Tag: album review

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews Women in Entertainment

Katie Knipp shows her depth of talent with the release of The Well

In recent years, there has been an increase in the visibility of indie music.  Indie artists are being nominated for and winning major awards like the Grammys, as well as being exposed in television, movies and radio.  Today we explore one of those artists, Katie Knipp, and her latest EP masterpiece, The Well.

Knipp wrote these songs during the turbulent times of 2020, and captured the feelings and frustrations of that period.  She accomplished this feat by working with such talented musicians as Zack Proteau on electric bass and rhythm guitar, Neil Campisano on drums and percussion, Chris Martinez on electric guitar and Otis Mourning on saxophone and clarinet.  She also convinced Mick Martin (harmonica), Justin Au (trumpet), Brandon Au (trombone) and Keith Cotton (Hammond organ) to provide guest instrumentation.  Knipp supplied the vocals, piano, Rhodes, Hammond and dobro guitar to the mix.

We previously featured her first single, “Chamomile and Cocaine,” last July.

The Well debuted last week on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #4, one of the highest debuts ever by an indie artist.  It’s easy to see why.

Artist Name: Katie Knipp

Album Name:   The Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:   Blues

Track Listing:   1.  Sad Eyed Lover; 2.  The Gospel of Good Intentions; 3.  Better Me; 4.  Chamomile and Cocaine; 5.  Bullet Train.

Publicist:  ABIK Radio Promotions

Review:   What can we say.  Her voice is delightful, and perfectly suited to the blues.  Her songwriting chops are some of the finest currently on display anywhere and the chemistry she has with her band members is to die for.   They may call it the blues, but there’s nothing depressing about the quality of sound and music that Knipp exudes.  The EP kicks off with the toe-tapping sound of “Sad Eyed Lover,” and truly takes off from there.  This one is the perfect pairing with the Chicago blues sound made famous by The Blues Brothers.  She takes it back a step with the moody and jazzy sound of “The Gospel of Good Intentions,” before roaring back with the delta blues sound of “Better Me.”  Our favorite cut is “Chamomile and Cocaine,” but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any of these musical gems.  “Bullet Train” just puts an exclamation point on this work of art.

Recommendation:   This is a no-brainer.  You simply MUST add this one to your music collection.  We wouldn’t be surprised to see this one up for Grammy consideration.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

The Cerny Brothers were looking for the good land and found success

On their latest album Looking for the Good Land, Bob and Scott Cerny aka The Cerny Brothers, bring an epic edge to their music, expanding far beyond the folksy acoustic based sound of early albums to embrace the storytelling, supersized hooks and cinematic punch of American rock ‘n roll.   In a recent article by Rolling Stone , their music is described as “Heartland Rock in the vein of working-class heroes John Mellencamp and Tom Petty but distinguished by a power-pop sheen.”

As a result of their recent success, they have been signed to the newly relaunched Cleveland International Records, a label which at one time was run by legendary music business executive Steve Popovich.  Current label owner Steve Popovich, Jr.  announced the signing with these words:  “On behalf of Cleveland International Records, we are beyond excited in welcoming The Cerny Brothers as part of the Cleveland International family.  You’d be hard pressed to find another band with the all -around talent as these two guys.”

The incredible sound of the band should make it easier to pair them up with a tour partner, as they could tour with not only rock or pop acts like Blue October and The Decemberists but also roots and Americana acts like The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and The Devil Makes Three, as well as  quite a few of the top country acts, like Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and others.

The album was tracked by Nathan Meckel and Mark Niemiec, the production duo The Buzz Brothers at Cowboy Jack Clements’ iconic studio, where they  captured a high-energy sound — including Bob’s pounding piano, Scott’s electric guitar, plenty of vocal harmonies, and the insistent heartbeat of a four-on-the-floor kick drum.  The result is an album with plenty of radio-worthy cuts.  In fact, just about every track is worthy of being released as a single, a feat we haven’t seen since the debut album of Sugarland and Shania Twain‘s Come on Over, which sold more than 20 million copies.

The album’s first single, “I Wanna Love You,” is already receiving national airplay and the track can also be heard at American Eagle and Hollister stores across the country.  We think that “Night on the Town” would be a great follow-up single.

