Tag: Ted Russell Kamp

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Artists Worth Checking Out indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 15)

This will be our last Monday Mashup this month as we will be on the east coast next weekend finalizing a major deal.  We can’t wait to share the news with you.  In the meantime, here are some great new singles and music videos.

NEW SINGLES

It’s been a while since we heard anything new from LA Music Critic Award winner Gabe Dixon, but with the release of his latest single, it has obviously been worth the wait.  His sound is part Phil Vassar, part Billy Joel and all-in-all extraordinary.  Check out “Something Good.”

Something Good · Gabe Dixon (spotify.com)

She may be a blues goddess, but Gina Sicilia is also a skilled vocalist who brings life to everything she sings.  Her latest is a brilliant acoustic cover of the classic Simon and Garfunkel hit, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters.”  Let her sweet honey vocals pour over you and soothe your soul.

Bridge Over Troubled Water · Gina Sicilia (spotify.com)

We are always happy to hear new music from our favorite rising country friends Honey County, and their latest does not disappoint.  The say they “Got it From my Momma,” and we are glad they chose to share it with us.  This one should be a quick ride to the top of the country charts.

Got It from My Mama · Honey County (spotify.com)

If you haven’t figured it out yet, our favorite indie label is Blue Élan Records.  Whether they are breaking new artists like Chelsea Williams or bringing back great ones like Fanny Walked the Earth, Kirk Pasich and company definitely have a way with recognizing and finding talent.  The latest from The Vegabonds is no exception.  Check out “Juke and Jive.”  This one will hit you like Led Zeppelin.

Juke and Jive · The Vegabonds (spotify.com)

Last but not least is our favorite iconic LA voice, BINX, who has provided us with a powerful song in the fight against depression with the release of her latest, “Bloom.”  Listen carefully to the words of this song and remember, you are not alone.

Bloom · BINX (spotify.com)

This past week we lost an amazing voice from pop radio with the death of Poco founding member Rusty Young.  We wanted to take the time to remember his legacy with this beautiful video released by his Blue Élan Records family for the hit song, “Crazy Love.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Our first video this week is from another LA Music Critic Award winner, Ted Russell Kamp.  While he may primarily be known for his work with Shooter Jennings, he is a master songwriter and storyteller, and his latest says “You can go to Hell, I’m Going to Texas.”  Enjoy this one.

We follow up that Americana goodness with a new bluegrass tune from Jesse Brock, courtesy of So Much Moore.  Check out the harmonies on “Kiss on a Cold Cold Stone.”  This one will haunt you.

Next up is a rocking tune from the incomparable X. ARI.  It is an ode to her girlfriend called “She Knows It,” and we’re glad she shared it with us.

We introduced you to The Highway Women about a month ago and we are proud to now share the video of their song, “Dead Man Walking.”  Enjoy this taste of the next major indie country cross-over band.  We think you will want to watch this one on repeat.

Our final music video this week is from  relative newcomer Chris Moreno with his beautiful tribute to “Somebody New.”  Enjoy this smooth country pop tune.

 

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2021 (vol 11)

Glad to be back at home after a wonderful vacation with my family in North Carolina.  We had a great time visiting with our family there, learning more about our ancestry and looking at homes for our forthcoming move.  We’ll keep you informed as details firm up, but it looks like we will be settling in Scotland Neck in Halifax County, about 30 miles outside Rocky Mount.

Indie artists have been super busy creating amazing songs and videos, and we are overjoyed to be able to share some more with you today.  Enjoy these gems.

NEW SINGLES

One of our favorite LA indie artists is back with another new song.  We have known Shannon Hurley for more than 20 years, and she keeps getting better.  Between her solo work, her work with Lovers & Poets and her artistic endeavors, she continues to show that  indie music is the best music in the world.  Check out “Where we Belong,” and hop on board the train that never stops.

Where We Belong · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

Our next single comes from a long-time indie artist who gained fame as the songwriter of one of The Dixie Chicks‘ greatest songs, “Wide Open Spaces.”  Susan Gibson is back with a truly uplifting song that is so perfect for today’s pandemic climate.  Check out “Compassionate Combat.”

