Concert Review: The New York Bee Gees Tribute Band In Concert

The New York Bee Gees Tribute Band In Concert

The Colonial Theater-Pittsfield, MA

November 17, 2017

http://www.newyorkbeegees.com

The audience at the grand Colonial Theater in Pittsfield Massachusetts stepped into a time machine on Friday night. The 70s came roaring back with the New York Bee Gees Tribute Band. For this music fan it was a complete joy to witness the show. Disco had its time like any other genre back in the day and the Bee Gees ruled the airwaves and album sales. It also happened to be to the day, November 17^th, that the Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack was released 40 years ago. 

I decided to put that CD on today and to compare to what I just heard in a live setting. I have to say it was about as good as it could possibly get for cover band. 

The core performers are: Peter Mazzeo (Barry), Tom Flyntz (Robin), Manny Focarazzo (Maurice, keyboards), Tammi Wolfe (Female Lead & Background Vocals), Peter Lazos (Drummer) and Mike Flyntz (Lead Guitar & Background Vocals).

The sound of the music was incredibly full and powerful and the lead singer Peter Mazzeo, can get so high that it compared to Barry Gibb in his prime. When he first did it I was in a bit of shock to be honest. The closest thing I have seen to that perform live with that kind of range was Freddie Mercury during the A Night of the Opera tour and Rob Halford consistently over the last 12 years. Part of that full sound was the incredibly talented keyboard playing of Manny Focarazzo (Maurice Gibb). He covered a lot of ground with his strong playing and multiple fills throughout the night. 

Every band member sang with the exception of the drummer. So, the vocals alone without the music could have stood on their own as one large instrument. Mike Flyntz looks like a rock guitarist and most certainly is, his other gig is in the band Riot. It was mentioned he was a member of the Heavy Metal Hall of Fame. You would think a musician like that would be out of his element however he fits right in and that is a tribute to his all-around talents.

The set list presented was like a string of Top 40 Gold records played in one sitting. They punched their ticket to stardom playing a full 2 hours and 25 songs. Some were surprises like “Islands In The Stream” (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton) and “Heartbreaker” (Dion Warwick). They seemed out of place in the set but where done very well and appreciated by all in attendance. Speaking of appreciation, the last concert I went to at the Colonial there was some dancing but this was something to behold. I felt like I was transported back into the 70s visiting the Carousel over in New York. That was the place to go for dancing and all the best Disco music of the day. Everyone just had a ball and it was like the secondary show of the evening. I am always the intent observer when covering shows and I frequently find my heart smiling at these events as I witness pure joy with many folks in attendance.

What I found fulfilling as one of the many long-time listeners of the Bee Gees was how they reached back to early days and covered some of the hits like “I Started a Joke,” “Words” and of course “Massachusetts.” It was like hearing Beatles songs, you knew every word. The one which was my favorite from The Saturday Night Fever Soundtrack is not a Bee Gees song. It was Yvonne Elliman’s “If I Can’t Have You.” Something about that song stokes a fire in me, I get the chills and reach back in time. It is just one of those things that hits you right in the heart. It is hard to explain, but everyone has songs that bring about emotions, for me it was happiness and sadness all tied together.

To put in all perspective, the music not only serves as a time machine it injects you with youthful energy and you are “in the moment,” enjoying every second. This is why I am so passionate about attending these live shows. The only thing I am focused on is the performance, not any other outside activities, problems, things I need to do, or work. It’s a beautiful thing.

I did not hear one song that I did not recognize and it was the kind of entertainment that anyone could enjoy. I would see The New Bee Gees Tribute Band again in a heartbeat!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 18, 2017

Founder of:

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Set List:

01.  Night Fever
02.  More Than A Woman
03.  How Deep Is Your Love
04.  Gotta Get A Message To You
05.  To Love Somebody (key of G)
06.  Massachusetts
07.  Lonely Days/Lonely Nights
08.  Love You Inside & Out
09.  I Started A Joke
10.  Guilty
11.  Emotion
12.  If I Can’t Have You
13.  Nights On Broadway
14.  Tragedy
15.  Jive Talkin’
16.  1941
17.  Words
18.  Mend A Broken Heart
19.  Grease
20.  Heartbreaker
21.  Island In The Stream
22.  I Just Want To Be Your Everything
23.  Shadow Dancing
24.  Stayin Alive
25.  You Should Be Dancin’

New Age-Pop-Neo Classical: Unleashed Dreams-Dare To Dream

Release Date: September 1, 2017

Label: L.Walker International Ltd. Paddisongs Publishing Ltd.

