Tag: LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase

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Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival Reviews See it or Skip it

HFF19 day 7 – see it or skip it

We took Tuesday off from the Fringe for our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase at The Mint LA, and it was OFF THE HOOK! Thank you to all the artists that performed – Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Jordan Siwek, Constanza Herrero, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Amilia K Spicer, Manda Mosher and The Spider Accomplice. Thanks also to Brie Darling, June Millington and Jean Millington aka Fanny Walked the Earth, as well as Cherie Currie, for reminding us of our rock and roll history. It was such an honor to be able to recognize Fanny with the 2019 Icon Award.  Special thanks to Kirk and the gang from Blue Élan Records for all of your support, and to the amazing staff at The Mint LA for providing excellent service. We can’t wait for next year.

It was so great to come back to the Fringe last night for some very interesting shows.  Here are our reviews.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Start Swimming

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Main Stage)

REVIEW:  This show was different than anything else we have seen this year.  The show comes to us from the Edinburgh Fringe, where it received rave reviews.  Truthfully, this is the kind of play that you either love or hate, as it espouses strong feelings and passions.  It raises a lot of issues as it questions authority and raises the question – can I as an individual change the world.  There is no question that the cast believed they could, as they truly left it all on the stage with their passionate performances.  Definitely come to this one with an open mind, and be prepared to be wowed by the concept and construction of this play.

RECOMMENDATION:  This one is definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 23 at 10 p.m., June 27 at 5 p.m.  and June 29 at 1 p.m.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

TITLE OF SHOW:  The Same Room

VENUE:  The Broadway (Studio)

REVIEW:  Kelly Pierre has written one of the most compelling shows of HFF19.  Scott Golden has captured her intent and directed a show that is worthy of attention, praise and awards.  Not only did Pierre write the play, but she appears with the amazing Fringe virgin Sam Sheeks in this outstanding two-hander.  The play begs the question – what does it take for us to heal, forgive and have compassion on those with whom we interact?  It needs to be experienced, as reviews cannot capture the power and ultimate beauty of this play.  Trust us when we tell you that this is truly life-changing theater.  Thanks for sharing it with us.

RECOMMENDATION:  The Same Room is truly a MUST-SEE at HFF19, and definitely worth checking out.  Remaining performances are June 22 at 8 p.m. and June 26 at 10:30 p.m.  Although it is sold out, we strongly advise you to get on the waiting list.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Meg Jo Beth Amy & Louisa

VENUE:  The Broadwater (Blackbox)

REVIEW:  Louisa May Alcott is an American literary treasure, and I’m sure she would have loved this interpretation of her book, which is told from the POV of Alcott as she wrote the stories.  Tier5 has created a masterpiece of theater that should appeal to just about every living, breathing human, and director Ariel Francoeur captures every nuance of the story, giving his amazing cast everything they need to bring it to life.  Musical director Michelle Walker, who also plays Beth, truly adds to the process with original and borrowed music, leading the rest of the cast to bring their all to their performances.  Hats off to Hilary Kelman as Louisa, Maya Bhagwat Bassuk as Meg, Nicole Orabona as Jo, Margaret Gorrell as Amy and Walker as Beth are the quintessential Little Women, and they get amazing support from James Cougar Canfield as Niles the Publisher, Pilar Adara as Marmee, Benjamin Cardona as John F. Brooke, and Mel Gonzales as Laurie.  Brandon Thomas Martin and Dana Placentra were also brilliant in their myriad of supporting roles.

RECOMMENDATION:  If you love modern interpretations of literary classics, or just love great theater, then this show should be at the top of  your list.  There are only three remaining performances before they head to the Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, DC – June 20 at 5 p.m., June 22 at noon and June 23 at 4:30.  Tickets are available on their Fringe project page.

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Live Concerts Reviews Women in Entertainment

The Americana scene is kicking at Highland Park Bowl

For quite a few years, the Americana scene has thrived in the area around The Grand Ole Echo near Dodger Stadium.  While that area still exists, Americana has found an additional home at the Highland Park Bowl, thanks to Prickly Pear Presents.  The event occurs every Wednesday night through at least the end of July.  We were fortunate enough to attend on May 15, which featured Nikki O’Neill, Manda Mosher and Emily Zuzik.

