Compilation Review: The ET Newsroom Presents: Eklectia - Various Artists

Release Date: November 30, 2018

Label: ETN

Website

When I first heard about Eklectia I was intrigued. Merrell Fankhauser got my attention to this unique set. I have covered a lot of Merrell’s music over the years. I also know his experiences with UFO’s is well documented. My favorite track by Merrell “Calling From A Star” kicks the track selection off. They couldn’t have picked a better track to initiate this vast collection.

There are 37 tracks on this 2 CD set. Amongst those tracks are soundbites, interviews and some of the more interesting music and variety you will hear on one collection. 

The people that have witnessed sightings of a UFO are called “Experiencers.” I am amongst that group as I have seen some very strange things in the sky at night and during the light of day. To think we are the only beings that populate all the galaxies and the entire universe would simply be ignorant and unrealistic. 

Some of the stories sound plausible and some are really out there (no pun intended). But who I am to dismiss anyone’s experiences and their relation to them with their stories? The main focus here is to give you some real people experiences and some interesting music that surrounds those experiences. The two-CD set gets the job done.

I heard some very good music including Merrell’s “Calling From A Star” (which I think is his greatest achievement), “Man of the 80’s” by Greg Fitzgerald, “Song of Light” by Kevin Estrella, and “The Stars Will Lead You” by Dan Vallely.

The music genres range from rock, pop, avant-garde, solo piano, to ambient instrumental. It is one big slice of eclectic musical pie, thus the very appropriate title Eklectia. I found disc two to be quite more enjoyable than the first. The musical selection is very diverse and there are a lot of solid tracks and the favorites I previously mentioned. The first CD had a lot of discussions and much of it was a bit too long and lost me in a very short period of time. The second CD’s dialogues were much shorter and the music followed thereafter and I have to stress again, a good chunk of it is quite good, considering the range of genres are covered.

I think there is a very good chance you would be hard pressed to find another collection like this. For those of you believers out there, you need to hear this, for those of you who are the skeptics, give it a go and rethink what you have been told or how you perceived UFOs.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

February 14, 2019

Founder of:

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MuzikMan Productions

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Tracks: 
01. Founder of The ET Newsroom - Joanna Summerscales with orb - INTRODUCTION to EKLECTIA - JOANNA SUMMERSCALES 00:50
02. MERRELL FANKHAUSER - CALLING FROM A STAR 04:06
03. MERRELL FANKHAUSER - MERRELL FANKHAUSER SOUNDBITE 01:48
04. DAN BOWSKILL - RAINFALL 03:50
05. GARY WILLIAMS - GARY WILLIAMS SOUNDBITE 01:01  
06. GARY WILLIAMS - BIG WHITE TRIANGLE 03:35
07. GRANT CAMERON - GRANT CAMERON AND JOANNA SUMMERSCALES interview 10:21
08. RAY MOORE - THE SOUL JOURNEY 06:30
09. JOHN MARTIN - JOHN MARTIN SOUNDBITE 01:33
10. John Martin playing for Jimmy Carter - A JASMINE RAIN 03:12
11. DUG DEGNIN - DUG DEGNIN SOUNDBITE 01:31
12. DUG DEGNIN - ANOTHER GOOD THOUGHT 03:35
13. GOEFF CROCKFORD - GEOFF CROCKFORD Biolocation Team Dowsing ET 13:46  
14. KEN PARSONS - OCEANS CALL 07:29  
15. JOANNA SUMMERSCALES - SONG OF HARMONY from the musical 5th Dimension 05:12
16. PETER NELSON - PETER NELSON SOUNDBITE 01:24  
17. PETER NELSON - ALIEN AGENDA 03:49
18.JOANNA SUMMERSCALES reading JOHN MARTIN'S letter - JOHN MARTIN PRESIDENT CARTER LETTER read by Joanna Summerscales 03:00  
19. KEVIN ESTRELLA - KEVIN ESTRELLA SOUNDBITE 02:37  
20. KEVIN ESTRELLA - SONG OF LIGHT 05:44  
21. DAVE MARROW - STRANGE SLEEP 03:06  
22. STEVE BOUCHER - STEVE BOUCHER SOUNDBITE 00:51
23. STEVE BOUCHER - CANDLES ON THE TABLE 04:32
24. GREG FITZGERALD - GREG FITZGERALD SOUNDBITE 00:59
25. GREG FITZGERALD - MAN OF THE 80'S 03:29  
26. DAN VALLELY - DAN VALLELY SOUNDBITE 00:51
27. DAN VALLELY - THE STARS WILL LEAD YOU 02:52
28. DEVARA - DEVARA THUNDERBEAT SOUNDBITE 00:50
29. DEVARA THUNDERBEAT - GALACTIC VOYAGE 04:57
30. NIGEL HUGHES - NIGEL HUGHES BIOLOCATION TEAM Astro dowsing 01:31
31. MATT KING - OLD EARTH 06:23  
32. JOANNA SUMMERSCALES - RHIPOTAMUS FUZZY HEAD BLUES from the musical 5th Dimension 03:50
33. DUG DEGNIN - ON STELLAR 02:59  
34. MIKE ORAM - MIKE ORAM SOUNDBITE 01:39  
35. MIKE ORAM - TRAVELLERS 05:41  
36. CHRIS BLEDSOE - CHRIS BLEDSOE EXPERIENCE 04:21
37. SIMON YOUNG - I'M A BANANA 02:34

