Tag: Janiva Magness

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music New Music Friday Reviews

Get it or forget it – New Music Friday vol. 2

We made it through another week, and have some great rewards for you, including the latest by a recent Grammy-nominated artist who is covering the library of a Grammy legend.  Let’s get this weekend started.

Artist Name:  Sarah Lightman

Album Name:  Interlude

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Interlude; 2.  Let Your Light In; 3.  Graduating 4.  Alright; 5.  Until I see you Again; 6.  Shell; 7.  I Can’t Be; 8.  So Good; 9.  Home; 10.  We are the Same; 11.  Letter to my Father

Publicist:  Elisa Tapia

Review:  Sarah Lightman came to Los Angeles to be an actress but gave it up to become a singer-songwriter.  If her debut album, Interlude, is any indicate, she made the right choice.  Her songs offer hope and are sung with such a sweet voice that the listener can’t help but be drawn up.  Her music deserves heavy rotation on radio stations nationwide, and her songs should be highly considered for placement in television and film.  We especially love “Graduating,” “Until I See You Again” (with its jazzy undertones and amazing co-vocals from WOLVES), “I Can’t Be,” and “So Good.”  She may have made her start performing on the streets of City Walk, but she’s ready for a larger audience.  Don’t miss this train as it leaves the station for super stardom.

Recommendation:  Definitely RUN out and get this one.

Artist Name:  Jimbo Pap

Album Name:  It can Always get Worse

Label:  Fiesta Red Records

Genre:  California Country/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Submission (Nice Pants); 2.  On my way to the show 3.  Long Kiss Goodbye; 4.  Nothing’s Quite the Same; 5.  Queen of my Lonely Little World; 6.  String of Pearls; 7.  Yard Sale; 8.  Long Time Movin’; 9.  Another Ticket on the Windshield; 10.  It can Always get Worse; 11.  Someone’s Gonna Love me Again

Publicist:  Devious Planet

Review: A recent edition to the Los Angeles Americana scene, Jimbo Pap provides the perfect tongue-in-cheek approach to incorporating their unique blend of country with a folk-style message about current events.  Their voices create incredible harmonies that deliver their message without offending the listener.  You will quickly find yourself tapping along to the beat while you process the words, and will leave with a better understanding of what you can do to improve the world around you.  Don’t forget to grab a beer and tool around the dance floor as well.

Recommendation: A brilliant release that deserves a place in your library – go get it!

Artist Name:  Sarah Rogo

Album Name:  Smoke and Water

Label:  Funzalo Records

Genre:  Blues/Roots

Track Listing:  1.  Pieces; 2.  Here Goes Nothing; 3.  Smoke and Water; 4.  Will you Still Love me Tomorrow 5.  Run; 6.  Jolene; 7.  Love and be Loved; 8.  Take me to the Water 9.  Which Wolf; 10.  Voodoo Child

Publicist:  Independent Music Media

Review: Hard to believe it’s been nearly two years since we reviewed an album from Sarah Rogo (Live at Lestats West), which was her first album published by Funzalo Records.  She was signed after meeting them at the Durango Songwriters Expo, one of several up and coming superstars that emerged from the annual affair in Denver, Colorado.  From the first notes of “Pieces,” you can quickly hear her maturity and growth as an artist.  She is the voice of a new generation of blues and roots singers, and we believe she is heading for tremendous success.  Her songs cut to the heart and deliver a touching message, accompanying by Rogo’s mad resonator guitar skills.  This one deserves to be on repeat, especially her beautiful interpretations of the classics “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and “Jolene.”

Recommendation:  One of the best we’ve heard from any Durango alum – run out and don’t stop until you get this one.

Artist Name:  Janiva Magness

Album Name:  Change in the Weather:  Janiva Magness Sings John Fogerty

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues Covers

Track Listing:  1.  Change in the Weather; 2.  Lodi (ft Sam Morrow); 3.  Someday Never Comes; 4.  Wrote a Song for Everyone; 5.  Don’t you Wish it Were True (ft Taj Mahal); 6.  Have you Ever Seen the Rain 7.  Bad Moon Rising; 8.  Blueboy; 9.  Fortunate Son; 10.  Deja Vu (All Over Again); 11.  A Hundred and Ten in the Shade; 12.  Lookin’ out my Backdoor

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  As someone who grew up on the music of John Fogerty and Credence Clearwater Revival, it was quite an honor to be asked to review these amazing covers of those songs we grew to love.  Janiva Magness takes her stellar blues skills to turn these songs into instant blues classics, and we are sure that Fogerty would be totally ok with that.  Our favorites include “Lodi,” “Have you Ever Seen the Rain,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son,” and “Lookin’ out my Backdoor.”

