As the period for consideration for the LA Music Critic Awards for the second half of 2018 draws to a close, it is getting pretty hectic here as we try to complete reviews for all the submissions. We’ve got five more for your consideration today, and hope you enjoy checking out new music with us. If you do, please subscribe to our blog, like us on Facebook, and tell your friends.
Artist Name: S U M
Album Name: S U M
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz/Pop/Soul/Funk
Track Listing: 1. Welcome to SUM; 2. Power Anthem; 3. Last Prayer for a Change; 4. It’s Alright to be Me; 5. Test the Waters; 6. Free Style (Interlude); 7. Sinking Sand; 8. Funk Hip Nasty; 9. It’s Alright to be Me (Reprise)
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: S U M (pronounced SOOM) is a new collective of musicians created by Steve Belvilus, with lead vocals by Patryce Williams. They combine the best of jazz, pop, soul and funk to create their own brand of awesome, making their sound available to the vast world of indie music lovers through a style of jazz that is more personal and which promotes freedom of self. Just one listen to the introductory tune “Welcome to S U M” and it will become quickly evident that this is not your mama’s jazz. This is jazz that makes you want to dance, expand your mind with the cultural excellence that is jazz and to simply enjoy the moment while these incredible rhythms and harmonies take hold of your ears and mind. Take this one in again and again. It will definitely improve your self-image.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: The Venus Fly Trap
Album Name: Icon
Label: Glass Modern Records
Genre: Electronic
Track Listing: 1. Icon; 2. Vitesse; 3. Voodoo Voodo; 4. Flashback; 5. Deadly Nightshade; 6. The Genesis of the Daleks; 8. Puppet; 9. In the Moonlight
Publicist: Shameless Promotion PR
Review: Finally, an indie band for nerds, that is lovers of British pop cultural icons like Doctor Who. This electronic outfit uses sound clips from BBC shows to create music that will stimulate your brain as you try to remember which episode the clip comes from. It is truly different from any other UK band we have previously reviewed. “Vitesse” sounds like it is sung by Rocky Horror’s Riff Raff as a segue from “Time Warp.” This one will keep you on your toes and make you yearn for the dance floor.
Recommendation: Definitely check it out.
Artist Name: Teddy Glass
Album Name: Nights and Weekends
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Lean On; 2. Genevieve; 3. Nights and Weekends; 4. Stereo Field; 5. Doveskin; 6. Grindin’ It; 7. Carrion; 8. Rich Kid
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: The music of Teddy Glass is a combination of southern smoothness and charm with Detroit soul, resulting in a form of music that is sonically soothing while also being stimulating to your dance sensors. It is feel good music that goes well with comfort foods, balancing out your life and separating you from the cares of this world. All eight songs are fun and worthy of your attention, but we think you will be playing the title cut and “Stereo Field” over and over again.
Recommendation: This one is worth it – Get it today!
Artist Name: Frank Gambale Soulmine
Album Name: Salve
Label: Self-released
Genre: Jazz
Track Listing: 1. My Soulmine; 2. Fear of Flyin’; 3. Checked Out; 4. Love is Always the Answer; 5. Slipstream Cowboys; 6. Through the Darkness; 7. The Day Everything Changed; 8. Within my Borders; 9. Let’s Just Talk About It; 10. Dream Love
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: SNEAK PREVIEW – Twelve years ago when I was writing for Music Connection Magazine, I had the opportunity to review a young artist named Boca. She impressed me then and she continues to impress since she hooked up with her guitarist husband Frank Gambale to form Soulmine, an amazing jazz collective vocal experience that we simply adore. With several members on lead vocals, and an amazing array of stellar musicians creating the music, this band is one of the best jazz bands in the world. They add in a touch of funk and soul and leave the listener with an earful of sonic sweetness that will never be forgotten. “Slipstream Cowboys” will bring back memories of classic Steely Dan. Sit back and put this one on repeat while the music melts away the cares of the day. The album will be available on October 28.
Recommendation: Run out and Get this one.
Artist Name: David Lumsden & Friends
Album Name: Hues of Blues
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. You Got to Lose (ft David Lumsden); 2. Further on up the Road (ft Bill Evans); 3. You’re Ruining my Bad Reputation (ft Wayne Carter); 4. Brush with the Blues (ft David Lumsden); 5. What’s the Matter with the Mill (ft Reggie Britton); 6. Raised me Right (ft Mary Jo Curry); 7. On Bended Knee (ft Steve “the Harp” Mehlberg); 8. Thrill is Gone (ft Wayne Carter); 9. Cut you Loose (ft Steve “the Harp” Mehlberg); 10. Rollin’ and Tumblin’ (ft David Lumsden); 11. Georgia on my Mind (ft Wayne Carter); 12. Rain Song (ft Andon Davis)
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: There are a handful of great blues guitarists, and David Lumsden is definitely one of them. He has assembled a group of similarly amazing guitarists to create this stellar collection of blues songs that will get you on your feet and in the mood for great music. You can’t go wrong with any of these songs, and they will satisfy your most severe blues cravings. Grab yourself a drink and let the sound of David Lumsden and his friends fill the night with some of the best blues jams ever recorded.
Recommendation: If you love the blues, you owe it to yourself to Get this one.