And the quest to complete 2017 review requests continues with another five for you today, including the spectacular live release by the one and only Kansas. I know we normally don’t review major label acts, but who could pass up the opportunity to review one of the greatest bands ever? We think you’ll understand when you check it out. Here we go.
Artist Name: Tommy Emmanuel and David Grisman
Album Name: Pickin’
Label: Acoustic Disc Records
Genre: Bluegrass
Track Listing: 1. Zorro’s Last Ride; 2. Cinderella’s Fella; 3. CGP & Dawg; 4. Farm & Fun Time; 5. Newly Wedding; 6. Sweet Georgia Brown; 7. Standing Rock; 8. Dawg’s Waltz; 9. Tipsy Gypsy; 10. Tracy’s Tune; 11. Port Townsend Blues; 12. Waltzing Matilda
Publicist: MSO PR
Review: Two of the world’s premier musicians, guitarist Tommy Emmanuel aka CGP and mandolinist David Grisman aka Dawg have combined their talents on this amazing album of acoustic and bluegrass originals and covers. This is the album for true music lovers, especially those who love the sound of guitar picking and mandolin. This album is a total treat from start to finish. We especially love the covers of “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Waltzing Matilda,” and their original “Tipsy Gypsy,” but you can’t go wrong with any song on this album.
Recommendation: If you truly love the art of making music, then this album is a must-have. Get it now!
Artist Name: Robert Francis
Album Name: Indian Summer
Label: Aeronaut Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. The Brand; 2. Burn Out; 3. Goldwing; 4. Unspoken Rule; 5. This Old House; 6. Forgiveness is a Destination; 7. The Magic; 8. Modoc County; 9. Joseph Campau; 10. Dark Windows; 11. Shots Ring Out; 12. Indian Summer; 13. Flatlining
Publicist: Perpetual Media Relations
Review: One of the things that makes this album from Robert Francis stand out is that he played every instrument on the album, and also produced it along with Marc Gabor. This is a rare trait in musicians. There are a lot of multi-instrumentalists out there, but few who can write, sing and play all the necessary instruments. The music has a 60’s vibe with strong influence from Jim Morrison and The Doors, making these extremely well written songs all the more worthy of industry attention. These songs go well as a musical backdrop for a weekend party, especially for us baby boomers. Best tracks include “Burn Out,” “Goldwing,” “Unspoken Rule,” “This Old House,” “The Magic,” “Modoc County,” “Joseph Campau,” “Dark Windows,” and “Indian Summer.”
Recommendation: An amazing effort from an amazing musician – definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: Kansas
Album Name: Leftoverture Live & Beyond
Label: Inside Out Music
Genre: Classic Rock/Prog Rock
Track Listing: 1. Icarus II; 2. Icarus; 3. Point of Know Return; 4. Paradox; 5. Journey from Mariabronn; 6. Lamplight Symphony; 7. Dust in the Wind; 8. Rhythm in the Spirit; 9. The Voyage of Eight Eighteen; 10. Section 60; 11. Carry on Wayward Son; 12. The Wall; 13. What’s on my Mind; 14. Miracles out of Nowhere; 15. Opus Insert; 16. Questions of my Childhood; 17. Cheyenne Anthem; 18. Magnum Opus; 19. Portrait (He Knew)
Publicist: Big Picture Media
Review: Kansas has been a mainstay in rock music for almost a half-century, and was one of the pioneers of prog rock. It is only fitting that they recorded their concert tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of their seminal and best selling album, Leftoverture. Producer Jeff Glixman, who also produced the original album, pulled these 19 songs from 12 different shows that were recorded during the tour. The songs include some of the band’s greatest hits, deep cuts not previously played live, tunes from their last studio album The Prelude Implicit, as well as the entirety of Leftoverture. The result is a little slice of audio heaven that is sure to bring back memories for those of us who have been around to see this band develop into one of the greatest bands ever. Steve Walsh and Kerry Livgren, the band’s principle songwriters, have given so much to rock and roll and music in general, and this live album proves that Kansas is still as great today as they were when they formed back in 1973.
Recommendation: Don’t even think about it – you simply must Get your copy today!
Artist Name: Leslie Clio
Album Name: Purple Unplugged
Label: Embassy of Music
Genre: Soul/Pop
Track Listing: 1. Survivor; 2. Game Changer; 3. Lies are Gold; 4. Why Cry; 5. Riot
Publicist: Guerilla Music Promotion
Review: Tackling a cover by Destiny Child is a daunting task for the most seasoned vocalist, yet Leslie Clio pulls it off without a hitch. We like her laid-back approach to “Survivor” and lyrical updates and think this is just the icing on the cake that is the potential for Clio. Her keys and vocal arrangement of “Game Changer” is just that, and barely prepares you for the amazing conclusion of the track. “Lies of Gold” is a haunting R&B masterpiece that would be perfect for placement in television or film. “Why Cry” and “Riot” are both deserving of radio airplay now, and are reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson. This is an artist to keep an eye on, because she has the chops to soon stand shoulder to shoulder with Beyoncé and Clarkson.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: King Park
Album Name: The Light I Can’t See
Label: Self-released
Genre: Alternative Rock
Track Listing: 1. Stay; 2. Grey; 3. Words; 4. Him
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: With a rousing rock sound like Linkin Park meets Soundgarten and Blue October. King Park is a band that possesses strong writing skills, raw and emotional vocals, and a message that will resound and resonate long after the song has ended. All four songs are memorable, and even music lovers who don’t necessarily dig alternative rock should find something they like in their sound. The lyrics are so well crafted and delivered that they could stand alone as poetry, and the rocking accompaniment implants the words in your brain, creating an earwig that won’t die. In our humble opinion, these guys are Grammy bound, and should soon dominate the alternative rock community.
Recommendation: We highly recommend that you get up and Get this one!