Monday, July 27, 2009

"Movement" by Earthsound (Jazz Artist from Boston, Massachusetts(MA))

Primarily a traditional, straight-up jazz outfit, the multi-cultural Earthsound ensemble combine Duke Ellington's rich sense of melody and Charles Mingus' sophisticated exploration on their accomplished debut jazz and fusion CD, "Movement." Citing such influences as Ellington, Jobim, and Paul Winter, the quartet's (piano, bass, flute, and percussion) border-less compositions range from piano-led meditations that recall Bill Evans to flute-dominated improvisations reminiscent of masters like Yusef Lateef and Herbie Mann. Leader and bassist, Jason Davis, much like fellow bass-playing bandleader Mingus, works in tandem with his Peruvian percussionist, Jorge Perez-Albela, to provide the perfect framework for Brazilian flautist, Fernando Brandão's flights of gravity-defying lyricism, even as pianist, Nando Michelin of Uruguay, fills the middle with chords as rich as they are light and dexterous. And like Mingus' groundbreaking opus, "Cumbia & Jazz Fusion," with its replication of nature sounds, Davis ably employs real nature samples less as affect than as an organic supplementation of the band's interplay. "Movement," Earthsound's excellent debut CD, is a terrific introduction for a jazz combo of real talent and vision.

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

Saturday, July 25, 2009

"Change Up" by Lefty Blues Band (Blues/Country Artist from Florida (FL))

Lefty Blues Band, a Florida-based outfit steeped in R&B and roots-based Americana, conjures less the Sunshine State than dark swamplands and backwoods roadhouses on their fine debut album, "Change Up." Led by brothers John & Greg Bell, this 6-piece band is as equally adept with a deep South blues ("All For You") as a George Jones-inspired ballad ("Slow Love Song"), but for the most part carves out a classic rock sound that hovers between John Hiatt & Dire Straits; that is, displaying the former's all-inclusive grasp of Americana, while reflecting the latter's ability to fashion something completely new from tried and true forms. Highlights include the above mentioned "All For You," with its atmospheric Hammond organ and Gospel-like female chorus, as well as the moving "The Rush," a perfect hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger piano balladry. But in truth, there are no weak songs among these 10 original performances. Lefty Blues Band's new release "Change Up" is a terrific representation of Americana rock that embraces its roots, and fans of Leonard Cohen and Mark Knopfler will definitely enjoy it.

-Rice B. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Lefty Blues Band's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Monday, July 20, 2009

"Skeptical Optimism" by Rick Wicker (Country Artist from Colorado(CO))

Rick Wicker's bio tells the story of a veteran singer-songwriter who refuses to give up on his passion for music; a sense of purpose that has formed his entire life. Not surprisingly, the title of his CD, "Skeptical Optimism," reflects a wary caution that just may relate to where his music is intended or is hoped, to take him, knowing all the while that what really matters is the journey itself. And this particular journey is by no means unrewarding. Recording at home, Wicker, a gifted guitarist and a singer/songwriter of considerable skill, delivers country-rock reminiscent of Loggins & Messina as heard on "Hurrien Nowhere" or Pure Prairie League heard on "Youniverse," and stretches out on a hook-laden rocker with muscular guitar proficiency on "Hell's Gate." The last of the 4 tracks, "Space Age Kids" blends Byrds-like folk-rock and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young harmonies to perfection, investing the song with the kind of classic but timeless, urgency that continues to make rock and its variant styles both satisfying and vital. Above all, Rick Wicker's "Skeptical Optimism" is an original and compelling work that recalls '70's country-rock influences without copying them and it's an excellent 4-song release that deserves no less than out and out optimism.

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

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Extra Music Magazine Reviews New Morning Grooves CD By Alessandro Bottura

Extra Music Magazine Reviews New Morning Grooves CD By Alessandro Bottura

Shared via AddThis

"Love Revue" by Love Revue (Pop Artist from United Kingdom)

Smart and catchy pop/rock with decidedly Power Pop leanings is the order of the day on the very fine new self-titled CD from Love Revue. Boasting a post-Beatles-inspired sense of melody and pop precision, Love Revue's irresistible hooks have an altogether classic feel despite the contemporary production values that make this 11-song collection a natural for multiple radio formats. CD opener, "Cooking for One," a low-key gem built on a piano and acoustic guitar backing, sets the bar pretty high for the rest of the disc as it recalls the charms of Badfinger at that classic band's best. "Looking for the One" and "Soothe My Soul" more than ably demonstrate Love Revue's rocking side, while "Strip Me" and "Release" is love ballads of the first order. With the triumphant song "Get Along," Love Revue really proves its mettle with a spirited ELO-influenced creation tailor-made for summer radio and summer fun. Love Revue's CD impresses as an album that succeeds on its own merits: a collection of pure pop songs that will sound as good on the car radio as they will at home.

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

"Hip-Hop Rebirth" by J-double-R (Rap Artist from Ontario, Canada)

The solo debut album by J-double-R, "Hip-Hop Rebirth," is one collection of genuine hip-hop tunes that exudes intelligence and current-day relevance. Powerful beats fused with poetic, politically potent lyrics provides a perfect platform for J-double-R's pure talent to manifest itself. Opening with the gripping title track, listeners are immediately introduced to J-double-R's raw and hard-hitting rap style. "Changes (feat. kissroyale)" is a lovely collaboration focusing on the remarkable change and progression symbolized by the election of Obama as president, and displays unforgettable musical hooks. The slower-paced tune dubbed "Inner Thoughts" stands out as an exceptionally well-written and representative of J-double-R's sheer creative intelligence. Topped off with seasoned production, fans of honest, genuine, and prudent hip-hop will thoroughly enjoy this CD.