Bob and Scott also had a bit to say about the direction of their sound.  “I think deep down, we’ve always wanted to make an American Rock n’ Roll album,” says Scott.  “While our music will always have roots tradition, our new songs were made to be played with the electric guitar and piano.”  Bob adds, “Most of our songs before this album were songs written for acoustic guitar and banjo.  Our last album, Sleeping Giant, started to see the emergence of electric guitar and a more rock edge to our roots sound.  We grew up playing piano, and when we made the decision to buy a keyboard, we started writing songs for the piano and electric guitar and found a new means of expression that tied our adolescence with our lives now.”

“We’re not looking to push any specific ideology,” says Scott. “We’re just making observations about what we’ve seen. Across the  country, whether you’re a musician or a plumber, you’re looking for your piece of the American pie.  Everyone is engaged in their personal politics in search of where they fit in in such a diverse country.”  Bob explains, “We just need to be honest with ourselves. I think we’re all just looking for the good land.”

The bottom line is that this album is perfect from start to finish, and deserves to be played on repeat.  We guarantee you won’t get tired of hearing this amazing album.

The duo is currently on tour with Blues prodigy Cristone Kingfish Ingram. Stream and purchase their new record here.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it (special edition) – Tony Campanella

In all the confusion of New Music Friday, it seems we missed one of the albums we had promised to review, so we are doing this special edition to make up for our oversight.

Artist Name:   Tony Campanella

Album Name:   Taking it to the Streets

Label:  Gulf Coast Records

Genre:   Blues Rock

Track Listing:   1.  Taking it to the Streets; 2.  Pack it Up; 3.  One Foot in the Blues; 4.  You Don’t Know; 5.  Good Morning Little Schoolgirl; 6.  Finger on  Your Trigger; 7.  Mr. Cleanhead; 8.  Checking on my Baby; 9.  Texas Chainsaw; 10.  My Motor’s Running; 11.  Those are the Times

Publicist:   Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Tony Campanella is an incredible electric blues guitarist with an amazing grasp of the genre.  He infuses his blues with electrifying rock and the perfect voice for his well-written blues lyrics.  You can feel his passion in every note, and relate to what he’s talking about.  On “One Foot in the Blues,” he shows that he can sling the traditional blues as well as the late BB King.  He even throws a tribute in for Jimi Hendrix on “Good Morning Little Schoolgirl.”  We also love the jazzy feel of “Mr. Cleanhead” and especially “My Motor’s Running.”  He closes the album perfectly with the traditional sound of “Those are the Times.”  Overall, there is not a weak song on the album, and we plan to listen again and again.

Recommendation:  Don’t even think about it – run out and Get this one today!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

The Chordaes hit the right note with their latest release

Cover art courtesy of Bandcamp

New York City based trio The Chordaes released their latest offering What we Breathe In on February 22 on Riverine Music, and we are so happy to be able to share this amazing EP with you.

The band launched their career in 2014, the culmination of years of musical camaraderie between Leo Sawikin and Ethan Glenn, which began in seventh grade at Churchill School in Manhattan. They added Kevin Foley to the mix and quickly earned the praise of numerous music publications, including Elmore Magazine, which cited their “diverse array of sounds and ideas, inspired by the freewheeling experimentation of Radiohead and late period Beatles while retaining a strictly pop essence.”   They were voted the Best New Alt Rock Artist (NY) in 2015 by Deli Magazine.

As they continue to grow their fan base with regular live performances at NYC spots like Rockwood Music Hall and Mercury Lounge, praise for their music has rolled in.  Substream wrote of In Itinere (their previous EP from 2017) that it was “packed with some of the best low key, guilty pleasure pop-rock jams of the year.”   They received comparable praise from All Things Go Music, who said:  “Burning slowly like the first stages of a fire . . . the New York outfit blends the raw, candid lyricism of early alternative rock with the expertise of classic Americana and doesn’t spill a drop.”

The band used a Wrecking Crew-inspired recording process, led by producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey).  Most of the  instruments were captured live with minimal overdubs, resulting in a timeless sound.  The songs are driven by the insightful songwriting of Sawikin, and are reflective of the struggle of young millenials trying to find their way in today’s culture.  They speak of a rising sense of powerlessness – both in the world and in their own personal relationships.

The album’s infectious, soaring lead single, “Venus,” was mixed by Mark Needham (The Killers, The Revivalists), and is about longing for someone who is out of reach but who holds power over one’s heart.  Sawikin explains:  “The idea of the song is that like two neighboring planets, we are locked in place by forces greater than we are. It’s about being in limbo with someone, being powerless to move closer to or further from them.”