Website

Neoclassicism was born in Rome in the mid-18th century and it is still alive and well today. One look at the cover of the recent Unleashed Dreams recording Dare To Dream brings many different images together. Like the canvas of a great artist, the colors flow and merge to create thoughts and images where modern and times past intersect.

Looking at the art work on the cover of this CD invokes deep thought meditation and as it pulls the thoughts and vibrations from the mind of the subject (as on the cover) ...the words and music tell a story of love and inspiration.

The two anchor artists are Lindsey Gaye Walker (singer/songwriter, lead and background vocals) and Sean Michael Paddison (composer, songwriter, producer, pianist, background vocals and instrumentation). They have a few friends that join in this celebration of life and triumph as well. Every contributor made a difference and put their own stamp on this project.

This was a nice and welcome change from the norm for this listener. 99% of the new age music I listen to is instrumental, which I love, however hearing these amazing vocals and music come together was a special treat. The meaning of it all is so uplifting and spiritual. All I could think of when I looked at the cover was Michelangelo and The Sistine Chapel ceiling. What a miracle all of that artistry was and the miracle of this music and the images took me there. That my good people is a gift that multiplies for those that choose to listen.

Dare To Dream was like a breath of fresh air and a ray of sunshine that put a nice cap to the end of my day. The fact that I had a chance to listen, feel and let the music move me to write these words was yet another miracle. A higher power channeled within can bring change through music.

The mixture of vocal and instrumental tracks keeps it all interesting and thought provoking. Yes indeed, music is defined perfection in motion. With that I leave the rest to each individual listener.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

November 13, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. Deep
02. Dare to Dream
03. Resonance
04. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
05. My Sacred Inner Child
06. Riding the Winds of Change (Instrumental)
07. Trust (And Let Go)
08. You Give Me Strength
09. A New Day
10. A Journey Within (Instrumental)
11. Onward to Glory
12. Moonlight Waltz (Instrumental)
 

Track Feature: Ashley J - Unbreakable

Ashley J is back with another single titled"Unbreakable."

This young lady has charisma, good looks and a terrific voice. In other words, she has got it all going on.

The track is energy filled pop with a dance layer that keeps your feet moving. Non-stop energy with a story, that is the best way to describe Ashley J.

Check out her video and stream and I am sure you will discover what I did!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck





More About Ashley J:

https://www.facebook.com/AshleyJeanMusic

http://ashleyj.net

At first glance, Ashley J exudes a vivacious and seductive youthful energy that’s wrapped in her free-flowing blonde locks, natural good looks and voluptuous body frame. However, beneath her eye-pleasing visual facade, she has a fascinatingly diverse background, artistically and musically and packs a wallop of a voice that fuses an infectious blend of vocal dexterity, moods and range. ...READ MORE...

Power Pop Trio ACTING NATURAL Featured on iHEART RADIO Ahead of the Release of Their New ACTING NATURAL EP

Showcasing a Fresh Sound with Raw Rock & Roll Roots!

NYC - ACTING NATURAL lead singer & guitarist Eric Carnevale, bass guitarist/vocalist James David Maney, and drummer/vocalist Jesse Leonard are fueled by a mutual interest in bringing back the authenticity of raw Rock & Roll music. Their new ACTING NATURAL EP is a stunning debut that proves they have aligned their unwavering dedication to creating quality music with a signature sound. The ACTING NATURAL EP will have a worldwide digital release on September 22, 2017, followed by a physical CD release on October 20, 2017. Coinciding with the digital release, ACTING NATURAL will be attending the iHeartMusic Festival on September 22 in Las Vegas, NV.

ACTING NATURAL released their first single “Pairadice” and the response was incredible, reaching #1 on the Top 5 Most Added and reached #9 on the FMQB A/C Chart. ACTING NATURAL’s unique sound is focused on passion and solid musicianship, and their inspirations range from legendary artists of the past and present, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles, just to name a few.

This young trio, originally from Tampa, Florida, and each a multi-instrumentalist with refreshingly down-to-earth dispositions, started their journey together at the age of just 13 years old. They began writing and recording original material not long after, instinctively creating a fresh sound with Rock & Roll roots and modern vibes. Singing three-part harmonies, their distinctive blend of music and lyrics is drawn from personal inspirations and experiences, allowing the band to be fully expressive and creative in their songwriting. The band recently re-located to New York, and they are thrilled about what the future holds.