Zuzik and Mosher are both winners of the LA Music Critic Awards and will be featured at the next Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor Women in Entertainment and features 10 female performers.  The event benefits Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Tickets are available on the Mint’s website or through PayPal using “lamusiccritic@yahoo.com” as the payee.  Tickets are available in advance for $10, and if available, at the door for $15.

The event was held in Mr. T’s Lounge at this vintage bowling alley.  First up was the R&B infused Americana sound of O’Neill.  She was the only act we had not heard previously, and her set was an unexpected pleasure.  Her sound was diverse, with elements of Alabama and traditional R&B, skillfully delivered by her four-piece  band, which included Joshua Pessar on guitar and backing vocals, Rob Fresco on bass and backing vocals, and Rich Lackowski  on drums and percussion.  Her last album, Love Will Lead You Home, was released in 2017, and their new album will be released shortly.   O’Neill has also been a contributing writer for Guitar Player magazine and is the author of the e-book Women’s Road to Rock Guitar, published by Alfred Music.   Although Pessar turned in some impressive guitar licks and Lackowski and Fresco kept a steady rhythm,  the set suffered from a lack of interesting stage banter.  The music itself was impressive, especially their closing song “That’s how you Lose Her,” which featured the Janis Joplin-like vocals of Halina Janusz from the Grateful Dead tribute band Jerry’s Middle Finger. 

Next up was Mosher, formerly from CALICO the band.  She and her husband Eric Craig, along with Dan Wistrom on pedal steel, guitar and backing vocals, Aaron Stern on bass and Jesper Kristensen on drums, put on a clinic of how to mix rock and Americana, are truly a sterling example of the influence of Tom Petty on the entire Americana scene.  Mosher’s voice is so smoky and strong that is perfectly suited to Petty’s musical style, while her stage presence reminds us of a younger Emmylou Harris.  The overall sound of the band is head and shoulders over their peers.  Unfortunately, like O’Neill, the set suffered from the lack of banter between the songs, , leaving way too much “dead air” between songs.   Once they tighten up the set with appropriate banter, we think they will be unstoppable as a premier concert destination. 

Wrapping up the evening was the sterling sound of Zuzik and her amazing band, which included Wistrom, Topher Allis on drums and the incomparable Ted Russell Kamp on bass, who was taking a break from his recent touring with both Shooter Jennings and Duff McKagan.  Kamp will also be producing Zuzik’s forthcoming album.  Zuzik is even rockier than Mosher, but neither of them has forgotten their roots.  Zuzik reminds us of a combination between Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow.  The band also turned in an impressive cover of The Faces’ mega hit “Stay with Me,” delivered in a style that was part James Brown and part Mick Jagger.  All in all it was an impressive end to this incredible night of Americana music.  Can’t wait until June 18 to see them again.

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 15

Happy tax day!  Two weeks from today we’ll be in Los Angeles to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey).  We open on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood, and will be doing five performances during the month of June.  If you believe in the arts, and want to help us put on this show, please visit our fundraiser page at GoFundMe and donate.  Thanks.

We are also making our final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at The Mint LA.  Tickets are on sale now at the venue website, as well as through PayPal.  If you want to purchase tickets through PayPal, use lamusiccritic@yahoo.com as the payee and indicate how many tickets you want.  The cost is just $10 per ticket.  Please help us showcase these amazing indie artists and raise funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from LA Music Critic Award winning country trio Southern Halo, who has been featured on numerous occasions in this blog.  We simply love their new single, which truly sets the stage for summer.  Give it up for these three young ladies, who are bringing us the “Sunshine.”

Next up is a band from Stockholm that will put you in a party mood, even though the words are nothing to laugh about.  The sound is so infectious and upbeat that you will enjoy it, even though it’s about sadness.  Check out “Cryin’ (such a disgrace)” from Delsbo Beach Club.

Our third single is the title track to the new album by Field Guide.  It’s called “Full Time,” and we think it demonstrates that this artist is ready for prime time.  We love the accompaniment and the honesty and integrity of the lyrics.  Enjoy it.

https://soundcloud.com/user-574887665/full-time-master

Next up is the sweet simple acoustic stylings of Hong Kong born singer-songwriter Allman Brown.  This artist has a perfect radio-friendly sound and we think he is on his way to the top of the charts.  Check out his single, “Lonely Hearts, Los Angeles,” and you’ll see what we mean.

