Me – Indie Voice Blog

After 23 hours of driving, I arrived last night at my brother’s home in Lawton, Oklahoma, where I will be helping him provide hospice care for our father. I don’t know how long I will be here, but don’t have any current plans. I do, however, have a lot of albums to review, so here are another four for your consideration.

Artist Name: Sarah Rogo

Album Name: Live at Lestat’s West

Label: Funzalo Records

Genre: Blues

Track Listing: 1. Born to be Blue; 2. It’s Gonna be Alright; 3. Oh my God 4. Misbehave; 5. These are the Blues; 6. Loving her Tonight; 7. Going Where the Weather Suits my Soul

Publicist: Independent Music Media

Review: It is rare for an indie artist to release a live album. It is even rarer that the genre be blues, and original blues at that. At a time when so many blues artists continue to record the same old classics over and over again, it is refreshing to hear a complete album of original blues, and from such a young artist as Sarah Rogo, who is all of 25 years old. Having recently been at a live show at San Diego’s Lestat’s West, we can honestly say it is one of the best small venues in the country, with by far one of the best sound engineers, Louis Brazier. Rogo has such an amazing voice that soars above her guitar accompaniment, bringing life to her well-crafted lyrics. The only thing that could be better than this live album would be to hear it with a full band.

Recommendation: This lady is gonna be huge. Jump on board this train now cause it is about to leave the station. Get her live album now.

Artist Name: Blues Goose

Album Name: Questions

Label: Self-released

Genre: Blues

Track Listing: 1. Flat Tire Blues; 2. You’re Fine You’re Mine; 3. Questions; 4. I’m a Woman; 5. Let it Out (Blues for Veterans); 6. Stay Away; 7. Sweet Love; 8. Got a Broken Heart; 9. Wooden Shoes (Pub Blues)

Publicist: ABIK Promotions

Review: There’s nothing like female-fronted blues, and Blues Goose has a definite winner in Ingrid. Her powerful and soulful voice is the perfect complement to the intense tracks laid down by the band, especially Frank’s mean keys. The songs are well-crafted, witty and fun, and can be played on repeat without ever getting sick of them. Our favorite tracks include “You’re Fine You’re Mine,” the title track, the fantastic cover of the Peggy Lee classic hit “I’m a Woman,” “Let it Out,” and “Sweet Love.”

Recommendation: If you love the blues, then you simply must add Blues Goose to your musical library. Get this one today.

Artist Name: Ray Goren

Album Name: Me

Label: Palmetto Records

Genre: Blue-eyed Soul

Track Listing: 1. Ain’t Here; 2. Feeling; 3. Have a Nice Day; 4. Yes No Maybe So; 5. Manners; 6. I Do 7. When I’m Gone; 8. Outta Sight, Outta Mind; 9. Don’t Worry; 10. Cash and Gold; 11. Fallen Angel

Publicist: None

Review: “When you ain’t here with me, I ain’t who I wanna be.” So says the chorus of the first track of the latest from teen phenom Ray Goren. Goren has switched his style from blues to indie rock tinged blue-eyed soul, and the difference is amazing. This talented young man has a tremendous future ahead of him, and based on both of his works to date, he has the chops to do it all. He combines the vocals of John Legend and Justin Timberlake with the guitar chops of Keith Urban and Brad Paisley to create music that is compelling in its intensity and craft. He adds to that the keyboard skills of Phil Vassar and Dave Yaden that take his music to an even higher level, especially on “Yes No Maybe So.” His song “Manners” would be perfect for the Fox hit show “Empire.” Overall, this is definitely one of the finest albums of 2017, and a true contender for an LA Music Critic Award.

Recommendation: This is today’s no brainer. Run, don’t walk, and Get this one now!