Compassionate Combat · Susan Gibson (spotify.com)

Our third single is a danceable tune that will get you toes tapping and your body aching to head out to the dance floor.  We have never featured her before, but with this release, we are head over heels for the music of Katie Welch.  Take a trip to the “BLVD” and enjoy.

Spotify – BLVD

Next up is a rocking country tune that features perfect harmonies and powerful lyrics from four amazing ladies who call themselves Highway Women.  This song should be headed to the top of the country charts and usher these ladies into the big time.  Here’s “Dead Man Walking.”

Dead Man Walking · Highway Women (spotify.com)

Our final single this week is from an entirely new artist to us that is unlike any we have heard before.  He goes by the moniker of Trunky Juno and his music is dream pop with a rhythmic beat.  His song speaks of abandonment and feelings we all have when life is just unbearable.  Check out “Daddy’s Gone for Cigarettes.”

Spotify – Daddy’s Gone For Cigarettes

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

Cindy Alexander continues her cavalcade of hits from her forthcoming album While the Angels Sigh with the release of the breathtaking video for “Broken but Beloved,” featuring amazing choreography that perfectly captures the essence of this heart-wrenching ballad.  This one will stay with you long after the song ends.

Next up is the latest from Rachel Lorin.  This time around she covers the stirring Linkin Park song, “Numb,” breathing new life into the powerful lyrics with an emotional performance that truly brings this song to life.

Our third video brings new meaning to the term “one-man band.”  In the first video for his forthcoming album Solitaire, Ted Russell Kamp plays all the instruments in this moving tribute, “My Girl Now.”  This one will be pleasing to everyone who loves great Americana/folk music.

Next up is a timely video for our favorite time of the year.  “Wait for Spring” is a visually stimulating lyric video that showcases the talent of Shannon Clark & the Sugar, and leaves us wanting more of their forthcoming release, Marks on the Wall.

Our final video this week is from Andy Sydow, who has been relatively quiet since he burst onto the scene back in 2018, garnering nominations from the LA Music Critic Awards and a very positive review of his album.  His new song, “Mona Lisas Everywhere” is an upbeat tune with a fun video that shares the truth behind the lyrics.  This one is worthy of further exploration.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Best of 2020 indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Best singles of 2020

This past year was a tough one for the majority of us.  Thank goodness there was indie music.  Looking back over the 19 Monday Mashup columns we compiled during the year, we have selected the 20 Best Singles.  Here they are in the order we featured them.

Volume 1 – Matt Hansen, “Find Me”

Find Me · Matt Hansen (spotify.com)

Volume 2 – Emmrose, “Take me With You”

Spotify – Take Me with You

Volume 3 – Jackie Castro, “Gravity”

Spotify – Gravity

Volume 4 – Joel Plaskett, “If There’s Another Road”

Spotify – If There’s Another Road

Volume 5 – Single by Sunday, “Debbie”

Spotify – Debbie

Volume 6 – Nia Ekanem, “Shelter”

Spotify – Shelter

Volume 7 – Kyle LaLone, “Not Gonna Drink Over You”

Spotify – Not Gonna Drink Over You

Volume 8 – BINX, “Blazing”

Spotify – Blazing

Volume 9 – The Trusted, “The Innocent”

Spotify – The Innocent

Volume 10 – Katie Knipp, “Chamomile and Cocaine”

Spotify – Chamomile and Cocaine

Volume 11 – Ted Russell Kamp, “Home Sweet Hollywood”

Spotify – Home Sweet Hollywood

Volume 12 – The Imaginaries, “Revival”

Spotify – Revival

Volume 13 – Soul Asylum, “If I Told You”

Spotify – If I Told You (Acoustic)

Volume 14 – Gina Sicilia, “Married Man”

Spotify – Married Man

Volume 15 – Mustangs of the West, “I am the Highway”

Spotify – I Am the Highway

Volume 16 – Goldflēce, “Tie One On”

Spotify – Tie One On

Volume 17 – Brigitte Purdy, “Memphis Hotline”

Spotify – Memphis Hotline

Volume 18 – Cameron DuBois, “Merry Christmas, Wherever You Are”