Our final single this week is from the ever-impressive Jess Ribeiro, who consistently delivers quality music.  This is from her recently released album LOVE HATE, and describes her love/hate relationship with “Dylan.”  We’re sure you can relate.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week comes from Broadway legend Eden Espinosa (Wicked), and is an incredible video for her single “Bed for 2.”  Her voice is electric and her songwriting is some of the best we have heard this year.  Enjoy this one – we think she’ll be riding the top of the charts in no time.

We think our next video, “Ring Ring” will definitely get you up and ready for the dance floor.  We love the sound of Nikki Paige, and were impressed that she has been a paid songwriter since the age of 11!  Let us know what you think about her.

Our next video is a well-shot film for the latest from Taveeta, “Chasing Feelings.”  She has an amazing voice and and hip-hop/R&B sense of style to her sound.

Our next video is the perfect segue and features R&B artist Àkin.  Check out the smooth sound of “Green Light,” with just the right amount of reggae goodness to take it over the top.

We close out this week with a beautiful remake of the classic Minnie Ripperton song “Loving You.”  We think T’Melle has the perfect voice for the song, and captures it perfectly.

 

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

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 14

What a crazy conclusion to this year’s March Madness – I never would have picked Virginia and Texas Tech as the two best in the country who will fight tonight for the National Championship.  At least baseball is more predictable, and my Brewers continue to dominate the division before heading out to the west coast to play the Angels and Dodgers.

Speaking of the west coast, we are making our final preparations for our trip to California at the end of April for the 10th annual Hollywood Fringe Festival.  We have an AirBnB in central Hollywood near Theatre Row, and can hardly wait to begin rehearsals for my solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), which opens with a preview show on June 7 at studio/stage in Hollywood.  We have launched a GoFundMe page, and have begun to receive donations and could really use your help.  Please give if you can or at least share our need with your friends and family.

We are also making final preparations for the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase on June 18 at the Mint LA, which will honor Women in Entertainment.  Our lineup for the night includes Emily Zuzik, Dree Mon, Constanza Herrero, Amilia K. Spicer, The HawtThorns, Brigitte Rios Purdy, Fanny Walked the Earth, Manda Mosher, The Spider Accomplice and Lawrence Lebo, with a very special appearance by Jordan Siwek.  Tickets are $10 in advance through PayPal and $13 at the door if there is space available.  A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Please buy your tickets now and help us support women and Sweet Relief.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Ugandan Suzan Mutesi, and we love the rhythm  and vibe of this cool song, and definitely agree, “This Feeling is Mutual.”

Our world-wide tour next takes us to Greece for the sweet and soulful sound of Eleni Drake and her song, “4.”  We think it’s definitely a “10.”

We return to Dallas, Texas for the debut single of the amazing Sydney Cope, who has a sound somewhere between Justin Timberlake and Ariana Grande.  We think she hits the nail on the head with this one, appropriately titled “Watch Out for Me.”

From the USA to the UK we travel for our fourth single from a singer-songwriter who mixes folk, pop, reggae and more into her amazing style.  Lucy Gallant has it all in her song “Not Normal,” and we simply love her style.

We close out our Women in Entertainment themed New Singles section with another debut single, this time from Cincinatti-based singer songwriter Shannon Garcia, who teams up with Josiah Wolf of Why? for “Spooky Action at a Distance.”  We would rather keep this one close to our heart.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video continues our world-wide tour as it was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa.  Check out this beautiful lyric video by Saul City for their song “Let Go.”

Next up is a band that reminds us of the sweet Americana sound of Suzanne Santo and honeyhoney.  We are pleased to introduce you to Boston-based Honeysuckle and their song, “Old Firestarter,” with its simple videography that so beautiful tells the story of the song.

Huge props to our next artist, Savannah Pope, for her ingenious portrayal of her song, “Rock n’ Roll No More.”  She truly brings the rock on this one, so we have to respectfully disagree that “nobody loves rock n’ roll no more.”  She definitely takes us to church on this one.

We introduced you to the song “Closer” by DAYLA in our Ten Great Singles of March article.  We are so glad to now share the stunning video of the same song, and think that you will fall in love with this amazing artist, just like we have.

