It’s already Wednesday again, and I’m getting ready for my first session with Jessica Lynn Johnson, the director of my solo show, Livin’ the Dream. We are working hard to give you a treat next June at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, and I can’t wait to see your reaction to our show. In the meantime, here are five artists to consider as we head over the hump to the weekend.
Artist Name: Norphlet
Album Name: Norphlet
Label: 849854 Records DK
Genre: Alt Rock
Track Listing: 1. Brand New; 2. Heirlooming; 3. The Recess (Interlude); 4. Omador; 5. Cardinals
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Norphlet is an up and coming duo featuring a Californian and a Texan, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. These songs belong on the radio, and we truly love the first two singles, “Brand New” and “Heirlooming.” The songs are truly well written, with intelligent lyrics, an amazing lead guitar and a powerful drum foundation. The instrumental interludes are straight alt rock, and would make the perfect soundtrack for commercials, while the tracks themselves should be considered for placement in television and film. We also love the lo-fi production, which brings out the strong vibe of this band, especially on the acoustic ballad “Cardinals.” We have no doubt that this band has what it takes to make it in the industry, and we look forward to seeing what they have in store for us.
Recommendation: Definitely Get it!
Artist Name: Marty Elkins
Album Name: Fat Daddy
Label: Nagel Heyer Records
Genre: Jazz/Blues
Track Listing: 1. You Turned the Tables on Me; 2. On Revival Day; 3. How can you Face Me; 4. That’s all There is to That; 5. It’s too hot for Words; 6. Cow Cow Boogie; 7. I Cover the Waterfront; 8. It’s a Pity to say Goodnight; 9. My old Flame; 10. Fat Daddy; 11. I Can’t Face the Music; 12. Sugar; 13. These Foolish Things; 14. Travelin’ all Alone
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: These jazz standards may have been previously recorded by such jazz legends as Alice Faye, Ella Fitzgerald and Ethel Waters, but Marty Elkins breathes new life into them, infusing them for a new generation. Her voice is impeccable, and the arrangements will have every traditional jazz lover jumping for joy. We love her scatting on “You Turned the Tables on Me,” as well as the organ and trumpet. This is a great album for chilling after work, and relaxing with a glass of your favorite wine. Elkins seamlessly blends jazz and blues, and even adds a gospel touch to “On Revival Day.” We simply love every song, and think you will too.
Recommendation: If you love traditional jazz and the blues, then this one is a must-have. Get it!
Artist Name: Bruce Katz Band
Album Name: Get Your Groove
Label: American Showplace Music
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Hesitation Blues; 2. Freight Train; 3. Beef Jerky; 4. Shine Together (Tribe of Lights); 5. River Blues; 6. Make Things Right; 7. Get Your Groove!; 8. Zone 3; 9. Rush Hour; 10. Wasn’t my Time; 11. The Bun
Publicist: Rick Lusher
Review: Traditional blues always sound better with a funky organ and a wailing guitar, and this album has that in spades. Add to that the soulful voice of Bruce Katz and you have the perfect recipe for a rocking blues sound that will get you on your feet and grooving to the music. The instrumentals “Freight Train,” “Beef Jerky” and “River Blues” would work great as commercial placements, while the remainder of the songs are radio friendly and also good material for music supervisors. You can’t go wrong with the amazing sound of this band, and we would love to see them perform live, as we are sure that all of the amazing energy would translate well in a concert setting. “Shine Together (Tribe of Lights)” and “Make Things Right” would make great theme songs for a worthy charity. They are very inspirational and the cherry on top of this perfect album.
Recommendation: Don’t “hesitate,” Get this one today.
Artist Name: Changelings
Album Name: From my Raygun With Love
Label: Marshmallow Pavement Records
Genre: Dream Pop
Track Listing: 1. Love Like Diamonds; 2. Fridge Buzz; 3. Baby We’re Falling Upwards; 4. Moondance Venus; 5. Escapist; 6. Withdrawal; 7. Andrea; 8. They Don’t Hold a Candle
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: We have heard so much great music lately from down under, and Changelings has to be near the top of the heap. Their music is very chill and dreamy, with a vibe that totally relaxes the listener. The songs are truly radio friendly, and perfect for numerous placements in film and television. These songs are like diamonds, perfectly reflecting the light. Lead single “Moondance Venus” is the obvious choice for a break-out song, and we think it highlights the best parts of this album.
Recommendation: We highly recommend you Get this one.
Artist Name: Leeroy
Album Name: Burn to Ashes
Label: A&R Records
Genre: Indie Rock/R&B/Reggae
Track Listing: 1. Burn to Ashes; 2. Freedom’s Prisoners; 3. Mr. Steal Your Girl; 4. Roamer
Publicist: The A&R Department
Review: We were hooked from the first notes, but the amazing vocals truly put this one over the top. We just wish there were more than four tracks, because our appetite is ravenous for more. We love the fact that his music combines elements of rock, R&B and reggae, and especially love “Mr. Steal Your Girl.” Leeroy is an amazing guitarist and vocalist, and we expect great things from him in the not too distant future.
Recommendation: Drop what you’re doing and Get this one.