Tag: dance

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

Get it or forget it – Julian Borrego, Cara Frew, fos, Sundara Karma

Still trying to catch up on the multitude of submissions we have recently had from indie musicians.  Still have about 15 to do to bring us up to last Friday, and another three being released this Friday.  We will do our best to be caught up by then.  Here are today’s four reviews.

Artist Name:  Julian Borrego

Album Name:  Ouroboros

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Psychedelic Funk/Electronica

Track Listing:  1.  Small Talk; 2.  Weekdaze; 3.  Xeriscape; 4.  Sound Is; 5.  1 2 3; 6.  Mbuti/Devotion to the Rainforest; 7.  OutroThanks4ListeningAdios

Publicist:  Mora May Agency

Review:  Eerie, psychedelic, electronic, dreamy, synthy and funky – all of these words describe the music of Julian Borrego, which combines so many individual types of sounds to create a rainbow of music – think OEM meets Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix.  Borrego is fast becoming an force both inside and outside the indie music community.  His single “Xeriscape” is introducing people to the power of his songs, and propelling Borrego into the spotlight.  Judging from this eclectic collection of music, that spotlight is well deserved.  We really love “Weekdaze,” “Xeriscape,” and “123.”

Recommendation:  This album can send you on an acid trip without the drugs.  We recommend you Get it and give it a spin.

Artist Name:  Cara Frew

Album Name:  Dance

Label:  Sony Music Entertainment

Genre:  Pop/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Only High With You; 2.  You Got Me (SNBRN & Blu J ft. Cara Frew); 3.  Dance; 4.  You Got Me POP Mix

Publicist:  The Blossom Agency

Review:  Cara Frew is an artist who splits her time between her native South Africa and London.  Her music is a mix of both her cultures, infusing pop lyrics over African beats to create music that makes your toes tap and your body want to get up and dance.  All four songs are fun and serve as a perfect tease of Frew’s potential.  We especially like her collaboration with SNBRN & Blu J on “You Got Me” as well as the title track.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance, then this is the perfect EP for you.  Get it and dance!

Artist Name:  fos

Album Name:  Captain Free

Label:  Near the Exit Music

Genre:  Electronic Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Captain Free; 2.  Aeras Fissa; 3. Better no Map; 4.  Adamos; 5.  Captain Free II; 6.  Captain Free III; 7.  Sailing out of the Storm; 8.  Wild on Blue; 9.  Captain Free IV

Publicist:  Vision Music Promotions

Review:  London based Greek artist Katerina Koutouzi is the force behind fos.  She takes traditional Greek folk music and gives it an electronica feel.  The title track is presented in four different styles, each of which show just a portion of the immense talent of this artist.  Although this is not the type of album that is radio friendly (except for maybe NPR), it is perfect for those with eclectic tastes who crave something different.   Her music does have that eerie ethereal feel of Enya, which makes the album perfect as background music.  Best tracks include “Aeras Fissa,” “Better no Map,” “Adamos,” and “Wild on Blue.”

Recommendation:  This one is not for everyone, but if you have eclectic taste, it should be a perfect fit.  We still recommend you Get it.

 

Artist Name:  Sundara Karma

Album Name:  Youth is Only Ever Fun in Retrospect

Label:  Chess Club/RCA Victor

Genre:  Alternative

Track Listing:  1.  A Young Understanding; 2.  Loveblood; 3.  Explore; 4.  Olympia; 5.  Lakhey; 6.  Happy Family; 7.  Flame; 8.  She Said; 9.  Lose the Feeling; 10.  Vivienne; 11.  Be Nobody; 12.  Deep Relief; 13.  Watching From Great Heights; 14.  The Night; 15.  Another Word for Beautiful