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with Dutch pop star Maya Lavelle‘s intriguing video for her song, “Dancing with a Bottle.”  We introduced her to you back in February.  She uses text messages to convey the lyrics for the video, which was shot in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, and makes us want to hang out with her.  Let us know what you think.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 10

Hope you all survived the start of Daylight Savings Time yesterday.  Hopefully today’s great music will give you the jump start you need (that and several cups of coffee).  We’re getting really excited about our return to LA next month, and looking forward to the Hollywood Fringe Festival, our debut solo show, Livin’ the Dream (a journalistic journey), and celebrating women at the third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  We hope to connect with all of our LA peeps at at least one of these events.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from one of the scheduled performers at this year’s Showcase, Brigitte Purdy, who took home wins for Best Blues Artist and Best CD (Female).

Our second single comes from the cold vastness of Denmark.  The Straw Family Band have been thrilling us since we introduced them to you back in July 2017.  Their latest, “Perfectly Fine,” is another prime example of why we love them so much.  The tune is melancholy while still upbeat and features stirring vocals that uplift and give the song its intended positive vibe.

Next up is the first single from Americana/Indie Rock duo Anana Kaye.  We love the harmonies and the intriguing vocals, and think this song should do well in both Americana and Indie Rock/College radio circuits.  Check out “Blueberry Fireworks.”

We had intended to feature our next single a few weeks ago, but it got lost in our email.  We are very pleased to present it now, as it is pure classic country that we can’t get enough of.  Check out Marty Brown‘s “Umbrella Lovers” and we think you’ll love it too.

Our final single this week is an amazing work of R&B smoothness, featuring the amazing vocals of Dominique Tey.  Her EP will drop next month, and this tasty appetizer should get you ready for it.  Here’s “Every Part.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off this week’s music videos with this torch song from the amazing Fiona Grey.  We definitely agree with her assessment that we need more “Girls Like Me.”

Our next video comes from Kakkmaddafakka, which we introduced to you in our Ten Great Singles of February.  Here is the video of that same song, and we love it.  Get up and dance your cares away.

Likewise, our third video is the latest from Blue Élan Records artists Red Wanting Blue, featuring the stunning vocals of Liz Brasher.  We introduced this song to you a couple of weeks ago, and we can’t get enough of it.  Check out “I Got a Feeling it Hurts.”

We featured Kat Holland‘s song “The One” in our post-Grammy Monday Mashup, and she has now released a music video for it.  We love the sound of her voice, which is elegant, airy and full of life.  See what we mean.

We close out this week with the heartfelt sound of Cameron Hawthorn, who likes to be “Dancing in the Living Room.”  Sounds like a great idea, don’t you think?

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 9

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of March.  We’re counting down our final two months in Montana, as we will be in Los Angeles for the entire months of May and June before packing up and heading for the east coast in July.  Until then, we will continue to bring you amazing new music, including these five singles and music videos which were recently released.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from our old friend Tony Lucca, a former cast member of The New Mickey Mouse Club, as well as a member of Team Adam on Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice (the most watched season to date).  The single is called “Restless Heart,” and it’s already exploding up the charts.  One listen and we think you’ll understand why.

Next up is a clever pop/rock tune from The Slow Drag.  Check out this tongue-in-cheek song called “God Roots for my Team.”

https://soundcloud.com/the-slow-drag/god-roots-for-my-team-1/s-pxYSD

Our third single comes from West Australian folk singer-songwriter Scott Riley.  We really love the carefree sound of “Hard Luck,” as well as the message of the song.  Let us know what you think.

Single number four is “Warriors” by Danish band Rainbrother.  This one has the goods to make it on American radio, with its retro sound and driving beat.

Our final single this week is from the powerful and haunting vocalist Luvia.  Her single “Hunted” will send chills down your spine.  Enjoy this gift.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week features the PaperDolls Band in their dressing room warming up with an amazing a capella cover of “Billy” by The Bearfoot Band.  Enjoy this insightful look into what makes this band so amazing.

Next up is the latest video from Blue Élan Records future superstar, Amy Wilcox.  We simply love this visualization of her song, “Fortune Teller,” and think you will fall under her spell as well.

Video number three comes from Shiragirl, who were a featured act at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Check out “I Must be Dreaming” and get your rock on.