-Xavier and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out J-double-R's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Monday, July 13, 2009

"Six Songs" by Orange Democracy (Folk Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

"Six Songs" the aptly titled debut release by Orange Democracy, is in fact, exactly that: a 6-song CD but it really is far, far more. With an experimental, if not avant garde, approach to compositions and arrangements that, by turns, incorporate influences ranging from jazz, to classical, to choral music and more. This NY-based quartet's album is a virtual tapestry of its component parts. Classically trained pianist Cyrus von Hochstetter's nimble and inventive chording sets the pace with tuneful and complex jazz/easy listening pieces, upon which the evocative sax of Samir Zarif, and the jazz phrasing of guitarist Ted Boasso, add unpredictable but tasteful embellishment. Carla Jablonski, a seasoned and multi-dimensional vocalist, adds a second voice in spots, maintaining the same standards of musical exploration in harmonies that add yet another, almost grounding aspect to the richly diverse set of songs. "Bitter Rain," with its melancholy sax and worthy harmonies, is a particular highlight, but the subversive "High Heels To Hell" and melancholy "In Remembrance" is no less compelling. The excellent CD, "Six Songs" entails proficient musicality and collectively displays a uniquely sophisticated mix of modernistic songs.

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

Steve Morris touches down with Michael Behm

Steve Morris Guitar Legend

Touches down in Vancouver July 25th to work with Michael Behm on new tracks for up and coming movie about legendary ACDC singer Bon Scott.
Behm will be recording 5 cuts for Dead Famous International to be used in the movie.

“Steve I will be writing together and he will be playing slide on other tracks I am working on for release late in the year. Steve will be signing a Fender Strat to be given away in a contest to be announced.”

Thanks to all who have enjoyed the daily downloads I will be doing a weekly song feature each week starting soon. The track will be free for the week it is featured.

Steve Morris Link
http://www.getreadytorock.com/10questions/steve_morris.htm

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

"Wave It In" by Red Directors (Pop Artist from New York City, New York(NY))

If you like pop/rock with bigger-than-life hooks and sing-along choruses that stick with you long after the last note has drifted off into the night then, Red Directors, delivers the goods on their latest CD, "Wave It In," a ten song collection of highly polished power pop gems. "After Sunday" kicks things off with its infectious, era-spanning sense of melody and drive. It's only one of several highlights though. "Been Around" and "Pretty Good Odds" demonstrate the band's ballads are no less formidable than their best rockers, despite such defining up tempo performances as "Naked in the Kitchen" and "Woken Eye." Elsewhere, they more than ably show they can cover that middle ground between rocker and ballad too, offering up the terrific "Spin" and the endearing "Amazing," each with the same post-Beatles flourish that infuses the entire CD. With such a solid multi-format, pop/rock approach to their sound the "Wave It In" CD by Red Directors is sure to please across generation lines, a tribute to their talent as well as their influences.

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

In a time where noise prevails over silence, Orange Democracy emphasizes the art of listening. Orange Democracy is a New York based band consisting of some of the most prominent and talented young musicians in today’s jazz and classical music field. The project was brought to life by pianist Cyrus von Hochstetter, guitarist Ted Boasso and singer Carla Jablonski. Together they created songs where heartfelt expression and diversity is of foremost importance. Their unique style blends elements of jazz, traditional and experimental songwriting, folk, soul and classical music. The band is dedicated to pushing the envelope and create live shows that pull listeners into the music. Using a not too common combination of acoustic instruments the resulting songs are smart, engaging, experimental yet always simple, melodic and extremely catchy.
Orange Democracy won a Downbeat Student Award for 'Outstanding Performance' in June 09 issue of Downbeat Magazine.

Please check out the new video clip:



Our music can be downloaded for free on www.orangedemocracy.bandcamp.com
CDs are availabe on CD Baby .

Friday, July 3, 2009

Michael Behm News

New Tracks Michael Behm is finishing up new tracks to be mixed at the Warehouse with world class mixer Mike Fraser mid July. The tracks will be on Behm’s up and coming release.
“If I Could learn To Fly” has been picked by Astral Records as the first single to go mainstream radio in Australia slated for Aug. Release.
Michael Behm Speaks and performs at the VIMBC

The Vanouver Island Music Business Conference brought out some great musical minds to share ideas and perform some memorable shows. Hosted by Susie McGregor and Andy Lorimer.
Michael Behm performed with Bill Henderson, Steve McClintock, Ron Irving, Larry Wayne Clarke and Sue Medley in a lively acoustic show at the Sid Williams Theatre.
“I did panels on publishing, internet marketing, song writing and music production. I took some time to write a new track with Ralph Murphy (writer relations ASCAP).”
Friday night brought some memorable laughs at the Voodoo Lounge with Behm reuniting with old friend Brian Howes who hit the stage for a jam session.

Thanks to all that came out!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

"Paypa Workz" by Paypa Boy (Hip-Hop Artist from Virginia(VA))

"Paypa Workz" by Paypa Boy is a high-energy, head-bobbing Hip-Hop/Rap collection fit for the mainstream audience. Distinguished by gripping musical hooks, chest-throbbing bass lines, and catchy lyricism, this CD displays musical skill and production found among the industry's most seasoned players. "Got Work" kicks this record off with the mesmerizing instrumentation and rhymes that define every song. "Paypa Boy" emanates a more relaxed vibe and tempo, while introducing a fitting female-led chorus. Moreover, "Cold Out Here" adopts a theme of street-life, set to the backdrop of a groovy and unforgettable lead melody. All in all, "Paypa Workz" displays musical creativity, highly refined lyricism, and profession production that will compel any fan of hard-hitting Hip-Hop/Rap to select the stereo's "repeat" option.

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