Christmas. Whatever you are going through right now, this will offer a few moments in time to get into another space.

The New American Songbook and Charu Suri will take you back to a time when there were so many amazing jazz musicians and singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Speaking of the blues, Charu does get “Bluesy” on the ivory keys, and you can feel the emotion of Danielle’s vocals taking hold of you. It is the best track on the EP and one I will never forget.

The New American Songbook is a recording that lovers of jazz, blues, and holiday music will want to hear.  

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
December 16, 2020

Track List:
1. Seasons        
2. Bluesy        
3. It's the Simple Things
4. A Little Joy

"Nights to Remember" Is The Second Insight Into Morpheus Project's Debut Album

 

Mustafa Khetty is a composer already making quite the name for himself in the industry. A true asset to the Prog and Classical music world, he steps into a new musical venture called Morpheus Project. At his most creative, Morpheus Project draws musical influences from as far afield as the Far East and South America. Back with second single under the new project, "Nights to Remember" gives a bright insight to a fantastic debut album ahead. Out around the end of January, early February, the debut is set to cover all of Mustafa's influences and escape mainstream music. 

Coated in a complex soundscape that sits somewhere between hard rock and progressive rock, this prog rock frenzy features Onur Çobanoğlu's angst ridden vocals and Emircan Ünsev and Arda Keremoğlu's epic guitar playing. Merging moods, emotions, rhythmic patterns and harmonic layers to covey the track's intense arrangement, Mustafa illuminates a stroke of world music within his sound. A creative spirit who's simply a force to be reckoned with within the prog world, Morpheus Project could easily be the next asset to the world of prog.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mustafakhettymusic/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustafakhettymusic/

Website: http://www.mustafakhetty.com/

Streaming: https://play.google.com/store/search?q=mustafa%20khetty&hl=en 

 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=mustafa+khetty&ref=nb_sb_nosshttps://open.spotify.com/album/5T4IyCpjj1RLhCRuE8pogU#login  

 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb1UyReSWCOQlr1kiVzMtTQ/videos

Pop-R&B Review: Sam Wilder-Homebound

Release Date: October 16, 2020

Label: Spin Move Records

Website

Sam Wilder’s recent release Homebound will raise some eyebrows in the music industry and capture many listeners. Like the saying goes “No risk, no reward.” Wilder stepped out and took a big chance to change his life’s path forever.

He decided to choose the title because he left his home in the Netherlands to go to Los Angeles to find his path in music. Like everyone else, he is missing his family during these lock down times.

As things turned out when he got to LA, he was immediately on the fast track to success taking his many talents to the studio to create radio-ready music for the masses.

Sam’s natural talents become evident in the eight tracks offered on the EP. “Overtime,” is a great tune featuring glossy pop and beats to keep you in a steady groove. And it is good, no, actually better than some of the crap out there they decided to call music. “Penelope” and “Bring It Home (feat. Livy Lee)” also shines the light on this progressing talent.

Everything about Homebound says “Play me” and for good reason. The music is keeping right in step with what you will hear on any platform in 2020. The catchy hooks and Sam’s high vocalizations move each song right to the heart of any listener. The combination of Pop and R & B brings out all the talent this young man has to offer in all eight tracks. The only difference is that he is not on the same playlist as pop divas like Katy Perry etc. Perhaps that can all change if his music makes it to the right people in the industry. He is good enough to break it big.

I enjoy listening to artists like Sam Wilder and bringing attention to all the talent on display on Homebound. It is interesting how eight tracks are considered an EP and back in the day of The Beatles for instance, when they were pumping out 4 or 5 albums a year, it would be an entire album. Now today a full album is at least 12 tracks or more.

Regardless of these facts, Sam Wilder has made his musical statement on Homebound and it will be heard. The talent of this young man is obvious and the potential is limitless. One listen to this album proves that. The purpose and intent is clear, Sam is here to stay and he has an amazing future in front of him.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
December 13, 2020

Track List:
1. Fiending    
2. What's Wrong With Me        
3. Set You Off        
4. Overtime
5. Sunlight        
6. Without        
7. Penelope    
8. Bring It Home (feat. Livy Lee) [Explicit]

World Instrumental Guitar Review: Kiko Barriuso-6 Stringed Music

Release Date: October, 22, 2020

Label: Independent

Website

Kiko Barriuso is a six-string guitar maestro on his most recent, and seventh proper recording, titled 6 Stringed Music. It does not get any more straightforward than that when it comes to album titles. There are no hidden meanings, riddles, or something that needs to be interpreted. Born in Madrid Spain in 1978, he started with the piano at a young age then gravitated towards the guitar.

After translating Spanish to English on his Bandcamp page this is the overview I got of the album: 6 Stringed Music is a collection of instrumental songs in a world music style. All instruments have been played and programmed by Kiko Barriuso (except where indicated). acoustic guitar mainly, although other types of guitars appear (12 strings, electric ...).

What you are promised is a wide variety of styles and approaches. And that is exactly what you get. I must say straight away that I loved this right from the first note to the end. I have many reasons, first of course is his excellent command of the six-string, the eclectic tracks, and most importantly respect for the level of difficulty of not only playing the guitar incredibly well but venturing into a worldly journey of exploration of sounds. The tracks burst with electric energies and all colors of the musical spectrum.

“Entre Dos Tierras” is a fantastic journey of the acoustic guitar. It is played with style and grace and the full impact and generosity of the varying degrees of sound are appreciated by this listener. “Pisando Un Nuevo Suelo” starts with a nice ambient atmosphere then explodes into some magnificent electric guitar lines. Previous to that you will experience all-acoustic playing and would likely expect more of the same after looking at the album cover as well. It was a nice surprise for my listening tastes as he still played with exceptional precision and grace.