Recommendation:  If you love Fogerty and the blues, you will simply adore these interpretations.  Run out and get it today!

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2018 Women in Entertainment

Forty best albums of 2018

What a year for indie music.  We received a boatload of review requests from around the world, and published reviews of nearly 1,000 CDs and EPs.  We culled through those we reviewed first to pick our nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards, and now to compile our list of the 40 Best CDs of 2018.

Due to the sheer volume, we only considered full-length projects for this list, but that doesn’t mean that quite a few of the EPs we reviewed weren’t also worthy of distinction.  We may yet put together another list of just EPs.

In the meantime, while we wait for the winners of the second half of 2018 for the LA Music Critic Awards to be announced tomorrow, here are our favorite CDs of 2018.  You can find their individual reviews by searching for them on our blog.

40.  Kate Reid – The Heart Already Knows

39.  Deb Ryder – Enjoy the Ride

38.  Jeffrey Foucault – War on the Radio

37.  Katie Herzig – Moment of Bliss

36.  Eric Tingstad – Electric Spirit

35.  Fanny Walked the Earth – self-titled

34.  Wily Bo Walker – Almost Transparent Blues

33.  Buddy Guy – The Blues is Alive and Well

32.  Walt Weiskopf – European Quartet

31.  Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers – All I Got for Christmas is the Blues

30.  YYNOT – self-titled

29.  Peter V Blues Band – Shaken but not Deterred

28.  Delta Moon – Babylon is Falling

27.  The Textones – Old Stone Gang

26.  Ronny Morris – Sweet Silence

25.  Sydney Wright – Seiche

24.  Gleeson – The Years Have It

23.  Colin Devlin – High Point

22.  Everlast – Don’t Complain

21.  Zsuzsika – Start Again

20.  Michael Peterson – From Here to Eternity

19.  K. Michelle Dubois – Autumn

18.    Broken Bellows – I, Kaleidoscope

17.  Rachel Sage – Myopia

16.  Janiva Magness – Love is an Army

15.  John Flanagan Trio – Honest Man

14.  Lee Ainley’s Blues Storm – Shoot me Down

13.  Floods – Bad Times

12.  Frank Hannon (From One Place . . . to Another, vols 1 and 2)

11.  Keith Harkin – In the Round

10.  Southern Halo – Just Like in the Movies

9.  Cindy Alexander – Nowhere to Hide

8.  Kari Kimmel – Gold & Glitter

7.  Hymn for Her – Pop-n-Downers

6.  Jordan Siwek – Sun Inside You

5.  Slim Gambill – Fake Jazz

4.  Gina Sicilia – Heard the Lie

3.  Birds and Arrows – Arbitrary Magic

2.  Brigitte Rios Purdy – Still I Rise

and the Best Album of 2018 goes to

Norway Reloaded – My Longest Mile

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 27

It’s our final Monday Mashup of the month, and we have some great new music to share with you.  Check out the latest news as well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC TO DEBUT SHOW AT HFF19

Our very own LA Music Critic, Bob Leggett, will be debuting a solo show at next year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival.  Inspired by the amazing productions put on by the Soaring Solo Community, he has hired Jessica Lynn Johnson to help him develop his show, Livin’ the Dream, which will debut at HFF19 next year.  The show is the story of his life and career, focusing on not just dreaming about great things, but accomplishing them as well.  Watch for the Indiegogo campaign being launched in August, and support him on his latest adventure.  We are very proud to be a part of what should be a great show.

VK LYNNE RELEASES AUDIO BOOK OF POETRY

VK Lynne, the lead single of multi-LA Music Critic Award winning band The Spider Accomplice is releasing an audio book containing 35 of her poems, read by a plethora of her friends.  Entitled The Release and Reclamation of Victoria Kerygma, the audiobook is available on Bandcamp.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week is from Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, members of the Mountain Home Music family of artists.  They have created a beautiful song that is being released to support the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) Trust Fund which, like the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, provides support for struggling artists.  We think you will love this beautiful arrangement and we hope you will likewise support these organizations that help indie musicians.

Our next single is an upbeat pop tune from Mike Edel.  He was featured in our March Ten Great Singles article, and this time around, he promises he will “Go With You.”  We think this one could be a huge hit, and look forward to what’s still to come from this amazing artist.

Our third single is being released by Elkka through Femme Culture, and is an upbeat dance tune called “Stay (warm edit).”  We think this one goes hand in hand with our previous single, and should help get your Monday off to a great start.

Our fourth single continues the positive spin as CJ Hooper releases his first track from his forthcoming album.  “When we Rise” is the perfect remedy for the Monday blahs.