Publicist:  Stache Media

Review:  UK natives Sundara Karma are back with an extended version of their latest album, which was released digitally earlier this year.  The extended version adds three songs, including their latest single “Explore.”  Their previous single, “She Said,” reached #31 on the Alternative Songs chart while “Explore” has already reached #18 on the Billboard Twitter Emerging Artists chart and is still climbing. The band has charted on three additional charts:  Next Big Sound, Rock Airplay and Spotify Viral 50 with a total of four different songs.  Needless to say, this band seems to be just what the indie world needs right now.  Even with just a casual listen to the album, it quickly becomes apparent why this band is having so much success.  The music is upbeat with great rock vocals that play well on the radio.  The lyrics are great without being so deep that the listener gets lost in them, instead of the steady alternative rock beat lurking underneath.   There is not a weak song on this 15-song treasure chest.  Have fun exploring this emerging giant of music.

Recommendation:  You simply must Get this album.  It is that good!

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF 17 – see it or skip it (day 7) *UPDATED*

Had a wonderful day yesterday.  After writing my reviews for Thursday’s shows, we lounged around our Airbnb most of the day.  Around 3 p.m. we both decided at the same time – “Let’s go to Margaritaville!”  So off we went to Universal City Walk and had dinner and drinks before heading out last night to hang with fringeships and see some shows.  We saw another three to bring our total to 28 shows.  Here are the reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Ascent

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  I would not have gone to see this show except that they applied for our Larry Cornwall Award.  To put it nicely, it was a hot mess.  Of course they waited until it was over to tell us “we’re a work in progress.”  Boy was that an understatement.  The concept is there but the show lacks structure.  The best part of it was when the two performers, Adam Kerbel and Shih-wei Willie Wu played the Taiko drum.  Other than that, as my wife says, “it reminded her of two boys playing outside during recess.”

RECOMMENDATION:  Not ready for viewing – skip it.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Billy . . . from Como to Homo

VENUE:  The Sheperd Theatre at the Complex

REVIEW:  In what has to be one of the most physically demanding of solo shows, 70 year old Lynne Jassem tap dances her way into our hearts in this amazing and brilliant production, directed by the solo queen herself, Jessica Lynn Johnson.  Had Jassem not been persistent in inviting me to her show, we might have missed this true gem of HFF 17.  We were fortunate to share the experience with Johnson and several of her other students, Sofie Khan (Mexistani!) and Gabriella DeMarco (Lovesick), and the show proved to be the highlight of our night.  Jassem is a natural storyteller and weaves her life story in such a way that it is ripe for a sequel.

RECOMMENDATION:  You simply MUST SEE this show.  The tap dancing alone is worth the price of admission, but the story will cheer you up and encourage you.  Her final show is June 24 at 8 p.m.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Confessions of an Arab Woman

VENUE:  Dorie Theater at the Complex

REVIEW:  We would definitely have to say that female empowerment is one of the themes of HFF 17, and this show was one of the strongest statements of that theme.  Joumana Haddad is considered to be one of the most powerful Arab women in the world today, and this insight into her was breathtakingly beautiful.  An amazing cast featuring Cynthia Yelle, Madia El-Tawansy, Gamon Quinn, Sandy Rather, Tiffany Badie, and Brenda Salas portrayed Haddad at various key times in her life, each delivering stellar performances.  They were aided by the truly supporting cast of Evan Langle as the Ringmaster/Marquis de Sade, Gilbert Reynoso as the Father and Alexandra Olson as the Journalist.  The imagery and staging were first rate, and the piece left us thinking long after the final bow.  This was a true work of art.

RECOMMENDATION:  Unfortunately, this was a limited three-performance run, and we got to see the final performance.  If this show gets extended, we highly recommend you taking the time to See it.  *UPDATE*  We have just found out that this show will be extended, with performances on August 23, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and on August 27 at 7 p.m.  Now you have no excuse, so go see it!

We were going to see another show afterwards, but we both hit a wall and couldn’t stay awake another minute.  Time to refresh and prepare for the final big day of Fringe on Saturday, when we are scheduled to see six shows.

