Joni Mitchell’s latest album ‘Shine’ has thankfully fallen into my hands and I’ve been taking my time, savoring her songs for this review. ‘Shine’ is an emotional album. The lyrics and the messages within may be harsh for the optimistic listener, but as a Joni Mitchell fan, it’s fortunate to be able to join her on her lyrical and instrumental journey in the year 2007.

‘Shine’ opens with “One Week Last Summer”, a gorgeous instrumental track that includes a wonderfully mixed piano, sax solo and full harmonies sure to make mouths water. I wondered why she may have chosen to open the album with an instrumental song, but after digging around found the explanation on her website.

On “This Place”, the sweet cries of a pedal steel guitar, one of my favorite instruments, is a welcome addition to Joni Mitchell’s eclectic use of instrumentation. It intertwines with the sadness of the lyrics, about the beauty and the destruction of “this land”.

I can see how difficult it would be for Joni Mitchell not to write about what’s going on around her in today’s world. “If I Had A Heart” is a song that songwriters are made for. Mitchell sings about the state of the planet with a message of despair.

One thing I really love about Joni Mitchell’s singing is not only her recognizable voice, but it’s her phrasing within a song. She has one of the most percussive voices out there and “Hana” is a perfect example of trademark Joni along with calypso beats and harmonies.

Her voice in “Bad Dreams Are Good” is reminiscent of Billie Holiday and throughout the album I had thoughts of Joan Armatrading. It’s great to hear the new version of “Big Yellow Taxi” which, once again, features her brilliant vocal phrasing along with beautiful harmonies, a cool rhythmic guitar and sparse, staccato instruments.

‘Shine’ is a daring and honest piece of art produced and shared by Joni Mitchell. Whether the lyrics are read alone or along with the album, her talent shines through as a true poet, singer, musician and storyteller.

Buy Joni Mitchell – ‘Shine’ on amazon.com

‘Shine’ lyrics on Joni Mitchell’s website
Joni Mitchell Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Related: Watch Joni Mitchell performing “California” on the BBC

Formed in 2001 with keyboardist Martin Moeller, Grimy Styles expanded to their current quartet with Matt Beebe (guitarist), Jacob Benenate (drums) and Chris Nerren (bass) to record their live debut, ‘Restoration of the Bathouse’ in 2004.

As Grimy Styles refines their self-proclaimed “melting pot” sound, they use the dub roots reggae genre as a platform to develop what has become their signature sound. “We call it global dub music because it’s exactly that,” explains Moeller. “Whether it’s Middle Eastern or American Soul or Jamaican Reggae, Afro pop, Afro beat – it all comes together.” Furthermore Grimy Styles applies a progressive approach to their live performances using cutting edge mixing techniques and unique onstage signal processing, rewarding both the careful listener and recreational dancer with imaginative soundscapes. “You feel the music in your heart and your head or your hips and your legs,” clarifies Beebe. “With no vocals in dub music, it’s open to your own interpretation.”

Their new album, ‘Rewind’ captures a bold, panoramic vision of dub now synonymous with Grimy Styles. Seeking to create an album that carried the spontaneity of its dub predecessors yet remain deeply rooted in structure, Grimy eschews the dub tradition of one-take processing on a rhythm track for slightly less conventional studio techniques. Slamming an old spring reverb on the floor, plucking the strings of a shabby upright piano, or running takes backwards through the tape machine was all part of a normal day’s work for the band during the Rewind sessions.

Intricate descriptions of ‘Rewind’ aside, the music is very easy to listen to. “Something we were going for was to create an album that works as a ‘household LP’: You can throw it on without having to think about it and know you’ll have nice background music,” says Moeller. He adds that if you really want to tune in however, you should put on headphones and “you can probably find new things every time you listen to it.”

Having recently shared the stage with the likes of dub legend Mad Professor and Lee Scratch Perry, an internationally acclaimed innovator of the dub movement, Grimy Styles has rapidly risen to the forefront of the Austin music scene with a growing, loyal fan-base. Grimy hopes to expand their following beyond Austin with their upcoming tour.

The tour launches in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 13, and has nearly nightly shows booked throughout the Western US. Grimy Styles closes the tour in the comfort of their hometown Austin, Texas on June 30.