Our fourth video comes from the pop-noir mind of Shayfer James, who we reviewed earlier last month.  If you’re in New York, his EP release show will be this Friday at Rockwood Music Hall at 8:30 p.m.  This beautifully shot cinematic masterpiece perfectly captures the tone of his song “Ophelia.”

We close out this week’s Monday Mashup with the latest hip-hop video from 18 year old Londoner AMA.  Check out “Slip.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 6

OMG – that was the best Grammys Show we have ever witnessed.  Everything that was lacking in last week’s Super Bowl was present – superstar performances, inspiring speeches and incredible music throughout.  Alicia Keys was the perfect host and her “Songs I Wish I’d Written” segment brought us to tears.  It was also about time that the talents of Women in Entertainment were clearly on display, showing the world what we already know.  We’ve got some news for you today that is the perfect segue to that, as well as five new singles and music videos for your consideration.  Here we go!

INDIE ARTISTS SHINE AT 61ST GRAMMY AWARDS SHOW

Congratulations to indie band Opium Moon on their Grammy win last night for Best New Age Album.  Huge props to amazing violinist Lili Haydn and her equally amazing band for this honor.

Congratulations also to two artists we had the privilege of reviewing here on our blog.  Composer and music educator John Daversa took home three Grammys for his amazing jazz album American Dreamers that featured DACA kids and spotlighted their cause.  Blues legend Buddy Guy won for Best Traditional Blues Album for The Blues is Alive and Well.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE TO HONOR WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The Third Annual LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint LA.  This year’s Showcase will honor the role of Women in Entertainment, and will feature a stellar line-up that includes Fanny Walked the Earth (the first all-girl group to release an album on a major label); multiple-award winning rock band The Spider Accomplice, led by VK Lynne; Rebelle Road artist The HawtThorns, led by label co-founder KP Hawthorn (former member of award-winning group CALICO the Band); blues phenom Brigitte Rios Purdy; Americana sweetheart Amilia K. Spicer; and two of our International winners, blues band Reloaded Norway and Latin singer Constanza Herrero.  We expect to announce a couple more artists in the coming weeks.  Tickets are now on sale for just $10 in advance or $13 day of show, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  We hope to see you there.

BIG SKY DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL SET FOR FEBRUARY 15-24, WITH OPENING NIGHT FILM AT THE WILMA

This year the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 16th opening night on Saturday, February 16 with a free screening of a film that celebrates winter culture and the pioneer who helped bring it to the big screen.

Directed by Patrick Creadon, SKI BUM: THE WARREN MILLER STORY chronicles the life and times of the legendary filmmaker who, through his annual ski films and national tours which began in the early 1950’s, was a driving force in the development and promotion of the ski industry in America and throughout the world.

The screening will begin at 6:00 p.m. at The Wilma (131 S. Higgins) with a Q&A with filmmakers and cast following the screening.  We advise you to show up early to make sure you get a seat.  This year’s free opening night is made possible by Bob Ward’s Sports and Outdoors.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this week comes from Australian folk singer Short Shadows.  We love his vibe and the sentiments contained in “Nothing Good Comes from Preston.”  Check out those horns.

Our second single is a sweet pop song from David Alexander called “Falling.”  We love the strings and the heavenly vocals and think you’ll want to hear more from this young man.

https://soundcloud.com/david-alexander-300103527/falling/s-CJZ6d

Next up is the rocking sound of Signs & Symbols, who share their latest single “Coffee for Friends.”  This one will get your week off to a rocking start.

Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland.  We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites.

Our final single this week comes from UK band Woman’s Hour and is very powerful both sonically and lyrically.  Check out “Luke.”  We think you’ll be searching for more of their material.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from Los Angeles street performer Katie Ferrera.  It is a powerful and beautifully shot video that shows what it’s like to busk, as well as the raw talent of this amazing artist.  Here’s “Weightless.”

Next up is “People Get Ready,” the gritty tune from another UK artist, Emma Bosworth.  The song talks about mental health issues and presents them in terms we can all understand.  Please give this artist your attention.

Our third video is a blues smoker from The Spear Shakers, who we introduced to you last month in our Ten Amazing Videos from December article.  Here is their latest, “I Went Down Easy.”