Merry Christmas, Wherever You Are · Cameron DuBois, Bama Sound (spotify.com)

Volume 19 – Amy Steele, “Our House”

Our House · Amy Steele (spotify.com)

Best of the Rest – Shannon Hurley, “Am I in This Love Alone”

Am I in This Love Alone · Shannon Hurley (spotify.com)

We’ll be back soon with our 20 Best Music Videos.  See you soon.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews

Get it or forget it – 2020 vol 1

It’s been a while since our last edition of Get it or Forget it, and we wanted to ease back in with a few of our favorite artists who have all been busy during this pandemic.  We hope you like what you read, and will check out these amazing artists.  We hope to make this a regular weekly feature, but that will depend on when our work schedule becomes more solid.  At any rate, here we go.

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Artist Name:  Emily Zuzik

Album Name:  Torch & Trouble

Label:  Head Bitch Music and Maenades Music

Genre:  Americana

Release Date:  August 28, 2020

Track Listing:  1.  Stay Wild, 2.  Get it Right, 3.  Chinese Food and Donuts, 4.  Trouble, 5.  Magic, 6.  Shadows, 7.  All That Love, 8.  Wild Mustangs Across the Great Plains, 9.  Embers, 10.  The Band Played On

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Emily Zuzik has been one of the leading voices in the resurgence of the Los Angeles Americana music scene with her unmistakable voice and incredibly well-written songs.  Her latest, Torch & Trouble, sets the bar high and is truly her best effort to date.  The album is skillfully produced by Ted Russell Kamp, the amazing country bass player who is a huge part of the success of every artist he works with, including Shooter Jennings, Manda Mosher, Tanya Tucker and Zuzik.   Among the amazing supporting musicians on the project are Christopher Allis on drums, Brian Whelan on Hammond organ and guitar, Kamp on bass, and John Schreffler on guitar.

Zuzik wrote or co-wrote nine of the ten songs on the album, hits the ground running with the first track, “Stay Wild,” and never slows down as she delivers memorable song after memorable song.  Although there are no weak songs on the entire album, our favorites include “Stay Wild,” “Get it Right,” the rocking “Trouble,” the Chris Isaak-like “Shadows,” (a Yo La Tengo cover), the romantic waltz “All That Love,” the epic story of “Wild Mustangs Across the Great Plains,” and “Embers,” which features the vocals of Kamp and Zuzik in a stirring duet.

Recommendation:  Run, don’t walk, and get this one like your life depends on it.

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Artist Name:  Tawny Ellis

Album Name:  Love Life

Label:  Music Building Records

Genre:  Americana

Release Date:  July 24, 2020

Track Listing:  1.  Love Life, 2.  Moon Shine, 3.  Pretend Love, 4.  No More, 5.  Deep end of Love, 6.  Spirit of Love, 7.  I Believe, 8.  Powers That Be, 9.  Daddy, 10.  Dirty Work

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Tawny Ellis is proof of the benefit of being in the right place at the right time, and her relentless pursuit of perfection is evident in every song on this true masterpiece, which took three years to complete.  The artists who worked with her on this project sound like a “Who’s Who” of some of the finest musicians in the industry, including Jesse Siebenberg (Lukas Nelson, Lissie), Ted Russell Kamp (Shooter Jennings, Tanya Tucker), Gio Loria (Jack Johnson) and Kaitlin Wolfberg (H.E.R.).  Their contributions give Ellis’ sound an eclectic vibe that makes the music accessible to fans of all genres.  Among the best cuts are “Love Life,” “Pretend Love,” the rocking “No More,” the mournful “Deep End of Love,” the stirring “I Believe,” and the haunting and iconic “Powers That Be.”

Recommendation:  This one is a no-brainer – your music library NEEDS it and so do you.