Our final single this week comes from Caibedo Island.  They encourage us to be “Stronger,” and we love the sentiment.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video comes from an artist we reviewed last week, Roger Len Smith, who was introduced to us by a long-time friend Bobbo Byrnes, lead vocalist of The Fallen Stars.  Here is “Raining on a Sunny Day.”

Next up is the latest video from Grammy-nominated artist Janiva Magness for the title track from her latest album on Blue Élan Records, Love is an Army, featuring LA Music Critic Award winning artist Bryan Stephens.  We hope you enjoy this one as much as we do.

Our third video this week is a political statement about gentrification of our great cities.  Nick Ferrio releases “I Don’t Know How Long” and we totally understand his concerns.

Our fourth video has the rhythm of the islands as Constanza Herrero talks about “Packing Up.”  This video should get your juices flowing and get you on the dance floor.

Our final video this week is the R&B and soul sound of Roxanne Tataei.  Here’s “Crimson Eyes.”  We hope this firmly places your Monday in a good place.  Have a great week and we’ll be back soon with our articles on the Ten Amazing Videos and Ten Great Singles released in July.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Theatre Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 19

Happy Monday.  Hope you all had a great Mother’s Day and remembered to thank her for all she’s done for you.  This time next month we will be in Los Angeles for the ninth annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  In addition, we will be announcing the nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards for the first half of 2018.  In the meantime, let’s check out some new singles and music videos, and catch up on what’s happening in the indie world.

SHEENA METAL PRESENTS THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES

Since 2006, promoter and radio host Sheena Metal has been directing and producing The Vagina Monologues for charity. This year is the 20th anniversary of playwright Eve Ensler’s non-profit, VDay.org, whose mission is to end violence against women, across the globe.  Other non-profits participating include RaisingtheVibration.org and VDayLA.com.

This year’s production opened last Thursday at the Loft Ensemble Theatre in Sherman Oaks, and will continue this coming Thursday and Friday, May 17-18.  Tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

JANIVA MAGNESS TO PERFORM AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM

Grammy-nominated indie blues artist Janiva Magness, recent winner of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, will be performing at the Grammy Museum, located at 800 W. Olympic Boulevard on May 22.  The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.   Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.

Unsigned Only is currently accepting submissions for its Grand Slam promotion from May 8 to June 6.  Today is the last day to submit for the Digital Distribution portion, but each week will have a different theme.  The week one winner will receive one free album distribution online and one free video distribution courtesy of @symphonicdistribution.  To learn more, click here.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single today comes from up and coming pop songstress Mauve.  Here is “Sweetness,” which was just released on Friday.

Our second single is “Deep Love,” by Dela Kay.  We are proud to be able to debut this single, which is being released today.  Ask for it at your favorite dance club.

Our final singles today come from two of LA’s premier indie bands.  First up is “Come Around” by Sleep Machine, who are releasing their entire album one single at a time.  The second is “It’s All for Love (For Goodness Sake) by  No Small Children.  Check them both out live when they perform at The Satellite on May 17.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

First up is the latest from one of our iconic musical legends, Rusty Young of Poco.  This is for his single “My Friend.”  You can catch him in concert at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at the Mint on June 19.

Our second single comes from Colorado-native Rob Drabkin, who reminds us that “It’s a Beautiful Day.”

Our final video today is from actress and singer/songwriter Katie Vincent.  The song is called “The Way it Goes,” and it was used in the award-winning indie fillm Pickings.  We think it is the perfect way to close out this edition of Monday Mashup.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Reviews Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 16

April is winding down and summer will be here soon (we hope!).   Here is the latest indie news, as well as some new singles and music videos which have been recently released. Have a great week and come back tomorrow for our interview with acclaimed country artist Michael Peterson.

HOLLYWOOD FRINGE FESTIVAL

The 9th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival runs June 7-24, with previews running the week before.  Check their Facebook page for pre-festival events, and mark you calendar for May 1, when tickets go on sale for this year’s event.  We will be there from June 12 to the 25, and can hardly wait.  Hope to see you all around LA.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Plans are complete for this year’s showcase, which will be held on June 19 at the Mint on Pico Boulevard.  Tickets go on sale on May 1, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Come out and support indie music and support our most worthy charity.  We have some great plans for the evening, including the bestowing of the 2018 Icon Award, so don’t miss out.

NEW SINGLES

Up first this week is the latest from the soulful Sam Hammerman, with this masterful song “Miss the Days.”  It is a sweet and smooth way to start your week, so check him out.

Next up is an indie rock tune from South Village, an Australian band from Melbourne.   We think you will like these guys, who are reminiscent of the Gin Blossoms.  Here’s “Say it Now.”

