We made it to hump day again, and the music keeps flowing. We have five more to check out today, including the latest from three-time Grammy winner John Daversa. Let’s get started.
Artist Name: Brick Nova
Album Name: Overgrown
Label: 1851 Records
Genre: Rock
Track Listing: 1. 8 to 3; 2. Overgrown; 3. Stay all you Want
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: Brick Nova was created in 2014 with Tom Drakeford on vocals and guitar, Paul Dallas on lead guitar, Jared Filer on bass and Eric Lesinski on drums and percussion. After playing the Philadelphia rock scene for the past four years, they finally released their first EP in December 2018. Their version of alt rock combines elements of power pop, rock, punk and alternative rock. They have a smooth vocal delivery with intricate guitar and rhythm undertones. The songs are well written, and should allow the band to make the transition to radio. The first track is reminiscent of The Beatles‘ White Album, and is very radio friendly, but all three tracks have potential.
Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out.
Artist Name: John Daversa
Album Name: Concerto for Jazz Guitar and Orchestra
Label: ArtistShare
Genre: Jazz/Blues/Classical Instrumental
Track Listing: 1. Lost, Found and Lost; 2. Life and Times; 3. Terraforming
Publicist: Mouthpiece Music
Review: This amazing jazz concerto was written by Justin Morell, and features the jazz guitar of Adam Rogers along with the Frost Concert Jazz Band directed by multi-Grammy winner John Daversa. The concerto is composed of three movements, and adds a jazz and blues element to a classical masterpiece. Get away from the world and enjoy the smooth sounds of this album.
Recommendation: If you love classical music, as well as jazz and blues, then you will love this modern day piece.
Artist Name: 500 Miles to Memphis
Album Name: Blessed be the Damned
Label: Deep Elm Records
Genre: Folk/Punk Rock/Americana
Track Listing: 1. The River; 2. Bonnie; 3. Hold on Tight; 4. I Said Babe; 5. Blessed be the Damned; 6. No Doubt About It; 7. Piggie Boy; 8. In my Chest; 9. Save Me (ft Philip Peeples); 10. What a Waste; 11. I’m a Bastard (ft Philip Peeples)
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: We were skeptical when we read the press release about a band that mixed punk, folk and Americana, but we are here to tell you that it works beautifully, much like Flogging Molly mixes Celtic and punk. We simply love their sound and every song on this fifth studio album works and deserves industry attention, both from radio and music supervisors. Just from the energy we can hear in their music, we bet they also put on a hell of a live show. We also love the two songs that feature Philip Peeples of the Old 97’s.
Recommendation: Run, don’t walk, and Get this one immediately!
Artist Name: Dylan Rodrigue
Album Name: Cat’s Game
Label: Palomino Records
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. White Moon; 2. Self-Love; 3. Some Kind of Heaven; 4. The Money Game; 5. Living This Way; 6. If You’re not my Lover; 7. It’s so Funny (ft Sie Sie Benhoff); 8. Minimize the Damage; 9. Living in Color
Publicist: KG Music Press
Review: Dylan Rodrigue mixes acoustic folk with Neil Young-inspired electric guitar rock and punk to create his own version of music that is at times emo and sadcore like the first three tracks and others straight on indie rock, like “The Money Game.” and “Minimize the Damage.” His lyrics are introspective and each song is set to the perfect accompaniment to match the mood of the song. This is his first studio album, and we think he shows a lot of potential. We can hardly wait to see what comes next. We really love his vocal harmonies with Sie Sie Benhoff on “It’s so Funny.”
Recommendation: Definitely worth checking out. Keep an eye on this one.
Artist Name: Travellin’ Blue Kings
Album Name: Wired Up
Label: Naked
Genre: Blues Rock
Track Listing: 1, I Don’t Wanna Stop; 2. About This World; 3. The way it Used to Be; 4. I Cannot Believe; 5. Straight Eight; 6. I’m a Good Man; 7. Wired Up; 8. Ninety Minutes; 9. Get it Done; 10. Your Being; 11. Into the Night
Publicist: Self-promoted
Review: This Belgian band delivers a rocking and rousing dose of pure American blues as they do on the opening track and “I Cannot Believe,” along with touches of R&B, as shown on “About This World,” “The Way it Used to Be and “Good Man.” This album is great from start to finish, with the kind of freshness and energy you want to experience live. It could easily become one of our favorite blues albums. We definitely think this one has legs. We really love the surf rock instrumental title track.
Recommendation: Go Get it!