The making of the new ACTING NATURAL EP was an exciting process for the band, who loves recording and just being in the studio atmosphere. “It’s a very magical place,” says lead singer Eric Carnevale. “We selected some songs of ours that we had recently laid down on a demo, and wanted to go in and really record them properly.” They called up their good friend / engineer Jim Morris, owner of Morrisound Recording in Tampa, FL, and got to work on the first few tracks of the EP.

The sessions were filled with memorable moments and strong efforts from the whole group. During the recording process, they ended up writing a few brand-new songs in the studio, which led to the writing and the recording being finished all within the same session. The whole project was a joint effort, with JD playing some great bass, Jesse laying down the drums, and both harmonizing with Eric on lead vocals and guitar/piano/percussion. They worked around the clock, sometimes going straight through the night and only catching a couple hours of rest between sessions. Eric says, “I'll never forget being in the booth just finishing laying down the vocals for the bridge of a song called 'Nicole,' and I looked down at the time and it was 7:45AM! I said that's it, I'm going to bed!”

Acting Natural simply means to naturally be what you are. To be Aware, Awake, Able and Alive. The band’s artistry is instinctive. With their appealing on-stage chemistry and addictive melodies, ACTING NATURAL is confident in their ability to leave an impact and connect to audiences. “We are musicians, but we are also huge fans of music. It’s our identity, it’s in our blood. Our focus is music, period,” remarks Maney.

Although the band’s primary genre is rock, their music manages to cross genres and generations, attracting people from all sides of the spectrum and any ethnicity, from kids in their early teens to adults over 60. This an extremely unique quality to an artist that is not often discovered. “Being accepted by people from many different styles and walks of life is a really beautiful thing for us. We’ve played in everything from hip hop clubs, to hardcore metal venues and have been so grateful for such a positive response across the board.

It’s a spiritual feeling really. We get to play to people. Not these people, or those people…All people. Music has so much power. If we can contribute to even the slightest bit of bringing people together, we believe that’s a whole other accomplishment on its own, bigger than anything.”

With growing notoriety on the east coast, the band has their goals set on gaining new awareness on a larger platform, while continually pushing Rock & Roll music forward as artists. “We just want to play music with no constraints and be as innovative as possible, while performing for fans that allow us to consistently create and share our music,” says Carnevale. ACTING NATURAL strives to prove that raw talent, ambition, and honesty can still prevail in today’s music industry.

The new ACTING NATURAL EP will have a worldwide digital release on September 22, 2017, followed by a physical CD release on October 20, 2017, with national radio exposure, large-scale marketing campaigns, and tours to follow. The future looks bright for this talented and committed group. Follow along with their journey on their website and social media pages.

For more information about ACTING NATURAL, please visit their website and social media pages via http://www.actingnaturalmusic.com/



To order the ACTING NATURAL EP on iTunes please visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/acting-natural-ep/id1286849909 or http://smarturl.it/actingnatural

To order the ACTING NATURAL EP from Bandcamp please visit https://actingnatural.bandcamp.com/album/acting-natural-ep

For Press and Interview inquiries, please contact Billy James of Glass Onyon PR at
(828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing, please contact Jerome Forney of Independent Distribution Collective at jerome@independentdistro.com

Deluxe Box Set Celebrating Donny Osmond's February 2017 Performance at the Birmingham NEC - Now Available For Pre-order!

Pre-order “One Night Only” out on the 22nd September 2017 available in a limited edition signed & numbered US box set

London - A deluxe box set celebrating legendary Donny Osmond's February 2017 performance at the Birmingham NEC is now available for pre-order! Donny Osmond has sold millions of records throughout his career, making the new “One Night Only” deluxe box set an instant collector's item as there will be only 1000 units pressed! Also, the numbered box sets are individually signed by Donny! “One Night Only” is Donny Osmond's first independent release.

The set includes:

- Limited Edition Triple DVD (Region 0, NTSC – this will play worldwide) - Double CD - Signed and Numbered certificate
- 24 page, full colour book featuring all previously unseen photos taken on the UK dates.
– Replica tour pass

Donald Clark “Donny” Osmond is an American singer, actor, radio personality, and former teen idol. Osmond has also been a talk and game show host, record producer and author. In the mid-1960s, he and four of his elder brothers gained fame as the Osmonds. Osmond went solo in the early 1970s, covering such hits as “Go Away Little Girl” and “Puppy Love.”