Birdsong At Morning Spins Elegant Tapestries of Sound, Words, and Music on New Album "Signs and Wonders"

“Beautiful acoustic textures… a deep, compelling listening experience.” – Guitar Player

Lowell. MA - From the quietly ambitious 4-CD box set debut, “Annals of My Glass House” (2011), through the expansive territory of “A Slight Departure” (2015), to the masterful new album, “Signs and Wonders” (2018), Birdsong At Morning has garnered rave reviews and airplay around the world.

Led by songer/songwriter Alan Williams, along with compatriots Darleen Wilson (guitar) and Greg Porter (bass), and a host of new and old collaborators, Birdsong At Morning spins elegant tapestries of sound, words, and music.

Produced by leader Alan Williams, the band's new album contains 10 original compositions by Alan, and an inventive (and timely) interpretation of Supertramp's “The Logical Song.” Joining the core trio of Alan, Darleen and Greg, are drummer Ben Wittman (Sting, Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson) and guitarist Thomas Juliano (Seven Mary Three, Aimee Mann), along with a 20-piece string orchestra. Basics were recorded with David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound, and the strings were recorded at WGBH, engineered by Antonio Oliart. The album was mastered by Grammy award winner Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, and the Blu-Ray was authored by Neil Wilkes of Opus Productions, the same folks behind the King Crimson, Yes, and XTC reissues.

Says Alan, “Just as the album art is a bold, full-color shift from our previous sepia-toned artwork, so the music inside represents a wider sonic spectrum, and musical pace. The general theme is that there is often hidden and overlooked beauty to be found in unexpected places. There are references to the natural environment in many of the songs, and some of these are contrasted with a more urban experience, or interior mindset. To quote the title song, 'take a look around.'”

“Signs and Wonders” is available for streaming and download on September 28, 2018, but will also be issued in a 2-disc CD/Blu-ray package, with 44.1/16 stereo mixes on the CD, and 96/24 vocal and instrumental mixes in stereo, LPCM 5.1 surround sound, and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound, along with a 16-page lyric book.

Additionally, there are videos to accompany every song on the album. These videos are available on the Blu-ray, and will be posted on YouTube throughout the year.

Watch Birdsong At Morning's video for the lead track from the album, “Waterfall”:

Photo by Jude Porter - L-R: Darleen Wilson, Alan Williams, Greg Porter

Formed in 2008, Birdsong At Morning began as an exercise in resurrecting long-dormant musical energies. Williams and Porter had gone to the New England Conservatory of Music, then played together in several groups, notably the star-crossed folk-rock ensemble, Knots and Crosses. Porter was a founding member of Talking To Animals, before playing for Aimee Mann and Patty Griffin, among others. Wilson established herself as a groundbreaking recording engineer in Boston, working with a broad spectrum of artists from punk (Salem 66), to pop (New Kids On The Block), before becoming the pre-eminent producer of New England singer/songwriters – Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Chris Smither.

