Nick Jonas : Gut Punch Review
Welcome Winter, the latest holiday offering from acclaimed guitarist Bryan Lubeck, is a fusion of traditional holiday melodies with contemporary musical sensibilities. Lubeck’s album is a symphonic journey that reinvents the soundscape of holiday music, blending his renowned Spanish guitar stylings with a rich ensemble of acoustic instruments.
The album opens with a spellbinding rendition of “Deck the Halls,” where Lubeck’s acoustic guitar takes the lead, weaving a warm and inviting melody. The track is elevated by the contributions of Joel Norman on the vibraphone, Nick Bisesi on flute, violinist Erik Rumsa, and [...]
Released on September 8, 2023, Aguankó’s Unidad is a rich collection of Latin jazz, infused with Afro-Cuban rhythms and the spirited heart of Detroit’s music scene. Led by the masterful Alberto Nacif, a conguero whose roots stretch from Mexico City to the jazz clubs of Detroit, this album celebrates musical fusion and rhythmic brilliance through eleven original compositions by Nacif and other ensemble members.
The ensemble behind Unidad is a vibrant blend of seasoned musicians, each bringing their own unique flavor to this musical concoction. Leading the pack is Alberto Nacif, a conguero with a rich history in both the traditions of Latin [...]
Duran Duran’s latest offering, Danse Macabre, released on October 26, 2023, under BMG, represents a fascinating blend of the band’s iconic new-wave style with a spirited embrace of the Halloween theme. This album marks their 16th studio venture and showcases their versatility and enduring appeal.
The album opens with a revamped version of “Nightboat,” a track from their debut album, now infused with a darker and more elaborate arrangement. This new rendition maintains the powerful vocals of Simon Le Bon, evoking the horror themes of Lucio Fulci’s 1979 film, Zombi 2. The transformation of this classic track [...]
Have you ever wondered what it would sound like if a jazz band crashed a pop concert? Well, wonder no more! Deborah Silver’s rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” is akin to a delightful musical soirée where Gatsby meets Gen Z, and oh boy, does it swing! Silver takes Swift’s pop anthem in this daring arrangement and infuses it with a jazzy vivacity that bridges the gap between Roaring Twenties flair and modern pop exuberance.
You’re listening to a swinging affair from the moment you press the play button on this track. The [...]
The process of reviewing Lise Davidsen’s Christmas From Norway is an enjoyable listen to chronicle an album that celebrates the Holiday Season. Davidsen delves into its soul to unravel the intricate layers of sounds and to celebrate the confluence of musical mastery and cultural essence of this celebrated music. This album, a collection of Yuletide melodies, shows Davidsen’s vocal skills and is a journey into the heart of Scandinavian Christmas traditions, replete with the warmth and spirit of the season.
From the outset, Christmas From Norway is a revelation of [...]
In the ever-evolving exploration of modern world music, a new ensemble has an exciting and intricate sound that captivates; meet the Austrian ensemble Shake Stew. Their latest offering, Lila, released on October 13, 2023, under the aegis of Traumton Records, is a fine collection of songs and shows their relentless pursuit of musical innovation and excellence.
At the heart of Lila is the ensemble’s core configuration – a unique amalgamation of two drummers, two bass players, and a trio of horns, painting a sonic landscape that is as diverse as it is harmonious. This distinct setup provides a fertile ground for exploration, allowing each track [...]
