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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Old Sea Brigade, Balsam Range, NIIGHTS, Danny Lynn Wilson, Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles

**EDITOR’S NOTE:  This article was started on Friday but not completed until Saturday.**

Happy Friday.  We’ve got some great albums for you that have all been released this month, including the latest from Tommy Emmanuel and John Knowles, which dropped today.  Enjoy this amazing collection.

Artist NameOld Sea Brigade

Album NameOde to a Friend

Label:  Nettwerk Records

Genre:  Indie Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Sinkhole; 2.  Seen a Ghost; 3.  Feel You; 4.  Resistance; 5.  Hope; 6.  Stay Up; 7.  Western Eyes; 8.  Straight Through the Sun; 9.  Want it Again; 10.  Cigarette; 11.  Ode to a Friend

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Nashville-based and Atlanta-born singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Old Sea Brigade has just released his debut full length album on Nettwerk Records.  His sound is a cross between Mumford & Sons and the Plain White T’s, with immense cross-over appeal for mainstream radio.  The songs are personal but universal, and should appeal to just about every music lover.  This is an album that is great from start to finish, with no weak or filler tracks.  Best tracks include “Seen a Ghost,” “Resistance,” “Hope,” “Western Eyes,” “Straight Through the Sun,””Want it Again” and the title track.

Recommendation:  Simply a masterpiece – go Get it today!

Artist Name Balsam Range

Album NameAeonic

Label:  Crossroads Label

Genre:  Bluegrass/Country

Track Listing:  1.  The Girl who Invented the Wheel; 2.  Tumbleweed Town; 3.  The Rambler; 4.  Get me Gone; 5.  Hobo Blues; 6.  Help me to Hold On; 7.  Let my Life be a Light; 8.  My Cross to Bear; 9.  Graveyard Blues; 10.  Angel too Soon; 11.  If I Needed Someone

Publicist:  Crossroads Music

Review:  We introduced you to this band back in December 2017 when they released an amazing Christmas album that earned them a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards.  This time around, they deliver 11 piping hot bluegrass tunes that feature the dynamic acoustic sound of bluegrass, along with amazing vocals and harmonies that you can sink your teeth into.  The songwriting is masterful, and the lyrics will evoke a myriad of emotions in their listeners.  We really love their bluesy songs “Hobo Blues” and “Graveyard Blues” for a truly unique take on the blues.   You can’t miss with this sterling collection of bluegrass tunes.  Put it on repeat.

Recommendation:  If you love bluegrass, this is the album for you.  It is required listening and belongs in your collection, so go Get it!

Artist NameNIIGHTS

Album NameHellebores Part One

Label:  Tragic Hero Records

Genre:  Alt Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Generator; 3.  So Into You; 4.  Trail of Blood; 5.  Stars; 6.  Keyhole

Publicist:  Tragic Hero Music Group

ReviewJenna Fournier and her band, NIIGHTS, have been working on this project for the past three years, and are releasing it in two parts.  Part 1 came out on January 4, and Part 2 will be released on February 15.  “Intro” is just that – an amazing aural gift that sets the stage for what follows.  On the next track, “Generator,” we are treated to the crystal clear and soaring vocals of Fournier, which rise to the stratosphere and lift this band’s music out of this world.  They also establish Fournier as one of the best and most memorable voices in rock music, right up there with Evanescence‘s Amy Lee.  The third track, “So Into You,” is a break-out hit that belongs on the radio.  “Trail of Blood” would make a great placement choice for television police procedurals.  In fact, every song on this part of the album should be considered by music supervisors for potential placement in television and film.  The link for “Stars” didn’t work, but “Keyhole” is another amazing song that is the perfect cliffhanger, leaving us itching for Part 2.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one and put February 15 on your calendar to grab Part 2.