For tour details, visit Grimy Styles: www.grimystyles.com. To listen to selected tracks, and for more information on ‘Rewind’ visit Grimy Styles on Myspace: www.myspace.com/grimystyles.

There are nine tracks in total and I loved every one. This music reminded me of when I first got into David Sanborn in the early 80s. It has that funky smooth vibe running through every track.

The first track is befitting of its name “Bounce.” It is full of chunks of funk and gets you in a nonstop groove. “Cole Seine” maintains the momentum then “Curtis” steps back the pace, coming at you like a soulful slow burner, giving you a taste of the other side of Cole’s repertoire. The rest of album has the same flow, consistently offering a similar tones and atmospheres in equal measure.

I try to refrain from sounding over the top when an entire album pulls me in like this but I have to give credit where it is due, this is a rock solid presentation of instrumental jazz and it displays how Steve Cole has complete command of the tenor sax, not to mention keys, acoustic guitar, and programming. Cole is a very talented individual. He gets some help from his friends and the credits are quite extensive, indicated on each track in the CD booklet. This approach never hurts the ongoing development of a project, and the chances of success get a shot in the arm when you bring in the best in the business to help you out.

All of the sub genres get exposure on this CD-smooth jazz, crossover, contemporary, and funk. Cole covers a lot of ground in a very pleasing way, and I would be willing to bet that he finds a large group of listeners for True.

Artist: Steve Cole
Title: True
Genre: Instrumental-Jazz
Website
Label: Narada Jazz
Amazon Link

Tracks:
1. Bounce (4:28)
2. Cote Seine (4:36)
3. Curtis (3:52)
4. Just A Natural Thang (5:35)
5. Take Me (4:02)
6. Something About You (3:36)
7. Metro (4:20)
8. Closer (4:14)
9. Come With Me (5:22)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

What I like about this recording is that you can focus in on the pure talent of this man. There are no vocals to take you somewhere else; it is all instrumentation coming at you from every angle, sometimes right in your face and in other instances very subtly. Any way you look at it, the diverse talent of LRD gets the spotlight from start to finish.

The 13 tracks encompassing this incredible compilation are a mixture of rockin’ riffs, jazz tones, hypnotic blues, and a fusion of all those elements. I looked at the credits for all the tracks and on nearly every one Lance plays guitar, drums, bass, and keys. In some instances, he does not get any help whatsoever, he just cuts loose on every instrument solo and proves that his adeptness and understanding of every instrument is exceptional.

“Drivin Heaven” is great kickoff track, it gets you all warmed up and ready to rock, and that feeling stays with you because the energy level is maintained even though the styles switch up frequently. I am particularly fond of “Limey Blues,” it proves unequivocally why rock music came into being in the first place. “Frenzy” comes packed with high energy riffing, well the title says it all-enough said. Another giveaway by the title alone is “Freestyle,” which really puts an artist like LRD into proper perspective. He is all about doing it freestyle and having the confidence to let it rip, knowing that it is going to come out sounding fantastic. I have no doubt at this point after getting to know the man and his music that he is capable of incredible things with the six-string or any other instrument he picks up. He is humble and spiritually centered and that in and of itself is a recipe for success regardless of what life path you take. As listeners, we are blessed with an angel of music.

This is great compilation and I highly recommend checking out the LRD catalog so you can experience the awesome talent and diversity this indie artist offers. Dr. Diehl Music Doctor has a prescription for you, and it guarantees full-blown addiction after just one listen.

Artist: Lance Reegan-Diehl
Title: Chasing My Reflection
Genre: Instrumental Rock-Blues-Jazz-Fusion
Label: LRD Music
Website
CD Baby Link

Tracks:
01. Drivin Heaven
02. Much Too Crazy
03. The Doctor is in (Dr.Diehl M.D.)
04. Green Fingers
05. Ode To Mr.Happy
06. Rok Climb
07. Freestyle
08. Rise in the West
09. Am in Love
10. Limey Blues
11. Dad’s Song
12. Frenzy
13. My Blue Shoes

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Jazz and blues are kissin’ cousins and nobody knows that better than Yandall, in fact he does a great job of combining both genres at times during the run of this CD.

Although I am not accustomed to hearing any vocals on a Yandall release, I found it to be a refreshing switch of the gears and he did not disappoint, offering a bevy of fine instrumental cuts as usual.