The title track is a true generational anthem and a declaration of our
common humanity in a time when leaders sow fear and hatred. Helping to create the song’s driving sound is mixer Kevin Killen, whose countless credits include U2’s indelible “Pride (In the Name of Love).”  In fact, comparisons to the sound of early U2 would be most appropriate for this amazing collection of songs, which are truly radio friendly and begging for industry attention.

Similarly, they use the sound of British Invasion bands like The Kinks and The Zombies on their track, “Tuesday Afternoon.”  Sawikin’s lyrics are spot on, reflecting the conflicts of everyday living and of needing “some time alone” to sort things out.

There are no weak songs on this EP, and we think that you will want to listen to them over and over again.  The EP closes with “Miles Across the Sea,” which is centered around Sawikin’s 12-string
guitar and piercing vocal.  It is a flat out heartbreaker that explores the perennial question: “Why can’t we master our emotions and simply move on?”

The EP is available for streaming on Spotify and for purchase on Bandcamp and other retailers.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Reviews

DR King shares his life in song

While we usually do our album/EP reviews in the Get it or Forget it format, today we have a very special review of an artist who is currently a featured vocalist on tour with Kelly Clarkson.  His latest EP It’s my Life was released last Friday,

DR King, born Donald Ray King, Jr., is an American recording artist and songwriter from Cleveland, Ohio.  He reached the Top 12 on Season 14 of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Team Kelly Clarkson. His powerhouse vocals and wide range made him a quick fan favorite.  His battle round with Jackie Foster made The Voice history when they became the first two contestants to not be eliminated from the competition after a battle round.  They performed Harry Styles’ “Sign of the Times” and both moved on.  The recording of that battle song landed them at #71 on the iTunes overall Singles chart, just one of three songs from the round to crack the Top 100.  It also reached #22 on the iTunes Pop Singles chart, and received enough viewership to chart on YouTube’s Top Trending videos, days after the performance.  King’s later elimination from the Top 12 was described by The Voice as among “the most shocking eliminations in Voice history.”

Following his appearance on The Voice, King signed with Monocentric Music/ONErpm and released his debut single, an incredibly powerful ballad that featured his battle partner Foster.

That single was followed up with “Gravedigger,” which like his debut single, received critical acclaim.  Both of those singles are included on his debut EP, which also includes the songs “Anyway,” “Crying Alone,” “Your Body” and “Do you Love Me.”

King co-penned all of the songs on It’s My Life with two-time Grammy winning songwriter/producer Marc Swersky (Joe Cocker, Ke$ha, Roger Daltry), and veteran songwriter Brielle Brown.  Swersky also produced the EP, which was recorded live at Shorefire Recording Studios in Long Branch, New Jersey.

The resulting songs are almost visceral in their stance on important social issues and command attention.  For example, “Gravedigger” and “Crying Alone” address the Black Lives Matter movement that King felt was relevant and imperative to address.  “I want to empower the people”, says King.  Although these songs are saturated with layers of soul, rock, pop, and funk, his message is simple and shines through – “Love and value your self-worth.  Always believe in yourself, even when no one else will.”

King and his six siblings grew up in humble beginnings in a poor and highly drug infested neighborhood.  King’s father, a city employee and keyboardist, and his mother, a homemaker, worked hard to shelter the family from the streets by immersing them in after- school programs and the church.  King didn’t fully realize their immense struggle until he came of age.

With roots firmly planted in the church, King began singing at the age of three in his choir.  He honed his skills at the Cleveland School of the Arts in the world-renowned R. Nathaniel Dett Choir and later in the Grammy-nominated Central State University Chorus.  He shared the stage with the world-class Cleveland Orchestra, The Dayton Philharmonic, and sang at the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI.   After graduating from college, King became a high school music teacher in St. John the Baptist Parish in LaPlace, Louisiana before returning to Cleveland to become a first grade teacher at Hope Academies.

Music was the vehicle which allowed King the opportunity to leave Cleveland and travel the world.  He soon relocated to New York City, where he landed background vocalist work with major artists including Eli Paper Boy Reed, Eric Benet, John Ellison, Andy Grammer, Melvin Davis and most recently, 50 Cent.

