Tag: Ray Goren

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2017 Women in Entertainment

Best indie albums of 2017

Here’s our list of the best indie albums of 2017.  Some of them were nominated and/or won LA Music Critic Awards during the first half of 2017, and most of the rest will be included when the nominations for the second half of 2017 are announced on January 17.  Consider this your “sneak peak” of those nominations.  Every album on this list has been reviewed in the “Get it or Forget it” column of our Blog.  How many of them do you have?

Honorable Mention:  Even though we have selected 25 albums for our list, there were a few that didn’t make the list, but deserve mention, including Ride by Marc Berger, Find the Silver Lining by Kelly Fitzgerald, Little Folks Like You and Me by Mike Younger, Small World by Monica Chapman and Honestly by Jay Asher.  Definitely check out these albums.

25.  The East Pointers, What we Leave Behind – This award-winning Canadian band has what they need to break into the American music scene.

24.  Becca Richardson, We are Gathered Here – Check her out at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles on January 20.

23.  Harper Grae, Break Your Crowns – Definitely check out this rising star from Nashville.

22.  Rusty Young, Waitin’ for the Sun – Young was the former lead singer for Poco, and the band has reunited to support his solo artist.  This is his first solo effort for Blue Élan Records.

21.  The Show Ponies, How it all Goes Down – The band recently announced they would be disbanding and this album was their final one.  They were an LA Music Critic Award winner during the first half of 2017.

20.  Elizabeth and the Catapult, Keepsake – Check her out when she performs at Sundance this year.

19.  Great Willow, Find Yourself in Los Angeles – This band is becoming a player on the Americana circuit.  Check them out live if you live near there.

18.  Bryan Stephens, Village of Dreams – Another great Blue Élan Records artist.

17.  Jeffrey Halford & the Healers, Lo-Fi Dreams – Another LA Music Critic Award multiple nominee from the first half of 2017.

16.  Ray Goren, Me – This past LA Music Critic Award winner has a great future ahead.

15.  Marina V, Born to the Stars – This Russian-born singer-songwriter is one of a kind.  Welcome back to the charts.  More than 65,000 worldwide fans can’t be wrong.

14.  Chris Daniels and the Kings, Blues with Horns – This indie artist has had a storied career and his latest is one of his best.

13.  Chelsea Williams, Boomerang – Another premier act from Blue Élan Records, she will also be performing at Sundance.

12.  Jangling Sparrows, 140 Nickels – Watch for these guys near the top of the Americana music scene.

11.  Andrea Harsell and Luna Roya, Something for the Pain – This band is a Missoula, Montana staple that is definitely going places.

10.  Halladay Quist, self-titled – Another Montana artist with a family legacy of musical excellence.

9.  Gina Sicilia, Tug of War – Another Blue Élan Records artist who is at the top of her game.  Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner.  Watch for her 8th album coming soon.

8.  Amilia K. Spicer, Wow and Flutter – Another past LA Music Critic winner, this is one of the best Americana albums released in quite a while.

7.  Seasonal Beast – Muscle Memory – One of our best “finds” this year, watch for great things from this New York duo.

6.  Breaking Grass, Warning Signs – Another multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, this band is redefining bluegrass music.

5.  Wendy Sweetlove, Dirty Sunday – She was nominated for several LA Music Critic awards right out of the gate,  She is definitely an artist worth checking out.

4.  Janey Street, In my Own Skin – Reigning LA Music Critic Icon Award winner, she is another of the special breed of artists signed to Blue Élan Records.

3.  Rod Melancon, Southern Gothic – Multiple LA Music Critic Award winner, he is the last of these artists signed to Blue Élan Records.  He is currently touring Sweden.

2.  Katie Costello, Twice the Love – This artist has consistently produced award winning albums.  She also had one of the Best EPs of 2017.

1.  FreeWorld, What it is – The pride of Memphis, this band is redefining American Blues.  Check them out the next time you’re in Memphis.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it LA Music Critic Awards Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Sarah Rogo, Blues Goose, Ray Goren, Amy Clarke

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.