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Artist Name:  Ted Russell Kamp

Album Name:  Down in the Den

Label:  PoMo Records

Genre:  Roots/Rock/Americana

Release Date:  July 24, 2020

Track Listing:  1.  Home Sweet Hollywood (ft Shooter Jennings), 2.  Have Some Faith, 3.  Waste a Little Time With Me, 4.  Stick With Me, 5.  Hold On (ft Gordy Quist), 6.  Hobo Nickel, 7.  Rainy Day Valentine, 8.  The Good Part, 9.  Word for Word (ft Sarahh Gayle Meech), 10. My Turn to Cry, 11.  Only Son (ft Shane Alexander), 12.  Every Little Thing you Need, 13. Saint Severin, 14.  Take my Song With You (ft Kirsten Proffit)

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  This article would not be complete without a review of the common denominator between Emily Zuzik and Tawny Ellis, the legendary musician himself, Ted Russell Kamp.  The album was recorded in Kamp’s home studio, affectionately called “The Den,” and features several of the amazing artists that Kamp has worked with, including Shooter Jennings, Gordy Quist, Sarah Gayle Meech, Shane Alexander and Kirsten Proffit.  We have already featured the first two songs on the album in our Monday Mashup series, and they are just the tip of the iceberg of the treasures contained in this 14-song collection.  We really love the swinging feel of “Waste a Little Time With Me,” the classic country sound of “Stick With Me,” the New Orleans Jazz-infused “Hobo Nickel,”  the two-stepping sound of “The Good Part,” the Dwight Yoakum-inspired strains of “My Turn to Cry,” the righteous country ballad “Saint Severin,” and the sweet duet “Take my Song With You.”

Recommendation:  No music library is complete without this one, so go out and get it ASAP.

 

Categories
indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 11)

We’re back!  After a flurry of Pizza Hut RGM (that’s restaurant general manager) resignations, I have had to work 70+ hours for each of the past three weeks.  In fact, today is only my second day off since this began.  So much great music has been released recently that we hardly know where to start.  We hope you are as excited by these new tunes as we are in sharing them.

NEW SINGLES

Our first new single is from Alecia Nugent, with a country gem that will definitely pull at your heart strings.  Check out “They Don’t Make ’em Like my Daddy Anymore.”

Next up is a timely song from Blue Élan Records resident country songstress, Chelsea Williams.  Listen to the words and take action – “No Justice, No Peace.”

Single number three is a call to action to those who haven’t learned that “Actions speak louder then words.”  It’s been a long time since Ali Handal released new music, and based on her latest, the wait was worth it.  Listen to “Shut Your Mouth and Do Something,” and take it to heart.

We have a special YouTube single for you today, with the release of the latest from South Africa’s own Cara Frew.  She’s “Waiting for Love,” and we don’t want her to wait any longer.

Next up is a song that combines the resources of the uber-talented Shooter Jennings with his long-time friend and bassist, Ted Russell Kamp.  “Home Sweet Hollywood” is from Kamp’s latest offering, From the Den, and shows that Kamp is not just a supporting musician by a front man on his own.  Enjoy this groovy tune.

Our final single this week is the perfect marriage of blues and rock, and feels like BB King and Jimi Hendrix had a love child.  Enjoy the rocking “Touch the Sky,” from the James Pace Band.

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

We kick off our music videos this week with the latest lyric video from Life.Church Worship, from their forthcoming EP, Jesus is Near, which will be released on August 14.  Here’s “Never Will.”

Back in July 1983, Christian music was changed with the birth of STRYPER, the first Christian metal band.  The band has announced the release of their new album, Even the Devil Believes, on September 4.  In the meantime, they have released a lyric video for the timely “Make Love Great Again.”  We are so  happy to have them back.

Our next lyric video is from BLAZAR, aka Jerad Finck, who is joined by DAXSEN on “Tomorrow.”  It is no wonder this latest collaboration is headed to the top of the charts.

One of our favorite Latin artists, Vanessa Zamora, has a sure hit with the R&B-tinged stylings of “Ayer.”  This one will help you get your groove on.

We close out this edition of Monday Mashup with the latest masterpiece from Ben Fuller.  “Find my Faith” will strengthen your own resolve to make it through these trying days.

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indie music Monday Mashup Singles and Videos

Monday mashup 2020 (vol 10)

Happy Monday the 13th!  It’s been a busy but productive week, and we’re happy to be back to share five more music videos and singles this week.  Please let us know what you think about our selections.