Next up is an amazing live performance of the power ballad “There has to be More” from Eliza Spear.  The song talks about transitioning to Los Angeles from North Carolina, and offers hope that there is more than just what you can see.  We think you should take her advice to heart.

Our final video this week will definitely give you something to think about, as it is all about global warming and resultant changes.  Check out this powerful and thought-provoking video from KLOGR for their song “Somethings in the Air.”

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2019: vol. 1

Welcome to our first Monday Mashup of the new year.  We thank you so much for your response to our year-end articles last week, including the announcement of the LA Music Critic Award winners for the second half of 2018.  Your responses pushed us over the 95,000 view mark, and set a new single-day record of 1,972 views on Friday.  We love sharing these amazing indie artists with you.

LA MUSIC CRITIC AWARD WINNERS SHOWCASE

Our third annual LA Music Critic Award Winners showcase is set for Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at The Mint in Los Angeles, and it’s shaping up to be another great one.  The showcase helps raise awareness and funds for the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, and this year will feature our first international winner!  More details to come soon, but Save the Date!

ALICE WALLACE SET TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

Four-time LA Music Critic Award winner Alice Wallace will release her new album on January 18, her first on Rebelle Road Records.  We will be featuring her in our Get it or Forget it reviews on that date.  In addition, we are bringing back our Women in Entertainment series, and she will be the next artist to be featured.  Don’t miss this one.

NEW SINGLES

Our first single this year comes from LA Music Critic Award winner for best EDM/Dance Artist/Band TNEO.  It is the third single from their album, Robotish, and the best one so far (IOHO).  Check out “Cold Grey Day.”  We guarantee this one will have you dancing into the new week.

Next is the latest from mother-daughter duo Cliffs and Caves.  They have a sweet indie folk/country sound with a full orchestra sound.  We really love the sound of “Goodbye for Good” and think you will too.

Our third single is a rock instrumental track from the forthcoming album by the Hedvig Mollestad Trio.  This one has everything lovers of rock and metal desire, and will also appeal to acid jazz lovers as well.  Check out “Bewitched, Drawfed and Defeathered.”

Our fourth single goes to the opposite end of the spectrum, with the haunting voice and lyrics of Rié Fu on her song “Mirror.”  She grew up in Tokyo, signed with a major label, but decided to forego that path, relocated to the UK and decided to go indie.  We think she made the right choice.

https://soundcloud.com/rie-music/06-mirror

Our final single this week is the latest from Teachers with Guns, who we introduced you to back in November.  This one is called “E.T.H.” and we like it a lot.  It has an amazing instrumental track to kick it off, followed by reflective lyrics sung by a voice that means business.  Check it out.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first music video this year is from LA Music Critic Award nominees The Daybreaks.  It was recorded live at Pentavarit, and gives us another reason to love this Nashville-based band.  Check out “Flesh it Out.”

It’s been a while since we featured anything from the amazing young artist Olivia Millerschin.  Here is her cover video of Taylor Swift’s song “New Year’s Day,” which was recorded live in studio.  We think we’ll be hearing lots more great music from  her soon.

Although it technically came out on Christmas day, we love the latest from LA Music Critic Award winning rock band The Guess Who.  Here is their latest, “In America.”  We love that they are still rocking after 40 years!

Our fourth single is an amazing cover of the 1926 blues classic “John the Revelator” from LA Music Critic Award nominee Jason Robert, from his forthcoming album Death of Stone Stanley.  This one will appeal to lovers of classic blues rock.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the brand new video from up and coming country star Kamber Cain.  We love her song “Love Story That I’ve Already Read.”  We think this one is going to be a hit!

 

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

Get it or forget it – Brigitte Purdy, Joakim, Shelby Texas, Sonia Leigh, Dinamarca

Ready to check out new indie music?  You came to the right place then.  Here are five new releases for your consideration.