Originally signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records, UK standout Johnny Stimson reveals his first single with “End of Time.”  It is a dreamy pop song that will give you chills.  Please let us know what you think.

https://soundcloud.com/antifragile_music/end-of-time-johnny-stimson/s-wLpLJ

Our fourth single today is a special preview and comes from Canadian troubadour Craig Cardiff, who brings us a double dose of his song “Okay Cupid.”    We love the instrumentation, and the smooth voice, which reminds us of Cat Stevens.  Watch for its release next Friday, April 27.

Our final single today comes from Lachlan Vines, an artist we featured last year.  Here is his current single, “Take it Back.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first one today comes from Grammy-nominated blues artist Janiva Magness, and is a lyric video for her protest song, “Home.”  We think this one will give you the strength and resolve to stand up for your beliefs.

Next we travel to Amsterdam for Not.Your.Regular.Boy‘s latest video for “Crazyland.”  This one has enough energy to get your going strong this week.

Our third video today is one of the most creative we have viewed since Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way you Are.”  Check out the amazing artist Andy Sydow and his hand-drawn animation for “Reasons for Departure.”

Fourth on our list today is from the groovalicous sounds of ellee ven.  The cinematography on this one is delicious, and the story is well told.  Check out “For Your Love.”

Last but not least this week is the latest powerful video from multi-award winning Americana artist Alice Wallace.  Check out her moving female empowerment video for “Elephants.”

 

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

Get it or forget it – Rvzoo & the Sugar Spun Elephant Band, Keith Harkin, The Components, Janiva Magness, Fishbach

Hope you’re having a good week.  We are so pleased to bring you five more album reviews, including two from one of our favorite indie labels, Blue Élan Records.  Get ready to be wowed.

Artist Name:   Rvzoo & the Sugar Spun Elephant Band

Album Name:  Guiding Star

Label:  BBY Records

Genre:  Pop/Americana/Jazz

Track Listing:   1.  When I Was Young; 2.  Give me More; 3.  Which way to Run; 4.  If I was a Bird; 5.  A Song for Joyce; 6.  Lonely Desert Wind; 7.  Guiding Star; 8.  Thru This Space and Time; 9.  Transmission Ends; 10.  A Song for Joyce (reprise)

Publicist:   Self-promoted

Review:  The album kicks off with the band’s current single, which is very reminiscent of 70’s Beatles, particularly the Yellow Submarine album.  The simple musical score reflects the lyrics, which are heavy with pop hooks.  The music truly takes the listener back to a simpler time when growing up was a distant dream.  The next two songs have a much more Americana feel, before the piano takes over on “A Song for Joyce,” giving it a jazz standard feel, before returning to the Americana vibe on “Lonely Desert Wind,” with just a taste of U2/ David Bowie.  The title cut is so relaxing and refreshing, perfect for daily chill time, especially the strings and acoustic guitar.  That vibe continues on the next tracks before morphing into a more electronica/ambient sound on track nine.  The album ends with a reprise of “A Song for Joyce.”  What a magnificent audio journey.

Recommendation:  There are so many twists and turns on this album that you simply must add it to your library.  Get it today.

Artist Name:  Keith Harkin

Album Name:  In the Round

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Folk Rock/Country

Track Listing:  1.  Lauren & I; 2.  I Remember it All; 3.  Along the Road; 4.  Take me Down; 5.  First Time; 6.  Whiskey in the Jar; 7.  Risk the Fall; 8.  Mercy; 9.  Ring Tailed Rat; 10.  Care Free Heart; 11.  My Love Goes On; 12.  September Sessions; 13.  Keep on Rolling; 14.  Wait on Me

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  The first thing you hear is the amazing guitar work before that soaring familiar voice kicks in.  You may have heard Keith Harkin during his ten years with Celtic Thunder, but you haven’t really heard him until you listen to this album.  Harkin has dedicated this album to the victims of the Las Vegas shooting, and we cannot imagine a more fitting musical tribute.  You simply must put this record on repeat, because you will hear different things every time, as all the subtle nuances of his craft come to light.  This live album makes you want to rush out and see him in concert.  His music is flavored by his Celtic past, as well as that pervasive Nashville influence, reminiscent of Keith Urban.  There is not a weak song on the entire album, which has easily become one of our all-time favorites.  We really love his rocking cover of the Celtic standard “Whiskey in the Jar.”  What an interesting arrangement.

Recommendation:  This album is definitely in the running for Best of 2018.  Don’t waste another minute – Get it NOW!

Artist Name:  The Components

Album Name:  continuum.

Label:  Mint 400 Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Grunge

Track Listing:  1.  Parliaments & Witchcraft; 2.  Mayday; 3.  Filthy; 4.  Spirits Help; 5.  Interlude; 6.  Complacent/Complaisant; 7.  Ill Bandito; 8.  Glass Haūs

Publicist:  Behind the Curtains Media

Review:  Solid rock and roll with a driving beat and guitar is what you get with The Components.  The music definitely drives the song, and makes it easy to get caught up in the rhythm of the music.  Our favorites include “Mayday,” “Filthy” (with its almost two minute instrumental intro), “Interlude,” and “Complacent/Complaisant.”