 

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

Get it or forget it – Abby and the Myth, Ray Goren, Lighthouse Sweden

Happy Cinco de Mayo!  Just finishing my fourth week of unemployment, and decided it was the perfect time for sharing new music.  It is our pleasure to present an old favorite as well as introduce you to a couple of new artists.  We think they will provide the perfect soundtrack for your weekend.  Enjoy and let us know what you think.

Artist Name:  Abby and the Myth

Album Name:  When you dig a Well

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Folk/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Delicate Parade; 2.  Butterflies; 3.  Grey Halls; 4.  Not Afraid; 5.  Who Have I Become; 6.  Last Hours; 7.  Shelter; 8.  Oh December; 9.  Darker Side; 10.  Roadman; 11.  Morning Sonnet; 12.  The Path

Publicist:  None

Review:  They have been compared to the Lumineers and Mumford and Sons, but Abby and the Myth are so much more.  With the unmistakable vocals of Abby Posner, the band sounds more like a country version of Raining Jane than those other bands, but still manages to create their own unique identity in the ever-growing Americana landscape.  We have been fans of Posner for many years, and we believe this manifestation is the best yet.  We believe that Abby and the Myth will soon become a household name for lovers of folk and Americana music.   This album flows so naturally from song to song that you can put the whole album on repeat and enjoy every song over and over again.  It is impossible to pick the best songs because they are all incredible.  Give it a listen and we think you’ll agree.

Recommendation:  You owe it to your self to Get It now.  This album would be Number 1 on our list of desert isle music.  Don’t wait another minute – grab your copy today.

Artist Name:  Ray Goren

Album Name:  Free

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  R&B/Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Back to Me; 2.  Don’t Know Better; 3.  Emergency; 4.  Free; 5.  Love Gone Wrong; 6.  Manners 

Publicist:  Doug Deutsch Publicity Services

Review:  Blue-eyed soul has a new voice in Ray Goren.  His vocals are crystal clear, soaring above the music to take the listener to new heights, reminiscent of Shawn Stockman.  His lyrical content belies his chronological age, and makes his songs insightful and delicious, a definite fresh voice in today’s indie music market.  They are radio ready, and deserve air time on commercial stations.  This six-song EP whets our appetite and makes us want much more.  We love the entire package, and plan to keep this one on repeat, especially the upbeat “Emergency” and the rocking title cut.  We also love the duet between Goren and Hewan on “Love Gone Wrong.”  You cannot lose listening to this music, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Los Angeles on May 12, we strongly recommend you get down to Genghis Cohen to hear Goren live.

Recommendation:  No thought required on this one – Get it and enjoy the sweet sounds of indie music greatness.   Ray Goren is destined for greatness.

Artist Name:  Lighthouse Sweden

Album Name:  Silence in the City

Label:  Moody Maraccas

Genre:  Rock/Americana

Track Listing:  1.  Love can Seriously Damage Your Heart; 2.  Neon Signs; 3.  Everybody’s Been a Fool; 4.  Easier to Lie; 5.  Hole in my Soul; 6.  Silver & Gold; 7.  Silent City; 8.  We Used to be Lovers; 9.  Can’t Find my Way; 10.  Window to the Sky; 11.  Angels 

Publicist:  Frank Roszak Promotions

Review:  Swedish-born Mats & Linda Brandemark burst onto the scene with a musical style that marries indie rock with Americana, creating their own unique offering to indie music today.  Like that other Swedish pop band of husbands and wives, Lighthouse Sweden gives us music filled with soaring vocals, music that makes you move, and more goodies than you can list, like the intriguing “Neon Signs.”  “Everybody’s Been a Fool” brings on the full Americana experience as Mats provides those down-home vocals, coupled with great harmonica, that immediately give rise to comparisons to Bob Dylan.  We especially love how the band takes turns at lead vocals, with each song giving us a different piece of this incredible cake.  We are truly impressed with the way they have captured the essence of a true American musical genre, and made it their own.  Check out the guitar riffs on “Hole in my Soul.”

Recommendation:  Three cheers to Lighthouse Sweden for giving their fans a true taste of American music.  Silence in the City is a must-have for every true audiophile and a worthy addition to your Americana collection.  You should definitely Get it.