“People Get Ready” the Curtis Mayfield classic, came as a pleasant surprise, probably because I have never heard an entirely instrumental version of it. Yandall plays it beautifully and I found myself singing the words anyway so my hat is off to him for pulling that off in such a convincing fashion. I have noticed over the last several months that guitar virtuosos that lean towards playing all instrumental recordings are playing a lot of Jeff Beck material from the groundbreaking albums Blow By Blow and Wired. Both albums were light-years ahead of their time and proof that what Beck did still leaves people with their jaw dropping to floor, particularly musicians with a penchant for jazz-rock-fusion.

Yandall pulls out all the stops on “Cause We Ended As Lovers,” and strangely enough I find myself listening to the original version as I write this now. Music provides passionate inspiration and a great album like New York Blues had me reaching into my archives for more music of the same, not to mention having the desire to hear this album repeatedly. Another barn burner is an Allman Brothers favorite “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” one of the best sessions Dicky Betts ever produced. Again, Yandall does it justice.

I think the one track that really shows off his chops is “Deception Point.” It runs just shy of five minutes, but every second of it is a crescendo of instruments assaulting your senses, albeit in very pleasing way. Yandall peels of some licks that are amazing on this track; he plays with style and grace and rocks the house all at the same time. Not an easy task for any player worth their salt. My favorite out of the entire lot is the mellow front porch toe tapping acoustic blues of “So Low.” That one really grabbed me because of its clean playing and live feel. You can hear Patrick’s fingers squeaking up and down the fret board.

This recording has a good mixture of vocal tracks and instrumentals; it is the kind of blues, rock, and jazz that offers it all for the listener. This is primarily blues however the rudiments of jazz and rock cannot be understated here, they provide plenty of juice for Mr. Yandall to do his thing, and does he ever do it well.

Artist: Patrick Yandall
Title: New York Blues
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Zangi Records
Website
New York Blues

Tracks:
01. Wrap It Up (3:43)
02. New York Blues (4:23)
03. Blues For Buddy (4:36)
04. So Low (3:32)
05. People Get Ready (4:23)
06. Fire In The Hole (3:59)
07. The Blue Room (5:24)
08. There’s Blues In This House (4:05)
09. In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed (4:41)
10. Shakeys Blues (4:20)
11. Deception Point (4:58)
12. Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers (4:25)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Sebastian Lorefice is a self sufficient indie musician that has his own interpretations of time and space regarding the world of music and film. He takes an interesting and atmospheric instrumental view of the corridors he walks down. Notice the Hollywood walk of fame path inviting you into his world on the cover? Be careful how far you walk though as you may fall off the edge and be lost forever in the universe and its black hole of short stories.

I like to look at the covers of CDs to see what the messages are and then try to unlock the answers while listening to the music. The music of Lorefice allowed me to go through that enjoyable process. There is plenty of variety offered on this CD. The talented artist composes and performs everything using a Fatar master keyboard (STUDIO 1100) plugged into a Korg Trinity Plus. “You’re Inviting Eyes” is the only cover on the album. The only help he gets musically is from Peter Pistevos (electric guitar on “Soldier” and “Street Gangs”) and Adam Calaitzis (drum programming). Through nine cinematic tracks, Lorefice brings you contemporary jazz sliced up with parts of electronic keyboards and an occasional odd sound or tweak for the desired and necessary effect. “Lugosi’s Lullaby” is a good example of this method. It makes you feel there is a vampire lurking around the corner, along with the things that go bump in the night, to make Bela stalking you believable.

While listening, my son got bits and pieces of this along the way and he kept asking me “You already listened to this right?” And my reply would be, “Yes, several times.” This is a typical scenario in the room I listen to my music and go through my process to write about it. This time the comment I heard from the young man was “This reminds me of music on some of my games.” Soundtracks for video games are big business these days and I have to agree with him, I heard plenty that could fit into that area.

This is an interesting combination of jazz and world fusion that rocks you with some punch and also has its share of moments where it sounds quirky and futuristic. It keeps you on your toes wondering what the next track is about to bring. For my varied tastes and judicious ears this was a pleasure to listen to. When the music stops the stories end but they don’t have to, just play it all again.