Recommendation:  This one is worth the chance.  Grab it.

Artist Name:  Janiva Magness

Album Name:  Love is an Army

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Back to Blue; 2. Hammer (ft. Charlie Musselwhite); 3.  On and On (ft. Rusty Young; 4.  Tell Me; 5.  Love is an Army (ft. Bryan Stephens; 6.  Down Below (ft. Courtney Hartman); 7.  What’s That say About You; 8.  What I Could Do (ft. Delbert McClintock); 9.  Home (ft. Cedric Burnside); 10.  Love to a Gunfight; 11.  When it Rains; 12.  Some Kind of Love

Publicist:  MAD Ink PR

Review:  All you have to do is look at the song list and the featured artists (including labelmates Bryan Stephens and Rusty Young), and you know right away that this album is going to be great.  Add to that her 2016 Grammy nomination, her seven Blues Music Awards and a BB King Award, and it becomes quickly obvious that Janiva Magness is the reigning Queen of the Blues.  Her smoky voice and the progressive blues soundtrack make a perfect combination, showcasing her talents at capturing the essence of the song.  We love this album, but our favorite tracks include “Back to Blue,” “Hammer” (with its soulful harmonica), the sweet pedal steel and country sound of “On and On,” “Tell Me,” the title track, “Down Below,” “Home,” “Love to a Gunfight,” and “Some Kind of Love.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer.  You MUST Get this album ASAP!

Artist Name:  Fishbach

Album Name:  A Ta Merci

Label:  Entreprise

Genre:  French Pop/Dance

Track Listing:  1.  Ma Voie Lactée; 2.  Y Crois-Tu; 3.  Eternité; 4.  Un Beau Langage; 5.  Un Autre Que Moi; 6. Feu; 7.  On mi dit Tu; 8.  Invisible Désintégration de l’univers; 9.  Le Chàteau; 10.  Mortel; 11.  Le Meiller de la Féte; 12.  A ta Merci; 13.  Dansne Boîte en papier; 14.  Ajmal Logha (ft. Bachar Mar-Khalifé)

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  Although this album was released last year in Europe, it was just released in the United States last Friday.  Fishbach definitely transcends the language barrier and delivers music that is hip in any culture.  It is upbeat, fun, and entices you to get up and shake your groove thing.  It has that ABBA feel that is intoxicating, grabbing elements of 80’s dance music set to beautiful French words.  It is easy to see why she won a French Grammy for her music.

Recommendation:  Whether or not you speak French, the joy of the songs comes through loud and clear.  Add this foreign language CD to your musical library – you’ll thank me for it.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Awards LA Music Critic Awards Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018 – vol. 4

Hope you all got to watch the Grammy Awards last night.  That was an impressive show, especially the performance by Kesha, Cindy Lauper, et al. of her song “Praying.”  It really brought tears to my eyes with its sheer beauty and power.  Let’s all try to honor the message that came through loud and clear – no more harassment and discrimination – just work together in unity.  Here’s our column today.

INDIE ARTISTS WIN GRAMMY AWARDS

While most of these indie artists didn’t get credit, several of them were instrumental in helping someone else get a Grammy win.  Kyler England co-wrote five of the songs on Lisa Loeb’s winning Best Children’s Album, while Ross Hogarth was part of the production team that worked on Taj Mahal and Keb Mo’s winning Best Contemporary Blues album.  Great work indies!

In addition, LA Music Critic Award nominee The Jerry Douglas Band lost their Grammy bid for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album to Jeff Lorber, while fellow LA Music Critic Award nominee John McLaughlin won his Grammy bid for Best Improvised Jazz Solo for “Miles Beyond” from the album Live at Ronnie Scott’s, which we previously reviewed in December.

The winners for the LA Music Critic Awards will be announced at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018.

LYNN CAREY SAYLOR WINS SONGWRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to indie songwriter Lynn Carey Saylor, who recently won the Song Door International Songwriting Competition in the Hard Rock/Alt Rock category for her song, “Tidal Wave.”  Saylor has been a hit songwriter for many years,

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a busy week for indie artists, including several past and present nominees for the LA Music Critic Awards.  Here are a few of the latest singles to be released.

The first one is from former nominee Crimson Calamity, which released their latest single, “Fool’s Gold.”  We love their sound and think you will too.

Next up is past LA Music Critic Award and Grammy nominee and Blue Élan Records artist Janiva Magness with her new single, “Down Below.”  We expect this one will qualify her for additional nominations.