In 2017 Donny Osmond toured the UK playing sold out shows in Arenas in Manchester, Glasgow, Brighton, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Birmingham and two nights at the legendary Hammersmith Apollo, London. The tour was very special to Donny, he has has described it as, “This tour was definitely my favourite that I've ever done”. As such it was decided to film and record the final date of the tour at the NEC Birmingham – One Night Only. From the filming and recording we have produced some very special editions.

“I have been touring, literally all my life, so it's quite a statement to say that this tour was definitely my favorite that I've ever done and I say that for many reasons.

“First is the fact that I took the opportunity not only to play the new songs I recorded for my 60th album, but I also went back into my repertoire of fifty-four years in show business and performed so many of my classics from so many different genres of music. The Purple Card segment of this show was kind of risky for me because I just didn't know what the audience was going to ask of me, but it was fantastic!

“Another reason I loved this tour was that the band, the dancers, the crew and everyone involved in not only putting this tour together, but executing it in such a fun and professional way, made it a magnificent experience.

“However, by far the greatest reason was you, my loyal fans. You've been with me for so many years. Even through those years when it really wasn’t cool to follow and listen to Donny Osmond. You've stayed with me through thick and thin and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

“It's been a long and winding road as Paul McCartney once said, and I really don't see the end of my road coming anytime soon. I hope you enjoy this final show of the 2017 UK tour. Here's to the next one.”

To pre-order Donny Osmond's “One Night Only” deluxe box set”:
http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/donny-osmond-one-night-only
https://donnyosmond.pmstores.co/?token=166a8de40c15f88fc282ddf77df91b78bf65a444

Donny Osmond's official website: www.donny.com

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

Audio Fidelity to Release The King of Space Age Pop Esquivel's Other Worlds Others Sounds on 180g Vinyl LP

“Esquivel's use of stereo recording is legendary”

Camarillo, CA - Marshall Blonstein's Audio Fidelity is releasing the “King of Space Age Pop” Esquivel's Other Worlds, Other Sounds album on 180g Vinyl LP. Esquivel was a Mexican band leader, pianist, and composer for television and films and widely considered the king of a style of late 1950s-early 1960s quirky instrumental pop known today as lounge music. RCA contracted with Esquivel in late 1957 and brought him to record in Hollywood in early 1958. He was given five hours of studio time to record the album Other Worlds, Other Sounds.

His orchestration tended toward the very lush, employing novel instrumental combinations, such as Chinese bells, mariachi bands, whistling, and numerous percussion instruments, blended with orchestra, mixed chorus, and his own heavily-ornamented piano style. The chorus was often called upon to sing only nonsense syllables, most famously “zu-zu” and “pow!”

The cover of Other Worlds, Other Sounds says it all...like the woman in red dancing on a moonscape, this 1958 LP was all about fantasy. And Esquivel, wasn't afraid to fantasize about his instrumentation nor the new audio sound known as “stereophonic” or “Hi Fi.” At the time Esquivel was using this new tech to its fullest by arranging the music in a unique manner as well as considering right channel-left channel. Voices ring back and forth between speakers, horns explode out of nowhere, and piano sounds cascade out of the stereo. This is what hi-fi was all about. It is seamless, quite enjoyable and rather magical.

SIDE ONE:
1. Granada  
2. Begin the Beguine
3. Night and Day
4. Poinciana  
5. Playfully  
6. Adiós      

SIDE TWO:
1. That Old Black Magic  
2. Nature Boy    
3. Magic Is the Moonlight (Te quiero dijeste)
4. Speak Low  
5. Ballerina      
6. It Had to Be You  

Produced by Johnnie Camacho
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio

For more information: www.audiofidelity.net


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

Superstar Drummer & Songwriter CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA to Release New Summer Single "FUN, PARTY, SPLASH" Feat. CARLOS SANTANA & Produced by NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN

Marin County, CA – The past few months have been a blur for CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA, who is currently touring and performing with her husband Carlos Santana, is featured as a vocalist, drummer, and songwriter on “Power of Peace,” the new Santana/Isley Brothers collaboration, and has been busy touring with her own band and recording tracks in the studio with the legendary producer NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN. Together through Walden's Tarpan Records label they will release the new single “FUN, PARTY, SPLASH” featuring Carlos Santana on all digital platforms on August 25, 2017.

CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA is a virtuoso drummer whose artistry spans the realms of jazz and rock. As a bandleader and as a musician, Cindy is a sound innovator with a passion for pushing creative boundaries and exploring movement and change. She is as known for the nuances and colors she brings to her beats and fills as she is for the sheer power of her soulful playing. “Some drummers act, some react. Some keep time, others create it. CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA is among the few who can,” writes Mike Zwerin of the International Herald Tribune.
 
Among a handful of the most innovative, original and influential artists of our time, NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN'S stature as an authentic musical renaissance man is a matter of record. Producing hits for Artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin (including the platinum “Freeway of Love”), Steve Winwood, Ray Charles, Sting, Elton John, Whitney Houston, George Michael, Mariah Carey, Barbara Streisand, Lionel Ritchie, Lisa Fischer, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, Gladys Knight, and The Temptations, the EMMY and multi-GRAMMY winner (Producer, Album and Song of The Year) has been at the helm of hit music that spans decades.

CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA has been creating magnificent musical time and space since the beginning of her career as a busking street performer in New York City in the '80s through the present day, touring the globe and making albums at the top of her game—including the critically acclaimed Another Lifetime (2010). In addition to collaborating onstage and in-studio with her own group—also known as Another Lifetime—she has toured and recorded with artists including Pharoah Sanders, Cassandra Wilson, Bill Laswell, Joss Stone, Joe Henderson, Al B. Sure, Buckethead, Don Pullen, Hugh Masakela, Buster Williams, and Angela Bofill. Cindy was part of the Tony Williams Lifetime Tribute Band called Spectrum Road with Jack Bruce, Vernon Reid, and John Medeski. From 1992 to 2007 and again in 2014 & 2015 she was the drummer in Lenny Kravitz's band, performing through multiple world tours and hit albums. In 2010, she was part of the all-star line-up performing “Bitches Brew,” a tribute to Miles Davis' seminal album staged at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and NYC Winter JazzFest.

More recently, Cindy has become the regular touring drummer for Santana. Having met several years earlier at a festival in Europe while she was touring with Kravitz, Cindy first played with Santana in spring 2010, when drummer Dennis Chambers had a previous commitment. “They have a great band vibe. It's nice to play with people who have grown together, built a sound together, and stayed together,” she says. “When that happens, you can create so many different levels of communication. That's what they've done, and I love reacting with it and being a part of it.”

Electricity onstage generated chemistry offstage—Carlos proposed to Cindy during a July 2010 concert, and they married in December. Looking ahead, they will collaborate artistically as well, on projects that will no doubt reflect their shared passion for improvisation, and belief in the transcendent nature of music. Cindy was an integral part of the new Santana/Isley Brothers release Power of Peace, featuring the song “I Remember,” which she wrote and sings. “To me,” she says, “music is completely spiritual, it's the way you connect with your higher self, with the universe. It's also a way to share light with millions of people. They don’t need to speak your language, have your beliefs, or be in the same place you are. The music speaks, it channels good energy, and makes a difference in people's lives. Carlos and I are both conscious of doing that.”

NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN started his storied career as a drummer with John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Narada's music flows freely from pop, rock and soul, to the rarified realms of jazz, fusion, and world music. With Jeff Beck, Narada wrote and played drums on the seminal album Wired that earned them both their first Gold Album. Walden was an integral part of introducing Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey to millions of fans worldwide, producing and writing their breakthrough hits. Billboard Magazine honored him as one of the Top Ten Producers of all time.

In 2016, Cindy connected with her fellow drummer and world-class producer NARADA MICHAEL WALDEN, and together the two have been working on new material ever since. CINDY BLACKMAN SANTANA continues to build a body of work and artistic legacy that make her one of the finest drummers and recording artists of this or any generation.

To pre-order the “FUN, PARTY, SPLASH” single on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fun-party-splash-single/id1269743526?app=itunes or http://smarturl.it/funpartysplash

For more information about Cindy Blackman Santana, please visit her social media pages or Website: http://www.cindyblackmansantana.com/

For Interview Requests please contact Michael Jensen & Erin Cook / Jensen Communications: MJ@jensencom.com Erin@jensencom.com Phone 626-585-9575

For Press and Interview inquiries, please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR:
(828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing, please contact Jerome Forney at Independent Distribution Collective: jerome@independentdistro.com

Featured Track: Amilia K Spicer - Lightning

Amilia K Spicer's music hits you like a hurricane and strikes you like a bolt of  "Lightning." 

