Tag: Mapache

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Artists Worth Checking Out Monday Mashup Women in Entertainment

Monday mashup 2018: vol. 26

Happy Monday – ready for another week?  We’ve got some great new music to share today, as we head into the last full week in July.  We hope you enjoy these tunes.

EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEAK

Here is an exclusive sneak peak from a “new” artist we really like.  The single won’t be available until August 24, but we wanted you to have the exclusive first listen to “Second Time” by Ferera Swan.

“This is a song that has truly helped me grieve & heal.  I re-branded this year under my new artist name . . . [This] will be the first song that will introduce my new brand, sound, new music, and projects that will work as a campaign to help spread awareness in the areas of adoption, foster care, trauma education, and mental/emotional health.”

NEW SINGLES

First up is the latest from one of the best blues singers in the indie world.  This time around, she has decided to cover an old Paul Rodgers and Bad Company song, “Ready for Love.”  Check out this awesome version from Gina Sicilia from her new forthcoming album on Blue Élan Records.

Next up is a song from the super group of Delaney Gibson and Amy Arani known as SIGNY, based out of Austin, Texas.  This one is perfect for summer living, as it’s all about the “Water.”

Maya Payne is a young lady who has had number one hits from her native New Zealand to Poland.  She’s back with her new single, and we have no doubt it will be just as great as her previous hits.  Here’s “Jungle.”

Our fourth single today is from future country superstar Ryan Calhoun.  His latest is a play on words called “Chaser” and we think you will love this one.

Our final single today is the first single from the debut album by Helenor.  It is eerie and the perfect mood setter for a Monday.  Check out “Ocean State.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Last week we introduced you to Post Season when we reviewed their new album.  These guys put the fun into punk.  Check out their lyric video for their second single, “Numb to This.”

Next up is the latest from the amazing acoustic band Mapache, which we reviewed last week.  They just released a short, three-song EP of cover songs, and this is the first song from it “Lonesome LA Cowboy,” a huge hit for the New Riders of the Purple Sage.

Last week Well Well Well simultaneously released two EPs, which we reviewed on Friday.  Today we want to share the music video for “Day After Day.”

Our fourth video this week is an upbeat, radio friendly girl power track from Rachael Cantu.  We really love this video and the song as well.  Here’s “Run Free.”

Our final video this week is in response to the #Metoo movement from Lora Kelley.  Here is her song “Good Men Don’t Hurt You.”

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

Get it or forget it – The Split Seconds, Jocelyn Michelle, Cynthia Brando, Christos, Mapache

Happy humpday.  Welcome back for another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We have four new artists and the return of one of our favorites from earlier this year.  Enjoy!

Artist Name:  The Split Seconds

Album Name:  Counterfeit Reality

Label:  Altercation Records

Genre:  Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Everybody’s Wrong; 2.  Used to be Nice; 3.  Dirty Shirley; 4.  Fortunate One; 5.  Punk Rock Blacklist; 6.  Dear Cynthia; 7.  Impulsive Automatic; 8.  Where Have all the Good Men Gone; 9.  Get the Hell off the Beach; 10.  Little Lizzie Icepick

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  At least one good thing is in our nation’s Capital – The Split Seconds.  They are a pop punk band that keeps all the angst and rage of punk rock but adds some pop sensibilities to the mix, which makes it more accessible to the masses.  There are still strong words about the world at large, but with the softer pop side, the music is easier to listen to, making it also easier to hear the band’s not so subtle messages.  Just for fun, check out the surf rock groove of “Get the Hell off the Beach.”

Recommendation:  Definitely give this one a chance.  We think you will have fun with it, and maybe learn a thing or two as well.

Artist Name:  Jocelyn Michelle

Album Name:  Live at Viva Cantina

Label:  Chicken Coup

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Groove Yard; 2.  Englewood Cliffs; 3.  Groovin’; 4.  Last Tango in Paris; 5.  The Look of Love; 6.  On no, Could I be in Love; 7.  One Note Samba; 8.  The Pink Panther Theme; 9.  A Sister’s Love; 10.  Slyvia’s Song

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  If you like jazz or the organ music at the ball park, then you will love the sound of Jocelyn Michelle.  Playing a Hammond B3 organ while her husband contributes some hot jazz guitar licks, this album will keep you cool during those hot summer nights.  Although she lives in Hawaii, the album was recorded live at Viva Cantina, a Mexican restaurant in her old stomping ground of Burbank, California.  Other outstanding LA musicians on the album include Andrea Lindborg and Tony Farrell on trumpet, Bill Noble and Steve Mann on alto and tenor sax, Sammy K on drums and percussion, Al Person on percussion and Laura Dickinson on vocals.  You will love this collection of jazz standards and jazz versions of popular tunes.

Recommendation:  Definitely get this one.