Next is the latest from Austin band Signy, featuring Delaney Gibson, with their single, “Human.”  We love how different this is from her solo material, and think you will too.

Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner and nominee Katie Costello has lent her voice to the new single “Bon Air” by Hardsoul.  This one is an amazing dance track that will have you on the floor in no time.

Last but not least this week is the latest single from another multiple winner of the LA Music Critic Awards, Keaton Simons.  His new EP 1-2-3 Go will be released on March 9, and he is whetting our appetite with “Crane City.”

MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Italian rock goddesses Black Mamba, who we reviewed last week.  This video is for their single, “Loop.”  Get ready to rock out.

Next up is the latest from the songwriting guru, Kari Kimmel of her song, “Voices.”  Check out the amazing cinematography of this one.

Our third video this week is from former San Diego Music Award winner Gayle Skidmore for her song “Pale Ghosts.”  Once again, the cinematography is first-rate.

Our next video comes from first-time LA Music Critic Award nominee Ryan Sims, who we also reviewed earlier this month.  Here is his vision of his song, “Black and Blue.”

Last but not least is the new video from Lucy Levinsohn, former lead singer for Lily’s Siren and Waiting 4 Wyatt.  She has returned to a solo career and brings us “Dear God.”

Thanks for joining us today.  We’ll be back tomorrow with five more Get it or Forget it reviews.

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it Reviews

Get it or forget it – The Sherlocks, Channel 3, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jack Tempchin

It’s another beautiful weekend in Missoula, and we’ve been enjoying the River City Roots Festival.  Yesterday we had the pleasure of hearing amazing reggae from Taj Weekes and Adowa, rocking country from Ryan Shupe and the Rubber Band, and traditional bluegrass from John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band.  Watch for our review of the festival, but first, here are four more great artists to check out.

Artist Name:  The Sherlocks

Album Name:  Live for the Moment

Label:  Infectious Records/BMG

Genre:  Indie Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Will you be There?; 2.  Live for the Moment; 3.  Escapade; 4.  Chasing Shadows; 5. Blue; 6.  Nobody Knows; 7.  Was it Really Worthy It?; 8.  Turn the Clock; 9.  Last Night; 10.  Heart of Gold; 11.  Motions; 12.  Candlelight

Publicist:  The End Records PR

Review:  British band The Sherlocks have released their debut album, and it is a rocking masterpiece.  With swirling guitar riffs, a steady beat and incredible vocals, these guys have come to rock.  From the first note of the first track, they bring their brand of indie rock to bear, and show that they mean business.  The music gets better with every track, resulting in an album that will definitely keep their listeners tuned in and engaged.  Their music would make a fine addition to the airplay lists of American radio, and gives a glimpse of the awesomeness that is sure to come on their upcoming UK tour.  Hopefully they will cross the pond soon, because America needs this level of music.  Best tracks include “Will you be There?,” the title track, “Chasing Shadows,” “Blue,” and “Nobody Knows,” although the entire album is worthy of repeated listens.

Recommendation:  Check out the latest amazing British band, and be the first to Get it in America.  You’ll be glad you did.

Artist Name:  Channel 3 (“CH3”)

Album Name:  Put ‘Em Up

Label:  TKO Records

Genre:  Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Model Citizen; 2.  Water & Time; 3.  Put ’em Up; 4.  She Never Wanted it This Way; 5.  Half the Day; 6.  Not That it Matters; 7.  The God That you Deserve; 8.  Blue Skies; 9.  All the Night; 10.  Take me to Your Leader

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  The latest album from veteran Los Angeles punk band CH3 is a concept album focusing on post-election America, and is heralded as a career-defining album.  This band has something to say about the state of Trump America, and uses the angst of punk music to tell their story.  The band will be coming off their It’s Not Dead Festival appearance to release this album before heading out on a national tour this fall.  Their message is timely, and told in a manner that should help them spread that message.  The album is reminiscent of The Ramones and the Dropkick Murphys but presented in a manner that will entice most music lovers to check them out.  This album needs to be experienced from start to finish, and then reheard again and again.  Some of the strongest tracks include “Model Citizen,” the title track, “She Never Wanted it This Way,” “Half the Day,” and the rousing final track, “Take me to Your Leader.”

Recommendation:  This album has the goods, both lyrically and musically, and simply must be added to your musical library.  Get it now!

