Brad Mehldau : Ride Into the Sun Review
Mervin Toussaint, a jazz saxophonist, and educator based in Philadelphia, is forging an eclectic and evolving musical vocabulary. Toussaint now unveils his debut full-length album, entitled Lakay. In Haitian Kreyol, “Lakay” signifies “home,” and this album embodies a voyage of exploration into profound connections with faith, community, ancestry, and kin from past, present, and future generations. By embracing his heritage’s cultural richness and jazz’s expressive potential, Toussaint has crafted a unique and impactful musical statement with Lakay. These [...]
Everything But The Girl is an electronic duo comprised of singer-songwriter-musicians Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt. After a twenty-four-year hiatus, they are dropping their new album called Fuse. Can you even?! Fuse has ten tracks that totally bring back that shiny electronic soul vibe they were rocking in the 90s but with a fresh twist. Tracey Thorn’s gorgeously textured voice still takes center stage in Ben Watt’s dreamy soundscapes, filled with deep bass, crisp beats, hazy synths, and just enough space to breathe. Honestly, they’ve nailed that timeless yet modern sound, and I am here for it, for the most [...]
Ally Venable is releasing her follow-up to her 2021 album Heart of Fire with a new album called Real Gone. The soulful songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist has been taking the blues scene by storm since her 2014 and 2015 “Female Guitarist of the Year, “three-time winner of “Blues Band of the Year,” “Album of the Year”- ETX Music Awards 2017. The Texas guitar slinger’s fifth album presents twelve original songs and was produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge and features guest appearances by Joe Bonamassa and blues icon Buddy Guy.
“Texas Louisiana” features Buddy Guy on vocals and guitars. [...]
Rosalind Ventris is releasing her debut solo viola album featuring a unique and often unheard collection of music titled Sola: Music for Viola by Women Composers.
Ventris chooses music for unaccompanied viola that was composed between 1930 (Imogen Holst’s impressive Suite for Viola) and the present day (a 2020 lockdown miniature by Thea Musgrave). The primarily British and Irish program features substantial works by important yet often overlooked twentieth-century composers, including Imogen Holst, Lillian Fuchs, Elizabeth Maconchy, Elisabeth Lutyens, and Grayna Bacewicz. In addition, Ventris includes [...]
Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion brings a distinctive flamenco sound to the world music scene. The core group of musicians forming the music is Miguel Espinoza (guitar), Dianne Betkowski (cello, palmas, and vocals), Andy Skellenger (tabla, cajon, and vocals), and Randy Hoepker (bass). Rounding out the ensemble on various songs are Mario Moreno – congas, timbales, and percussion; Linda Richardson – castanets; and Nabin Shrestha – tabla and vocals. Living in a Daydream is Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion’s third full-length album, with four of the eight compositions collaborating with two-time GRAMMY winner [...]
The Lathums is the name of a British four-piece rock band that believes in making heartfelt music with a strong emphasis on songwriting and melodic flow. The Lathums is swelled with self-assured positivity as they release their sophomore album, From Nothing To A Little Bit More. The Lathums are Alex Moore (vocals), Scott Concepcion (guitars/piano), Matty Murphy (bass), and Ryan Durrans (drums).
“Struggle” begins our journey to a little bit more with a catchy melody and lyrics that set the tone for the entire project. The use of piano and crunchy guitar is a nice touch and gives a sonic variance. The lyrics throughout the [...]