Artist Name:  Cynthia Brando

Album Name:  The Treehouse Trio Sessions

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-Songwriter Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Sparkle; 2.  Afterthought; 3.  California Song; 4.  Take me Back to That Place; 5.  Do you Know What to Do; 6.  Isn’t it True; 7.  I’ve got a Love; 8.  The Changing Skies of my Life; 9.  End of the World; 10.  Wildest Dreams; 11.  All the Things in Your Room

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Cynthia Brando is proof of the old adage that it’s never too late to start.  She did’t begin her music career until 2013, and now is embarked on her first tour – at the tender age of 41.  In her spare time, she is an event producer and runs a support site for musicians.  Somehow she found time to record a new CD, which highlights her songwriting, guitar chops and vibrato-laden vocals.  The songs are tender ballads about her life’s story, and go down smooth like fine wine.  Her songs and voice are perfectly suited to the folk rock style she has chosen, and we would love to sit down and share a drink while the sweet sound of her music creates a relaxing musical soundtrack.

Recommendation:  If you want a relaxing soundtrack, then you should check this one one.  It’s worth it.

Artist Name:  Christos

Album Name:  Teargas

Label:  Doom Dab

Genre:  EDM

Track Listing:  1.  Teargas; 2.  Yasemi; 3.  Region; 4.  Bubbling

Publicist:  Worldwide Friendly Society Communications

Review:  These past two days have been great if you’re a fan of electronic dance music.  Christos is another prime example.  Even though he is currently based in London, his music reflects his Greek culture, providing the perfect formula for a popping dance mix.  His music should be a primary source for every smart DJ, and deserves heavy spins at your favorite dance spot.

Recommendation:  If you love dancing, this one will give you the perfect beats.

Artist Name:  Mapache

Album Name:  Lonesome LA Cowboy

Label:  Digital only

Genre:  Americana/Folk

Track Listing:  1.  Katie Dear; 2.  Last Thing on my Mind; 3.  Lonesome LA Cowboy

Publicist:  Calabro Music Mediaq

Review:  Mapache just released their debut CD earlier this year, which we reviewed in January.  Despite that, or maybe because of it, they have released a surprise three-song digital EP of covers that they are currently incorporating into their live shows.  We first heard them when they were touring with Suzanne Santo, and are now touring with Nicki Bluhm.   As interpreters, they are head and shoulders above their peers.  They sound like a condensed and modern version of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and are sure to continue making great music for a long time to come.

Recommendation:  Get this one and go see them perform live!

 

 

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

Get it or forget it – Mapache, Indigenous, Straw Family, The Raven and the Fox, Ovtlier

And we’re back with another edition of Get it or Forget it.  We have five interesting ones for your perusal today.  Here we go!

Artist Name:  Mapache

Album Name:  Mapache

Label:  Spiritual Pajamas Records

Genre:  West Coast Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Mountain Song; 2.  Like a Stone; 3.  Aquelios Ojos Verdes; 4.  In the Morning Light; 5.  Broken Down Cadillac; 6.  Chico River; 7.  Follow you Down; 8.  Saltillo; 9.  Blue Marble; 10.  Songs to a Seagull; 11.  Nellie

Publicist:  Self-promoted/Bandcamp

Review:  In this world of processed music, it is so refreshing to listen to a band that remains acoustic and organic.  We first heard Mapache when they were touring with Suzanne Santo, and fell in love with their simple, fresh sound.  They have been compared to the Everly Brothers, and the comparison is obvious.  What’s most amazing is that this band comes from Los Angeles, but has remained true and pure in their musical innocence.  There isn’t a weak song on this amazing album, which was recorded at the legendary Valentine Recording Studios.  We expect great things from this band.  Favorite tracks include “Mountain Song,” “Broken Down Cadillac,” “Follow you Down,” “Saltillo,” “Blue Marble,” and “Songs to a Seagull.”

Recommendation:  One of early favorites for best album of 2018.  You simply MUST Get it.

Artist Name:  Indigenous

Album Name:  Gray Skies

Label:  Blues Bureau International

Genre:  Blues

Track Listing:  1.  Stay Behind; 2.  I’m Missing You; 3.  Lonely Days; 4.  Healers; 5.  On my Way; 6.  Hear my Voice; 7.  Let it Shine; 8.  Don’t Know Where to Go; 9.  Let’s Carry On; 10.  Both to Blame; 11.  You Broke it you Bought It; 12.  What you Runnin’ From

Publicist:  Guitars Forever Marketing & Promotions

Review:  Featuring the amazing guitar work of Mato Nanji, Indigenous is a Native American blues band that has just released its 11th album, under the amazing production of Mike Varney.  These songs feature the amazing fretwork of Nanji, with strong lyrical content and vocals that will knock your socks off.  This is BB King-style blues, rich with layers and rocking the sound of the blues and good ole rock-n-roll.  Nanji has been compared to Jimi Hendrix, and the comparison is well deserved.  Our favorite tracks include “Stay Behind,” “I’m Missing You,” “Lonely Days,” “On my Way,” “Let it Shine,” “Don’t Know Where to Go,” and “What you Runnin’ From.”

Recommendation:  If you like blues and/or rock, then this is a necessity for your collection.  Get. It. Now.