One Sheet

Artist NameDanny Lynn Wilson

Album Name Peace of Mind

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Americana

Track Listing:  1.  When Will the Loving Start; 2.  Sympathy for Your Man; 3.  Peace of Mind; 4.  Long Way Home; 5.  Love Only You; 6.  Middle Class Blues; 7.  Shine is Off; 8.  Arkansas Trotter; 9.  High Water; 10.  No Wales; 11.  Fuss ‘n Fight; 12.  Too Many Hounds; 13.  Galway Bay

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Danny Lynn Wilson’s solo release Peace of Mind has the simple easy-going style of great singer-songwriters.  His gravelly voice fits perfectly with the lyric-driven songs, soothing the soul of his listeners, reminiscent of the best of Kris Kristoffersen.  These are songs that are memorable and will stay with the listener long after the track ends.  Every song is worthy of repeated listens, so enjoy these timeless tracks.

Recommendation:  Definitely Get this one.

Artist NameTommy Emmanuel and John Knowles

Album Name:  Heart Songs

Label:  CGP Sounds/Thirty Tigers

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Cold, Cold Heart; 2.  How Deep is Your Love; 3.  I Can’t Stop Loving You; 4.  Somewhere; 5.  I can let go Now; 6.  Lullabye (Goodnight, my Angel); 7.  After Paris; 8.  Walkin’ my Baby Back Home; 9.  I Can’t Make you Love Me; 10.  Where is Love; 11.  He Ain’t Heavy, He’s my Brother; 12.  Eva Waits; 13.  Turning Home (live); 14.  How Deep is Your Love (live)

Publicist:  MSO PR

Review:  We have previously reviewed Tommy Emmanuel twice in this column.  The first one was an album with David Grisman that earned him a win for Best Bluegrass Artist in the LA Music Critic Awards.  The second time was a series of duets with some of the best musicians in the Americana and bluegrass genre.  This time around he turns in an amazing instrumental album with John Knowles which features 10 covers ranging from Broadway tunes to country legends, two originals and two live recordings.  FYI, Emmanuel and Knowles are two of only three Certified Guitar Players (“CGP”), a designation given them by the late great Chet Atkins.  This music will truly soothe your soul as the sweet tones wash away your cares.  Keep this one playing throughout your day, or use it to relax after a tough day.  You will want to play them again and again.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one and put it on repeat.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews Women in Entertainment

Holiday edition get it or forget it – Balsam Range, Jennifer Hanson, Bloodshot Records, Katie Garibaldi, Beth Marie Anderson

Almost forgot to share these new holiday albums with you.  We’ve received a lot of singles, and we’ve tried to share them via Monday Mashup, but still need to review these five new Christmas Albums.  Enjoy the spirit of the holiday.

Artist Name:   Balsam Range

Album Name It’s Christmas Time

Label:   Mountain Home Music Company

Genre:   Bluegrass

Track Listing:   1.  Christmas Lullaby; 2.  The First Noel; 3.  Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree; 4.  I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time; 5.  Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing; 6.  Jingle Bells

Publicist:   So Much MOORE Media

Review:  We love holiday tunes, and haven’t heard a lot of bluegrass arrangements.  We enjoyed Balsam Range’s interpretations of these classic holiday tunes, especially “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”  We are so happy to have a new version because we are tired of the original one.  We also love the banjo and fiddle on the Ralph Stanley/Michael Kelley tune “I’m Going Home, It’s Christmas Time.”  Thanks for brightening up our Christmas season.

Recommendation:  This one is a worthy addition to your holiday collection.  We recommend you Get it!

Artist Name Jennifer Hanson

Album Name Under the Tree

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop Country

Track Listing:  1.  Only Thing I Really Need; 2.  Under the Tree; 3.  Interlude; 4.  What Child is This?

Publicist:  Alliance Artist and Media Relations

Review:  Jennifer Hanson has written numerous hit songs for some of Nashville’s elite, and brings that songwriting prowess to contribute two new original songs – “Only Thing I Really Need” and the title track, “Under the Tree.”  Both songs are upbeat and the perfect addition to our holiday soundtrack.  The third track is a recording of Hanson when she was 3 1/2 years old, recorded by her dad, Larry.  She closes out her holiday EP with a moving interpretation of the classic, “What Child is This?”

