MuzikMan's Reviews And News: Pop

Showing posts with label Pop. Show all posts

1/22/2020

Pop-Rock-Contemporary-New Age Review: Mary Gospe-Time To Soar

Genre: Pop-Rock-Contemporary-New Age

Release Date: November 15, 2019

Label: Independent

Usually, when I cover new age-related music it is all instrumental and at times some chants and vocalizations. Mary Gospe’s Time To Soar took me right out of that little comfort zone I have been in for so long. That is by no means a negative connotation, change means growth!

One look at the album cover and you see a woman that is shining brightly with positivity and light. The mantra for the project is meant for each listener to embrace their authentic self with love, trust, joy, and freedom (Listen to “Free To Be Me”). If you are already doing that then this will just validate that purpose one step further.

Time To Soar is the message, plain and simple. Mary has a very nice voice that blends well with the music presented. Although the music is not new age, the subject matter is 100%. The music you will hear is pop, rock, and adult contemporary. It was all co-created with producer/multi-instrumentalist, David Vito Gregoli.

“We Are One” is a powerful message to the universe. The message certainly reverberates with me and hopefully, it will with everyone that takes the time to listen to this beautiful combination of lyrical prose and musical excellence. I choose that that track to be represented on my New Age Music Reviews Spotfiy Playlist (I also included the entire album for streaming here as well).

A lot of acoustic guitar playing is very good like on “I Choose Love.” This kind of accompaniment is typical of what you will hear on this recording. It is quality vocals with quality musicianship consistently. If you think about it, it has to be strong. If you want to reach an audience with your message you need a good bed of music to let ride on, and that is exactly what happens. It works well for Mary’s voice and choice of lyrics.

Just like she sings on “Pendulum,” give in to trust, surrender to love. It is simple and straight forward. However, for some of us, that kind of idea can be a task rather than a smooth transition. And that is why people like Mary and Vito are here on the planet, to help us move in that direction a little easier.

“Unity” has more rock elements than all the previous tracks. It is restrained but impactful with some nice organ to complement the electric guitar. There are no rough edges or anything that makes it a flat-out rocker, it is tastefully done to enhance Mary’s vocals and the background vocals. The track “Ride The Wave” has a political and world situation bend to it but is done nicely and gently pushes you into a more positive state of mind. Mary sings-I’m not going to succumb, I’m going “Ride The Wave” of a higher frequency and I’m going to rise above it and rise to a higher vibration. What a great message, and finally a song with those elements without any anger or negativity. It was so refreshing!

This was out of the ordinary for me in the new age realm which made me more selective and tougher from a critical stance. Mary passed with flying colors. If you are ready or if you are not, it is the Time To Soar and “Ride The Wave” to a higher vibration!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

January 20, 2020

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Tracks:
01. We Are One
02. Walk Slowly
03. The Black Crow Prophecy
04. Time to Soar
05. I Choose Love
06. Free To Be Me
07. Pendulum
08. Unity
09. Ride The Wave
10. Let's Break Away
11. Live From Your Heart
12. All Is Well

1/13/2020

Christopher Cross Celebrates 40th Anniversary With 2020 Tour

Christopher Cross made history with his 1980 self-titled debut album, winning five Grammy Awards, including—for the first time in Grammy history—the “Big Four” most prestigious awards: Record of the Year (for the single “Sailing”), Album of the Year, Song of the Year (also “Sailing”), and Best New Artist.

In a career spanning over five decades, Cross has sold over 10 million albums. His music has garnered five Grammys, an Oscar, a Golden Globe and five Top 10 singles.

This year, Christopher Cross is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his breakthrough debut album with a major tour featuring songs from his debut album: “Sailing,” “Ride Like the Wind,” “Say You’ll Be Mine,” and more.

Says Cross, “This tour celebrates the first chapter in what has been my life’s journey. I look forward to seeing everyone on the road.”

