Happy Friday – we made it through another week, and my Brewers need to make it through two more wins to get to face the Red Sox in the World Series. We’ve got some smoking hot music for your Friday, with five new albums being released today. Enjoy your weekend.
Artist Name: Kirk Fletcher
Album Name: Hold On
Label: Elaysia Music
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Two Steps Forward; 2. You Need Me; 3. Sad Sad Day; 4. The Answer; 5. Time’s Ticking; 6. Dupree; 7. Gotta Right; 8. Hold On
Publicist: Blind Raccoon
Review: Kirk Fletcher is the consummate guitarist, and has worked on several Grammy-nominated albums for the likes of Joe Bonamassa and The Fabulous Thunderbirds. This album is the perfect “treat” for anyone who loves great guitar work, the blues, gospel or just damn good music. It is Fletcher’s fifth solo effort, and his finest to date. Starting with the soulful “Two Steps Forward” on which he shows his expertise as a guitarist while trading vocals with the amazing Mahalia Barnes, this album is a collection of some of the hottest blues we have ever reviewed. He shows his softer side on the smooth R&B-styled “You Need Me” before giving us a New Orleans-inspired “second line” tune called “Sad Sad Day.” Every track is inspired, especially the gospel-tinged title track which features Jade McCrea as a guest vocalist. You can’t go wrong with this one – it will truly make your day.
Recommendation: Don’t delay – Get this one TODAY!
Artist Name: Rachel Eckroth
Album Name: When it Falls
Label: Self-released
Genre: Pop
Track Listing: 1. Walls; 2. Love is Lost; 3. Dark Waters; 4. It Never Was; 5. Strangest Dream; 6. The Wasted Years; 7. Collecting Bruises; 8. Call my Name; 9. We’d be on Fire; 10. To a Ghost; 11. When it Falls
Publicist: The Syndicate
Review: Although probably best known as a jazz keyboardist, Rachel Eckroth is a superior singer-songwriter who has assembled an all-star cast for her latest solo effort, including having Tim Lefebvre (David Bowie, Tedeschi Trucks Band) produce the album with guitar work by Derek Trucks and Doyle Bramhall II and drums by Matt Chamberlain. The result is a lush soundscape of incredibleness from start to finish, including an amazing cover of David Bowie‘s “Love is Lost” which we have previously featured in our Ten Amazing Videos released in September article. With this much talent, we expect Eckroth to rise to the top and soon become a household name. Her writing abilities are surpassed only by her amazing voice, and we are going to enjoy listening to the fruits of her labor over and over again.
Recommendation: Are you kidding me? This one is a no-brainer – GET it now!
Artist Name: Rich Hope
Album Name: I’m All Yours
Label: Planned Obsolescence Recording & Novelty Inc.
Genre: Indie Rock
Track Listing: 1. It Come Alive; 2. Golden Clouds; 3. Creepstone; 4. La Iguana; 5. Blow Away; 6. 5 Cents a Dance; 7. Some Kind of Love; 8. Paranoia Blues; 9. Runnin’ Shoes; 10. Heartbreaker
Publicist: Howlin’ Wuelf Media
Review: Canadian Rich Hope delivers a stellar indie rock album with his full length album since 2009. His sound is very classic rock, with impressive guitar and organ in the instrumental mix, supporting his soaring vocals and well-crafted lyrics. From the first notes of “It Come Alive,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that the listener is in for a treat, and Hope delivers on that premise. These tunes will have you playing air guitar and dancing in the streets with their raw energy and power. Every song is worthy of repeated plays, and this one will soon become one of your favorite albums.
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one.
Artist Name: Kramies
Album Name: Of all the Places Been & Everything the End
Label: Hidden Shoal Records
Genre: Indie Folk/Dream Pop
Track Listing: 1. The Woods the Storm the Tale; 2. Of all the Places Been; 3. Ireland; 4. The Writings; 5. Everything the End; 6. The Hill Dwellers
Publicist: Noisy Ghost PR
Review: Kramies is the first male singer I have ever compared to Enya, but his dreamy folk/pop sound instantly brings Enya’s similar style to mind. The soundscape created on this album is refreshing and relaxing, resulting in an EP that will provide hours of relaxation and relief from a crazy hectic schedule. While it is named for two of the songs on the EP, the central tune is “Ireland,” which showcases all the reasons we think this folk troubadour is going places in the indie music scene. While the entire EP is only 23 minutes long, it will be the best 23 minutes you have ever spent listening to music, and you will find yourself listening to it again and again. Enjoy this masterpiece and share it with someone you love.
Recommendation: You simply must Get this one!
Artist Name: Lauren Henderson
Album Name: Riptides
Label: Brontosaurus Records
Genre: Latin Jazz/Soul
Track Listing: 1. Amame; 2. Riptide; 3. Separate; 4. Bajito; 5. Ennui; 6. Show Control
Publicist: EMPKT PR
Review: Combining soul with Latin jazz is the trademark of Lauren Henderson, and she delivers a gem in her latest EP. It has everything you love about jazz, combined with the Latin and soul influences that Henderson grew up with, resulting in an uplifting album that will soon have you soaring on top of the world. She features Steinway Artist and Grammy-nominated pianist Chris Pattishall, guitarist Nick Tannura, bassist Eric England, and Steven Colbert’s incredible drummer/percussionist Joe Saylor. Our favorite cuts include the title track, the pure jazz sound of “Separate,” “Bajito,” “Ennui,” and “Slow Control,” basically the entire EP!
Recommendation: If you love jazz, you will adore this EP.