NEW SINGLES

First up this week is the title track from the latest by the amazing blues artist Katie Knipp.  We discovered her about a year ago and have been blown away by her talent.  She does not look like the typical blues artist until she opens up her mouth and then OMG – shut the front door!  She is a dynamo on the guitar and an intriguing writer, but her voice is what sells it.  Check out “Chamomile and Cocaine” and tell us you’re not immediately hooked.  This lady belongs in the Memphis Blues Hall of Fame.  Watch for a review of her entire album shortly.

Next up is the equally beautiful sound of Elia F. Compton and her debut single, “This Moment.”  She has so much passion in her voice that it immediately draws you in with a song that is an instant classic.  We think we will be hearing a lot more from this amazing artist.

So many of us were huge fans of the prog rock band Yes during the late 60’s until the early 80’s.  Their lead singer, Jon Anderson, has now signed with Blue Élan Records and has released a solo album that brings back all the greatness of Yes and then some.  His latest, “First Born Leaders,” is a total paradigm shift and we think it shows just the tip of the iceberg of talent for this amazing artist.  Check it out and feel the love.

Speaking of rock, our next single is from the awesome Abby K, who proves that she can definitely “Rock the Rock.”  She reminds us of a cross between Orianthi and Avril Lavigne, and we are hooked.  Check it out.

We close out this week with the pop mastery of Brandon Hutcheson.  He has that definite boy band vibe and this one could soon be at the top of the pop charts.  Enjoy “Don’t Say.”

NEW MUSIC VIDEOS

For all of you that miss going out dancing, our first video this week will definitely compel you to get up and dance to the zydeco sound of Sean Ardoin.  His intention was to create a “CoronaCation” and we think he has truly nailed it.  Not only that but he provides the vocals, bass, accordion and washboard for this amazing song.  Check out “Came Thru Pullin.”  Even though it’s been out a couple of months, this one was too good to pass up.

Next up is the visually stunning video for the smooth sound of Fred Hostetler‘s “River of Hope.”  Listen to the positive and affirming lyrics of the sound while you groove to the 60’s style rock, which features Robbie Cribbs  This one is a keeper.

Our third video is a new age masterpiece from GoldFlēce called “Space Rider.”  We love the visuals for this lyric video, but truly enjoy the relaxing vibe of the song.  We think this one should be your background chill time song.

Video number four is from the legendary Ted Russell Kamp, who has been a part of numerous bands including CALICO and Shooter Jennings, as well as proving that the bass is the sexiest instrument in music.  His latest album, Down in the Den, has been released, along with this amazing first single and video, “Have Some Faith.”  Chill out to the amazing down home sound of TRK.

We close out the week with another artist TRK has worked with, Tawny Ellis.  Her strong vocals fit perfectly with this song co-written with TRK called “Deep End of Love,” from her upcoming album Love Life, which will be released on July 24.

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Live Concerts Reviews

Shooter Jennings packs them in at Missoula’s Top Hat Lounge

photo by Chelle-S Imaging

As you can imagine, after being part of the music industry for the past 30 years, we’ve made quite a few friends along the way.  One of those special friends is Ted Russell Kamp, who was one of our performers at last year’s LA Music Critic Award Winners Showcase.  Besides his indie activities, Kamp is also the bassist for Shooter Jennings, who recently brought his tour to Missoula, Montana for a show at The Top Hat Lounge on February 20.

Kamp invited us to come see and review the show, and to hang with him before, so we gladly accepted his invitation.  We had a great time catching up and having dinner together before the show.  When we arrived for sound check, we were also pleasantly surprised to discover that another of our friends, Aubrey Richmond, was playing fiddle at the show.  Besides occasionally playing for Jennings, Richmond is also a member of Blue Élan Records recording artist Mustangs of the West.

photo by Chelle-S Imaging

The opening band was Texas-based Quaker City Night Hawks, and they brought their country rock sound to provide the perfect wake-up call for Jennings.  The band combines elements of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynryd to create their own brand of southern rock  The two guitarists traded lead vocal duties, while the drummer and bassist laid down the perfect foundation for the jamming indie rock sound.  The crowd was whipped into a frenzy and totally enjoyed this opening act, which lasted about 45 mins  We really loved their funky guitars which are also highlighted on their recently released self-titled album, which came out on March 1.