Artist Name:  Straw Family

Album Name:  Family Matters

Label:  Roar Music Aps

Genre:  Country Pop

Track Listing:  1.  1965; 2.  Alive; 3.  Bang Bang; 4.  Dreaming; 5.  Family and Friends; 6.  Hot Sunny Day; 7.  I Hope; 8.  It’s Cold Outside; 9.  Spider Making new Web; 10.  To a Higher Place

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  We have previously featured a pair of their music videos, which also garnered them a pair of nominations for the LA Music Critic Awards.  So glad we are finally able to review their album.  Although this band is from Denmark, they are ready to tackle the American music market, and we think they have a great chance of breaking in.  Composed of Mom, Dad and two of their daughters, Straw Family is an amazing group that blends pop, country, blues, and more into their own unique sound.  Our favorite cuts are “Alive,” “Bang Bang,” “Family and Friends,” “Hot Sunny Day,” “It’s Cold Outside” (not the traditional Christmas song),  and “To a Higher Place.”

Recommendation:  This band deserves a place in your favorites collection.  We highly recommend you Get it today.

Artist Name:  The Raven & the Fox

Album Name:  The Raven & the Fox

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Singer-Songwriter

Track Listing: 1,  Fly  Away; 2.  Follow Me; 3.  When Stars Align; 4.  Sweet Dreams; 5.  Mountain Moments; 6.  Where Mountains Meet the Sea; 7.  Everything; 8.  Wash Over Me; 9.  Desert Alchemy; 10.  See you in my Dreams

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  We discovered this band earlier this week when we featured their latest music video for “Follow Me” in our Monday Mashup column.  They are a duo from Alberta, Canada, and have not yet released their album in the US, although it was released in Canada last June.  We think they are more than ready to cross the border and show America how it’s done.  The vocals of Julie Chang are remarkable, and the chemistry between her and her partner, Sean Isaac is palpable and vibrant.  There isn’t a weak track on this album, but we really love “Follow Me,” “Where Mountains Meet the Sea,” “Wash Over Me,” “Desert Alchemy,” and “See you in my Dreams.”

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk to your closest retailer and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Ovtlier

Album Name:  What Doesn’t Kill You

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Metal

Track Listing:  1,  Your Disease; 2.  Broken Bones; 3.  Set the World in Flames; 4.  Vice; 5.  Buried me Alive; 6.  Voices in the Dark; 7.  Break

Publicist:  Effective Immediately PR

Review:  Ovtlier is fronted by Joey Arena, formerly a member of Young Bloods.  It has everything metal maniacs will love – screaming guitar, screaming, intense lyrical content and a killer band.  It also has some incredible keys on “Broken Bones.”  It is amazing that the band has attained this mastery on their debut EP, but Ovtlier is the real deal, and should be headlining shows in no time at all.   Every song rocks, and I’m not that fond of metal.  We definitely think this band has a solid future.

Recommendation:  This one will appeal to all rock lovers, whether you like metal or not.  We highly recommend you go Get it.

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Reviews Women in Entertainment

Suzanne Santo at the Top Hat – live performance review

Last night we attended the solo show for Suzanne Santo of honeyhoney, who performed to a packed house at the Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, Montana.  Mapache opened the night for her.  They are a duo of acoustic musicians on guitar and dobro who possess some of the best harmonies we have ever heard.  They just released their debut album in October, and we will be reviewing it next week.  These guys were so good that Santo brought them up during her set to do a trio with them that was breathtaking as they did a cover of “Helplessly Hoping” by Crosby, Stills & Nash.  We highly recommend you check them out.

Santo took the stage about 10:35 p.m., along with Blaine on rhythm guitar and foot bass and Paul on drums.  Santo used three different guitars and her fiddle during her nearly 90 min set, which included a two-song encore.

Santo previously released her debut solo album Ruby Red back in August, and we reviewed it here on our blog on August 23.  She released a music video for the lead single, “Ghost in my Bed,” which garnered a nomination for the LA Music Critic Awards for Best Video Official (Female), while Santo was nominated for Best Roots/Americana Artist (Female).

Santo and her band played nearly all of the songs on her album, as well as an amazing cover of Johnny Cash’s “Give my Love to Rose,” and a medley of honeyhoney songs, including “I Don’t Want to Fight,” “All on You,” and “Burned me Out,” which she performed solo.

She apologized for her late start, and explained that they had played the Tractor Tavern in Seattle on Thursday night and had a hard commute over, arriving after their scheduled sound check.

Among the highlights were performances of “Ghost in my Bed” (featuring some outstanding fiddle), “Blood on Your Knees,” “Bullets,” and “Yours or Mine.”  Blaine was also amazing on guitar and playing bass with his footboard.

Santo talked about her performances last year with honeyhoney, including stops at the Top Hat Lounge and a performance at the Bob Marshall Festival in Seeley Lake.  In fact, there was a large group from Seeley Lake at the show that had gotten hooked on her sound when she performed there.

Santo also informed the crowd that Ben Jaffe, her partner in honeyhoney, would be releasing his solo project soon, and encouraged everyone to check it out.

It was an amazing evening of music.  We strongly encourage you to check out both Santo and Mapache the next time they stop in Missoula.