Track Feature: Michele McLaughlin - What Child Is This?

How does an ageless Christmas Classic song become something new and refreshing? I have an answer to that question!

It takes talent but it can be done. If you listen to Michele McLaughlin's track "What Child Is This?" off her recently released album Christmas Plain & Simple III, you will find out.

Michele's solo piano breathes new life into the track. Her piano artistry is on full display on this track as I am sure it is on the entire album.

Check it out now I am sure it will get you in the true spirit of the Holidays.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 


More About Michele:

http://michelemclaughlin.com

My music is my story, it is my diary, my journal, my biography… a glimpse into my soul.

I started playing piano when I was very young. My earliest memories are around the age of 5, playing piano for show-n-tell in kindergarten. I’ve always had a musical ear, and could figure out any melody I heard. I’ve also always been drawn to pianos… if there was a piano or keyboard in the room, I gravitated toward it, longing to touch and play it. There has always just been a connection between the piano and I...READ MORE...

Rock Stream: Dynamos-Shake, Rattle and Roll

The Dynamos are DYNAMITE on their new single "Shake, Rattle and Roll." The lead singer knows exactly how to shake it so you rattle and roll too! Nadia E has a magnificent stage presence. Just watch the video and you shall see.

This is old time rock 'n' roll with a modern twist filled with vibrancy and enough oomph to knock your socks off. The guitar is filled with hooks and the rhythm and beat just keeps jugging right along.

The track and video have everything that rock music is all rolled into one tight sexy package so check it out!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 




More About The Dynamos:

http://www.dynamosmusic.com

In this digital modern age of the millennial, Dynamos invites you to have a look into the encyclopedia of American rock music. Based in Los Angeles, Dynamos combines technical expertise with pure raw energy, displaying natural ability that delivers a unique and captivating storyline, enticing fans to fantasize and connect with their songs..READ MORE...

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...

Featured Track: Shauna Burns-Scarborough Fair

Shauna Burns' new single is one of the most famous tracks ever recorded and Simon and Garfunkel was one of the most prolific folk-pop duos of all time. They had a ton of hits and one of them was "Scarborough Fair." 

Shauna gives the classic tune her own treatment with a Celtic folk flavor.  Her music can be haunting and this version certainly brings the song new life and puts an entirely different spin on the original.

This is further proof that indie artists like Shauna Burns can be original and interesting, even when doing a cover.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

More About Shauna Burns:

http://shaunaburns.com/music

Burns had developed her captivating vocal and playing style while growing up in Miami, Florida where she was inspired by her mother’s love for the piano and groundbreaking pop/rock artists like Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos. After releasing four studio albums and countless singles, Burns has hit FMQB AC Charts, was one of WCH Radio’s “Top Songs of the Year” and hit #1 on “Song Vault Radio.” The Moon and the Fire Circle album was selected as “Best of 2008” by Collected Sounds and The Promise Live. Shauna Burns continues to capture audiences across the globe with her heartwarming music. Her profound lyrics and piano driven sound has built her reputation in the Celtic music world and has also allowed her to tour extensively through the U.S. and U.K.

Featured Track: Bunny Sigler - Angel Eyes

Bunny Sigler's smooth vocal style is perfect for reaching back to times that have past. The days when jazz and lounge singers were most popular. Think Sinatra, Bennett etc. and yes Mr. Bunny Sigler. He is not a household name but he can sing a song and tell a story just as well as the folks that are legendary in that realm. The main point here is that he is still doing and very well mind you.

The video provided is in black and white to provide the proper setting for his "Angel Eyes."  This is a significant remake of an Ella Fitzgerald song and a fitting tribute to her legacy.

Kick back, turn it up and relax to Bunny Sigler's "Angel Eyes" - with the video or stream and set the way back machine to way back....