After a brief intermission, the lights came up on Jennings on the piano, Kamp on bass, Jamie on drums, John on guitar and Richmond on fiddle.    The show started with a rousing honky-tonk blues number called “Bound ta Git Down,” which was the first single from his most recent album, Shooter.

The standing room only crowd loved every minute of the show, as Jennings played songs from all of his previous releases with an emphasis on his latest offering.  He showed his musicality by moving from piano to guitar and back again numerous time throughout his set.  He also showed how proud he is of his roots, with tributes to some of the country greats like George Jones and his father, the late Waylon Jennings.

Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.
Photo by Chelle-S Imaging.

Among the amazing songs he performed were new ones “D.R.U.N.K.,” the perfect country song, “Rhinestone Eyes,” “Denim & Diamonds,” and the classic “Steady at the Wheel.”  Truth be told, every song was solid country gold and kept the audience joyfully singing along and dancing.

Another thing that we appreciated was that Jennings was not afraid to share the spotlight, as he highlighted the contributions of each member of his band, especially Richmond and Kamp.

We will definitely be back to see Jennings again soon.  This was a wonderful night that we will never forget.

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – Burn the Treaty, Satellites, California Hearse, TOZ Antonio Piretti, Magela Herrera

Welcome back to our hump day edition of Get it or Forget it.  It’s gonna be a very busy Wednesday, as the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is still going strong and Shooter Jennings comes to town for a concert at The Top Hat.  We will be attending the screening of Fire on the Hill:  Cowboys of the South this afternoon and then hanging with our LA musician friend Ted Russell Kamp, the bassist for Shooter Jennings, before attending the concert tonight.  Let’s get this day started with five reviews.

Artist Name:  Burn the Treaty

Album Name:  Sticks and Stones

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Americana Folk Rock

Track Listing:  1.  Murky Moon Sky; 2.  Volcano; 3.  Grateful; 4.  Sticks and Stones; 5.  Fool’s Gold

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Burn the Treaty is a Nashville-based duo consisting of Morgan Bracy and her husband.  We met Bracy a few years ago at the Durango Songwriters Expo, and were impressed by her sound, which has exploded on their debut EP.  This is music that can easily compete in today’s Americana-loving market, and this band deserves major attention from  the industry, both radio and music supervisors.  These songs would be a huge hit on the radio, especially “Volcano,” “Murky Moon Sky,” and the title track, and are ripe for placement opportunities in television and film.  You don’t want to miss the opportunity to catch band that is destined to rise to the top.

Recommendation:  Run out and Get this one now!

Artist Name:  Satellites

Album Name:   Love and Disaster

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop/Soul

Track Listing:  1.  Love & Disaster; 2.  Breathless (ft Martha Wainwright); 3.  Sucker; 4.  Take Me; 5.  We got Lost (ft Paul Cargnello); 6.  Only Two; 7.  The Butcher; 8.  Just a Trace; 9.  Back for More; 10.  Love Sweet Love

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Jasmine Bleile aka Satellites is a funky and soulful pop artist from Montreal.  She has a carefree sound that is soothing and playful, yet full of hope and joy.  Every song began as a poem that was then set to music.  The title track kicks off the album, and it only gets better from there.  The music has a wonderful retro feel to the feel good music of the 70s, and deserves heavy rotation on American radio.  Bleile’s vocals are legendary and she proves that she was born to sing this funky material.  We really love the beautiful duet with Paul Cargnello on “We Get Lost.”

Recommendation:  Don’t think about it, just Get it!

Artist Name:  California Hearse

Album Name:  California Hearse

Label:  1078380 Records

Genre:  Pop Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Welcome Home; 2.  Used to Be; 3.  Best Worst; 4.  Dissection; 5.  Half to Death; 6.  No Seoul

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  California Hearse is otherwise known as the rhythm section of the band Gentlemen Prefer Blood, who sing about such diverse topics as depression, death and surfing.  We love these short ditties that make the lyrics come to life and get the listener moving to the beat.  We love the energy contained in these tracks, and would love to catch the band performing live.  We strongly encourage college radio programmers and intelligent music supervisors to give this band serious consideration.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth your attention – go Get it!