Artist Name:  Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver

Album Name:  Life is a Story

Label:  Crossroads/Mountain Home Records

Genre:  Bluegrass

Track Listing:  1.  Kids These Days; 2.  Little Girl; 3.  Life of a Hard Workin’ Man; 4.  Life to my Days; 5.  I see a Heartbreak Comin’; 6.  Guitar Case; 7.  What am I Looking For; 8.  Bluegrass Blues; 9.  Derailed; 10.  Love Lives Again; 11.  Cry Across Kansas; 12.  Drivin’ it Home

Publicist:  So Much Moore Media

Review:  With a sound reminiscent of Alabama meets Nickel Creek, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver take us on a musical journey through life.  The songs are well crafted, with lyrics that tell a story, and the perfect blend of banjo, fiddle, mandolin and vocals that immediately get the listener’s attention, appealing to both the musically and lyrically inclined audience.  From the upbeat opening track, “Kids These Days,” through the end of the album, every song delivers a part of the story of life.  Their cover of John Michael Montgomery’s “Little Girl” is phenomenal, capturing all the beauty of the original with that perfect blend of fiddle, mandolin and banjo.  In fact every song is worthy of your attention, putting this album firmly into consideration for best Bluegrass album of 2017.

Recommendation:  One of the best bluegrass albums we have reviewed this year, and will appeal to most music lovers.  We strongly recommend you Get this album – your collection is lacking without it.

Artist Name:  Jack Tempchin

Album Name:  Peaceful Easy Feeling (The Songs of Jack Tempchin)

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Pop/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Peaceful Easy Feeling; 2.  Part of me, Part of You; 3.  Slow Dancing (ft. Rita Coolidge); 4.  The one you Love; 5.  Soul Searchin’ (ft. Janiva Magness); 6.  Already Gone (ft. Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen); 7.  Privacy; 8.  Everybody’s Gonna Love Someone Tonight; 9.  Party Town; 10.  It’s Your World Now (ft. Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen); 11.  Somebody; 12.  I Found Somebody (ft. Janiva Magness); 13.  I did it for Your Love; 14.  You Belong to the City

Publicist:  GBL Media Management

Review:  Who doesn’t love the Eagles?  Jack Tempchin is the songwriter behind some of their greatest songs, and he shares his version of several of those hits on his latest release.  From the dreamy classics “Peaceful Easy Feeling” and “Already Gone” to the Glenn Frey hits “You Belong to the City,” “The One You Love, and “Soul Searchin’,” Tempchin shows why those songs have become so timeless and well-loved.  He also includes the rocking and previously unreleased song,” Privacy,” the last song he wrote with Glenn Frey before he passed.  This is an album chock-full of some of the greatest ballads every written, and even includes a beautiful duet with Rita Coolidge on Johnny Rivers’ hit “Slow Dancing.”  Other artists that share songs with Tempchin on this masterpiece include Grammy-nominated blues artist Janiva Magness, The Byrds’ Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen.  We also love the bluegrass sound that Pedersen adds to “Already Gone.”

Recommendation:  If you buy only one album this year, then this is the album to buy.  It is an instant classic and you need to Get it now!

 

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

Get it or forget it: Amilia K. Spicer, Janiva Magness, Scout Durwood

After taking a week off to organize all the album review requests, we are back with three more Get it or Forget it reviews.  Check out the latest from Amilia K. Spicer, Grammy-nominated artist Janiva Magness and Scout Durwood, the latter two both being on the amazing Blue Élan Records.

Artist Name:  Amilia K Spicer

Album Name:  Wow and Flutter

Label:  Free Range Records

Genre:  Americana Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Fill me Up; 2.  Harlan; 3.  This Town; 4.  Shotgun; 5.  Lightning; 6.  Train Wreck; 7.  Shake it Off; 8.  Windchill; 9.  Down to the Bone; 10.  Wild Horses; 11.  What I’m Saying; 12.  Shine 

Publicist:  Miles High Productions

Review:  Amilia K Spicer is the consummate Americana artist.  Her music is folky and soothing while her earthy vocals perfectly tell the stories in her songs.  What an amazing collection of songs she has gathered, seamlessly written to tell those stories in the down-home tradition of great folk music.  Spicer kicks the album off with the wonderful track “Fill me Up,” and then proceeds to take the listener on a journey of sound that could soothe even the most colicky baby.  From gem to gem she takes us on that journey, until all too soon it is over.  But never fear, you can simply restart the journey at any time.  This is definitely the kind of album you want to hear again and again.  It is hard to pick the best songs on this album, but we really like “Harlan,” “This Town,” “Lightning,” “Down to the Bone,” and “Wild Horses.”

Recommendation:  Wow and Flutter was released on April 28, and is a sure-fire hit for Spicer.  We highly recommend you Get it as soon as you can.  You won’t be sorry.