King was eliminated from The Voice on his coach’s birthday.  He describes the iconic singer as “generous, loving and real.”  The two formed a close camaraderie during the show.  Upon his elimination, Clarkson vowed the two would soon share the stage again.  A few months later, King received the official call to join Clarkson on tour as a featured vocalist.

“Trust your gift,” says King on continuing to create music and share it with the world. “I have to keep fighting and keep on believing. I’m not going to stop.”

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Michael Peterson returns to drink swear steal and lie

Yesterday we shared our interview with country music great Michael Peterson to catch you up on what he’s been up to these past 20 years since he burst onto the country music scene with an album that spawned three #1 hits.

His latest album has just been released, entitled Drink Swear Steal & Lie.  The title track was one of those three earlier hits.  The album was produced by pop songwriting legend Steven McClintock, with the assistance of country music legend Billy Yates, and released on McClintock’s 37 Records label.

Peterson assembled some of the best players in Nashville for this project, including Eddie Bayers on drums, Eli Beaird on bass, Troy Lancaster on electric guitar, Scotty Saunders on steel guitar, Larry Beird on acoustic guitar, Larry Franklin on fiddle and Steven Nathan and Buddy Hyatt on keys.  Michelle Poe, McClintock and Yates provided backing vocals.

Artist Name:   Michael Peterson

Album Name:   Drink Swear Steal & Lie

Label:   37 Records

Genre:   Country

Track Listing:   1.  Lookin for Love; 2.  Wichita Lineman; 3.  The Most Beautiful Girl in the World; 4.  A Boy Named Sue; 5.  Friends in Low Places; 6.  When the Bartender Cries; 7.  Mama’s Don’t let Your Babies Grown up to be Cowboys; 8.  Drink Swear Steal & Lie; 9.  From Here to Eternity; 10.  Too Good to be True; 11.  Borderline; 12.  I’m my own Grandpa (bonus track)

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  Michael Peterson is an award-winning country artist, who hit the top of his game on his first release on Warner/Reprise back in 1997, garnering three #1 hits, and five Billboard Top 40 hits, among other accolades.  He has now joined the ranks of indie artists with his latest album, which has already produced a #2 song (“Lookin for Love”) as well as the current #1 (“Drink Swear Steal & Lie”) on the European charts.  “Lookin for Love” has now been released in the United States as well.

What we love about this album is that Peterson has combined his tunes (including previous #1 hits “Drink Swear Steal & Lie” and “From Here to Eternity” with new songs “When the Bartender Cries,” “Too Good to be True” and “Borderline (written by producer Steven McClintock)) with his interpretations of classic country hits like Johnny Lee’s “Lookin for Love,” Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” Charlie Rich’s “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” Johnny Cash’s “A Boy Named Sue,” Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” and the classic Waylon Jennings/Willie Nelson smash “Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow up to be Cowboys,” which was in itself a cover of the original Ed Bruce tune.  Peterson joins with producer Billy Yates on the duet, which makes this version a classic in its own right.

This is truly an album for all lovers of classic country music, and should easily restore Peterson to the top of his game.  The album even includes a bonus track, featuring Peterson on the classic 1947 Lonzo and Oscar novelty song, “I’m my Own Grandpa,” which was made famous by Ray Stevens.  Peterson’s version was recorded live during his performance at Branson, Missouri.

Recommendation:  You can’t miss with this one.  If you love classic country music, then this one is a MUST for your collection.  Get it today!

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Artists Worth Checking Out Big Sky Documentary Film Festival Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Larry Lacerte, Ghost of You, Lomboy, Marieme, Jamison Isaak

It’s Thursday, and we are so thankful to be able to continually bring you new and exciting indie artists to check out.  We are also so thankful to be able to host one of the biggest documentary film festivals in the country, and are having a blast volunteering in support of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.  Here are five more artists that are worthy of your attention.

Artist Name:  Larry Lacerte

Album Name:  Dreaming of the Ways

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Roots/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Dreaming of the Ways; 2.  Work of Love; 3.  One More Whiskey; 4.  Love me Wrong; 5.  Alone

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We met Larry Lacerte at last year’s Durango Songwriters Expo and were impressed with his style.  He has just released his first studio EP, and it has lived up to the standards he demonstrated at Durango.  It is the perfect cross-over between Roots Rock, Americana and Country, and should do well in any of those formats.  The songs are well crafted and feature the perfect country voice of Lacerte.  We especially love the banjo on “Work of Love,” as well as the amazing slide guitar on “One More Whiskey.”  “Love me Wrong” reminds us of a cross between Jason Aldean and Clint Black.  He closes the all-too-short five-song EP with “Alone,” which reminds us many of our greatest accomplishments happen when we are forging our own way.  We can’t wait for what’s next for this talented indie artist.