Artist Name:  Brigitte Purdy

Album Name:  Still I Rise

Label:  Dirtshack Records

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Hoodoo; 2.  Be the Light; 3.  Home is in my Heart; 4.  My Kinda Blues; 5.  Last Time; 6.  Get it Understood; 7.  If I Could; 8.  Lucille Don’t you Weep; 9.  Blues Angel; 10.  Still I Rise

Publicist:  Blind Raccoon

Review:  We met Brigitte Purdy at the LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase when she came to support Pam Taylor.  We had no idea at the time how amazing she was, but after reviewing her latest CD, we are believers!  This petite young lady can wail, and is eerily as powerful a vocalist as Janis Joplin, Etta James and Aretha Franklin.  She also has a plethora of amazing guest musicians on her CD, including Blues Music Award winner Kenny Neal on Harmonica, So Cal guitarist Dave Osti (who also produced the CD) and the Blues Angel rhythm section and Donnell Spencer Jr.  Purdy uses elements of blues, gospel, R&B, funk, soul and rock in creating this very unique mixture that showcases her multiple talents.  We fully expect this young lady to take on the rest of the blues world and quickly rise to the top.  Every song is a winner, and you can’t go wrong with any of these tracks.

Recommendation:  Drop what you’re doing and Get this one NOW!

Artist Name:  Joakim

Album Name:  The Studio Venezia Sessions

Label:  The Vinyl Factory

Genre:  Instrumental

Track Listing:  1.  Orange; 2.  Trust; 3.  Dead; 4.  Arms; 5.  Innuendo; 6.  Air; 7.  Comes; 8.  Absence; 9.  Dream

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  Studio Venezia is a musician’s playground, with a myriad of instruments from medieval times to the present.  Joakim uses many of these instruments on this very intriguing instrumental album that is unlike anything we have heard before.  The result is an album of diverse sounds that somehow mesh well, creating a dreamy landscape of sound pictures that could form the perfect soundscape for a myriad of placement opportunities in commercials, film or television.  These are not the type of songs you would hear on the radio, except maybe NPR.  Nevertheless, they are interesting enough that you should definitely check them out.

Recommendation:  Give it a spin.

Artist Name:  Shelby, Texas

Album Name:  We are Shelby, Texas

Label:  Self-Released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  No Regrets, 2.  Right Side; 3.  Unrequited; 4.  Home; 5.  Tennessee; 6.  Gasoline; 7.  Glory (acoustic)

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Shelby, Texas is a country duo from San Francisco, California led by vocalist Shelby Lanterman.  Their sound is fresh and pure, bringing back the traditional country sound but with a modern twist.  The guitar work of her partner, Texas McCauley, is a thing of beauty  He takes lead vocals on “Right Side,” “Home,” and “Gasoline.”  We especially love the harmonies on “Home” and “Glory,”  as the combination of their voices is downright heavenly.  This duo has a bright future in the industry, and we highly recommend radio station managers, tour mangers and music supervisors take notice of this amazing duo.

Recommendation:  As the name of the first track suggests, if you Get this CD, you will have “No Regrets.”

Artist Name:  Sonia Leigh and Friends

Album Name:  Live in London:  Studio 3 Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Country

Track Listing:  1.  Clair de Lune, pt. 1; 2.  Alabama Bound; 3.  My Name is Money; 4.  Bar; 5.  Jack is Back; 6.  Sweet Annie; 7.  Dead Mans Sunrise; 8.  Walking in the Moonlight; 9.  Ladder to the Moon; 10.  Rob the Man; 11.  Sky Submarine; 12.  Ol’ 55; 13.  Clair de Lune, pt. 2

Publicist:  Alliance Media Relations

Review:  Sonia Leigh is one of those artists who you have probably heard and loved but didn’t know who she was.  She wrote “Sweet Annie” and “Goodbye in her Eyes” and both became huge #1 hits for the Zac Brown Band.  She is one of the most sought after songwriters in Nashville, and a killer guitar player.  She spent most of the past year in the UK, where she and her friends recorded this album in the famed Abbey Road Studios.  She has an amazing voice that is part Janis Joplin and the rest Bonnie Raitt, and to quote one of her songs, “My Name is Money.”  Truer words have never been spoken, as we believe this young lady can challenge anyone in the congested country music market.  She has the grit and humor of Gretchen Wilson, and we hereby dub her the new “Redneck Woman.”  We love her version of “Sweet Annie,” which shows the passion in her songwriting, and clearly demonstrates why Zac Brown wanted to record it.

Recommendation:  If  you love country, you must have this one in your collection.  Get it!