Tour dates*:

April 1, 2020 - Austin, TX - Paramount Theatre
April 3, 2020 - Dallas, TX - Majestic Theatre
April 5, 2020 - Nashville, TN - Schermerhorn Symphony Center
April 7, 2020 - Red Bank, NJ - Count Basie Center for the Arts
April 9, 2020 - New York, NY - The Town Hall
April 10, 2020 - Atlantic City, NJ - Sound Waves @ Hard Rock
April 11, 2020 -Westbury, NY - NYCB Theatre
April 13, 2020 - Alexandria, VA - The Birchmere Music Hall
April 17, 2020 - Waukeegan, IL - Genessee Theatre
April 18, 2020 - Welch, MN - Treasure Island Event Center
April 21, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 22, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 23, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Epcot / Walt Disney World Resort
April 26, 2020 - Clearwater, FL - Capitol Theatre @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

*More dates announced soon

Details: https://www.christophercross.com/

Follow Christopher on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCrossOfficial/
Instagram & Twitter: @itsmrcross

BOOKING
Justin Hirschman
AGI
(212) 813-9292
Justin.Hirschman@ArtistGrp.com

MANAGEMENT
Jovan Ristic
21st Century Artists, Inc.
(212) 254-5500
jovan@21stca.com

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

10/17/2019

Alt-Rock-Prog-Pop Review: Sharon Lia Band-Beyond Wonderland

Release Date: August 22, 2019

Label: Sharrick Records

Website

Sharon Lia leads from the front in the epic and emotive, Beyond Wonderland, the debut album from the Philadelphia-based band of her namesake. The ever-versatile Sharon chaperones us through the album’s varying themes with her compelling lead vocals and adept piano performances. The singer is at once soulful and candid on this collection, which is an ethereal meeting point of joy and nostalgia, of a past to be forgotten and a future to be fought for. The luscious instrumentation provided by guitarist Rick Jannotti and drummer Howie Fallon bolster the touching, thought-provoking message of this work. While the trio hasn’t struck gold with this debut, it’s clear they’re not far off.

After a brooding beginning, “Sick Addiction” explodes into a badass crescendo of electrifying guitar and thumping percussion. The tormented lyrics showcase Sharon Lia Band’s talent for creating sensational, melodic rock with a twist of poignant tenderness. On the aptly named “Anomie,” Sharon’s harmonious, gentle vocals paint the portrait of a woman let down and misunderstood by her society. Over a celestial arrangement, the defiant singer highlights the power of determination, self-realization, and grit.

“Why Can’t We Pretend?” is a gorgeous, sentimental and dreamy track. It boasts a blissful string section, a triumphant drum kick, and Sharon’s vocal prowess is given the space and backing to fully flourish. On “Hanging by a Thread” the singer similarly wows with an immaculate vocal performance. This track immediately grabs attention with a cadenced organ, crisp drums, and bluesy bass. Despite the smooth, polished sound of this track, the lyrics allude to a tense precarity, an uncertain danger, an imminent threat. This sensitivity is what adds layers of meaning to the band’s particular alternative-rock sound.

The tracklisting is masterful here as the band follows the melancholic end of “Hanging by a Thread” with the confident, sexy, strutting opening of “Free to Fall.” The beat oozes tenacity made up of a quivering electric guitar, a celestial synth, and a rapping drumbeat. The singer’s soaring voice proclaims fearlessness, boldness, and freedom. Then, Sharon Lia Band gifts us their unique take on a rock ballad in “Hunter and Slayer.” It’s tinkling piano and soft string section elicit a mysterious, fairytale feeling. While Sharon’s graceful singing evokes images of a somber, smoky bar-room performance one could only find in a black-and-white film.

On the album’s finale, “Beyond Wonderland.” a lurking bass line is joined by cracking drums while an electric guitar looms in the background, waiting to emerge noisily for the sensational climax. The brazen lyrics deal with the voyage of life, creativity, and self-discovery. It generates a feeling of harmonious completion, as the outro begins, we hear birds chirping and the soft sound of rainfall.

The ambition and confidence needed to actualize this debut album’s grand vision show Sharon Lia Band has the attributes for a bright future in music. Beyond Wonderland is sure to leave you looking forward to this band’s next adventure.

Key Tracks Include: “Hanging by a Thread”, “Free to Fall”, and “Hunter and Slayer”

Nicholas Lane-MuzikMan.net Staff

October 17, 2019

REVIEWS PROVIDED BY:

New Age Music Reviews

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Tracks:
1. Sick Addiction
2. Anomie
3. Why Can’t We Pretend?
4. Hanging by a Thread
5. Free to Fall
6. Hunter and Slayer
7. Beyond Wonderland

2/14/2019

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:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By MuzikMan.net

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

9/21/2018

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

8/08/2018

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:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

7/11/2018

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

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

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

4/22/2018

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:

New Age Music Reviews

Rate The Tracks

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

4/09/2018

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

Founder of:

New Age Music Reviews

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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

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