Recommendation:  You should definitely Get this one.  It has all the makings of a breakout hit.

Artist Name:  Ghost of You

Album Name:  Black Yoga

Label:  Indies Scope

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Recognize; 2.  Break Into Eden; 3.  Skeleton; 4.  Locust; 5.  Tempest; 6.  Feast; 7.  The Ark Won’t Come; 8.  A Rifle and a Spoon

Publicist:  Indies Scope

Review:  All the way from the Czech Republic comes Ghost of You, who bill themselves as psychedelic art-rock.  We think they are more than that.  The first track, “Recognize” is eerily reminiscent of U2, while “Break into Eden,” with its amazing bass work, and “Skeleton” have more of a techno sound.  In fact, that tag applies to the majority of the album.  This music would do well in the EDM/Dance scene, so DJ’s take notice.  They have accomplished their mission of taking rock into a different arena.  Well done.

Recommendation:  Give these guys a chance, America, and check out the European rock scene.

Artist Name:  Lomboy

Album Name:  Warped Caress

Label:  Cracki Records

Genre:  Dream Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Alien Lady; 2.  Worth to You; 3.  Loverboy; 4.  Love Ain’t got the Groove; 5.  Director’s Paralysis

Publicist:  Practise Music

Review:  Lomboy splits her time between Paris and Tokyo, with backing bands in both cities.  Her music has an 80’s pop feel, reminiscent of Madonna, and is perfect for radio.  Her music is dreamy and airy, with heavenly vocals on top of a dance soundtrack that is just as enjoyable to listen to as it is to dance to.  Her sound is multi-dimensional, with “Alien Lady” being more of a dance track while “Worth to You,” with its stunning flute solos, a very dreamy pop sound that is perfect for chill time.  On “Loverboy,” she incorporates her Japanese influence while the overall track is reminiscent of a cross between Enya and Dido.

Recommendation:  Don’t pass this one up.  Get it today.

Artist Name:  Marieme

Album Name:  Marieme

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Leave; 2.  Be the Change (The Shelter); 3.  Ask for Help

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Senegalese-native Marieme is taking America by storm with her powerful voice and timely, socially-driven lyrics.  Her style is similar to such other powerful artists as Erykah Badu, Billie Holiday and Lauryn Hill.  The emotion behind the lead track, “Leave,” conveys what it was like to leave her native country and come to America to start fresh.  The second track, “Be the Change (The Shelter,” is a moving ballad that compels us to not wait for others to lead the charge for change, but to be the one that does it.  Her final track, “Ask for Help,” is the corresponding call for action.  We feel Marieme has a huge future in this business.

Recommendation:  This is our pick of the month.  Get it immediately.

Artist Name:  Jamison Isaak

Album Name:  EP1

Label:  FLORA

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Sharalee; 2.  Upstairs; 3.  Wind; 4.  More

Publicist:  Auteur Research

Review:  Jamison Isaak has been making music under the monikers Teen Daze, Two Bicycles and Pacific Coliseum for years, but this is his first time recording under his own name.  His music is meditative, reflective and perfect for chilling.  It explores the beauty of piano and pedal steel guitar, and fills the room with such calm that the listener can relax and reflect.  He is already getting critical praise from the likes of NPR, and he lives up to the hype.

Recommendation:  If you enjoy a musical interlude while you meditate, or just appreciate great music, then you must Get this one.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Dan Rodriguez’ album 25 Years celebrates love and friendship

Photo by Lucas Botz Photography

Music industry pro Michael Bland had this to say about Minneapolis-based indie artist Dan Rodriguez:

“I’ve been in this business a long time.  I recognize when somebody has something real.  Dan is a true talent, and seems to be ushering in a new wave of singer/songwriters around the Twin Cities.  I can honestly say I’m excited for the world to hear what he’s got to offer.” 