During the long period between the demise of Knots and Crosses – a demise precipitated by their calamitous signing with Island Records – and the formation of Birdsong At Morning, Williams embarked on parallel careers in music production and academia. He served as musical director for Dar Williams and engineered a number of records for Patty Larkin, while earning a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Brown University. He is currently Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also serves as the Richard and Nancy Donahue Endowed Professor of the Arts, and has published a number of scholarly chapters and journal articles, all while maintaining a presence as a creative, performing musician. In his spare time, he is also a certified yoga instructor.

The depth of experience present in every aspect of the band's work helps to explain the professional quality that exists in this totally DIY project. The group releases its own records, designs its packaging, and does much of the engineering and musical production work. Of course, like many indie-minded endeavors, Birdsong At Morning is assisted by extraordinarily talented friends – long-time collaborative partner Ben Wittman (Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson, The Story) plays drums, Greg’s Talking to Animals compatriot Thomas Juliano frequently contributes guitar, and the band’s last two albums were recorded with David Minehan (The Neighborhoods, Paul Westerberg, Aerosmith) at his studio Woolly Mammoth Sound, and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer, Adam Ayan.

Here's what the press has said about Birdsong at Morning:

“Sweeping strings, gorgeous sonics, and soulful singing, Birdsong at Morning is the greatest act you’ve never heard of.” – Electronic Musician

“Art music both unpretentious and ravishing” – The Boston Herald

“Birdsong at Morning's creative intents find full fruition, making 'A Slight Departure' a fascinating point of embarkation. Lovely indeed.” – No Depression

“A sprawling collection of poignant beauty delivered through Williams' keenly poetic eye. Simple and direct, carrying with it the breadth and depth of the kind of observation only an acute student of the world around him can deliver.” – BMI MusicWorld

“A remarkable convergence of lush, patient music and intriguing poeticism performed with conviction and grace.” – Songwriter's Monthly

In closing Alan has this to impart, “I think our listeners pick up and respond to the attention to detail that is put into the songwriting, arrangements, and recording. Nothing is assembled like a factory; everything is meticulously crafted, even when captured as complete performance elements. We think repeated listenings should reward with new perspectives, new discoveries. This mirrors the concept of small wonders revealing themselves on closer inspection that can be found in many of the song lyrics. And woven throughout is a sensitivity to the political conditions of the moment, and an underlying call to value the humanity in each and every one of us.”

To purchase  Birdsong At Morning's “Signs and Wonders”:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com/store/
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/BirdsongAtMorning

For UK/EUROPE:
https://burningshed.com/birdsong-at-morning_signs-and-wonders_cd_blu-ray?filter_name=birdsong%20at%20morning&filter_sub_category=true

For more information:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com
https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-At-Morning-344540888309/

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

Birdsong At Morning Spins Elegant Tapestries of Sound, Words, and Music on New Album "Signs and Wonders"

“Beautiful acoustic textures… a deep, compelling listening experience.” – Guitar Player

Lowell. MA - From the quietly ambitious 4-CD box set debut, “Annals of My Glass House” (2011), through the expansive territory of “A Slight Departure” (2015), to the masterful new album, “Signs and Wonders” (2018), Birdsong At Morning has garnered rave reviews and airplay around the world.

Led by songer/songwriter Alan Williams, along with compatriots Darleen Wilson (guitar) and Greg Porter (bass), and a host of new and old collaborators, Birdsong At Morning spins elegant tapestries of sound, words, and music.

Produced by leader Alan Williams, the band's new album contains 10 original compositions by Alan, and an inventive (and timely) interpretation of Supertramp's “The Logical Song.” Joining the core trio of Alan, Darleen and Greg, are drummer Ben Wittman (Sting, Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson) and guitarist Thomas Juliano (Seven Mary Three, Aimee Mann), along with a 20-piece string orchestra. Basics were recorded with David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound, and the strings were recorded at WGBH, engineered by Antonio Oliart. The album was mastered by Grammy award winner Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, and the Blu-Ray was authored by Neil Wilkes of Opus Productions, the same folks behind the King Crimson, Yes, and XTC reissues.