 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck"




 
More About Bunny Sigler:

http://www.bunzmusicandrecords.com/

Well , where do we start...The singer was born Walter Sigler in Philadelphia on 27th March 1941. Bunny recalls,  "They called me Bunny right off because I was born two days before Easter. The first singing I did was in church - Sunday school. I wouldn't say it was very funky, just straight...READ MORE...

Featured Track: Souleye - Wildman (Ft. Lynx)

Souleye is a home boy from Sturbridge, Massachusetts!  It's great to hear such an innovative artist hailing from my home state.

Our featured track is "Wildman (Ft. Lynx)." It is a marvelous concoction of pop, hip hop, rap and a few slices of R & B for some extra mojo.

I generally do not care for the rap or hip hop but when it's done tastefully with a mixture of different styles of music then it has a chance. In this case I actually loved it! The combination of the beautiful vocals of a young lady and Souleye really finds a way to get under your skin, in a good way.

Check out the Soundcloud stream, this is music that defines "out of the box."

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



MORE ABOUT SOULEYE:
http://www.souleye.net

Souleye’s musical career began in the trunk of a car. The rapper, hip-hop artist and songwriter was on his way to a party in pastoral New England hill country in a car so laden down with his friends that he and another teen hopped in the trunk. The year was 1996, and Souleye was still Mario Treadway, a high school kid and basketball player who had spent his entire life in the New England backwoods around Sturbridge, MA ...READ MORE...

Featured Track: Marc Daniels-Summer Song

Marc Daniels continues releasing some great tracks off his recent release The Starting Line.

This time out we get a slice of summer right before it ends. Sweet memories are already starting to fade with the change of season right around the corner. No worries though! Marc is here to sing you a "Summer Song." This is country rock style folks. 

If you listen to the radio or ever did, this is the kind of music you would crank rolling down the highway.

Check out the streaming video now and feel the warmth of the sun come through the music

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


Marc Daniels continues the next chapter of his music career in Northern California with the release of “The Starting Line” - a montage to all the great memories for those carefree years back home. 

Pick up your copy today on CD Baby, Amazon or iTunes/Google Play and follow Marc on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marcdanielscountry

Featured Track: Jonathan Cavier - Blue Room

Jonathan Cavier has become a favorite regular on the Rate The Tracks site. This is his 4th outing featuring one of his many singles released over the last year.

We are featuring his latest production of rock and pop titled "Blue Room." And of course we have included the stunning video with his lovely co-star. He seems to find the most attractive ladies to sing to in his videos!

Jonathan's pop sensibilities come shining through once again on "Blue Room," which is actually the video mix of the track. So you get the double shot of sound and vision in one feature.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Jonathan:

http://caviermusic.com

Originally from Northern California, Cavier (“cav-AIR”) moved to Phoenix, AZ where he performed as Alan Clark in the atmospheric pop duo, EyeTalk. Over the course of 10 years and five albums, this venture saw their music reach international audiences in Italy, the UK, and Australia. After five albums and hundreds of shows played throughout the US, Alan Clark reintroduces himself under the pseudonym Jonathan Cavier.
...READ MORE...

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...

Styx-The Mission Album Stream

Featured Track: Ashley J- Trapped

Ashley J feels "Trapped" and the whole world is going to know it once they hear the latest single.

She is back again for all you lovers of fast moving and energetic dance grooves.

Ashley's powerful and emotive vocals move with the pulsating beats and if you listen long enough so will your body.

Check out "Trapped" and get ready for your blood to get pumping!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About Ashley:
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...

Featured Track: Elle Casazza-Too Bad

Elle Casazza has new release out titled Proof. Not to use a pun on words but I could not resist it. Her single and video "Too Bad," streamed here, is "proof" she has what it takes to play in the big leagues.

Her voice has a warmth and clarity that belongs on your favorite summer time radio station.

"Too Bad" is a great bouncy pop tune with a reggae beat to keep things moving nice and steady. You get the bonus of dancing along with her and the girls in the video. Your choice of course...

 Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Elle:  
http://www.ellecasazza.com/

Elle Casazza diversifies the pop scene with her own refreshing and authentic blend of jazz, soul, funk and pop rhythms that are seamlessly crafted into her songs. Elle’s commanding vocals, defying songwriting and versatile approach produces infectious and timeless music that garners fans worldwide...READ MORE...

Track Feature: Marc Daniels-Redheads

Marc Daniels takes country music and rock and turns it into a steaming plateful of rockin' and soulful adulation of "Redheads."

This is a killer single and video to kick start his new release The Starting Line.

The music is in a non-stop groove with all the images to match. You can watch the video or stream the track, your choice.

And who said blondes have more fun?

Fair warning, those redheads may catch you on fire!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck 




 
More About Marc Daniels:

"Its something for the Redhead girls out there"
-  COUNTRY MUSIC LIFE

Now Marc Daniels continues the next chapter of his music career in Northern California with the release of “The Starting Line” - a montage to all the great memories for those carefree years back home.  

Pick up your copy today on CD Baby, Amazon or iTunes/Google Play and follow Marc on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/marcdanielscountry

FEATURED TRACK: Fiona Joy - Galloping from Into the Mist

Fiona Joy gives us a taste of her most recent release Into The Mist with the video stream titled "Galloping."

The piano takes center stage and Fiona orchestrates yet another beautiful piece via the ivory keys. This time we get images of the artist floating through the air and sounds adorned in satins.

The music is as delicate and soft as the clothing she is wearing. Fiona is dancing to the music and thereby becomes the music with her movements and expressions. It is like the ballet of her soul on display.

"Galloping" is like a painting on canvas brought to life through sound and movements.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck


Read More About Fiona Joy:

http://www.fionajoy.com

Into the Mist epitomizes the art of contemporary solo piano recording in today's music. This is Fiona Joy's 2nd solo piano recording on Blue Coast Records where she once again teams up with Cookie Marenco, producer and engineer known for her contributions to the world of audiophile recordings.

TRACK FEATURE: Peter Calandra-Morning Dove

Peter Calandra has a new album coming out on July 1, 2017. The album is titled The Road Home.

Peter is one of the guiding musical voices in the new age instrumental world. The pre-release single "Morning Dove," is a glimpse of what to expect in another month.

The video provided is a gorgeous soundscape with incredible footage of mother nature in all her glory.

The video is actually awe inspiring and the music is in perfect sync with the images. This is the way it supposed to be...a superb combination of music and images, a work of art!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck



More About Peter Calandra:

http://www.petecalandramusic.com

You may not know the name Peter Calandra, but chances are that you’ve heard his original music, his film or television scores, his sports anthems, or his Broadway performances.  This prolific New York City-based composer and keyboard player has been immersed in music for most of his life; he has scored over 50 films, written over 2000 compositions for television broadcast (including over 40 theme packages for nationally broadcast sports shows ...READ MORE...

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 Track: Nancy Shoop-Wu-Rainbow Road

Nancy Shoop-Wu recently released her new recording Rainbow Road. The title track is featured here to give you a taste of the excellence she commands on the violin.

The track is a tapestry of colors and atmospheres one can only deliver if they are surrounded by a beautiful environment. In this case it is so because Nancy is located in Hawaii.

It's as if she becomes one with mother earth and her instrument opens the door to the "Rainbow Road." Have a listen and find the beauty and peace within one beautiful song. Stream the track and watch the video.

Read My Full Review of the Album.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck




More About Nancy Shoop-Wu:

https://www.nancyshoopwu.com

Known for her soulful and expressive playing, violinist and singer/songwriter Nancy Shoop-Wu blends her classical training as a symphony violinist with the impressionistic magic of the Islands of Hawaii. From the moment she set foot in the Aloha State, Nancy found herself under the islands' magical spell. The result was a burst of creativity for the consummate musician as she blended her love of New Age and Classical music, combining them with the musical culture of her new home, to craft beautiful music with appeal across a variety of spectrum's...READ MORE...