Happy Yellow Shirt Tuesday. Today we wear yellow to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention, and one of our reviews today is dedicated to healing the soul. Check it out, along with four others and have a wonderful week.
Artist Name: Grand Marquis
Album Name: Brighter Days
Label: Grand Marquis Music
Genre: Jazz/Blues
Track Listing: 1. Another Lover; 2. Brighter Days; 3. I’m on Fire; 4. Night Shift; 5. It Don’t Matter; 6. Ain’t no Spark; 7. Bad Seed; 8. Many Rivers to Cross; 9. Down by the Riverside
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: This amazing six-piece band was formed in Kansas City in 1998, and over the last 20 years, they have released a total of eight albums, including their latest Brighter Days. Their music exemplifies the best of jazz, swing and blues with a timeless sound that could have been lifted straight from a 1920’s speakeasy. The first seven tracks are originals, while “Many Rivers to Cross” is a stirring cover of the Jimmy Cliff 1969 classic, and “Down by the Riverside” is a gospel standard. Bryan Richmond’s lead vocals are meaty and perfectly suited to the music. What really sets this band apart are those amazing horns, featuring Chad Boydston on trumpet, Ben Ruth on sousaphone, Trevor Turla on trombone and Redmond on soprano, alto, tenor and baritone sax, as well as the equally amazing rhythm section of Ruth on upright bass and Fritz Hutchinson on drums. That becomes immediately evident on “Another Lover,” and continues throughout the album. The blues, with amazing slide guitar, come to the front on the title cut, and will have you jumping up, shouting “I Believe!” Just put this album on repeat and enjoy!
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer – Get it NOW!
Artist Name: Bob Crain
Album Name: Live @ The Folk Barn
Label: Self-released
Genre: Folk Rock
Track Listing: 1. Pacific Nature; 2. Fossil Fuels; 3. Last of the Old Folk Rockers; 4. Profits in War; 5. Texas Text Book Massacre; 6. Retirement Homes for Nuclear Weapons; 7. Hippie Ghost Dance; 8. Thanks for Having Me; 9. The Gold Rush of 2000; 10. Closing; 11. The Meaning of This Song
Publicist: Be Sharp Music
Review: Melbourne-based folk rock singer-songwriter Bob Crain brings us the sound of his live California performance on this release. He is a natural storyteller, and his songs bring us the Australian equivalent of Woody Guthrie. He tackles a multitude of relevant issues, including the environment, fossil fuels, war and peace, nuclear weapons and more in these modern day folk songs. His tone is instructional and his style is laid-back, making it easier to take his messages to heart.
Recommendation: If causes are your passion, then you should definitely check out this one.
Artist Name: David Gerald
Album Name: N2U
Label: David Gerald Enterprises
Genre: Blues Rock
Track Listing: 1. Baddest Girl in Town; 2. Do it all Again; 3. Don’t Wanna Fall in Love; 4. Hug You Squeeze You (live); 5. N2U; 6. Need You Like Now; 7. State of Emergency; 8. Things I Wanna Do; 9. Willie the Wimp (live); 10. You Belong with Me
Publicist: Powderfinger Promotions
Review: His vocals are soulful, reminiscent of Murray Head, who portrayed Judas in the original Broadway cast of Jesus Christ Superstar. His guitar playing is equally impressive, as is the fact that he personally played every instrument on this album, as well as doing the mixing and recording. His efforts have paid off handsomely with this sterling album of original tunes, mixing blues, rock and soul into a perfect blend. This album is worthy of industry attention, and would make a great soundtrack for a multitude of television, film and commercial placement. There is not a weak song on the album, and it is worthy of repeated plays. Check out the guitar shredding on “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love,” as well as the live tunes “Hug You Squeeze You” and “Willie the Wimp.”
Recommendation: Get this one now!
Artist Name: Elin K
Album Name: Still Your Desire
Label: Musichelp
Genre: Electronic Pop
Track Listing: 1. Living Me; 2. Inside my Mind; 3. Still Your Desire
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: We simply love these sweeping pop songs. Elin K has a voice similar to Lady Gaga meets Enya, and her musical accompaniment fills up the air, perfectly supporting that voice. These songs are ripe for dance remixes, and would make great placements for film or television. We believe we will be hearing a lot more from this amazing artist in the future, and are more than happy to be standard bearers for her talent. We can’t wait to hear what comes next, because this short 3-song EP barely whet our appetite.
Recommendation: Join this bandwagon. Get it now and spread the word.
Artist Name: Various
Album Name: Worth of Souls
Label: Stone Angel Music
Genre: Contemporary Christian
Track Listing: 1. Come as you Are (Kenz Hall); 2. Oceans (Jordan Moyes and Ashley Hess); 3. Lift me Out (Ellee Duke); 4. That Mountain (Charley Jenkins); 5. How can it Be? (Sierra Lauren); 6. O Glorious Day (Jordan Moyes); 7. The Homecoming (Jim Daneker); 8. Tears of the Saints (Trevor Price); 9. Lay it Down (Ashley Hess); 10. Redeemed (Justin Williams); 11. Push and Pull (Emily Bea); 12. He Knows What He’s Doing (Charley Jenkins); 13. Worth of Souls (Ashley Hess)
Publicist: Morris Public Relations
Review: World-renowned pianist, composer and producer Paul Cardall has amassed 13 Contemporary Christian songs performed by some of today’s fresh new voices into a project with the aim to fight depression by restoring confidence and anchoring our hope in a kind and loving Lord. Working with co-producer Trevor Price (who also sings “Tears of the Saints”), the album is released on Cardall’s label, Stone Angel Music. Among the artists performing on this album are American Idol participant Kenz Hall, Jordan Moyes, Ashley Hess, Ellee Duke, Charley Jenkins, Sierra Lauren, Jim Daneker, Justin Williams and Emily Bea. This album is a must-have for everyone who struggles with depression, or sometimes feels lonely or lost. We believe healing lies in these 13 songs, and they are great for worship as well. We especially loved “Lift me Out,” “That Mountain,” “How Can it Be?,” “The Homecoming,” “Tears of the Saints,” “Lay it Down,” “Push and Pull,” “He Knows What He’s Doing,” and the title track.
Recommendation: We strongly recommend you GET this one ASAP and put it on repeat when those feelings of depression or loneliness come.