Fans of the Budweiser commercials have already heard one of his songs, “When You Come Home,” which was used in the very successful 2014 “Friends are Waiting” campaign.  Rodriguez included the single on his 2015 album Come on Home, which was his fourth career recording, which also launched the singles,  “Rum River” and “California.”  That led to successful tours with such indie stalwarts as The Civil Wars, Andy Grammer, Eric Hutchinson, NeedtoBreathe, Tyrone Wells, Haley Reinhart, John McLaughlin and Will Hoge, to name a few.

So, just who is this Dan Rodriguez?  He grew up in Detroit and moved to Minneapolis when he was 18 to pursue and study music.  He liked it so much he stayed because of the fans he was gathering, and the cold weather.  Along the way he got married, had a son, and helps in the family garden and the chicken coop when not touring, writing or recording.  He loves whiskey and beer (who doesn’t), fishing and hunting, motocycle riding and good food.

His latest effort, 25 Years, which was produced by the amazing John Fields, was just released last Friday.  Here’s what we think of the album.

The first thing that hits you is this amazingly smooth voice, so warm and comforting that you immediately accept everything he says at face value.  He has a style similar to that of Andy Grammer meets X Ambassadors, and a similar love story to Grammer’s that comes through the lyrics of the title track, which also leads off this musical journey.  It is the perfect anthem for Valentine’s Day and every other day.

He continues this wonderful romantic journey with the second track, “You Feel Like Home,” before the rock kicks in on the third track, “Fire.”  That song would do well on the radio, as well as make a great candidate for placement in film, television and commercials.  He returns to the truly romantic ballad with “You’re Not Anybody,” the fourth impressive track on the EP.

Track five, “Hero,” is breathtakingly beautiful, with unlimited possibilities for placement and highly deserving of radio airplay.  Rodriguez closes out this all-too-short EP with the instant classic, “Until the End,” which leaves us wanting more of this multi-talented indie artist.  The song has that same impact as Kenny Loggins’ hit, “Whenever I Call You Friend.”

If you want to know more, check out his Facebook page, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube and Spotify channels.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

K-Syran’s latest release is making us ‘Dizzy’

It has been two years since Norwegian artist K-Syran released her last album, Smoke in my Veins.  We interviewed her last year after her single, “Hello” achieved some success on the Billboard chart, and she has been mentioned in four of our Monday Mash-up articles.

When we first heard the U.K. version of her new material, we were not impressed.  Her initial single felt incomplete, like it was recorded unprofessionally in a garage.  The vocals did not seem to be in sync, and the only thing going for the song was its incessant beat, making it a good dance track since no one would be listening to the vocals anyway.

Enter Eric Alexandrakis, critically acclaimed musician and producer.  When he finished remastering the single “Dizzy,” it was completely transformed into a radio ready hit song.  All of the problems we had with the U.K. version had been corrected, and we were beginning to see why K-Syran was becoming such an in-demand performer.

Her new album Dizzy was released in its remastered version on September 29, along with her new single, “Temptation.”  Here’s the music video for that song.

K-Syran also recently hosted  a live event to commemorate World Peace Day on September 21.

Artist Name:   K-Syran

Album Name:   Dizzy

Label:   Intimacy Records

Genre:   Pop/dance

Track Listing:   1.  Dizzy; 2.  Temptation; 3.  Skin; 4.  Hudson River; 5.  Staring at the Wall; 6.  Show Me; 7.  My Angel Tonight; 8.  LA; 9.  Call out my Name; 10.  Peace Song

Publicist:   Jennifer Allison Publicity

Review:  K-Syran is not just a creator of dance music.  A thorough listen to her latest album, Dizzy, will attest.  Her songs are well written, and help propel her beyond her dance music beginnings.  The first two tracks have both been released as singles, and we think that there is other material on the album that would also make good singles, including “Skin.”  The songwriting skills have definitely improved, possibly as a result of K-Syran’s desire to be an activist for change, as indicated in her song “Peace.”  Other songs that caught our interest include “Staring at the Wall,” “Show Me,” “My Angel Tonight,” “LA” and “Call out my Name.”

Recommendation:  Kudos to collaborators Phillip Larsen and Chris Smith of Manhatten Clique on their work on this album.  We recommend that you grab this one, and also check out her live performances at her upcoming CD release shows in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Frank Shiner returns with a new smoothness

Frank Shiner, a performer from New York, is the latest addition to the roster of amazing “blue-eyed soul” singers.  His silky smooth vocals and his ability to uncover the magic in old standards would make even ‘ole blue eyes’ smile.  In his own words:  “I don’t do ‘covers,’ I reinterpret songs.  If I can’t put my own spin on something, I won’t do it.”

