Happy hump day! We are so excited because in less than 48 hours, we will be on a plane heading to God’s country – North Carolina – for a family reunion. It’s been far too long since I’ve been home, and the chance to introduce my wife to my extended family and see where I grew up. In the meantime, we still have a lot of music to share, so here are five artists to get you through the mid-point of the week.
Artist Name: The Fisherman & The Sea
Album Name: I Can’t Alone
Label: Neck of the Woods Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. Skinny Dip; 2. Ugly; 3. Naive (ft Emppu Suhonen); 4. Reptile (ft Sanna K); 5. A Man With no Dance
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This is the third EP we have reviewed from The Fisherman & The Sea since November 2017, and they continue to impress. While we enjoy these frequent short EPs, we wish they would give us a full length album as well. They have created some of the best indie rock music from the international community, and are a shining beacon to the rest of their community that America is listening, and is ready for them to make a solid attack on our American radio scene. This is by far the best of the three EPs so far, and we can’t wait to see what’s next. Our favorite tracks include “Ugly,” “Naive,” and “A Man With no Dance.”
Recommendation: If you only get one of their EPs, then this is the one to Get (although we think you should get them all)!
Artist Name: Mattson 2
Album Name: A Love Supreme
Label: Spiritual Pajamas
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Acknowledgement; 2. Resolution; 3. Interlude; 4. Pursuance; 5. Psalm
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Identical twins Jared and Jonathan Mattson bring us a remarkable re-imagining of John Coltrane‘s classic album A Love Supreme. That is tantamount to spitting in the face of God for some jazz lovers, but trust us when we say that the Mattson twins deliver a stunning performance of this revered masterpiece. As someone who spent a lot of time in the jazz world, and heard many of the best perform live, Mattson 2 is definitely worthy of the right to record this jazz master, and up to the task of delivering some of the finest jazz we have heard in many years.
Recommendation: This one is a no-brainer. If you love jazz, and Coltrane in particular, you owe it to yourself to Get this one today!
Artist Name: Damon Fowler
Album Name: The Whiskey Bayou Session
Label: Whiskey Bayou Records
Genre: Blues/Roots/Rock
Track Listing: 1. It Came out of Nowhere; 2. Fairweather Friend; 3. Hold me Tight; 4. Up the Line; 5. Ain’t Gonna Rock With you no More; 6. Closer Walk With Thee; 7. Pour Me; 8. Holiday; 9. Running out of Time; 10. Candy; 11. Florida Baby
Publicist: Rick Lusher
Review: Damon Fowler recorded his first album at the age of 19, and is releasing his first album on Tab Benoit’s new label, Whiskey Bayou Records. This is his first studio album in four years, and it was definitely worth the wait. He has definitely hit the road runnning with these songs, and only strengthens his legacy as a blues master. The album is currently sitting at #1 on the Roots Music Report, where it has been for the past three weeks, so trust us when we tell you it IS just that good! We especially love his cover of the Johnny Nash classic “Hold me Tight,” as well as the gospel song, “Closer Walk with Thee.” Add to that the amazing original compositions, and you have the makings of one of the best blues albums of 2018.
Recommendation: This is the type of album that will make blues fans out of any one. Get it now!
Artist Name: Valerio Lysander
Album Name: We are like Coloured Moths Towards the Sunlight
Label: Self-released
Genre: Baroque Pop
Track Listing: 1. The Moon; 2. Feathers; 3. If you Were me you Would Be; 4. A Little Foot; 5. The Prince; 6. Comme Une Rivière; 7. Cotton; 8. Ryan; 9. I’m Screwed; 10. Little People; 11. Fools; 12. Hymn; 13. Le Stelle de lu Cielo
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: We are sure this is the most unique album we have heard from the UK, and we love it. It is uplifting, with the feeling of having an entire orchestra with an amazing vocalist who also wrote these incredible songs. This is the album to lift your spirits whenever you are feeling down, as it is impossible not to feel better when listening to these amazing songs. It is also the only singer-songwriter album you need if you love show tunes, as these songs have the same feeling and would make a great foundation for a new musical.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: Steven Blane
Album Name: So New York
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz Singer-songwriter
Track Listing: 1. Bum’s Rush; 2. Gaslight; 3. Too Beautiful for Words; 4. Central Park; 5. Smoke and Mirrors; 6. So New York; 7. Daylight Savings Time Moon; 8. On Bleeker Street; 9. New York is my Girlfriend; 10. Sidewalks of New York
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: As a huge fan of Neil Diamond‘s The Jazz Singer, I always marveled at his ability to go from a cantor to a pop singer. Well, as often happens, life imitates art. Steven Blane is a rabbi and cantor, as well as a singer-songwriter. Although he normally writes in the Americana/roots/folk/country style, this homage to his beloved New York City is more Frank Sinatra than Chris Stapleton. It is a lovely tribute to the Big Apple, and would have impressed ole blues eyes himself. We absolutely adore the easy listening sound, and think that Blane is a perfect fit in this genre.
Recommendation: Regardless of your musical tastes, this one is a classic, and belongs in your music library. Get it.