You will find out very quickly that Kiko knows how to make an impact with the guitar regardless if it is acoustic or electric or influenced by another country besides his own. That thought process for me gives even more credence to his ability and amazing talent.

“Un Toque Español” starts and I am wondering if he is going to jump into his full version of “Classical Gas.” The track never reaches that crescendo of emotion and lightning speed playing, instead what you get is a gorgeously short Spanish-influenced acoustic instrumental that ends way too soon. And that is meant strictly as a compliment to how much I appreciated the composition.

“Vuelo Nocturno” is another track filled with worldly delights and sounds. It is one of the highlights of the recording with layers of sounds added to support his guitar presentation. The intermingling of the layers of sounds suits the playing quite well and the result is a richly flavored freshly brewed instrumental gem. I bet you thought I was going to say something about coffee? Well, the comparison is there as a fresh cup of coffee from the finest beans in the world has no comparison, unless you are playing guitar while you’re drinking it, in this instance, it all applies.

Just to make sure he covers all the ground possible; he ends the album with the “Sueño Oriental,” which runs over 7 minutes. On this track you get the best of both worlds, Kiko plays acoustic and electric. The wonder of layering music is a beautiful thing. It is the most progressive and complicated track you will hear.

I think “Closing Time” should have been the last track, it seems appropriate but there is nothing ordinary or anticipatory about any of this music. You just have to wait to see what is next. That is the kind of recording I can appreciate the most.

Kiko Barriuso is a six-string conjurer on 6 Stringed Music. The beauty of the instrument and the lands the music is derived from is a tasty instrumental treat you should not miss. The is the art of music in full bloom and seen through the eyes of one talented man. I cannot wait to see where he goes from here!

Note: For Those of you that do not speak Spanish, I asked Kiko to translate the tracks to English.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
December 5, 2020 

Track List:
01. Claro Que Si 03:10 (Yes Of Course)
02. Semilla De Amor 03:43 (Love Seed)
03. A Través Del Tiempo 02:54 (Throughout Time)
04. Entre Dos Tierras 04:21 (Between Two Lands)
05. Still Missing You 03:48
06. Pisando Un Nuevo Suelo 04:09 (Stepping On A New Ground)
07. Sensaciones 03:19 (Sensations)
O8. Un Toque Español 03:11 (A Spanish Touch)
09. Vuelo Nocturno 02:57 (Night Flight)
10. Never Ending Winter 02:55
11. A Change of The Seasong 03:17
12. Closing Time 02:27
13. Sueño Oriental 07:17 (Oriental Dream)

Rock-Pop Review: Denoven-Retrofuturism

Release Date: October 9, 2020

Label: TimeArt Recordings

Website

If you remember the 80s and the music that was being played then you will love Retrofuturism from the artist known as Denoven. Straight away one of your first thoughts will be this is one of those uncovered gems that never got released. The process of putting it together started in 2018 and was completed this year. The album showcases one hell of a tight band and a lady with an incredible voice that goes up to 5 octaves, which is extremely rare.

Notably, tracks are featuring Pat Kelley and Mike Miller on guitar with the masterfully effective synth work by Denoven and commanding vocals. Other players in her band that you will recognize are the incredible Vinnie Colaiuta on drums with Neil Steubenhaus on bass.

So, if you are ready to rock and think of days gone by, this will do it for you and then some. So here we go into the music time machine…

If you can remember the days of dancing “Body to Body” or you are doing it now in your social distanced bubble then good for you! Here is some music that will keep those eternal embers burning. Although I think the song is about what happens after the dance.

“Just Wanna Love You” is one of my favorites, it features a band in sync and reminds me of the 80s and Friday nights dancing in San Francisco. It put a smile in my heart and soul. It is perfect for the period. Denoven’s voice is sultry smooth and very emotive albeit sexy. The point gets across loud and clear. There are some great background vocals and a cut like a new razor lead guitar three-quarters of the way through as the track gets closer to the end.

The quirky “Make Up Your Mind” takes you down another path, this time the progressive lane as mentioned on the website one sheet, it is “odd meter.” This proved to be the outright talent this band has and their ability to change it up so fast.

The ballad “Never Goes Away” would have been a hit back in the 80s and actually, it sounded timeless to me and it is a hit at any time on my radio dial. This was excellent musicianship and vocals on display. I found a lot of appreciation for what was being offered. Similarly, and more of a rocker, “Out of My Head,” is a reminder of the days when hormones were raging and the power of youth took complete control of your mind and body. And another great guitar lick comes front and center around three quarters into the track, putting the rocker stamp on it for good. In the end, Denoven lets her 5-octave vocals close out the track. Wow, what a finale that was!

“Radioactive” sounds radio ready and a sure-fire hit in the top forty in the 80s. This music may be close to four decades removed from now but today I enjoyed it as much as I would have then. That says it all for this music lover.

Retrofuturism is a solid group of tracks and the title befits the music, you have my guarantee. Are you ready to rock into the 80s again or maybe for the first time? Here comes Denoven!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-MuzikMan.net Founder
November 17, 2020
 

Track List:
01. Out of My Head 3:28                                 
02. Words in the Dark 3:48                           
03. Make Up Your Mind 4:01                           
04. Radioactive 4:02                                    
05. Who Do You Know 3:10                            
06. Body to Body 4:15                                 
07. You’re Someone I Could Know 4:13         
08. Hot as Ice 4:02                                            
09. Just Wanna Love You 3:35                      
10. Never Goes Away 4:14   

TOTAL TIME 38:08

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