Artist: Sebastian Lorefice
Title: Short Stories Infinite Corridors
Genre: Jazz-World-Fusion
Label: Arc Sound Limited
Website
CD Baby Link

Tracks:
1. Soldier (4:57)
2. Street Gangs (5:40)
3. Your Inviting Eyes (7:58)
4. Espionage (9:04)
5. Shaolin Temple (7:39)
6. Lugosi’s Lullaby (2:48)
7. Ufo File (4:56)
8. Hostile Planet (7:17)
9. Water Slide (4:29)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Jeff’s debut CD – RELEASED – was voted the 2005 Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album by broadcasters worldwide who compile the charts at New Age Reporter.

Jeff is mixing (in 5.1 surround and stereo) in Los Angeles with Bryan Carrigan (Alanis, No Doubt), and should be finished in early 2007. Also joining the project is legendary mixing engineer Bruce Swedien (Michael Jackson’s THRILLER)

These tracks were recorded in Vermont at Imaginary Road Studios with Grammy Award winners Will Ackerman producing, and Corin Nelsen at the board.

Jeff’s new CD features world class performances from Keith Carlock on drums (Steely Dan, Sting), T. Bone Wolk (Hall and Oates, Carly Simon, SNL Band) and Michael Manring on bass, Eugene Friesen (PaulWinter Consort) on cello, Philip Aaberg (Peter Gabriel, Elvin Bishop) on piano and synthesizer, Samite from Uganda on vocals and mbira, Melissa R. Kaplan (Splashdown, Universal Hall Pass) on vocals, Patrick Gorman on guitar, Noah Wilding on vocals, Derrik Jordan on percussion, and Will Ackerman on guitar.

The disc will be mastered by Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering in May, 2007.

Look for Jeff’s new CD in early summer 2007…

For more information, check out:

http://www.jeffoster.com
http://www.myspace.com/jeffoster

Check out a recent live show clip here:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ia67Yof7-aQ

Tangled Up in Bob is Rubinstein’s score for the documentary film by Mary Feidt and detailing Natalie Goldberg’s quest for the “real” Bob Dylan in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota. Rubinstein composed and performs the 15 tracks here, and cowrote “She Was Weird” with songwriter Terry Allen.

The Albuquerque Tribune wrote, “Donald Rubinstein provides an original score that is hauntingly Dylanesque.” Cadence wrote, “He’s a poet in a Dylanesque vein. His singing voice reminds me of a tired, more world-weary Bruce Springsteen….In the singer/songwriter vein, I’d much rather hear Rubinstein than any of the other, more popular artists.”

The second CD due out in April is Acceptance featuring jazz great Bill Frisell. With three compositions by Rubinstein and one live improvisation, Acceptance ranges from the choral “Acceptance” to the jazzy “Diminished Chord,” which Frisell performs once with electric and once with acoustic guitar. The CD ends with the live improv “Four Pianos,” with Marcel Bergmann, Philipe Bodin, Andrea Clearfield and Rubinstein on pianos, vocals by Clearfield and Rubinstein.

Bill Frisell says, “I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Don in all kinds of situations over the years. I’ve learned a lot from him…These days it’s reassuring to know there’s someone like him around. After more than 20 years, he’s still on that path, and still an inspiration.”

Called “a composer and songwriter of stellar proportions” by The Doors’ John Densmore, Rubinstein says the two new releases “represent both extremes of my composing, jazz-avant-garde instrumental at the one end and lyric-oriented folk songs at the other.”

Thom Teresi at Rhombus Records says, “Tangled Up in Bob and Acceptance represent the two faces of Don Rubinstein. You have to like everything Don does. He’s a prolific writer and a unique character. Rhombus Records wanted to release these together to show his diverse range of talent.”

Rubinstein made his musical debut by scoring George A. Romero’s cult classic film Martin (1977), which Mojo in 2002 named “One of the Top 100 Coolest Soundtracks of All Time.” Since then he has released 16 CDs, which range from jazz to folk to pop-rock to country; scored several feature films and main titles for two television series; and been commissioned by dance companies and musicians from the Boston Symphony and New York Philharmonic orchestras for individual works.