Without question, Shiner, already a winner of two LA Music Critic Awards, clearly demonstrates his finely-honed ability to put his own unique stamp on songs previously recorded by others.  On his sophomore album, Lonely Town, Lonely Street, he turns in otherworldly performances on songs previously made famous by such artists as The Young Rascals, Brook Benton, Sam & Dave, Elton John, Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway with an amazing collection of 12 songs written by such legendary songwriters as Randy Newman, Doc Pomus, Isaac Hayes & David Porter and Tony Joe White, among others. 

 “I decided to do ‘blue-eyed soul’ for my second album,” explains the New York resident, using a term that was first coined by renowned black radio personality Georgie Woods in the mid-‘60s when referencing The Righteous Brothers.  “I’ve always been intrigued by and loved the genre which has really morphed into including artists like my heroes Hall & Oates, Amy Winehouse and others.”

Shiner kicks off the record with a truly heartbreaking rendition of “How Can I Be Sure,” the Young Rascals’ smash 1967 hit, which has drawn praise from Gene Cornish, the Rascals’ guitarist. In fact, Cornish was so impressed that he joined Shiner on stage during a sold out show at New York’s Cutting Room.  Shiner follows that tune with an Al Green-worthy interpretation of the R&B classic, “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know,” written by Al Kooper of Blood, Sweat & Tears and most famously recorded by Donny Hathaway.  Shiner channels his inner-Van Morrison in his version of the songwriter’s “I Will be There,” complete with a jazz score that will knock your socks off, before returning to the classic sounds of Hall & Oates with a haunting performance of “She’s Gone.” 

Track 5 is a soulful and passionate take on Randy Newman’s “Guilty,” (previously recorded by Bonnie Raitt), which Shiner knocks out of the park, before Track 6 gives us the instant classic “Rainy Night in Georgia.”  The title track follows, a Bill Withers’ written, lesser known tune that was included on the same album that gave us “Ain’t No Sunshine.” 

Rounding out the second set of four aka track 8 is “When Something is Wrong With My Baby,” originally recorded back in 1967 by Sam and Dave, and written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter.  “I did it as a duet with (award-winning vocalist) Leslie Mendelson – which has been done before by Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt.  Like everything else on the album, it was done live in the studio – and literally, Leslie and I sang looking at each other, picking up on each other’s tones, mirroring each other’s riffs. It was wonderful.”  Shiner’s version is one of our favorite moments on the album, and we think should be released as the next single. 

Shiner brings it all home with his final four songs, an electic lot including  Amy Winehouse’s “Love is a Losing Game,” Justin Timberlake’s “Drink You Away,” Elton John’s “Shine on Through,” and Harry Connick, Jr.’s “There is Always One More Time,” written by Ken Hirsch and Doc Promus.

The album is produced by 12-time Grammy winning producer Jay Newland, who also handpicked some of the best musicians possible for the album.  Those musicians include keyboardist and arranger Glenn Patscha (Roger Waters, Marc Cohn, Bettye Lavette, Sheryl Crow & Willie Nelson), guitarist Sherrod Barnes (Roberta Flack & Whitney Houston), drummer Dan Rieser (Marcy Playground, Rosanne Cash, Norah Jones), saxophonist Andy Snitzer (Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones) and bassist Zev Katz (Jeff Beck, Carole King, Lady Gaga & James Taylor).   

Shiner sums up the album with these words:  “I’m loving every second of what I’m doing now.  I just want to do more of this . . . performing and recording, and if this album goes somewhere, well, that’s the cherry on top of the sundae . . . but I’ve already got the sundae!  The greatest compliment I get when I perform is when audience members tell me they can see the total bliss and total joy I have onstage and how I made it fun for them too.  The minute I lose that, it’s time to stop.”  

We don’t see that happening anytime soon.  This album is a definite “Get It” and we strongly recommend you grab it by any means necessary.  In addition, we strongly encourage you to experience Shiner live, if he plays anywhere within driving distance of you.

Special thanks to Jen Lyneis and David Nathan for the incredible press release and background information.