Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Blues, Country
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Chiodos
Perhaps no one can explain the sheer ferocity and timid quietness it is better than when vocalist Craig Owens says “we don’t want to let the kids down” when discussing the group’s intense vocals live at shows. Well they never let a single kid down with their vicious assault on the ears and grip on the jugular...
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03.09.2007 by J-Sin
Music Reviews of World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical
Gary Schnitzer — A Classic Christmas Buy it at Amazon
Gary you’re an amazing person. What kind of a special soul sends a tired music reviewer an album that’s not new, but instead because “Christmas is coming up, I thought it was timely to send”? Only the talented Mr. Schnitzer. His violin transform stirring classics like “Ave Maria”, “O Holy Night”, “Pachelbel’s Canon in D”, “White Christmas”, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, “Amazing Grace”, and “Silent Night” into stunning displays of true Christmas cheer. To borrow something from Gary, “Give the gift of love with music” this holiday season.
- J-Sin
Maggie Austin — Georgia Clay Road Buy it at Amazon
Following up on her breathtaking original album “Time & Again”, Maggie Austin buries her head into country pop and comes up with refurbished tunes that are a whole lot of fun. Her vocals lead the charge as she churns through creative lyrics that anyone listening will find themselves humming in minutes. The music is definitely pop with a country slant laid out with sparse instrumentation. Nice touches make it pretty darn special.
- J-Sin
La Cumbiamba eNeYe — Marioneta Buy it at Amazon
Colombia isn’t just a place that cultivates the cocaine culture in America, ya know. It also has a vibrant music scene. Finding rural village music that is rife with Afro-Cuban influence, La Cumbiamba eNeYe starts to dance around the special rhythms that this Latin American country is known for. Perfect harmonies, rich ancestry, this is precisely the Latin music that the doctor ordered.
- J-Sin
Sharon West — Notes From the Woods Buy it at Amazon
New Age nature music that’s inspirational and well, rich in nature. Ambient instruments like piano, strings, flutes, harps, oboes, trumpets, and various percussion instruments comprise the makeup of much of this music. It’s good but I wouldn’t say that it was something that I’d be popping into my stereo often however.
- J-Sin
Various Artists — Worldmusic.NationalGeographic.com Mixtape Buy it at Amazon
Hand selected as some of the best highlights of the world music arena, the folks on this compilation are clearly the best of the best. And who better to offer us a glimpse into the world’s music than the media that has helped bring awareness of other cultures into American’s living rooms for decades, National Geographic. Beginning with light pop from Columbian songstress Marta Gomez and traversing into Seu Jorge, a Brazilian whiz who made his mark on the soundtrack of “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou”, Kiran Ahluwalia of Indian fame, and ending with Frank London’s Klezmer Brass AllStars, this compilation truly bounces from each continent showcasing the bravest music traditions.
- J-Sin
Paul Schwartz — State of Grace III Buy it at Amazon
Spiritual and ethereal modern classical compositions that are part Enya, part Delerium, and part that New Age store in the local mall, “State of Grace III” enlists haunting vocals and well conducted instrumentation. Rich in harmony and alluring angles, Paul Schwartz turns in a modern New Age electronic masterpiece. You may have heard his work before as part of the “Aria” series or seen his work on Broadway as a well known conductor. A relaxing listen that invigorates the soul.
- J-Sin
Michele Moreno — Plastic Garden Buy it at Amazon
Pop artist Michele Moreno adds ethnic flair to her AAA flavored waters on “Plastic Garden”. Armed with tight songwriting and stirring vocals, Moreno’s “Plastic Garden” is a fitting montage of world music, pop, AAA, and adult contemporary styles. She can give a thanks to artists like David Byrne, Beck, and Kate Bush for that eclectic influence. Her vocals haunt well after the last song rings out. She’s already turned some heads with her vocal performances in the film “Kingdom Come” and HBO’s “Six Feet Under” but I think it will be captivating album with its cool Middle Eastern touches that will really reach audiences.
- J-Sin
Louise Setara — Still Waters Buy it at Amazon
Merely 18, Louise Setara infuriates me. Well I should clarify, she angers me that she’s not the person I see heralded on MTV but instead am subjected to singers that have no talent in the Joe Simpson sisters. Her album, which was produced by Grammy winner Jay Newland (Stevie Wonder, Etta James), is mature and comprehensive in the AAA format with pop sensibilities that are well beyond her years. Strong vocals, driving piano, and glitzy R&B fit for those special moments, “Still Waters” will help Setara develop a thriving career.
- J-Sin
Eric Frazier — In Your Own Time Buy it at Amazon
Eric Frazier merges jazz, salsa, calypso, and blues into his own fresh version of world music and adult contemporary. Rhythms are influenced by the Latin jazz and Caribbean sounds. Very soulful, upbeat, and entertaining, “In Your Own Time” is a relaxing journey that travels the music world ‘round with plenty of long stops along the way.
- J-Sin
Rodrigo Ferrai Nunes — The Bias Project #1 Buy it at Amazon
Not sure what the bias is towards, other than great jazz tunes fit for any upscale nightclub. Originally born in Cuba, pianist and percussionist Pepe Rodriguez is one of many guests who give “The Bias Project #1” a firm injection of Latin influence and rhythm. This album is the first instrumental recording for Nunes as both a producer and a musician and features several of his own penned songs. Nice uptempo light jazz with bright outer edges.
- J-Sin
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