Steve Huey wrote in All Music Guide, “Singer/songwriter, pianist, jazz experimentalist, soundtrack composer, beat-style poet—Donald Rubinstein has somehow juggled all those hats over the lengthy span of his creative career.”

Tangled Up in Bob and Acceptance are available for downloading at iTunes.com, eMusic.com, Rhapsody and the Burn Lounge. The CDs retail for $15.98 each and are available in stores on April 17, 2007.

Web sites:
http://www.donaldrubinstein.com
http://www.rhombus-records.com

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Donald Rubinstein, contact Mantra Public Relations at 212-645-1600.

Donna Sammarco goes solo with her piano covering timeless spirituals flying on the wings of time and space (and eagles) through the ivory keys.

This was a nice experience for me. Music such as this engages you and allows a meditative state to take hold. This is not a normal state of mind for any sentient being, particular in this world we live in now, with all the constant activity around us. It takes something powerful and aurally seductive to make us stop and listen so we turn inward and recharge our link to a higher power. I should do this on a daily basis but I do not, music like this reminds me what a strong connection I have to the spiritual world and how easy it is to tap into that source if I choose. Quite simply that is it in a nutshell; it is all about making the right choices on daily basis. Every track is crystal clear with its message and certainly because of its foundation within each composition, words are not needed. As I said, this is not something I put on the stereo every day but I am comforted to know there is something I can reach for when I want to center my energy and feel good about being alive.

Artist: Donna Sammarco
Title: On Eagles Wings
Genre: Christian-Instrumental
Label: P & J Records
Website

Tracks:
01. How Beautiful (3:41)
02. Oh, How He Loves You and Me (2:56)
03. Near to the Heart of God/Heart of Worship (2:48)
04. Lamb of God (2:57)
05. I Exalt Thee (3:22)
06. El Shaddai (3:42)
07. Alleluia/The Majesty and Glory of Your Name (4:00)
08. Change My Heart, Oh God (3:01)
09. Give Thanks (3:01)
10 .Spirit Song (3:16)
11. On Eagle’s Wings (3:28)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Briggs walks you through his worlds of music one track at a time effortlessly like the polished pro that he is. Someone that can paint such a textured palette of colors and grace as this must be totally in touch with his innermost feelings. I may be getting a little too deep here but I tend to enjoy music totally in every way. I process everything I am hearing on a personal level, which actually feels like another plane of existence entirely from my everyday life. Tracks like “Latino Dance” take me to that special place in seconds, with its soothing rhythms and gentle overtones that seem to blow right through you like the warmth of a July breeze.

I have said this frequently but could never stress it enough…instrumental music offers something entirely different than music with lyrics; you have the opportunity to create your own story, which is why I have had this love affair that continues to this day with music like this. Jazz, rock, world, and fusion are a great combination that can take you places you have never been before and Briggs has that ability to do that without difficulty. Within his eclectic mix of genres all molded into one final sound, I consistently found gratification. I heard modern and contemporary jazz, rocking guitar licks, smooth and inviting layers of keyboards, and the essential foundation that drives it all along steadily, bass and drums.

I could go on forever and break down every track but that would be too long and boring, and it would be also an unfair assessment of an album that was too good to discuss just a few tracks, so to give it justice I would have to say I enjoyed in its entirety. Every track gave me something to enjoy in a different way and that is the beauty of this recording. You can tell that Briggs was meticulous about his choice of tracks and they way it was produced.

All of the effort paid off in a big way as Solo Album has the kind of music you are bound to be hearing all over internet radio stations where you tune into jazz, smooth jazz, and fusion. Too bad the brick and mortar stations will never hear this. We are the lucky ones that get to enjoy it, knowing that the mainstream big label backed music is for those that don’t want to dig down deep and get something more than just a tune playing in the background that brings about nothing more than superficial feelings.