Says Alan, “Just as the album art is a bold, full-color shift from our previous sepia-toned artwork, so the music inside represents a wider sonic spectrum, and musical pace. The general theme is that there is often hidden and overlooked beauty to be found in unexpected places. There are references to the natural environment in many of the songs, and some of these are contrasted with a more urban experience, or interior mindset. To quote the title song, 'take a look around.'”

“Signs and Wonders” is available for streaming and download on September 28, 2018, but will also be issued in a 2-disc CD/Blu-ray package, with 44.1/16 stereo mixes on the CD, and 96/24 vocal and instrumental mixes in stereo, LPCM 5.1 surround sound, and DTS-HD 5.1 surround sound, along with a 16-page lyric book.

Additionally, there are videos to accompany every song on the album. These videos are available on the Blu-ray, and will be posted on YouTube throughout the year.

Watch Birdsong At Morning's video for the lead track from the album, “Waterfall”:

Photo by Jude Porter - L-R: Darleen Wilson, Alan Williams, Greg Porter

Formed in 2008, Birdsong At Morning began as an exercise in resurrecting long-dormant musical energies. Williams and Porter had gone to the New England Conservatory of Music, then played together in several groups, notably the star-crossed folk-rock ensemble, Knots and Crosses. Porter was a founding member of Talking To Animals, before playing for Aimee Mann and Patty Griffin, among others. Wilson established herself as a groundbreaking recording engineer in Boston, working with a broad spectrum of artists from punk (Salem 66), to pop (New Kids On The Block), before becoming the pre-eminent producer of New England singer/songwriters – Bill Morrissey, Patty Larkin, Catie Curtis, Chris Smither.

During the long period between the demise of Knots and Crosses – a demise precipitated by their calamitous signing with Island Records – and the formation of Birdsong At Morning, Williams embarked on parallel careers in music production and academia. He served as musical director for Dar Williams and engineered a number of records for Patty Larkin, while earning a PhD in Ethnomusicology from Brown University. He is currently Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he also serves as the Richard and Nancy Donahue Endowed Professor of the Arts, and has published a number of scholarly chapters and journal articles, all while maintaining a presence as a creative, performing musician. In his spare time, he is also a certified yoga instructor.

The depth of experience present in every aspect of the band's work helps to explain the professional quality that exists in this totally DIY project. The group releases its own records, designs its packaging, and does much of the engineering and musical production work. Of course, like many indie-minded endeavors, Birdsong At Morning is assisted by extraordinarily talented friends – long-time collaborative partner Ben Wittman (Paula Cole, Laurie Anderson, The Story) plays drums, Greg’s Talking to Animals compatriot Thomas Juliano frequently contributes guitar, and the band’s last two albums were recorded with David Minehan (The Neighborhoods, Paul Westerberg, Aerosmith) at his studio Woolly Mammoth Sound, and mastered by Grammy award winning engineer, Adam Ayan.

Here's what the press has said about Birdsong at Morning:

“Sweeping strings, gorgeous sonics, and soulful singing, Birdsong at Morning is the greatest act you’ve never heard of.” – Electronic Musician

“Art music both unpretentious and ravishing” – The Boston Herald

“Birdsong at Morning's creative intents find full fruition, making 'A Slight Departure' a fascinating point of embarkation. Lovely indeed.” – No Depression

“A sprawling collection of poignant beauty delivered through Williams' keenly poetic eye. Simple and direct, carrying with it the breadth and depth of the kind of observation only an acute student of the world around him can deliver.” – BMI MusicWorld

“A remarkable convergence of lush, patient music and intriguing poeticism performed with conviction and grace.” – Songwriter's Monthly

In closing Alan has this to impart, “I think our listeners pick up and respond to the attention to detail that is put into the songwriting, arrangements, and recording. Nothing is assembled like a factory; everything is meticulously crafted, even when captured as complete performance elements. We think repeated listenings should reward with new perspectives, new discoveries. This mirrors the concept of small wonders revealing themselves on closer inspection that can be found in many of the song lyrics. And woven throughout is a sensitivity to the political conditions of the moment, and an underlying call to value the humanity in each and every one of us.”