Artist Name:  TOZ Antonio Piretti

Album Name:  #STRONGER

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Singer-songwriter Pop

Track Listing:  1.  Heroes; 2.  Another Place for Us; 3.  Together; 4.  You Have Been the One; 5.  We all are One; 6.  E Tutto in Un Si; 7.  Quella Scheda Era La . . .

Publicist:  Press Town PR

Review:  This Italian born and Canada-based artist is a gifted vocalist with a powerful sound that is not only pop but also cinematic in its scope.  It would be an amazing addition to any music supervisor’s library and could easily be placed in a myriad of television, film or commercial application.  It is also the perfect music to experience life, as it draws the listener in and blows them away.  From the first note of “Heroes,” it becomes quickly crystal clear that this artist has something to say, and the creativeness to make it something the listener wants to hear.  This one is definitely going on repeat.  We also love the bi-lingual songs and look forward to learning more about this truly original artist.

Recommendation:  Be an intelligent music consumer and add this magnificent album to your collection.  Get it today!

Artist Name:  Magela Herrera

Album Name:  Explicaciones

Label:  Brontosaurus Records

Genre:  Latin Jazz

Track Listing:  1,  Two Sidewalks; 2.  Que te Pedi; 3.  Principios; 4.  Explicaciones; 5.  Ahora; 6.  Besame Mucho; 7.  Danson Para Papa; 8.  My One and Only Love

Publicist:  Mouthpiece Music

Review:  Magela Herrera is an incredible Cuban-born vocalist, flautist and composer who blends her Latin heritage into incredible works of jazz. On her debut album, she mixes her original tunes with Latin standards to bring this amazing music to the world.  She was formerly a member of Mezcla, one of Cuba’s best jazz and fusion bands.  These songs will take away your worries and cares and are best heard with a glass of wine and the time to unwind.  Sit back and enjoy the awesomeness that is Herrera.

Recommendation:  You simply must have this one in your jazz collection.  Go Get it now!

 

 

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Artists Worth Checking Out Get it or Forget it indie music Reviews Women in Entertainment

Get it or forget it – WANK, Radar State, Lazy Queen, Kristina Koller, Ted Russell Kamp

(Meant to finish this yesterday, but got a little under the weather, so we’re finishing it on Friday.  Friday’s regular Get it or Forget it will be published tomorrow.  Sorry for the delays.)

We close out the month of January with today’s Get it or Forget it, featuring five more reviews including the incomparable the latest from preeminent musician Ted Russell Kamp.  Let’s get this going.

Artist Name:  WANK

Album Name:  White Knuckle Ride

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Pop-punk/ska

Track Listing:  1.  Remington; 2.  Blue Skies; 3.  Salvation; 4.  Rollin’ On; 5.  Sweet Music; 6.  Believe It; 7.  Shut you Down; 8.  We Wanna Rock, 9.  It was You; 10.  Won’t let Go; 11.  Forgiven

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  WANK may be a pop-punk band but their sound is more akin to ska/indie rock bands like Reel Big Fish, No Doubt and Flogging Molly.    Their music is upbeat and fun, without all the angst associated with most punk music.  These songs are truly radio friendly and ready for heavy rotation, especially “Blue Skies,” “Salvation,” “Sweet Music, “Shut you Down,” “We Wanna Rock” (although it needs to remove the f*bombs), “It was You,” “Won’t Let Go,” and “Forgiven.”   They would also make great placements in film and television.  Take a fun ride with WANK – you won’t want the fun to end!

Recommendation:  You simply MUST Get this one!

