Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and it’s busier than ever, as we try to review all the submissions before the end of the month. Here are five more from around the globe. Enjoy.
Artist Name: Mark Winkler and Cheryl Bentyne
Album Name: Eastern Standard Time
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. Devil May Care; 2. Rhode Island is Famous for You; 3. Like Jazz; 4. The Gentleman is a Dope; 5. I Could get Used to This (Bumpin’); 6. The Best is Yet to Come; 7. Spring can Really Hang you up the Most; 8. Walk on the Wild Side; 9. You Smell so Good; 10. Things are Swingin’; 11. Ballad of the Sad Young Men/Lies of Handsome Men
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: While much of the world knows Cheryl Bentyne as the “soaring soprano” of the multi-Grammy-winning Manhattan Transfer, this collaboration with singer/lyricist Mark Winkler is a gem for jazz lovers, as they bring to life some of our best loved standards, and a couple of Winkler originals as well. The tracks was pulled from the song lists of East Coast jazz clubs of the late 50s and early 60s. Although most of the songs are duets, each performer also does a pair of solo tunes (Winkler on “Rhode Island is Famous for You” and “I Could get Used to This (Bumpin’)”, while Bentyne gives us “The Gentleman is a Dope” and “Spring can Really Hang you up the Most” ), giving us one of the best pure jazz recordings of the year.
Recommendation: If you love jazz, this is a no-brainer. Get this one for your collection today!
Artist Name: Chuter
Album Name: Pendulum
Label: self-released
Genre: Shoegaze
Track Listing: 1. Whim (ft Lizzy Maries); 2. Shapeshift; 3. Point on the Scale; 4. Burn the Object Down
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Chuter is an artist from the UK who compares himself to thisquietarmy, among others. It is only fitting then that we review his four-song EP, since we just reviewed thisquietarmy over the weekend. While they share a shoegaze vibe, the music of thisquietarmy is more majestic and cinematic rock instrumental, while Chuter is more true to shoegaze, with dramatic vocals and well written lyrics that pay homage to his eerie and ethereal voice.
Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out.
Artist Name: Patiently Awaiting the Meteorite
Album Name: Canyon Diablo
Label: Unda in Choc/Believe Digital
Genre: Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Hit the Ground Running; 2. Don’t lay Your Fate; 3. Strange Intuition; 4. Everything Under the Sun; 5. Devil’s in my Car; 6. Electrified; 7. Keeping my Head Above the Water; 8. All This Madness; 9. Hello Hello; 10. The Place
Publicist: Last Tango Media
Review: This band formed when The Grand Brothers collaborated with solo artist Dee on his album, Day by Day. Their sound is reminiscent of The Plain White Ts and The Fray, and is truly radio friendly. The first track accurately reflects the project, as they truly “Hit the Ground Running.” Their first single, “Electrified” received critical praise both as a single and a video, and the video for their second single, “Strange Intuition” did likewise. Other worthy tracks include their planned third single, “Devil’s in my Car,” “Don’t Lay Your Fate,” “Keeping my Head Above the Water,” “Hello Hello” and “The Place.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one. It will become a favorite.
Artist Name: Zsuzsika
Album Name: Start Again
Label: USM Records/A&R Records
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Start Again; 2. Til the End; 3. Godsend; 4. You’re not Perfect; 5. Broken Heart
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: We previously included her lead single “Start Again” in our Ten Great Singles of September article, and immediately fell in love with her sweet voice. She is a native Australian with a Hungarian/ Polish heritage. Her voice soars through these sweet radio friendly tracks, positioning her for world-wide success. “Godsend” is anthemic and could easily become one of the best “Thank You” songs ever written. We also love the harder sound of “You’re not Perfect,” which reminds us of Avril Lavigne.
Recommendation: Get it.
Artist Name: Courchene/Mechlenburg
Album Name: Søndag, Søndag, Søndag
Label: Double Mayjah Records
Genre: Nordic Noir/Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Søndag II; 2. Søndag III; 3. Søndag I; 4. Mandag; 5. Tirsdag; 6. Onsdag; 7. Torsdag; 8. Friedag; 9. Lørdag
Publicist: Double Mayjah Records
Review: Claire Courchene is an English/American composer living in Copenhagen who has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Lana del Rey, Frank Ocean, David Lynch, Josh Groban, and Madonna. Jesper Mechlenburg is a Danish composer, songwriter and producer who also lives in Copenhagen. Their combined talents are highlighted in this beautiful collection of instrumental songs, each named for a day of the week. The trio of initial tracks reflect that Sunday or Søndag is considered the first day of the week or the last day, depending on your frame of mind. This album then reflects a soundtrack for your entire week, and we can’t think of a better way to start each day than with a listen to the corresponding track.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.