CeCe Gable : More Than A Song Review
American jazz vocalist CeCe Gable had a busy 2020 releasing her full-length album More Than A Song and a winter solstice tune “Once Again It’s Winter.” Each featuring a different line up except one defining player and collaborator, bassist Harvie S. The choice standards on More Than A Song range from Porter to Arlen/Mercer to Jobim and beyond, all expressive vehicles for Gable’s supple vocal instrument. The single is an original collaboration by Gable and pianist accordionist Corky Bennett. The two have created a breezy bossa nova that is guaranteed to warm the chilled season with hopes of sun-kissed summers ahead.
“East of the Sun,” also a [...]
SAVANA FUNK comprises Aldo Betto, Blake Franchetto, and Youssef Ait Bouazza (respectively from Italy, England, and Morocco). The three first met in the spring of 2015 in Bologna, Italy and it became immediately apparent to them that they shared a special bond on an emotional and musical level. Together they create music that mixes African music, funk, blues, psychedelic rock, and jazz influences. In 2018 they officially adopted the name SAVANA FUNK and are now releasing a two-song EP called Barà Tounkarankè / Mba. The two tracks are fronted by vocalist Kadi Coulibaly with added keyboards added by Nicola Peruch, and Kalifa Kone adds [...]
The Neighbourhood is an American alt-rock band that is now releasing their fourth studio album called Chip Chrome & The Mono Tones. Produced by Danny Parra and The Neighbourhood, the eleven tracks represent their first studio album in two years. Inspired by the iconic David Bowie album Ziggy Stardust, the band’s frontman Jesse Rutherford takes on the persona of the supposed character, Chip Chrome. Rutherford explains, “Before we started this album, I asked myself what my opinion was about our music, our band, and our fans, and I realized I didn’t really know—and that scared the shit out of me,” [...]
Jerry Cortez is a guitarist and vocalist that has played on a plethora of sessions and toured and recorded with artists like Tom Johnston, Jessie Colin Young, Buddy Miles, Alex Ligertwood, and many others. Cortez is the current guitarist and vocalist with Tower Of Power, where he adds his funky rhythm style and blazing leads. Cortez is now releasing a Christmas album titled, On Christmas Day, which is a soothing collection of acoustic guitar instrumental music.
“Silver Bells” is performed on a steel-strung acoustic guitar. The melody is presented in a lush solo guitar setting with a touch of country swing. Cortez does a beautiful job of [...]
Gracie Convert is a British/French vocalist and songwriter based in London. Her contemporary R&B sounds have garnered support from tastemakers such as Notion Magazine, Guap Mag, and Earmilk and received National radio backing from the likes of Jamz Supernova (BBC 1xtra), Tom Robinson (BBC6), Jyoty (RINSE FM) and BBC Introducing. Convert is now releasing an emotional lockdown ballad titled “Sat in My Bedroom.”
Opening with a dreamy descending vocal part sung in harmony, “Sat in My Bedroom” begins its tale with Convert’s bedroom tinged singing leading the way. The bright electric guitar is lightly strummed to a steady drum pattern. There is [...]
Alexandra Conunova is releasing Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni, on which she is joined by a chamber orchestra for a compelling reading of Vivaldi’s masterwork. Though this is one of the most performed compositions in the classical world, Vivaldi: Le Quattro Stagioni captures the extremely sensitive and imaginative subtitles the composition celebrates about nature’s power and beauty. Alexandra Conunova’s violin playing is the perfect guide through this magical journey through the four seasons. Conunova’s goal in presenting the well-known melodies was to bring joy and fulfill an artist’s role, which is [...]
The War And Treaty (Michael & Tanya Trotter) is a critically acclaimed duo with foundations of Southern soul with elements of gospel, country, rock ‘n roll, and blues. The duet is returning with a new album called Hearts Town, built on twelve tracks that reflect this Nashville-based husband/wife team’s most robust material to date. The majority of the material was recorded at Blackbird Studio and featured esteemed musicians Jason Isbell, Jerry Douglas, and Punch Brothers guitarist Chris Eldridge. Hearts Town was produced by Michael and co-produced by Tanya and the duo’s longtime music director Max [...]
Pat Metheny continues to build a catalog that is diverse and focused on making music from a space of creativity and love of sounds that elicit emotions. Metheny’s latest album, From This Place, is no exception and features ten compositions by Metheny that have the Hollywood Studio Symphony supporting a traditional jazz quartet. Metheny is joined by his long-time drummer, Antonio Sanchez, Malaysian / Australian bassist Linda May Han Oh, and British pianist Gwilym Simcock. The Hollywood Studio Symphony is conducted by Joel McNeely. Also, special guest Meshell Ndegeocello (vocals), Gregoire Maret (harmonica), and [...]
Tom Keifer, former front man of the rock band Cinderella, has an instantly recognizable voice. The singer and his #Keiferband are releasing their second album titled, Rise, on Cleopatra Records. The album presents eleven tracks that feature Keifer’s gritty vocals with blues-infused hard rock. The album has a theme of overcoming challenges with the music being written by Tom Keifer, Savannah Keifer and Kendra Chantelle. The band line up is, Keifer vocals, his wife — percussionist, pianist and singer Savannah Keifer — and backing singer/percussionist Kendra Chantelle and the #keiferband, which is lead and rhythm guitarist Tony Higbee, bassist Billy Mercer, [...]
Martin Hayes and Brooklyn Rider are releasing a new album via In a Circle Records titled, The Butterfly. The album contains twelve tracks, ten are traditional melodies and two tracks are original compositions. Recorded in 2016, the album celebrates a decade-long musical friendship between renowned Irish fiddler and New York’s omnivorous string quartet. In addition to featuring the premiere recording of “Maghera Mountain,” (written by Hayes as a teenager), The Butterfly sought to define a common ground through the inclusion of several of the most widely known tunes within the repertoire, such as “O’Neill’s March” and [...]
