Happy Thursday. We got more snow yesterday but the sun is expected to come out today and melt it all away. Jon Tester was able to overcome the local Nazi and get reelected as our Senator, so we still have a voice of reason and a friend of veterans in Washington. Good thing we also have some great music to share with you today, so get ready for some good vibes.
Artist Name: Dave Keller
Album Name: Every Soul’s a Star
Label: Catfood Records
Genre: Blues/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Don’t let Them Take Your Joy; 2. Every Soul’s a Star; 3. Baby, I Love You; 4. Old Tricks; 5. You Bring the Sunshine; 6. Freedom is Ours; 7. This is Gonna Hurt; 8. It’s all in Your Eyes; 9. Kiss me Like you Miss Me; 10. When are you Gonna Cry?; 11. Ain’t Givin’ In
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: This album is amazing from the first note, and only gets better as it progresses through each incredible track. The soulful voice of Dave Keller combines with amazing harmonies from his background singers, joyful horns, elements of funky piano and upbeat lyrics to form some of the happiest blues you have ever heard, especially on the title track. His style can best be described as Boz Scaggs meets Al Green. We also adore his cover of the 1967 mega soul hit, “Baby, I Love You.” You can’t go wrong with this one, as it should appeal to just above everyone’s musical tastes.
Recommendation: You simply must Get this one!
Artist Name: Roland White and Friends
Album Name: A Tribute to the Kentucky Colonels
Label: Crossroads Music
Genre: Bluegrass
Track Listing: 1. If You’re Ever Gonna Love Me; 2. Nine Pound Hammer; 3. I am a Pilgrim; 4. Little White Washed Chimney; 5. Listen to the Mockingbird; 6. Clinch Mountain Blackstep; 7. Roll in my Sweet Baby’s Arms; 8. Soldier’s Joy – Ragtime Annie; 9. Why you Been Gone so Long; 10. Alabama Jubilee; 11. I Might Take you Back; 12. Farewell Blues
Publicist: Crossroads Music
Review: Roland White has long been one of the best mandolin players in bluegrass, and on this amazing album has gathered many of the best players and singers in Nashville today to pay homage to the legacy of The Kentucky Colonels, which White formed in 1954. These young players, while mostly unknown, respect the legacy of bluegrass music, and perfectly capture the sound of The Colonels, creating new and memorable versions of these classic songs, including one of my all-time favorites, “Roll in my Sweet Baby’s Arms.” It is no wonder that White was recently inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. If you are a bluegrass fan, then this album is a must have.
Recommendation: Definitely Get it!
Artist Name: Thurston Moore
Album Name: Klangfarbenmelodie … And the Colorist Strikes Primitiv
Label: Glass Modern
Genre: Freeform Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Klangfarbenmelodie … And the Colorist Strikes Primitiv (Part 1); 2. Klangfarbenmelodie … And the Colorist Strikes Primitiv (Part 2); Phase II
Publicist: Heapsaflash
Review: Thurston Moore played guitar in Sonic Youth, and is re-releasing this 1995 album which was previously only available in New Zealand. On this album, recorded live from a show in 1994, he joins with free jazz drummer Tom Sturgal to create a from of jazz seldom heard in the States. It layers amazing guitar on top of perfect jazz drums to form this style that may not appeal to most jazz lovers. However, if you can get beyond the piercing noise of the guitar, we think you just might enjoy it.
Recommendation: Worth checking out.
Artist Name: Katie Knipp
Album Name: Take it With You
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Ya Make it Hard to Sing the Blues; 2. I Don’t Sing for You; 3. Letters; 4. Metro in Paris; 5. I Will Stick Around; 6. Come Back; 7. Get Outta my Dream; 8. Santa Cruz Blues; 9. Another Round; 10. Last Man Out
Publicist: ABIK Radio Promotions
Review: Katie Knipp has the voice of Janis Joplin and the power of Aretha Franklin, combined with a killer group of musicians that know how to rock. Her version of blues is raw and gritty, and she’s comfortable with a myriad of musical influences in her underlying soundtrack. The heavy use of resonator guitar on the first track and a climatic bass line on the second track announce to the world that this lady can sing any style she wants. There isn’t a weak track on the album, and quite frankly, this one is the perfect candidate for the repeat button.
Recommendation: You need this one in your collection, so go out and Get it.
Artist Name: Tellico
Album Name: Woven Waters
Label: Organic Records
Genre: Roots/Folk/Bluegrass
Track Listing: 1. Courage for the Morning; 2. Palisades; 3. Ballad of Zona Abston; 4. Salsa; 5. Fill the Air; 6. West of the Cumberlands; 7. New Moon; 8. It’s Just Pain; 9. Like November
Publicist: Crossroads Music
Review: Based in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, Tellico combines the best of folk, bluegrass and country to form their own unique version of roots music. The harmonies are tight, the mandolin is crisp, the harmonica is right on and the music will get your toes tapping while the intelligent lyrics will appeal to your love of storytelling. Best songs include “Ballad of Zona Abston,” “Salsa,” “West of the Cumberlands,” “New Moon,” and “Like November.”
Recommendation: We highly recommend you Get this one – you won’t regret it.