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Fringe Shows Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF17 – see it or skip it (day 3) part 2

We continue on with reviews of our final two shows of the day.  Both shows were at the incredible Studio/Stage space.  We are so impressed with the work done there by Gregory Crafts and Jenn Scuderi Crafts.  They have crafted a wonderful performance venue that makes the Fringe even better.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Blamed:  An Established Fiction

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  We were unprepared for the breathtaking beauty of this production, which was a true work of art.  The La Habra Theater Guild has brought serious culture to the Fringe, with an amazing collection of stories about women, dating from the beginning of man to the present.  The stories are told through spoken word, dance and visual arts presentations, and were like manna from heaven in their sheer beauty.  Not only was the ensemble amazing, but they were accompanied by a superb group of musicians, featuring Brian Johnson, Gina Romantini, Trey Everett and Wesley Chavez.  The show was wonderfully written by Callie Prendiville, with choreography by Annie Lavin and music by Wesley Chavez.  Our hats off to the incredible ensemble:  Alanna Bledman, Alissa Schoeman, Annie Lavin, Callie Prendiville, Camille Durgas, Emily Taylor, Erika Schindele, Justine Sombilon, Lillie Muir, Norma Mendoza, Renee Curtis, Rian Dixon and Zoya Martin.

RECOMMENDATION:  You should definitely See this show if you love culture and the arts, especially the sheer beauty of dance.  There are still three shows remaining on June 18 at 9 p.m., June 21 at 6 p.m. and June 22 at 6:30 p.m.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Art & Abolition

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  Fringe shows have never strayed from being advocates for causes or a reflection of the social mores of the day, but Art & Abolition goes beyond simple advocacy to actually taking action.  First-time fringer Brittanie Richardson, with the help of the solo show master director Jessica Lynn Johnson, has created a masterpiece of storytelling that is a call to action to help stop the exploitation of child sex slaves in countries like Kenya and instead help heal these victims through the arts.  It is lovingly told and beautifully acted.  Even though the material is harsh, Richardson has a way to presenting it so that you leave encouraged instead of ashamed.  It was a stirring show and worthy of attention, and we accept the challenge to do our part to help these young girls in need.

RECOMMENDATION:  By all means, See it, but don’t treat it as entertainment.  It is truly a call to action.  The final performance is scheduled for June 18 at 4 p.m.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews

Ryal’s new EP brings back the beat

New York City has always been on the cutting edge of musical direction, but the release today of Ryal‘s self-titled EP raises that bar to a new level.  Although critics of her earlier releases have likened Ryal to the style of Bjork and Portishead, her latest contribution is more akin to an electronica version of ABBA, combined with a little Lady Gaga.  Like “Dancing Queen” and “Bad Romance,” the songs on this EP will keep your toes tapping and compel you to the dance floor.

Along with the release of the EP, Ryal has also released a music video for “Lonely Love,” which is one of the best this reviewer has seen in a while.

“My wish is that people will listen to this and want to dance as much as I have while I have made this record,” says Ryal.

All six songs on the EP are amazing, but two songs especially stand out.  The first is the opening track, “City Lives,”  which opens with a steady beat and the words “Who you gonna be?  Who you gonna love?”  This song truly rocks and makes it is difficult to sit still while listening.

The other outstanding song is “Lonely Love.”  I dare you to try to sit still for this one as well.  Check out the video above.

Ryal added these words:  “It’s easier to write a depressing song, but more of a challenge to be optimistic, and attempt writing timeless numbers that also give the listener positive feelings. I don’t want to make pop songs full of fluff, but  rather make songs full of content that resonates with my age group.”

Ryal has also received a lot of attention from two other songs on the EP, “Wish” and “Jill.”  Speaking of “Jill,” you can hear the song when you visit your local Starbucks nationally.

You can check out the entire EP, which is currently streaming on Sundcloud.  If ever there was a “must-have” album for 2016, Ryal’s new EP is the one.

For more info on Ryal, check out her website and Facebook pages, follow her on Twitter, and subscribe to her YouTube and Soundcloud channels.