Artist Name:  Dinamarca

Album Name:  Sol De Mi Vida

Label:  Rinse

Genre:  Trance/EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Sol; 2.  Dino; 3.  Jevi; 4.  Campana; 5.  Mi Todo; 5.  Tú y Yo; 7.  Luna

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  The founder of indie record label Staycore, Dinamarca reimagines the music of Latin America with an electronic sound that is perfectly suited for use by house DJs and should be heard in every dance club in the world.  A mixture of trance and reggaeton, it is completly original and sublime.  Hailing from Chile, Dinamarca is now part of the buzzing Swedish music scene, and they should be very lucky to have him.  This one is a keeper.

Recommendation:  If you love to dance or move your body, you can’t find a better soundtrack.  Get it and see for yourself.

 

 

Categories
Artists Worth Checking Out Fringe Shows Hollywood Fringe Festival LA Music Critic Awards Reviews See it or Skip it Theatre Women in Entertainment

HFF18 day 10 – see it or skip it

We took Tuesday off from the Fringe for the LA Music Critic Awards Winners Showcase at the Mint.  It was a glorious event, featuring the music of Pam Taylor, Alexis Keegan, Pi Jacobs, Great Willow, The Khourys, Rusty Young, Cindy Alexander, Ted Russell Kamp, Shiragirl and ROCKET.  The music was hot and we had a blast, and managed to raise $500 for the work of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.  Both Shiragirl (“Summers Coming”) and Alexander (“My Favorite Artist”) debuted brand new singles that will be released on Friday.  You should have seen Young’s face when we presented him with the 2018 Icon Award.  It was priceless.  We strongly advise you to check out the sounds of these award winning artists, and don’t forget to vote for your Fan Favorite with our current nominations for the first half of 2018.  Voting ends on Wednesday, June 27.

Very  special thanks to Patrick O’Heffernan of Friday Music Live, Jen Lyneis of Ue3 Promotions and Kirk Pasich of Blue Élan Records for your sponsorship of our event and your assistance in putting on this show.  We could not have done it without you.

On Wednesday we returned to the Fringe for a couple of shows, the first of which was at Studio/Stage.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Yellow Wallpaper

VENUE:  Studio/Stage

REVIEW:  This was a difficult play to review.  On the one hand, the ending left us with more questions unanswered than we had before it began.  On the other hand, the acting of Tatum Langton as Jane was truly wonderful, given the script she was given.  This adaptation shifted the focus from Jane and her descent into madness as described in the original short story, and instead focused on her family.  This shift did not play out well, leaving the audience literally “in the dark” about exactly what was happening.  It did cast a light on the horrible way that people suffering from mental illness have been treated in this country.  Even though it was set in the 1950’s, that same attitude is still prevalent today.  If nothing else, the play reminds us that we need to take better care of those suffering from mental illness, and do what we can to find a true cure for their ailment.

RECOMMENDATION:  We cannot truly endorse this play.  Although it has its moments, overall we think you should just skip it, as there are so many other plays to consider at this year’s Fringe.  Read the short story instead.

After viewing this play, we decided to head down and check out the Fringe Pride event at that LGBT Centre.  The space was lovely and there might have been more of the community in attendance if the Broadwater Plunge hadn’t decided to have their Grand Opening at the same time.  Parking was impossible, though, and we managed to get a ticket from the most obnoxious female cop.  Oh well, welcome to Los Angeles!  Back to the Fringe.

TITLE OF SHOW:  Mulatto Math:  Summing up the Race Equation in America

VENUE:  The Lounge Theater

REVIEW:  One of the joys (although it can be difficult at times) of sponsoring an award at Fringe is screening the shows that have applied.  We have had mostly great shows to screen so far (making our selection difficult), and Mulatto Math definitely falls in that category.  From the amazing original music of writer/performer/star Monique DeBose to the equally amazing accompaniment of Dwayne Augustine on double bass, this show was a thing of beauty.  DeBose is mixed race and grew up in California, although her black father was from the segregated South.  As someone who was born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, both pre and post segregation, I could easily relate to her story of being trapped between two worlds, never fully integrated into either, but drawn to her father’s side.  Her conclusions, based on her own math formulas, were interesting and totally understandable, reminding us that we still have a long way to go for all races to feel truly free.  Hopefully this play will serve as a catalyst to better days ahead.

RECOMMENDATION:  Definitely go see this show.  There are two performances remaining, June 21 at 6 p.m. and June 23 at 10 p.m.  Grab your tickets here – don’t miss it!