Her strong and sensuous vocal style draws you in and latches on. She dangles the carrot of temptation with strong words and images in her video and stream for the new single. 

If you like to sail away with the music Amilia has the power to get you there.

The combination of folk, roots rock and Americana is a vital combination and her voice will win you over in seconds!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Amilia:

http://amiliakspicer.com

It may be her haunting, husky voice that first grabs a listener, the way it glides over melodies like smoke, but it’s the songwriting that Spicer really wants you to hear.  It fuses together the different places she calls home:

Raised in rural Pennyslvania, currently residing in California, spending half the year in Austin, the topography covers languid farm landscapes, red dirt Americana, and an occasional turn down a dark alley with flickering neon...READ MORE...

Pop-Rock-Roots Rock Review: Elvis Presley-A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings (3 CDs/Book)

Release Date: July 28, 2017

Label: Legacy / RCA / Sony Music

Website

The recordings of Elvis Presley remain as pertinent today as they always have. In fact, it is likely with each passing year that their importance goes up one more notch. His position in rock music goes without saying and there are still many new fans to gain. The release of these informative box sets has shed new light on one of our greatest performers.

This rootsy original music is the second version of a A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings.  The three CDs and booklet capitalizes on his never-ending popularity.

This set puts together all the known existing Elvis Presley recordings from 1953 through 1955. A massive total of 53 studio takes and 32 live performances are included. These were the Sun Years and there is even cuts the man paid for himself. At this point that sounds ludicrous but we must remember he had humble beginnings as most artists did when they first started. The priceless masters released for Sam Phillips on his iconic Memphis label feature a treasure trove of outtakes and acetates. This set can claim rights to the “complete” set of that period. It was a monumental achievement to get all this music together and remaster it. Some parts are snippets put together piece by piece.

Something needs to be said for the generous book that is included with many rare pictures. It is the story behind the music. If you enjoy reading about the history of this legend then this will be a big plus while you are listening. The 119 pages come packed with notes on the beginnings of Elvis and his early career.

The most enjoyable thing for my ears was listening to the influence of country and blues intersecting with his quickly developing style and voice. It is simplistic music at times, yet his full-bodied vocals served as a separate instrument. His contributions were just enough to really appreciate all the instrumentation as well. You have to keep in mind that recording was in its infancy in comparison to today’s high-tech tools and enhancements. His voice was very mature so early on and you could hear how and why he was a shooting star once his music hit the streets. He went from a little boy watching the choir at church and trying to sing with them to an international super star in matter of years. Stories like Elvis are not something you hear these days and honestly there are not performers like him around anymore nor anyone to challenge his continuing popularity and legacy. I am still waiting for that day to arrive although realistically I am not very confident it will.

There is a lot of music and information to absorb in A Boy From Tupelo-The Complete 1953-1955 Recordings.  It is well worth the price tag if you are Elvis fan or a general music fan curious about the early career of such a legendary performer. If you listen to the popular genre of Roots Music you will hear how some of that music started on this set. He laid down the foundation for so much as so many artists that came after him. Elvis set many precedents and this music was a real treat when I first heard it. It can be very special if you are already familiar with his catalog and diverse career path in recording. Either way, there is a lot to enjoy here for any music fan or history buff.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 6, 2017

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By Write A Music Review

Featured Rock Stream: Roadcase Royale-Not Giving Up

Roadcase Royale is back with another red hot release titled "Not Giving Up." Nancy Wilson and friends team up for a real rocker full power and soul.

Nancy's larger the life six-string is given full compliment by Liv Warfield (vocals), Dan Rothchild (bass), Chris Joyner (keyboards), Ben Smith (drums) and Ryan Waters (guitar). 

I have to say that I love this music! It sounds so alive, fresh and original. For these ears, it does not get any better than that.

I hope to hear the entire album very soon from Roadcase Royale. Rock on Nancy! You keep the music alive every time you play.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

Led by former Prince collaborator Liv Warfield, and Nancy Wilson co-founder of Heart, ROADCASE ROYALE has a rich background in rock and R&B. 
...READ MORE...