To purchase  Birdsong At Morning's “Signs and Wonders”:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com/store/
https://store.cdbaby.com/Artist/BirdsongAtMorning

For UK/EUROPE:
https://burningshed.com/birdsong-at-morning_signs-and-wonders_cd_blu-ray?filter_name=birdsong%20at%20morning&filter_sub_category=true

For more information:
http://www.birdsongatmorning.com
https://www.facebook.com/Birdsong-At-Morning-344540888309/

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

New Age/Celtic/Pop Review: Cecilie-Fearless

Release Date: April 27, 2018

Label: Utmark

Website

There is a very good reason why Cecilie titled her debut album Fearless. This young lady has a strong belief that addresses fear and holding back. She believes the following “It’s about releasing, letting go of whatever is holding you back, being present and alive, and listening to the world around you until you find your own personal direction.”

Once you hear her voice you will believe what she believes. Her tasteful folk, pop, new age and Celtic styles are uplifting and carry a message. If you are looking for it or not, the message will be heard and received due her inviting angelic vocals. Her style and timbre reminded me fondly of Candice Night.

This is the kind of music I could imagine in a soundtrack for a movie or one of those great Disney films that deliver a positive message to an audience. This perception came as no surprise after reading about her love for plays like Cats etc. The elements of all the flavors that make this delightful ear candy are the keys to the kingdom on Fearless. This is a time and place created by the artist. The invitation to join her on the journey is inside her then translated through each song. What this woman has to share becomes transparent to anyone within listening range. It is a thing of beauty and a true work of art.

I think what impressed me the most was how each track was different musically and every time it was spot on to match her incredibly gorgeous vocals. Although the subject matter is about life, love and the trials we go through, you will hear sadness but at the time there are the silver linings inside those dark clouds. The clouds turn into a blossoming flower when Cecilie sings and expresses herself in each track.

Fearless is bound to stir your emotions and bring up things from your past and present but it is all good. Her music is healing from my point of view. I hope each and every listener can discover this incredible talent and have the opportunity to get past their own fears and feel the music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

August 8, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

Write A Music Review

Prog Rock Music Talk

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Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Music News: Emerging Artist Beekwilder Releases New Single Lava Lamps With Maty Noyes

Hollywood, CA-July 10, 2018-Sam Beekwilder, a college student from The Netherlands at the time, was only 19 years old when he found himself at a recording studio in Santa Monica, while hanging around on a roof with some new friends, started to sing along with the music everyone was playing. Producers Hero DeLano and Jason Parris were so impressed after hearing the kid’s 4-octave vocal range that they brought him in the studio that night and wrote and recorded a full new song at Sam’s very first time at any studio. That would be the start of the new emerging star called Beekwilder. This a moment in life where “Embrace the unexpected” is the norm.


Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps, and Beekwilder knows this all too well.  Not even a full year into his career, he has already shown the work ethic and talent necessary to make excellent music. In October he released his first single “Oh My,” a fun rap-jam where Beekwilder freestyles over a funky bassline. In March he released an 11-song mixtape he named “Bungalow Bill,” an ode to the studio Beekwilder found a home at in Santa Monica, and the consequences that come with moving away from home to pursue what you love. And as of last week, he got his first feature on a major label release in “Lava Lamps” with Maty Noyes.