Recommendation:  We think this EP belongs in everyone’s holiday collection.  You should definitely Get it.

Artist NameVarious Artists

Album Name:  13 Days of Xmas

Label:  Bloodshot Records

Genre:  Multiple

Track Listing:  1.  O Holy Night (Murder by Death); 2.  Papa Barrence’s Christmas (Barrence Whitfield and the Savages); 3.  Christmas Carol, Christmas Ray (Jon Langford and his men of Gwent); 4.  I Slept Through Christmas (Ruby Boots); 5.  The List (Ha Ha Tonka); 6.  Christmas is now Drawing Near at Hand (James Elkington); 7.  Dark Christmas (Dex Romweber Duo); 8.  Blue Snowfall (Kelly Hogan); 9.  The Pagans had it Right (Devil in a Woodpile); 10.  I’m Drunk Again this Christmas (Zach Schmidt); 11.  How to Make Gravy (All our Exes Live in Texas); 12.  White Christmas (Ron Gallo); 13.  Christmas in Oblivion (The Yawpers)

Publicist:  Josh Zanger (Bloodshot Records)

Review:  This compilation showcases 13 of the artists currently signed to Bloodshot Records.  There is something for everyone on this one, with genres ranging from Rockabilly, Americana, Pop, Torchlight, Ragtime, and Country.  Most of the songs are originals, with the exception of covers of Christmas classics, “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas.”  Of the originals, kudos to “I Slept Through Christmas,” “The List,” “Dark Christmas” (which sounds like it was lifted from Pulp Fiction), and “Christmas in Oblivion.”

Recommendation:  If you only buy one new holiday CD this season, make it this one – you won’t grow tired of it.

Artist NameKatie Garibaldi

Album NameHome Sweet Christmas

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Happy Married Christmas; 2.  Star in the East; 3.  Jesus Touched my Heart; 4.  Unhappy Holiday; 5.  The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas); 6.  Wonderful Mother Mary; 7.  Love on Christmas Day; 8.  Holy Spirit in my Heart; 9.  Safe and Warm (Lullaby for Jesus); 10.  Tomorrow is Christmas Morning; 11.  Our Home Awaits Us; 12.  Silent Night

Publicist:  None

Review:  Katie Garibaldi has had a tremendous 2017, winning numerous awards for her songs and videos.  It is only appropriate that she closes out the year with 11 original holiday songs and a superb cover of the always popular “Silent Night.”  Each song reveals a special part of the reason why Garibaldi is becoming a national icon and one of the most popular indie artists around.  We love the joy incorporated into her Christian songs, as well as her new holiday originals.  This is a great collection which we are sure will only grow in importance as the seasons go by.  Our new favorites include “Star in the East,” “Unhappy Holiday,” “The Times I Love the Most (California Christmas),” “Tomorrow is Christmas Morning,” and “Our Home Awaits Us.”

Recommendation:  Get it.

Artist NameBeth Marie Anderson

Album NameChristmas With You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana

Track Listing:  1.  That’s Christmas to Me; 2.  Kid on Christmas Day; 3.  Same Sky; 4.  Reindeer Reunion; 5.  The First Noel; 6.  Merry Christmas to Me; 7.  Tropical Christmas; 8.  Christmas with You; 9.  O Holy Night; 10.  New Year

Publicist:  Play it Loud Music

Review:  We love the soothing voice of Beth Marie Anderson, and she has our vote for the most original holiday album.  Her voice soars over the simple arrangements, and we simply adore these eight new songs.  We think they have the power to become a part of our holiday landscape, and strongly encourage the industry to check these songs out, as they would be perfect for placement in holiday television shows. films and commercials.   We especially love “Kid on Christmas Day,” “Same Sky,” “Reindeer Reunion,” “Merry Christmas to Me,” “Christmas with You,” and “New Year.”

Recommendation:  Don’t delay – Get it today!