Artist Name: Amy Clarke

Album Name: A New Way

Label: ScorpFaery Productions

Genre: Singer-songwriter

Track Listing: 1. Rain Come Round; 2. Once; 3. Belmont Blues; 4. May; 5. Goddess; 6. We are the Web 7. Between the Ice and the Ocean 8. Love is the Way; 9. From Here; 10. Ella Mira; 11. Give it Back 12. A New Way; 13. Shine

Publicist: None

Review: Amy Clarke has always been one of the best indie keyboard players. Her songwriting is always well-crafted and compelling, with deep lyrics imposed upon complex instrumentation, creating songs that don’t just sound great but bring awareness to issues affecting the world at large. She pours her passion into her tune, and passes that passion on to her listeners. You cannot listen to a song like her first track, “Rain Come Round,” without feeling a charge in your soul, which in turn increases your hunger for justice, and your quest to help others find and achieve it. Best cuts include “Belmont Blues,” “Mary,” “We are the Web,” “Love is the Way,” “From Here,” “Give it Back” and the title track.

Recommendation: Accept her challenge – be the change you want to see. Support this amazing artist and Get her latest CD.

“Tall, blond, bodacious and sensual, newcomer Darby Williams commands the stage just as she commands her dynamic vocal range, with artistic creativity and a personal touch not often found today. Signed personally to Roc Cartel by label founder and President Ray De La Garza, Williams captures the essence and the nuances of perhaps the greatest collaborators in jazz history – Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.”

So begins the press release for jazz artist Darby Williams, which was sent to this reviewer by one of his sources, Deborah Radel, publicist and fellow indie music lover. Come to find out Williams had recorded a duet with Grammy and Oscar winner Peabo Bryson, which has been released as a single to highlight Williams’ debut album, Me. With this reviewer’s interest piqued, an interview was set up with Ms. Williams, and here’s how it went:

IV: How did you hook up with Peabo?

DW: My manager, Richard Flanzer and my label, Roc Cartel, set up the duet. We are planning on touring all of my music at some point, but our primary focus is on the duet.

IV: How did the album title come about?

DW: My label chose the title “Me” as I am a new artist who they wanted to introduce to the jazz world in particular.

IV: What makes the duet with Bryson so special?

DW: The duet is very breezy and fun while the remainder of the album is a collection of Ellington ballads. Most people are already familiar with those tunes so they wanted them to see what makes my music unique.

IV: What was your training?

DW: I started singing in church at the age of 3. I always sang together with my her Dad, who loved jazz, so I turned into a jazz girl. We’d get in the car and start singing to Sinatra and others and he’s still singing with me today.

IV: What other jazz or music influenced your style?

DW: The Ellington/Strayhorn swing songs were always my favorites but their ballads were what I loved. They were challenging to perform but such a privilege to get to do them. They are not easy to sing and emotionally impact me very deeply. During the recording process, there were many times I would just burst into tears as the meaning behind the lyrics hit home. This (recording music) is all very new to me and I feel very lucky to have this opportunity.

IV: Why is recording music is so different?

DW: It’s like Alice in Wonderland for me. The whole process is very amazing. I have two great producers, Jason Switeser and Flanzer, who are legends in the industry. I’m being well taken care of and loving every minute of it.

IV: How did the label deal with Roc Cartel come about?

DW: I was introduced to De la Garza (the label owner) through a friend of a friend of my manager. When De la Garza found out I was a singer, he was intrigued. It went from there. It’s kismet for a girl from Salem, Oregon to get this opportunity. I subsequently moved from Salem to Portland but am now considering an apartment in NYC to expand my horizons.

De La Garza had this to say about Williams: “Darby has such a diverse vocal range that her interpretation of these songs makes them relevant and accessible to everyone. We are looking forward to introducing this work to many who are not yet familiar with this legendary music, as well as, to those who hold a deep appreciation for these timeless classics.”

“Darby is a fantastic vocalist with command and range. I’ve sung with the greats and she’s more than holding her own,” added Peabo Bryson.

Williams is currently scheduling her tour to support her album, and hopes to include Europe and Japan on her itinerary. Her album dropped in August.

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