He has come an incredibly long way for being an international student in California who only sang in the shower and made hip-hop beats on his laptop. After spending almost, a year living in LA for the sole purpose of developing his music, Beekwilder had over 50 songs he and his producer Hero DeLano hadcome up with over the course of that year. “Lava Lamps” was one of these song ideas. Maty Noyes heard the beat bumping out of the Bungalow Bill studio while at a different recording session and walked in and told Beekwilder she would want to hop on the track. After she wrote and recorded her parts on the song, the rest became history. Maty’s team loved the record and wanted to release it as her single, and the song got released on July 6th through Lava/Republic Records. It’s a first big glimpse of the world of potential for Beekwilder. He showcases his energy and his versatility with his voice and his work ethic remains intact. This is an exciting time of opportunity for the young Dutchman.

Being discovered by a major label is every musician or vocalist’s dream. The very few out of thousands have the life-changing opportunity presented in the most unexpected circumstances. Such is the case for Beekwilder, who had always loved and created music but never imagined the possibility of being an artist in a legendary city like LA.

Beekwilder, now only 21 years old, is off to a great start in a promising career. He has already proven to be flexible and diverse enough to sing within multiple genres and to possess a voice unique enough to set himself apart internationally. Who knows where he can go from here? The sky seems to be the limit.

Contact:

Peter A. Barker
Producer A&R
Spin Move Records

Website: https://beekwilder.club/

Lava Lamps on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ydafos3m

Beekwilder on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yavhlzyh
 
 

Music News: Emerging Artist Beekwilder Releases New Single Lava Lamps With Maty Noyes

Hollywood, CA-July 10, 2018-Sam Beekwilder, a college student from The Netherlands at the time, was only 19 years old when he found himself at a recording studio in Santa Monica, while hanging around on a roof with some new friends, started to sing along with the music everyone was playing. Producers Hero DeLano and Jason Parris were so impressed after hearing the kid’s 4-octave vocal range that they brought him in the studio that night and wrote and recorded a full new song at Sam’s very first time at any studio. That would be the start of the new emerging star called Beekwilder. This a moment in life where “Embrace the unexpected” is the norm.


Being in the right place at the right time certainly helps, and Beekwilder knows this all too well.  Not even a full year into his career, he has already shown the work ethic and talent necessary to make excellent music. In October he released his first single “Oh My,” a fun rap-jam where Beekwilder freestyles over a funky bassline. In March he released an 11-song mixtape he named “Bungalow Bill,” an ode to the studio Beekwilder found a home at in Santa Monica, and the consequences that come with moving away from home to pursue what you love. And as of last week, he got his first feature on a major label release in “Lava Lamps” with Maty Noyes.

He has come an incredibly long way for being an international student in California who only sang in the shower and made hip-hop beats on his laptop. After spending almost, a year living in LA for the sole purpose of developing his music, Beekwilder had over 50 songs he and his producer Hero DeLano had come up with over the course of that year. “Lava Lamps” was one of these song ideas. Maty Noyes heard the beat bumping out of the Bungalow Bill studio while at a different recording session and walked in and told Beekwilder she would want to hop on the track. After she wrote and recorded her parts on the song, the rest became history. Maty’s team loved the record and wanted to release it as her single, and the song got released on July 6th through Lava/Republic Records. It’s a first big glimpse of the world of potential for Beekwilder. He showcases his energy and his versatility with his voice and his work ethic remains intact. This is an exciting time of opportunity for the young Dutchman.

Being discovered by a major label is every musician or vocalist’s dream. The very few out of thousands have the life-changing opportunity presented in the most unexpected circumstances. Such is the case for Beekwilder, who had always loved and created music but never imagined the possibility of being an artist in a legendary city like LA.

Beekwilder, now only 21 years old, is off to a great start in a promising career. He has already proven to be flexible and diverse enough to sing within multiple genres and to possess a voice unique enough to set himself apart internationally. Who knows where he can go from here? The sky seems to be the limit.

Contact:

Peter A. Barker
Producer A&R
Spin Move Records

Website: https://beekwilder.club/

Lava Lamps on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ydafos3m

Beekwilder on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yavhlzyh
 
 

Rock-Pop Review: Bird Mancini-Dreams and Illusions

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Label: Bonk Zone Music

Website

It has been several years since I had the opportunity to provide some coverage of the Boston band Bird Mancini. I remember one thing, I loved their music! I can say right out of the gate, that opinion has not changed.