Featured Track: Jonathan Cavier-When You Come Around

Jonathan Cavier pays us a visit again on Rate The Tracks with a new single titled "When You Come Around."

Cavier's vocal is inviting and made for a pop-rock audience. The single is radio ready and sounds like it could be the theme song for the summer.

The instrumentation is the perfect backdrop for Cavier's backdrop. So sit back, crank it up, and listen to
"When You Come Around." It is like the songs we used to hear on the AM radio dial back in 70s and that is good thing if you are familiar with that decade of music!


Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck





More About Jonathan Cavier:

http://caviermusic.com

Phoenix-based singer-songwriter and pop performer Jonathan Cavier is no stranger to writing catchy tunes that blend wide-ranging influences into a multi-faceted yet cohesive sound.
..READ MORE..

Featured Stream: Brielle Von Hugel feat. B.o.B - Stronger (Exodus x Sweet & Sour Remix)

Brielle Von Hugel has a new single we are streaming. The "Stronger (Exodus x Sweet & Sour Remix)" track features the rapper B.o.B. I have never been a fan of rap however I can appreciate the difficulty and pace that you have to keep up with sing that way. I certainly could not do it, I would loose my breath and turn blue! It is an art form no doubt and it has many admirers. To be honest I liked what was presented here and thought it worked well.

Brielle has a powerful and emotional touch to the vocals she delivers. Her style and flair are a perfect match for the music, which is a mixture of pop, dance and electronica. She steps aside to let the pro B.o.B. handle the rap duties which he does with ease.

Check out the stream and the video of what inspired Brielle to sing this song. You will be able to understand the emotion and purpose that drives this track once you watch her video.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Briell Von Hugel:

http://www.briellevonhugel.com

Brielle’s dynamic, soulful, emotive voice and personality can be described as modern-day vintage. This singer/songwriter mixes pop-edge with yesterday’s bluesy, smoky tones to give her musical storytelling grit—unapologetically honest and straightforward—commanding her audience ...READ MORE...

Featured Track: Bunny Sigler-Till I See You Again

The saying "They don't make them like that anymore" and "they broke the mold" applies to Bunny Sigler.

"Till I See You Again" is from his new  album Young At Heart.

Not everyone can pull off a love song like they mean it and sound so good. Bunny sounds great! He is just like fine wine, getting better as the years pass.

"Till I See You Again" is a great pop and R&B track that I can hear playing on the radio, it is tailor made for that format. It is smooth as silk and it hits you right where it counts, in the heart.

Bunny Sigler is back strong as ever so check it out now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


More About Bunny Sigler:
 
http://www.bunzmusicandrecords.com
 Creating several hits over the span of his career that today's generation keep sampling, Bunny continues to write, produce and Record new material. He is the co-writer of the song, "The Ruler's Back" which was an opening song for the Jay Z's album, Blueprint. He has a brand new TV show coming out called "Bunny and Friends" and  a brand new CD as well. At 70 years old "there ain't no stopping us now" claims "Sigler"...Lets face it !! They don't build them like this anymore and Bunny Sigler is the "Real Deal."

He's a living legend alright and a huge part of music history. Whether it's performing, writing or producing he gives it his all....

It's no wonder why the Industry has nicknamed him "Mr. Emotion."

Featured Stream: Amilia K. Spicer - Fill Me Up

Roots Rock and Americana are really taking hold. It has been for several years and the more I hear it the more I can see why it has become so popular.

Music from artists such Amilia K. Spicer, like her track "Fill Me Up," will give you a good idea of what this music sounds like, or should sound like.

Spicer's voice has that edge country influenced music needs.The vocals gives it all more heart and soul. Truthfully, the reason I like the music so much is because it is so honest and emotional.

"Fill Me Up" comes at you locked and loaded and ready to fire away. The music is very earthy with a heavy influence from country (and I don't mean all polished with rock and pop for a looped radio playlist) just as all Americana or Roots Rock.

Check out this great music and the hypnotizing vocals of Amilia K. Spicer.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Amilia K Spicer:
http://www.amiliakspicer.com

It may be her haunting, husky voice that first grabs a listener, the way it glides over melodies like smoke, but it’s the songwriting that Spicer really wants you to hear-

The turns of phrases, the wistful poetry, the smart (and sometimes smart aleck) lyrics...READ MORE...
 