Artist: Hill Briggs
Title: Solo Album
Genre: Jazz-Rock-Fusion-Instrumental
Label: Blue Pie Records
Website

Tracks:
01. Yes Please (3:50)
02. Bristol Bay (4:02)
03. Dawn Til Dusk (4.52)
04. Latino Dance (4:44)
05. Ballardos (4:48)
06. Crusin (4:22)
07. Who And When (5:24)
08. Jez G (5:16)
09. No Way Out (3:40)
10. Lazy Days(4:05)
11. Smell The View (3:44)
12. The Girl From Notradamas (4:25)
13. Walk On The Wilderbeast (5:14)
14. Leg End (4:20)
15. Heart Felt (5:15)
16. Yellow Jack (2:44)
© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

The album opens with “Rainbow Nebula,” which features an ethereal beginning followed by layers of acoustic and electric guitar under laid by a rhythmic bass line and interspersed with piano. The sound is upbeat yet underscored with darker rhythms and melodies that suggest you are entering a textured and complex musical world. That multi-layered sound appears throughout the album and gives Zeier’s work a cinematic feel: each of these tracks suggests plots and complexities that extend beyond the song itself, and is telling only part of a larger story.

For those of you looking for Zeier’s straight-up, rock the stadium electric guitar, Zeier indulges the need with the bluesy song “The Journey,” the funky “Z-Factor,” and the first half of “Cloud Painter.” However, the album overall does not limit itself to one genre, instead favoring towards tight compositions and covering a variety of styles and moods. “Rite of Passage” and “New World” have an orchestral sound and forgo the guitar in favor of violins, drums, and choral singers to create a sound that is both optimistic and sinister in a way that classical music is able to that rock and roll just can’t do in the same way.

Phenomenation is an excellent musical journey through time and space and a deep showcase of Zeier’s musical ability. This is the best of cinematic rock: whether it’s on your MP3 player or in your favorite films I have no doubt you’ll be hearing a lot of Phenomenation and Richard Zeier.

Artist: Richard Zeier
Title: Phenomenation
Genre: Symphonic Rock
Label: RJZ Music
Website
CD Baby Link

© MuzikReviews.com

Ryan Quinn

Kamen composed, recorded, and played all the instruments on Eric 2.0, again proving his steadfast indie approach to all of his recorded output. Since the release of the last album, the artist has found his place amongst the many flourishing cyberspace communities. The phenomenon of Myspace is no stranger to Eric, and he has created an entirely new audience by connecting to that community. As he progresses as an artist, his listener’s are with him every step of the way.

Fourteen tracks encompass Eric 2.0 and his distinctive World-Latin-Fusion comes at you in different tones, atmospheres, and flavors. Each track creates a story in one’s mind, allowing you to run away with the music for a while then you begin to write your own script as the music unfolds. Spanish guitar, Indian tablas, sitar, and many other worldly sounds emanate from this musical melting pot of instrumental delights.

The enchanting “1001 Nights” and “Etude for Flute and Sitar” give the listener a Middle Eastern flavor while “La Gitane” reminds you again of Eric’s expertise with Spanish guitar and how a melody can sweep you away and stay stuck in your head for hours on end. The entire recording is something you will want to hear repeatedly.

The master of moods and atmospheres is back with another work of genius and he does it all without saying a word, he lets his guitar do all the talking for him.

Visit Eric Kamen’s Myspace site for samples of the new album and updates.

Contact: Eric Kamen
Company: E*Traxxx Productions
Address: New York, New York 10024
Cell: 917 952-6198
Email
Website
CD Baby Link

PR Created and Distributed By MuzikReviews.com

He is nothing short of a magician with the Spanish guitar, dazzling us once again with a distinct blend of Latin and Middle Eastern flavored rides that last long into the desert evening. As the sun sets in your mind’s eye, you can picture a mysterious stranger riding off into the sunset, just like in the old spaghetti westerns. It sounds cornball but this wonderful music is simply destined for each individual listener to evoke his or her own images. Surely, only the creator could truly convey what it all means but it allows us to let our imaginations run wild as the wind and make up our own stories complete with handpicked actors to play out the drama.

There are 14 tracks on this CD and it sounds as if it’s a long story continued within each track. The flow of tracks 1-7 is similar in style but differ in tempo. Track 8 is “1001 Nights,” it starts and changes up the entire pace that you just became accustomed to hearing then suddenly it feels like another chapter or segment of the story begins. This beautifully textured composition comes filled with airy guitar parts and sitar, and then when the bongos come online it is like a trip into a dark and dusty Arabian night. During the song a gently ringing bell lures you in and relaxes you, which sets you up for a little more Middle Eastern atmosphere and intrigue with “Etude for Flute and Sitar.” Another one of my favorites is “La Gitane,” it has a hook filled melodious stretch that I cannot get out my head and I love it.