On May 1, 2018, they will release Dreams and Illusions, their eighth proper studio recording. Billy Carl Mancini and Ruby Bird are the two main cogs in the wheels that drive this band. 

The one thing I know I will hear on a Bird Mancini album is quality musicianship, excellent production, and tracks I know I want to hear again!

The influence of The Beatles is obvious in their music. As far as I am concerned that is a good thing and think most listeners would feel that way. So, what does a potential listener get with Dreams and Illusions?

Primarily what you will hear is a tight and well-polished band doing what they do best, crafting memorable rock-pop songs. The rhythms, vocals, and harmonies are in sync at all times. The succinct vocals of Ruby and Billy are the trademark of the band. 

At this point in their recorded legacy, it goes without saying you will get some variety to go along with pop rock-oriented tracks. Mixed in are some tasty elements of blues and jazz, like on “When You Get Back.” The track has just the right mixture of all of those genres mixed in. This typifies the music of Bird Mancini and always keeps things interesting and lively from start to finish.

I have always felt a connection to this band because they are from Boston but it's really their music and the roots of the sounds I hear that gave me an instant connection. Even though the first time I heard them was many years ago. Time does not make that link disappear, if you love the music, it just gets stronger and more relevant with the passing of time. In fact, my appreciation for this music is more important to me now more than ever. It makes me smile inside and that is all I need for a good listen. Just like they sing “Life In A Song” will go on and on when we're gone, it is so true. Music, good music, like the kind Bird Mancini makes, will survive this world and all its difficulties and carry on.

I do promise that there will be a lot of enjoyment on every single song you hear on this album. That is a lot to hold myself to but I am so confident that you will love Dreams and Illusions that it doesn’t feel like I am going out on a limb to say that, it is a fact! 

You will hear great driving guitar licks, a pounding rhythm section, harmonica, saxophone, accordion, and a slew of other instrumentation and effects on Dreams and Illusions. I think what is paradoxical is the fact that this is not a dream or an illusion, this really is great music that I think that has a lot of crossover potential to reach new audiences. Yes, indeed Bird Mancini has created a real rock and pop gem that you should not miss. An added bonus is the CD booklet and all the lyrics. My final thought is, I sure would love to hear this on a vinyl LP someday!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 22, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews & News

Tracks: 
01. Congratulations
02. Don't Blink
03. One Mistake
04. It's Already Done
05. It's an Illusion
06. Recluse
07. Wake Me Up When It's Over
08. Fault Line
09. Wishing Well
10. When You Get Back
11. Life In a Song
12. Wishing Well
 

Rock-Pop-Blues-Gospel-Country-R&B Review:Elvis Presley-The Searcher - The Original Soundtrack (Deluxe 3 CD Set)

Release Date: April 4, 2018

Label: Sony Legacy/RCA

Website

As time passes and I learn more about Elvis Presley, the more I appreciate his legacy. Through several of the deluxe sets, I have gained a good education and heard some amazing music.

Elvis Presley: The Searcher The Original Soundtrack is a 3CD deluxe box set that features 37 additional Elvis cuts plus a special disc featuring selections from Mike McCready's (Pearl Jam) original score for Elvis Presley: The Searcher; Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performing "Wooden Heart," and the music that inspired Elvis that includes R&B and country classics and "Home Sweet Home" sung by his mother, Gladys Presley. The set also includes a 40-page book featuring rare photographs, liner notes by Warren Zanes, and a director's note by Thom Zimny. Those are some of the highlights of this comprehensive set.

The Searcher - The Original Soundtrack is more of a deeper look into the persona of the legendary performer we knew as The King. Not only are there three CDs with this set, an informative booklet is included and a soon to follow two-part HBO special that kicks off on April 14th. So, all of us Elvis fans get the full multimedia treatment this time around.

I think when you strip away the Elvis we knew on stage you find a very dedicated, serious and committed performer. And I think, more importantly, he is a man that never forget from whence he came. He was legendary for his generosity, and perhaps because he was brought up in poverty, he sincerely appreciated his stardom and all the things he could enjoy because of it.