Artist Name:  Radar State

Album Name:  Strays

Label:  Wiretap Records

Genre:  Indie Rock/Punk

Track Listing:  1.  Strays; 2.  What’s a Rebel; 3.  Anywhere; 4.  Summer of Sundays; 5.  Damn the Man; 6.  Making me Feel; 7.  Self Hurt Guru; 8.  Artificial Love; 9.  Defender; 10.  Good Catholic; 11.  Leather Dye; 12.  Victims of Fashion; 13.  Play for the Game

Publicist:  Earshot Media

Review:  Radar State is a new band composed of Matt Pryor and Jim Suptic from The Get Up Kids, Josh Berwanger from The Anniversary and Adam Phillips from The Architects and The Gadjits.  Combined these four bring a strong punk flavor to their version of indie rock, complete with screaming guitars, great vocals and amazingly well written songs.  This band rocks, and deserves major industry attention, especially on songs like “Anywhere,” “Summer of Sundays,” “Artificial Love,” “”Defender,” “Victims of Fashion,” and “Play for the Game.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth adding to your collection, especially if you like a healthy dose of punk with your indie rock.

Artist Name:  Lazy Queen

Album Name:  A Sigh so Deep

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Punk/Rock

Track Listing:  1.  F*ck Kevin Spacey; 2.  Things I Think About While we F*ck; 3.  Apocalipstick; 4.  Turn from Void; 5.  Tamir

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  Norwegian band Lazy Queen mixes raucous punk rock with profound lyrics that tackle such topics as gender identity, mental health, racism, police violence, relationships and self-destructive tendencies.  They are not your run of the mill punk band, but use a almost heavy metal rock to drive their lyrics home.  While some of the song titles may be explicit, the lyrics are less so, although there are a few f*bombs.    The story told in the lyrics is worth listening to, even though the musical accompaniment is pretty strong.  If you like your music hard, then this is a good choice for you.  We think the closing song, “Tamir” is the best track.

Recommendation:  Definitely worth checking out.

Artist Name:  Kristina Koller

Album Name:  At the Poli Club

Label:  Self-released

Genre:  Jazz

Track Listing:  1.  Save  Your Love for Me; 2.  Falling in Love with Love; 3.  I Didn’t Know About You; 4.  What a Difference a day Makes

Publicist:  Self-promoted

Review:  This EP is a live recording of part of Kristina Koller’s show last October at The Poli Club in Connecticut.  We reviewed her last album in May 2018, and we think this live recording affirms our previous assessment.  She has such a strong voice and with the help of her amazing jazz trio, she raises the bar for jazz performance.  This album will truly help you chill after a hard day of work, and should be a required item for your own well being.  Grab a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy jazz perfection.

Recommendation:  You need to chill to this one every day, so run out and Get it.

Artist Name:  Ted Russell Kamp

Album Name:  Walkin’ Shoes

Label:  Poetry of the Moment Records

Genre:  Americana/Roots

Track Listing:  1,  Home Away From Home; 2.  Paid by the Mile (ft Sam Morrow); 3.  This Old Guitar; 4.  We Don’t Have to be Alone; 5.  Heart Under Pressure (ft Jaime Wyatt); 6.  Tail Light Shine; 7.  Highway Whisper; 8.  Get off the Grid (ft Brian Whelan); 9.  Written in Stone; 10.  Freeway Mona Lisa; 11.  Just About Time for a Heartache; 12.  Less Thinkin’, More Drinkin’ (ft John Schreffler); 13.  Roll on Through the Night

Publicist:  KG Music Press

Review:  Ted Russell Kamp is one of LA’s busiest musicians, spending his time on tour and in the studio with the likes of Shooter Jennings while still finding time to record and perform his own music.  In fact, Walkin’ Shoes is his 11th solo album.  He is joined by his touring pals John Schreffler and Jaimie Douglass, as well as local LA artists including Brian Whelan (Dwight Yoakum, Chris Shifflet), Dan Wistrom, Sam Morrow and Jaime Wyatt.  The result is his best material to date.  While most of the music he makes with Jennings is more southern rock, Kamp’s own material is closer to Americana  and Roots Rock, with a healthy dose of country and soul.  His lyrics are heartfelt and poetic, and deserve more industry attention.  We really love his duets with Morrow, Wyatt, Whelan and Schreffler (especially those horns and that jazzy NOLA sound).

Recommendation:  If you love the grit of good Americana music, then this one is a must for your collection.  Go Get It!