Kamen is a master for setting up a mood and keeping you entranced and on course. His fluidity with his compositions and ability to hold steady a common theme is what keeps you hanging on for the next track. The gift that the artist holds close to his heart is the innate ability to take a bare bones guitar track and fill in all the missing pieces and layers to make one complete song. He is a one-man band, a solo artist that sounds like 3 or 4 individuals playing their parts. This is another splendid performance by Eric Kamen, that will likely get people’s attention in a more dramatic fashion than the last release and have them wondering what they may have missed the first time around.

Artist: Eric Kamen
Title: Eric 2.0
Genre: Instrumental-World-Fusion
Label: E*Traxxx Productions Inc.
Website

01. Paco-san (2:43)
02. Rambling on Las Ramblas (2:43)
03. Goin Down (4:18)
04. Left Eye (3:09)
05. Mumbai Mami (2:55)
06. The Belly Dancers of Sedona (3:26)
07. Emotion L (3:46)
08. 1001 Nights (4:37)
09. Etude for Flute and Sitar (3:05)
10. Bonehead (3:40)
11. Dirty (3:29)
12. 7 Days 6 Nights (3:35)
13. La Gitane (3:16)
14. Dirge (4:08)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

In addition to the JamMate project, Lance is finishing his new album: Chasing My Reflection. This exciting project is an original album of instrumental pieces on Guitar Nine Records. Chasing is a showcase of guitar virtuosity in a variety of styles that will delight fans of Lance and intrigue new listeners. It is interesting and fresh with hooks in every nook and cranny. Rare is the performer that can hold the listener’s attention for more than one or two songs but Chasing will hold you spellbound for hours.

Lance is also working on the next Innocent Bystanders recording and fans can expect news and new music in 2007. The JamMate will feature prominently in Lance’s new work and the six-string wizard will surely carve more inroads for the new technology to advance quickly. JamMate made a wise endorsement choice and were obviously well aware of the compelling talent that Lance brings to the guitar as a recording artist and teacher.

Lance Reegan Diehl will be an artist on the go in the coming months. Recording projects aside, Lance will be promoting the JamMate and taking the show on the road including an appearance in Toronto on February 25, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Toronto Blues Society Master Guitar Clinic as an instructor. You can visit the LRD site for downloads, updates, and scheduled appearances.

Contact: Lance Reegan-Diehl
Company: LRD Music
Address: Seoul, Korea
Tel: 82-11-730-4716
Email
Website

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The music befits the title as it creates many images while listening. It is all at once cinematic, breathtaking, and a slice of heaven. The orchestral segments set the tone, whether it is fast paced and dramatic or sad and reflective. The keyboards come delivered upon a layer of sweeping orchestration in each track.

The couple is interested in provoking thoughts from its audience, and there are many subjects covered even though there are not words attached to the music. Their music is so powerful that words are not needed, just look at the titles; they are suggestive enough to engage you and compel you to develop your own storyline while listening. It was easy for me as I can relate much better to instrumental music than compositions entangled with words, which are frequently difficult to understand to begin with on most recordings. This CD starts you off with a clean slate as a perspective listener and each composition is an aural landscape, an adventure that will transport you away to another place in time very quickly. It is easy if you let the music take you. With good instrumentals, it is my choice to immerse myself in the sounds and land wherever it takes me. That is what makes an instrumental track so exciting and special.

I was very impressed with this music and the sound is very good as well. Music so delicate and complex needs top-notch engineering and mixing. It is obvious to me after several listens that there was a job well done in all the important aspects of producing a quality recording. Do not be surprised if you hear this music in the background of a film someday.

© Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Artist: Honest Touch
Title: Memories From A Dream
Genre: Instrumental-Classical-New Age
Label: Independent
Honest Touch Website
CD Baby Link

01. Prologue: Let Love Soar
02. A Lonely Ride
03. Dancing Under The Moon
04. Moments With You
05. Like The Wind, The Wave & The Sand
06. Autumn Tear
07. And A Time For War..!
08. Luce Lontana
09. Withering Wish
10. Memories From A Dream
11. Then You Came
12. A Promise Forever
13. Epilogue: Lay All Your Love On Me