The thing I always find so striking about Elvis was his ability to cover every genre with equal energy and class. There has been and never will be another more eclectic performer than Elvis. Being multi-dimensional was his calling, and did he ever fill those shoes with excellence. Having top-notch musicians to back him never hurt either. Like a quarterback with great receivers, he covered every nuance in each genre including Country, Blues, Pops, Gospel, R&B, and Rock. At times there were tracks that took a little of each influence to create a song, only Elvis could deliver.

Some of the tracks like “Blue Moon” showed how Elvis could get his voice to hit the higher register. The track will send a chill up your spine in a heartbeat. Its simplicity and atmosphere are exceptional and a complete step away from the previous track. That is one example of the many facets of Elvis. His emotion and soul were weaved into everything he sang. There are some tracks like “Blue Moon” that really make you realize what a powerful presence he had and unique delivery that made each song come alive.

I have been looking forward to this set for a long time and the HBO special as well. I think my education of Elvis; his music and life will be a continuing process for many of us. And I am loving every minute of it. I know without any doubt that everyone that came after him is indebted for his influence, and one that he is still having on anyone recording music.

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 9, 2018

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Elvis Presley: The Searcher (The Original Soundtrack) [Deluxe] – 3CD Deluxe Box Set Disc 1 1. Trouble / Guitar Man 2. My Baby Left Me 3. Baby, What You Want Me To Do 4. Old Shep 5. That's When Your Heartaches Begin 6. That's All Right 7. Blue Moon Of Kentucky 8. Fool, Fool, Fool 9. Tweedlee Dee 10. Baby Let's Play House 11. Good Rockin' Tonight 12. Trying To Get To You 13. Blue Moon 14. When It Rains It Pours 15. Blue Christmas 16. Heartbreak Hotel 17. Lawdy, Miss Clawdy 18. Money Honey 19. Hound Dog 20. (There'll Be) Peace In The Valley (For Me) 21. Crawfish 22. Trouble 23. Farther Along 24. Mona Lisa 25. Hide Thou Me 26. Loving You (end title take 16) 27. Lonely Man (solo version) 28. Power Of My Love Disc 2 1. Milky White Way 2. A Mess Of Blues 3. Fame And Fortune 4. Love Me Tender / Witchcraft (duet with Frank Sinatra) 5. Like A Baby 6. Are You Lonesome Tonight? 7. It's Now Or Never 8. Wooden Heart 9. Swing Down Sweet Chariot 10. Reconsider Baby 11. Bossa Nova Baby 12. C'mon Everybody 13. Tomorrow Is A Long Time 14. Take My Hand, Precious Lord 15. Run On 16. Baby What You Want Me To Do 17. Suspicious Minds (take 6) 18. Baby Let's Play House (rehearsal) 19. Words (rehearsal) 20. That's All Right 21. Never Been To Spain 22. An American Trilogy 23. You Gave Me A Mountain 24. Burning Love (rehearsal version) 25. Separate Ways (rehearsal version) 26. Hurt (take 5) 27. If I Can Dream Disc 3 1. Dissolution 2 - Mike McCready 2. Satisfied - The Blackwood Brothers 3. That's All Right - Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup 4. She May Be Yours But She Comes To See Me Sometimes - Joe Hill Louis 5. Mystery Train - Little Junior's Blue Flames 6. Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf 7. Rock-A-My Soul - The Blackwood Brothers 8. Just Walkin' In The Rain - The Prisonaires 9. Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats 10. Write Me A Letter - The Ravens 11. Blue Moon Of Kentucky - Bill Monroe 12. Ain't That Right - Eddie Snow 13. Just Walkin' In The Rain - Johnnie Ray 14. Lawdy Miss Clawdy – Lloyd Price 15. Home Sweet Home - Gladys Presley 16. Blowin' In The Wind - Odetta 17. Tomorrow Is A Long Time - Odetta 18. The Weight - The Staple Singers 19. Heartbreak Hotel - The Orlons 20. Wooden Heart - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 21. Rebound - Mike McCready

 

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

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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

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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)