Music Reviews of World, Adult Contemporary, Jazz, Blues, Country
Band Spotlight
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
Gino Foti — Sphere of Influence Buy it at Amazon
Fusing various world influences together, Gino Foti has crafted himself a passport of music. There’s a bit of Asian, jazz, fusion, Middle Eastern, and other influences that vein their way through the entire piece. Great for the traveling soul.
- J-Sin
Earl Foss' Brown Derby — This Drinkin' Life Buy it at Amazon
Old school country with the boots, whiskey, and hard times well in tact, “This Drinkin’ Life” is your father’s father’s country blues. Think Gram Parsons only more down and depressed. All the kids today that are discovering the joy of alt. country should pick up this disc as it’s a perfect study in that great guitar twang sound that Nashville has abused for far too long. Good stuff that was inspired by listening to old country on AM radio…
- J-Sin
Louis Armstrong — The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong Buy it at Amazon
A breathtaking collection of all the songs we’ve come to love from this legend of jazz. Louis Armstrong’s classics are remastered and in this collection of forty tunes there’s something for every Armstrong fan. Also included is a 40-page booklet, a DVD with 17 rare filmed appearances and tons of rare photos. The perfect gift this holiday season!
- J-Sin
IRIE TIME — It's About Time Buy it at Amazon
Harking back to the signature Jamaican reggae sound with some modern twists, Irie Time soaks Trenchtown in dub groove and jazzy R&B pop. You’ll find yourself snapping your fingers, tapping your toes, and nodding your head to the infectious rhythms. Sometimes the vocals are a little too ‘smooth jazz’ quality with a bit too much reverb added. But once you shrug that off, you find a buried-waist-deep-in-melodies roots reggae album.
- J-Sin
John Fluker — J Is For Joy Buy it at Amazon
It’s a little early in the year for Christmas music. And something about Christmas music in late October done re-interpreted in a smooth jazz format just doesn’t sit well with me. It’s a bit too gospel as well. Maybe in a couple of months, but I doubt it.
- J-Sin
Ray Jozwiak — Put a Finger On It Buy it at Amazon
Jovial piano-pop that bounces and bounces and bounces some more into the fun-fun land of crazy pianist pop. “Put a Finger On It” by one of Baltimore’s truly fine pianist / lounge pop artists Ray Jozwiak is a fun album to hear at your local saloon.
- J-Sin
Laura Vecchione — Deeper Waters Buy it at Amazon
Soulful Nashville-esque countrified pop songs that plenty of female artists have tackled in the past. That’s the start. The median on “Deeper Waters” is that this particular artist chooses to develop her vocal abilities while delving in blues, gospel, and pop without caring about being truly great in any one particular. Not bad, but we’ve heard better.
- J-Sin
Royce Campbell — Elegy to a Friend Buy it at Amazon
It’s talented but just because your great-great-grandfather liked Butch Cassidy doesn’t mean you want to be the next Sundance Kid either. Hey if you’re looking for some improvisational jazz licks that are nice and tidy, be my guest.
- J-Sin
Arby DeCamp — Sleep By Numbers: Lullabies For Children of All Ages Buy it at Amazon
Now that I have a son I cherish albums like this, catered to children, but not obnoxious enough for me to despise (remember Barney’s annoying banter anyone?). Here Arby composes original lullabies that are relaxing and restful. He coaxes you to sleep with soft melodies and hummable tunes. Nice strumming acoustic guitars and Arby’s soft mellow voice is the musical equivalent of Valerian root.
- J-Sin
Caroline Gibson — On Ma Journey Now Buy it at Amazon
Caroline’s deep soprano voice and operatic delivery has little to do with the glorious traditions of Negro spirituals. It’s such a deviation that I doubt anyone would realize that that’s what these songs are. What a shame.
- J-Sin
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