Featured Rock Stream: Roadcase Royale-Get Loud

Roadcase Royale is the side project of rock legend Nancy Wilson. She is joined by Liv Warfield (vocals), Dan Rothchild (bass), Chris Joyner (keyboards), Ben Smith (drums) and Ryan Waters (guitar). 

This seasoned group of musicians are sure to make their mark on 2017 with a high energy funky sound. As an introduction they have provided "Get Loud" for a taste of what they can deliver.

I thought of Mother's Finest a few times while listening to Liv sing and the guitar lines laid down by Nancy and Ryan. With a track title like "Get Loud" you think of rock anthems. The funky rock sound is not a typical rock anthem but it sure has a lot of promise to become one, especially in a live setting. It all sounds like the perfect fit for this band and you can feel their chemistry bubbling over in the song.

Check it out now!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

 More About Roadcase Royale

Led by former Prince collaborator Liv Warfield, and Nancy Wilson co-founder of Heart, ROADCASE ROYALE has a rich background in rock and R&B. 
...READ MORE...

Concert Review: The Ten Tenors in Concert at The Colonial Theater

The Ten Tenors in Concert at The Colonial Theater

March 10, 2017

Pittsfield, Mass.

http://thetentenors.com

The Ten Tenors warmed up a chilled capacity crowd at The Colonial Theater in Pittsfield Massachusetts on a typical blustery winter night in the Berkshires. The crossover classical group is celebrating their 20^th year with the Power of Ten Tour. The tremendously successful act has accounted for six Platinum and Gold records and performed alongside countless music legends including Andrea Bocelli, André Rieu, John Travolta, Nicole Kidman, Geoffrey Rush, Keith Urban, Rod Stewart, Alanis Morissette, Sarah Brightman, Willie Nelson, Katherine Jenkins and Christina Aguilera. It comes as no surprise to me that they have the utmost respect of music industry people all over the world. 

Their set was comprised of two acts of diversity and musical excellence. The very first thing that struck me just before they opened the night was the stage lighting. The lights came shining down on the performers like rays from the heavens. The interesting thing was that it felt like musical heaven while taking in this special evening.

I was impressed with this group of men prior to attending the concert. I watched their cover of the Queen classic “Bohemian Rhapsody” on YouTube (which has over 1.2 million views and counting) and was blown away by their exceptional talent. My first thought after that was how incredible it must be to see them perform on stage! I was even more impressed once the show kicked off with another Queen staple, “We Are The Champions.”

What I was not prepared for was their implausible diversification and electric stage presence. These Australian performers know how to present any kind of music.  Their abilities to do so points to the different ranges that each vocalist commands and how they are positioned on the stage. They do have a good sense of humor as well and the choreography was spot on and always right in sync.

I think the highlights of the night for my ears were the “Jersey Boys Medley” and the encore of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Bowie’s “Heroes,” which closed out the show and gave me chills several times. I am a huge Bowie fan and always have been so this was the icing on the cake for my night.

I must tip my hat not only to the all-around performance of the ten men but the three others that provided the instrumentation, Ben Kiehne (piano), David Orr (guitar) and Trent Bryson-Dean (drums) were essential to their presentation as well. Without them it would just be voices, which would also sound wonderful. The musicians made a difference and so did the piped in orchestrations they had. Each number came together flawlessly once again proving that the most amazing instrument is the human voice. None of the extras included were necessary, they were just bonuses added to ten incredible vocalists with varying arrays of resonance.

The Ten Tenors are a guaranteed fun night for any music lover. The fact that they cover a wide expanse of genres give them a worldly appeal - from the crowd that appreciates opera to the all-encompassing lovers of pop and rock music. It all comes together for an amazing night of entertainment.

Selfie posted on Facebook of the audience at The Colonial, were you there?

Set List:
 

ACT 1:

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

MARECHIARE

TORNA A SURIENTO

LA DANZA 

NOTHING COMPARES TO YOU

HALLELUJAH 

LAND DOWN UNDER

WALTZING MATILDA

STILL CALL

JERSEY BOYS MEDLEY

ACT 2:

CANCION DEL MARIACHI

ARANJUEZ CON TUAMORE

AMIGOS PARA SIEMPRE

DIVA MEDLEY

THINKING OUT LOUD

UNCHAINED MELODY

THE BOXER

ANYTHING FOR LOVE

Encore:

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

BOHO NESSUN DORMA

HEROES

Review Provided By: Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 12, 2017

Founder of: 

MuzikMan Productions

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