Artist Name:  Janiva Magness

Album Name:  Blue Again

Label:  Blue Élan Records/Fathead Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  I Can Tell; 2.  I Love you More Than You’ll Ever Know; 3.  If I Can’t Have You; 4.  Tired of Walking; 5.  Buck; 6.  Pack it Up 

Publicist:  Conqueroo

Review:  Janiva Magness has the perfect voice for blues – deep, soulful and full of passion.  Her musical accompaniment is also first rate, with appearances by such legends as Kid Ramos, Sugaray Rayford and T.J. Norton.  It is easy to understand why her last album was nominated for a Grammy, and why we think there are more Grammy nominations and wins in her future.  Blue Again is a true blues album, and firmly places Magness among the greats in blues, like BB King, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin.   To prove my point, check out the incredible second track, “I Love you More Than You’ll Ever Know.”  This is the album for the consummate blues fan, who will love every track.  We just wish there were more than six tracks.  For the ultimate reminder of blues perfection, check out the duet on track three with Rayford.

Recommendation:  Blues Again was released on May 12 and is a requirement for every blues-loving music aficionado.  Get it today.

Artist Name:  Scout Durwood

Album Name:  Take One Thing Off

Label:  Blue Élan Records

Genre:  Comedy/Spoken Word

Track Listing:  1.  Intro; 2.  Sex Positive; 3.  Take one Thing Off; 4.  Drinking; 5.  All the Pretty Bottles; 6.  Baseball Game; 7.  Fallin’ in Love; 8.  Men in LA; 9.  Brooklyn Ca. 2009; 10.  The NFL; 11.  The Wedding Song; 12.  I’m Cool, Right?; 13.  My Funny Valentine; 14.  Strip Club; 15.  Go Go; 16.  Anxiety Lions; 17.  Taxi Take me Home; 18.  Hate Crime; 19.  Here we Are 

Publicist:  The Syndicate

Review:  We were not prepared for this awesome album, with its tongue-in-cheek sexiness.  Scout Durwood is a comedic force to be reckoned with, and the female version of Weird Al.  Whether delivering a comedic monologue or singing the title track, Durwood delivers sexy, adult-themed comedy for real adults.  This album is definitely not for kids and is NSFW.  Her songs are fun and hilarious, while her stand-up routine keeps you in stitches.  Our favorite songs include the title track, “Fallin’ in Love,” Brooklyn Ca. 2009,”  “I’m Cool, Right?” and “Go Go.”  The album includes live comedy routines from her show at The Pack Theater in Los Angeles, and entices the listener to get out and see her live.  If you live in LA, you can see her at The Hotel Café on May 20 at 9 p.m.  We wish we could be there.  Grab your tickets today.

Recommendation:  Take one Thing Off is scheduled to be released on May 19.  We strongly suggest you Get it and see her live on May 20.

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Indie artist Janiva Magness deserves the hype

The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, otherwise known as NARAS, gives out the Grammy Awards each year for the best in recorded music and spoken word.  While almost all winners are signed to one of the major labels, every now and then The Academy stands up and takes notice of indie artists or shines the spotlight on a legend making a comeback.

The trend began in 2012, when Linda Chorney became the first truly independent artist to secure a Grammy nomination in the Americana category.  Although she did not win, she did open the door for others like Omar Akram, an independent new age artist who won the Grammy for best new age album in 2013.

This year The Academy has shined its spotlight near and far, resulting in quite a few nominations of artists who are previously unknown or obscure, and at least one more indie artist.   Although she is signed to Blue Élan Records, a major independent label based out of Los Angeles that is also home to such legends as Gerry Beckley of America and Eagles songwriter Jack Tempchin, Janiva Magness is a relatively unknown indie artist whose music demands attention.

Believe it or not, Love Wins Again is the 12th album Magness has released in her career, and the fifth time she has worked with producer Dave Darling, who has personally garnered four Grammy nominations for his work with such artists as Glen Campbell, Brian Setzer, John Waite and the Stray Cats.

From the first notes of the title cut, Magness shatters the barriers between genres and unleashes an album that must be sonically experienced, with a healthy heaping of indie rock, soul, jazz, gospel and funk to sweeten the overall blues feel.

The album progresses with a stop on the Soul Train vibe of “Real Slow,” before kicking it singer-songwriter/ indie rock style on “When you Hold Me,” which just happens to be one of our favorite cuts.  The album continues with a gospel, soul feel on “Say You Will” before the almost Americana/indie rock feel of “Doorway.”   Magness kicks in with her full blues regiment on “Moth to a Flame” and “Your House is Burnin'” before dialing it back down with “Just Another Lesson,”  “Rain Down,” and “Long as I can see the Light.”  She closes out with the moving ballad “Who Will Come for Me,” to which we state the obvious – your fans.

Magness is a true artist who has mastered the art of bringing a message that transcends musical genres and ties an album together.  She definitely has our vote for Grammy and for providing one of the best albums of 2016, indie or otherwise.  We can hardly wait to see what’s next.