Monday, September 28, 2009

"Just a Little Country" by Movin' Melvin Brown (Country Artist from Texas(TX))

The considerable strengths of Movin' Melvin Brown's "Just a Little Country" CD, are due as much to the legacies of soul legends like Clarence Carter and Solomon Burke, as to the country artists and songs that ostensibly inspired this album. Indeed, Brown's Country has little to do with contemporary Nashville sounds, but instead is informed with the deep soul stylings of Soul music forebears and genre-crossing '70's-era performers like Tom T. Hall and Don Williams. Reaching back 20-some years for a fine cover of The Judds' "Love Can Build a Bridge," or even further for his excellent rendering of Buck Owens' "Together Again," Movin' Melvin shows what he can do with a standard. But his originals, like "I'm Gonna Love You" and "A World Made of Love," have equal authenticity, but far more soulfulness. Other standouts include the terrific "Strawberry Wine" and the very-Arthur Alexander-like "Give Me Time." The multi-talented Movin' Melvin Brown is definitely a musical throw-back; eschewing over-the-top production values for honest, stripped-down arrangements that put the song front and center, "Just a Little Country" is a great CD for old school southern soul-meets-country fans.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Movin' Melvin Brown's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Sagittarius Passing Through" by Media Line Road (Classic Rock Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

Media Line Road mix '60's and '70's-era pop-rock sensibilities with kaleidoscopic flair on their fine new CD, "Sagittarius Passing Through." Recalling classic rock bands such as Pink Floyd ("We're Not From Here"), The Doors ("I've Been Trying"), Moody Blues ("Fly"), and especially, the solo work of George Harrison, the 14-track collection features the kind of echo-y psychedelic effects that defined a lost era of Rock. CD-opener, "Old Belle's Bop," a tremolo-laden pop song with tasty slide licks, boasts more than a hint of George Harrison-like Top 40 charm, while "It's Kinda Creepy Baby" sounds like a demented carnival nightmare (check out the backward guitar overdubs). Re-visiting the Harrison reference, "Prayer" is a spiritual ballad with some excellent interplay between slide and mandolin, and "Good To Have You Back Again" exudes the polished pop of Harrison's work with Jeff Lynne. All told, Media Line Road's "Sagittarius Passing Through" CD is a potent and winning blend of classic and psychedelic rock influences that touches all the right bases.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer team
Check out Media Line Road's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, September 17, 2009

"The Time Is Now" by Farrad (Pop/R&B Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

Farrad releases his fantastic CD, "The Time Is Now" featuring invigorating, vibrant, and energetic Top 40/Pop compilations. You can't help but get up off your feet and move to the powerhouse beats and grooves this album has to offer. Kicking off the album, "Misunderstood" burns with distorted vocals and funky rhythmic beats. Turn up the bass on the sub woofer as "Pick Your Face Up Off the Floor" is maximum pulses of thumping bass and drums. The easy flowing vocals on "Keep Your Head Up" complement the lyrics as the supporting instruments capture the smooth, slick vibe. Soulful, with a smooth R&B influence, "Destiny" reveals Farrad's ability to show some diversity within his style of music. If you're a fan of Lady GaGa and love great party music then take a listen to "The Time Is Now" as it's packed with high energy and progressively modern, Top 40 spins.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Farrad's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Before Dawn" by Keith Wesby (Jazz Artist from Washington D.C.(DC))

You will be delighted by the smooth Jazz instrumentals of "Before Dawn" by accomplished bass player Keith Wesby. This album proves that Wesby has a talent for creating melodic and interesting compilations. The arrangements are a beautiful blend of his fine bass attributes combined with a mixture of well orchestrated instruments. The smooth bass line of "A New Day" moves with style and ease as the strings, electric piano, and horns come together with pleasing sound texture. Funky grooves mingle with drums and guitar on songs such as "Lite Tower" or "That's Your Opinion." Wesby's bass talents runs full throttle as his strong fingers runs with intense precision across the fret board with classical style on "Chopinism (Opus 28, 3-4-5)." The charming and refreshing collections of Jazz instrumentals on "Before Dawn" will be sure to please and is well worth listening to.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Keith Wesby's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

"Nomad" by Namgar (World Artist from Canada(Canada))

Namgar brings to life the timeless traditions of her family heritage on her album, "Nomad" which features generous helpings of World Fusion. Namgar sings up a storm throughout this entire collection with a passionate voice that captures the ambiance of her melodic and interesting lyrics. Right from the first track, "Tunka" is steeped with razor sharp guitars while the edgy vocals bellow moving poetry. "Medley-Two Yokhors" is a tight, solid song with beautiful sound textures of World instruments. Showing her softer side with a more subdued vocal, "Orphan Camel Colt" is delicate and moody as Namgar displays a nice vocal range with beautiful dynamics. Her voice never overpowers as she projects emotive clarity which is polished and emits memorable subtleties as you can hear on "River Jaraahai." You will be caught in the rapture this talented and gifted artist has to offer on her wonderful CD, "Nomad."

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Namgar's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites