Different people, places and things inspire us all and music holds a special kind of goodwill that we all seem to understand when we listen, particularly when the performing musicians let you know that some of that mojo is part of the entire picture on a project.

The Scene is a very consistent recording and all instrumental. It is filled with the sounds of contemporary jazz that is suitable for any music fan, even those that may not be a jazz listener; there are plentiful instances of fine musicianship on the recording to appreciate. In addition, some special guests add their share to the mix and overall quality of this project. Joe Lovano (tenor sax on tracks 1, 3, 6, 7) a name everyone knows that is familiar with jazz, is featured prominently and his touch and presence makes a difference in the way this duo deliver their music. Clearly, adding someone of Lovano’s pure musicality to the mix is going to bring everyone to the next level and that is exactly what happens here. In addition, Jay Anderson (bass) and Victor Lewis (drums) step in to add their expertise and chops to round out this fine session.

Nine tracks make up this collective musical brilliance filled with varying degrees of tempos and textures. The music takes you on a textbook journey of the jazz palette with grace and precision, literally on every track. Besides the contemporary foundation from which the trio works you also get a taste of fusion, smooth ballads, and some stinging and well place guitar leads from Stryker’s six-string, not to mention some of sweetest sax playing from Slagle and Lovano.

Perhaps the most gratifying thing about listening to this music is the outright simplicity of presentation, keeping in mind that jazz is complex in comparison to other genres. This is a purposefully adventure down the multi-hued roads of jazz and it fits into one nice slice of audible aptness. The production value is outstanding and the sound is crisp and clear with the bottom end holding up nicely without interfering with the importance of each instrument.

This is a very good session from men with their heart in the right place, now that is what it is all about…and exactly why this recording works so well. If you are looking for some nice jazz that will be appropriate for any setting or mood, this is your CD.

Artist: The Stryker/Slagle Band
Title: The Scene
Genre: Jazz
Label: Zoho Music
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
1. Skee
2. The Scene
3. Six for Teo
4. Two Sense
5. Kindred Spirits6 Hopewell’s Last
7. Brighter Days
8. Fingers In The Wind
9. Strikology

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Bishop is in the higher echelon of performers in the genre now and he tells you why with all the guests that comes on board to help him deliver twelve smoldering tracks of blues-rock.
This is a predominately studio album with a few select live cuts. Warren Haynes, an amazing player from The Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule, stands alongside Bishop and they peel off some amazing slide guitar work. Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) sings and plays harp as well making the lead off track “The Blues Rolls On” unforgettable. “Struttin’ My Stuff” is equally tantalizing as Allman Bros. band mate Derek Trucks delivers the goods with Haynes again coming in and adding his licks. Now if that wasn’t enough to get your heart pumpin’ then the king of the court B.B. King and his longtime love Lucille step on stage for a short interview conducted by Bishop then the duo launch into “Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket,” a classic blues song that everyone seems to enjoy playing and it never gets old.

Some may say what you get is predictable on a star studded affair such as this however I beg to differ, what you can count on is great music from a lineup anyone would give their right arm to play with. This is an indication of Bishop’s ascendancy to blues royalty. Lord knows the man deserves it; he has been pumping out quality blues and entertaining folks for several decades now.

I especially liked Bishop’s solo flight on “Oklahoma.” He lets you all know he does not need any of the stellar all-star blues support to sound great and like an individual artist. The lyrics are simple and down home with the blues and his guitar playing is scorching hot, yep Elvin still knows how to bend those strings to his liking. His voice is still darn good too.”Send You Back To Georgia” is another barnburner with one of my all time favorites Mr. Bad To The Bone, George Thorogood, another old timer that has paid his dues and can still rock down the house. In addition, you cannot forget to mention the man with the harp James Cotton, there are not too many better than this guy anywhere in the world today. James teams up with Elvin, John Nemeth and veteran blues mama Angela Strehli. The combination proves to be just what the doctor ordered - blues by the truckload and everyone that joins the party is a star.

Now these are just some highlights from a recording that comes filled with them from top to bottom. If you love the blues this is a necessary possession to claim yourself as a true blues fan, so don’t y’ all miss it now!

Artist: Elvin Bishop
Title: The Blues Rolls On
Genre: Blues-Rock
Label: Delta Groove
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. The Blues Rolls On (feat. Warren Haynes & Kim Wilson)
02. Night Time is the Right Time (feat. John Nemeth & Angela Strehli)
03. Yonder’s Wall (feat. Ronnie Baker Brooks & Tommy Castro)
04. Struttin’ My Stuff (feat. Derek Trucks & Warren Haynes)
05. Keep A Dollar In Your Pocket (feat. B.B. King)
06. Who’s the Fool (feat. John Nemeth & Kid Andersen)
07. Black Gal (feat. R.C. Carrier & Andre Thierry)
08. Oklahoma
09. Come On in This House (feat. Homemade Jamz Band)
10. I Found Out (feat. John Nemeth, James Cotton & Angela Strehli)
11. Send You Back to Georgia (feat. George Thorogood)
12. Honest I Do (feat. John Nemeth)

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

There is a smart mixture of hip-hop and rock that I found intriguing with this recording. It takes a lot to pull me in if an album has strong elements of hip-hop or rap so I have to give the “hats off” to JP for doing a great job of keeping my interest and flat out fascination with his artistry and clear multitude of talents. This gent did the entire album by himself including production and all the instruments and lyrics. What we have here is a work of brilliance and lyrical cynicism and an interpretation on a gut level that cuts right to the chase. This is my kind of in your face lyrical prose that I just love. Some of the lyrics are so profound.

On “Killing You Alive” he sings…

One foot deep is how we all start off

Two feet deep is just breaking the law

Three feet deep is half way to hell (trying every escape
someone’s got for sale)

Four feet deep slightly ahead of the pack

Five feet deep slightly addicted to crack

Six feet deep, with one more in the hand, put it away or put it all to an end

And he speaks very loud and proud on “M16s & AK47s” by saying…

Liberated by the hated so they want to forget

That their cities were burning, death was served and if it
wasn’t for Americans they’d all be speaking German

Look, I love the people of the world who don’t hate me

So, don’t take this as a rebel with his poison ink

For some, its hard to see its World War number three and every battle ends in victory by defeat
The lyrics have to be prolific for me to quote entire passagesand this is some “to the bone” stuff that you must hear and process.The musicianship needs mention as well, throughout this recording it is exceptional along with strong vocals. When you get right down to it, String Theory is a treat for the ears and senses all the way around, it cannot miss.

Artist: Circle Syndicate
Title: String Theory
Genre: Hip Hop-Rock-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Lovedrug
02. Miss Jane
03. Profit
04. Stupid
05. Rage
06. Psycho Lovers
07. Throw Me A Dollar
08. Killing You Alive
09. M16s & AK47s
10. X-Ray Vision
11. Heroine

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

I found this collection refreshing. The way Tuck & Patti present the songs of The Great American Songbook makes each one new and all their own. At times, the standards do not seem to hold that recognizable sound or reference, which again makes the entire listen a joy and something different even though it is the dreaded “cover” album. They escape all the traps and clichés and produce a beautiful album with two voices, the guitar of Tuck and the silky smooth vocals of Patti.

Tuck plays an electric guitar the way one would pluck an eight string acoustic and it sounds like an acoustic in a most convincing way, with the exception of times he uses the electric’s capabilities by inserting a fader effect that finds a place in most of the songs. It turns out to be pleasing without becoming a hindrance to the process the couple is adventuring to accomplish.

What more can be said about the 10 tracks that get the treatment here from Tuck & Patti? You will recognize the names but will be surprised how much different they all sound now thanks to the ingenuity and creative genius of this unwavering pair.

Artist: Tuck & Patti
Title: I Remember You
Genre: Jazz
Label: T & P Records
Tuck & Patti Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01. I Remember You
02. In a Sentimental Mood
03. Deed I Do
04. Very Thought of You
05. When I Fall in Love
06. Foggy Day
07. It Might as Well Be Spring
08. Old Devil Moon
09. Embraceable You
10. With a Song in My Heart

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Let’s Pretend is a rock-pop album bright with energy and sweet rhythms led by a female voice that takes you prisoner for the length of the recording. Susannah has an articulate and sensual vocal style that fits the song selection well. Her tone is also very suitable for jazz as well so if for some reason she decided to take that path at some point I would not be surprised.

The first five tracks show Blinkoff in a good light, focusing on her compelling vocals backed by good music that is an effective blend of pop and rock for her style. “I Got Lucky” gets your motor running while “My Time Now” makes a personal statement. Both tracks should receive heavy airplay and I think be earmarked for singles. The following tracks maintain a similar level of consistency until she decides to cover Billy Joel’s “Vienna.” Unfortunately, I just covered the Legacy version of that album so I did not think this was a good choice for me to hear. I guess timing is everything. Her vocals have a distinct sedated feel to them, like everything changed to slow motion. That was the only stinker in the whole lot here as the next five tracks pick up where she left off with excellent vocals and music. “Be Alright” has a country-rock atmosphere with some smokin’ guitar licks as the singer takes flight and follows the music as if she was meant to sing a song like this all along, it is absolutely one of the highpoints of the album. “Live On” also has a country-folk-rock thing going on and a very serious overtone that carries on through the entire run of the song. “The Storm Is Passing Over” sounds like an old spiritual passed down through the ages - it is one of the few tracks that Blinkoff did not actually write but she does a great job with it and makes it her own.

All of this proves what a great and versatile talent Susannah Blinkoff is. She nearly covers the extent of genres all in one album and leaves you feeling there is yet so much more to discover with her. This is a good thing for an artist trying to make her mark and gain new fans. This process should be a natural thing for this woman. The sky is the limit for someone with so much crossover ability.

Artist: Susannah Blinkoff
Title: Let’s Pretend
Genre: Rock-Pop
Label: Bunnyhead Music
Myspace
Source Link

Tracks:
01. I Got Lucky
02. My Time Now
03. Good to Be Here
04. Turn to Me
05. Let’s Pretend
06. Vienna
07. Be All Right
08. Live On
09. The Storm Is Passing Over
10. So Amazed
11. Texas Girl At the Funeral of Her Father

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Tim Young Band’s ‘The Cost’ is the perfect summertime soundtrack. It feels best to listen to it while sitting in front of a campfire, surrounded by company but alone with your thoughts. Every fleeting idea of pain, loss, and confusion come to full circle on each track, bringing to light the themes we all need to spend time thinking about.

The single ‘The Cost’ tugs right at your heart-strings with fully-charged, emotive lyrics like ‘Now the night is sawin’ at my heart…nobody knows the cost of losing you.’ Moving forward from the pain of loss, this twang-y, sorrowful lament about heartbreak infuses country-western rock to create a catchy melody. ‘Outta Town’ adds the electric guitar and makes you imagine what it would be like to just run away from all your problems as Young lists daily hassles we all deal with, such as traffic, landlords, and stresses from work.

One of the strongest songs, with the best intro, is ‘Drifting Cowboy.’ With sliding guitar riffs, the vocals slow down, providing a nice tune to meditate to, amidst your confusion. While listening, you can actually envision a cowboy alone on the ranch, gazing out at the flat land ahead, wondering where to go. Creating an original story on this track, Young tells the tale of a young cowboy from Alabama who quit school: ‘Rejection filled his cup until he landed on the stage in Nashville.’ As Young switches to first person with ‘I’m a drifting cowboy,’ we have to wonder if Young himself is the drifting cowboy. Either way, the story is nothing short of riveting.

‘Just For You’ has a nostalgic feel to it, bringing Elvis’ generation of country/rock back to the mainstream music scene with strumming guitar and wailing, honest vocals: ‘I’d shine every night just for you / I can see just what I need to do.’ ‘Remember’ certainly has an Elvis attitude, with its ‘bad boy’ tone shining through: ‘And even when I write these words / I don’t understand the past.’ The track presents a concept any listener can understand: being at a crossroads of the past and present, trying to decipher what’s happened before in order to know where to go in the future.

On ‘Hangin’ In,’ Young sings the blues, country-style, telling middle class woes of trying to get by, while inspiring listeners to keep their heads up: ‘It’s a long road every day / everyone I know says they’re hangin’ in.’ Shifting the album’s tone, on ‘Cold Wind’ Young introduces the theme of being, as Bob Dylan sings, ‘Blowin’ in the wind’: ‘Cold wind keeps on blowin’ me around; cold wind spins the truth right through the ground.’

‘Renegade’ fittingly closes the album, since after moving from a wandering cowboy, to a lost soul, to the dust blowing through the cold wind, Young advances to a renegade: a proud, brave man advancing forward through nature and city scenes alike, ready to dominate whatever environment he finds himself in. Without looking back, and with his eyes always set straight ahead, Young proves the ability that we all have to completely move on past the painful yesterdays and transform ourselves into powerful individuals that we never thought we could become. Then, truly, the cost of the pain becomes inconsequential; all that matters are the rewards reaped from the incredible growth process that we all are able to enter and emerge from.

‘The Cost’ forces listeners to ask themselves, ‘Where am I? Where have I been? How does it all make sense?’ And more importantly, ‘Where am I going?’ But by the time the CD stops spinning, you realize, thanks to the Tim Young Band, that, no matter what the answers are, everything’s going to be all right.

http://www.timrocksweb.com
http://www.myspace.com/timnycyoung

Living Down River is a ten track recording encompassing real life situations and feelings all set to a tasteful mix of folk, Americana and blues. Tamara has a clear and thoughtful vocal style that is convincing while very pleasing and inviting regardless of what style of music she is playing. She also writes all of her own material and maintains her independence as an artist with no attachments to any third parties. Ok, I am really starting to like this woman, everything about her is real and original and she is indie - that is the entire package for me, well the music needs to be good too and in this case, it is the icing on the cake.

This CD is solid in every way, the production is good, the musicianship exemplary - all of the most important aspects are in focus so we have ourselves a captivating group of songs to listen to. I have no doubt after reading about the life of this artist that she truly is living the songs performed.

When you hear “Better Day”, it echoes with emotion and the feeling of someone that has gone through, experienced, and endured some hardships only to come out the other side and step into the light then be able to share that experience with someone that needs some inspiration to do the same. “Big City Blues” is my favorite, which comes as no surprise because I do love the blues and it is a very upbeat track. Tamara and her friends really strut their stuff on this one.

I think a prerequisite to listening to this music and understanding it is to be in a reflective and somewhat serious mood but also lighthearted enough to enjoy the warmth and sunshine it can put in your heart because of all the hope and emotion that comes down the river, just as the title and closing track says. It is a bluesy number with a harmonica that is longing for a friend. A perfect closer to these stories told so well. “That Leavin’ Sound” is a lament to a relationship getting ready to end as the singer anticipates a break up by that sound of leaving in the person’s voice. These particular songs made a noticeable impact on me musically and emotionally.

To relate to music is to know it, and to know it is to understand the artist presenting it. I think I connected on Living Down River.

Artist: Tamara Lewis
Title: Living Down River
Genre: Folk-Americana-Blues
Label: Independent
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
01.I’ll Come Home
02.Better Day
03.Love Song To The Midwest
04.Don’t Look At The Mountain
05.That Leavin’ Sound
06.Big City Blues
07.With My Eyes
08.Cold Coffee, Warm Beer
09.Key of Lonely
10.Living Down River

© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Around 10:30, a group from Chicago called Liquor Boxx took to the stage, which I had been noticing before they’d even gone up because it looked, well…professional.. Though appearing to be effortlessly cool, someone in the band had obviously put a lot of thought into the look of it, with scarves on the mic stand, and a tiger-print looking drum kit and matching guitars, though it didn’t give the impression they were trying too hard.

They announced that they were on the East coast leg of their tour, dubbed “Inner Peace”, and started with a catchy up-tempo number. With the opening notes, their Hendrix and Zeppelin influences were plain to see, though they were coupled with the band’s own dramatic flair. It soon became clear that Kevin Mace the singer, is quite the frontman and before the night was over he literally had people moving on the dance floor and several women who actually invited themselves onstage. During their set, Patrick Creedon, the guitarist actually played guitar around a girl and then hoisted her on his shoulder-all the while doing a wicked guitar solo. The bassist, Marty Farrelly, was very solid and had a great quiet presence and Johnny Stoneking, their drummer, played a five minute solo that ended with him playing with glow-in-the-dark sticks and then just his hands!

Liquor Boxx offered a live show that had something that I haven’t seen in a long time-substance. Not only do they actually play their instruments, but they play them exceptionally well, not only are they charismatic but they make you feel personally involved in, and responsible for, their rising stature on the indie scene; you’re rooting for these guys to succeed because they work so hard, put on a great show, entertain the crowd and they have that intangible something special. Already signed to Refugee Entertainment, LLC, a smart move by the indie record label, Liquor Boxx’s live show offers guitar contortionism, musical virtuosity, charisma, and passionate, bluesy alternative rock at its best.

Liquor Boxx upcoming “Inner Peace” tour dates:

08.28.08 10:00 PM New York City NY Arelene’s Grocery

08.30.08 8:00 PM Southbridge MA The Pump House

09.05.08 8:00 PM Pawtucket RI KC’s Tap

09.07.08 8:00 PM Barrington NJ The Roadhouse

09.11.08 8:00 PM Philadelphia PA Sweeney’s

09.13.08 8:00 PM New York City NY The Knitting Factory

09.20.08 1:15 AM Marietta GA Atlantis Music Conference

10.17.08 8:00 PM Raleigh NC Dive Bar

10.18.08 8:00 PM Fayetteville NC The Rock Shop

10.24.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

10.25.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

10.26.08 8:00 PM Hilton Head Island SC Riders Lounge

Liquor Boxx sites: http://www.myspace.com/liquornbooze

http://www.refugeeentertainmentllc.com

For those of you unfortunate souls that have not discovered this band the lineup is Gig Michaels (lead vocals & acoustic guitar); David Lee (drums); Michael Hough (guitar & vocals); Keith Inman (guitar); Mike Huffman (keyboards, B3 & vocals); and Cody Bennett (bass).

This EP CD is a precursor to the future and it is sure exciting. The band sounds like they are on fire! The first track “Dance” has a risqué video up on You Tube now and surely, it will get its share of plays. The song itself is Swampdawamp at their very best. Again, I heard all the pinpoint guitar licks, the thumping rhythm section and the whiskey soaked vocals of Gig Michaels taking it all to top without a breath in between. “Fire In The Hole” and “Shoebox” keep the Swampdawamp train rollin’ down the tracks with more straight up southern flavored rock with plenty of blues licks in the mix to keep it real. The thing I have always enjoyed about this band is that when they get things warmed up they never let up, it just keeps coming at you full bore. The only thing I did not like about this is that I only heard three tracks and I wanted it to keep going, so I suppose that is a good thing from the band’s perspective. If these three tracks are any indication of what we should expect on the next album then we are in for a treat. They sound like they have kicked it up another notch.

I enjoyed the interview, it got me a little closer to the band and I found out a bit more about their attitude and goals. They believe in themselves and the people that listen to their music. What they have adopted is a grass roots following similar to what bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Molly Hatchet had prior to their meteoric rise to popularity. So watch out, Swamdawamp may be the next big thing coming out the south for all of you rock fans that have kinship to that music.

I look forward to hearing the complete album.

Artist: Swampdawamp
Title: 2.0
Genre: Southern Rock-Blues
Label: Big Penny Entertainment
Website
Source Link

Tracks:
1.Dance
2.Fire In The Hole
3.Shoebox
4.Interview with Gig Michaels & Mike “Scooby” Huffman
5.Interview with David Lee & Dave Cline
6.Live At Rehearsal
© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

This band sings and plays with ferocity and purpose. While only three members comprise this progressive rock unit, they sound like much more. A full sound comes at you constructed with guitars, drums, and bass as it swoops down and sucks you into every hair-raising storyline. The Tea Club is Patrick McGowan (vocals, bass, and guitar) with Brother Dan (vocals, guitar) and Kyle Minnick (drums).

As things kick off the album you are immediately brought into the macabre with “Werewolves.” This is a potent tool for mesmerizing you and creating interest and excitement about what you are hearing while intently listening to their own personal take on the legendary transformation from man to beast. Guitars, bass and drums thunder as Pat McGowan bellows “I just need a little time, this is my Mr. Hyde…well I am down and I am wearin’ thin, I can’t help but keep hurting you”, as the words roll off his tongue they cut like a knife right through you. As all of this unfolds, all I can think of is a Halloween night where The Beatles meet King Crimson and they start jamming. This vision kept coming to me throughout the run of this CD. Low and behold, their biggest influences happen to be two of the bands I just mentioned, so there is no shock here, just a bit of validation from the perspective of a listener and music fan. This was the best song on the album and marvelous way to introduce themselves to potential listeners while simultaneously creating some interest to hear more.

I bet some of you are wondering where they came up with the title for the album. I am always pondering what the title and artwork mean. If it is not obvious and in this case, that applies, you have to wonder what the significance is and just how it all ties in to the big picture of a project. The term General Winter, is a name used for the horrible weather the Germans experienced while trying to invade Russia in World War 2. Pat McGowan then added in the rest of the title and the band loved it.

The title track of all things gets the boot because the band thought it did not flow with the rest of the album. In this case, they should have put it at the close of the album and I do not think removing that track was the best decision.

At times, they do pull off some beautiful Beatles like harmonizing so the thought process may have been that this would easily cross over to pop-rock territory. Regardless of those elements, the fans that listen to this music expect bombastic opuses lasting 7-12 minutes, it is the norm, the music is far from being top forty or pop and it does not take long after hearing the way the tracks come at you that they are doing their best to make a progressive album. If you want to hear the title track then visit the band’s profile here http://mybandsmusic.com/members/680/ where you actually can listen to 15 tracks with the option to purchase and find out for yourself where they are coming from. If anything, it entices people to go check it out, so that is a positive gained from a somewhat odd decision to eliminate the title track.

Getting back to the rest of the album-it is solid, not a great piece of work but very good and this band has the potential to be great. What I heard was a steady blend of music that did tend to go back and forth in waves of varying sounds and emotions, which is the standard for the genre. The variations with rhythms, beats and guitars are interesting and definitely not something that you would hear on the radio…there are no 4/4 time syncopations or drum click tracks buzzing in the ear of their drummer, no way. Besides the lead off track, this album did tend to flow together too easily from track to track for this type of music.

What I think needs work here is to develop more complexity with the song structures they already have, which are excellent, by simply adding some layered keyboards or a driving Hammond B3 on a regular basis. With that, the entire picture could change and they may very well become the band they always dreamed of being. Again, this is just the beginning for them and it is a real good start. They wrote all the songs, which is impressive. For three people they make some noise and it will remind you fondly of some other great trios that have come and gone since the inception of progressive rock. They reached their goal to get a stripped down sound removing things like a flute and so forth. Perhaps on the next outing those things will remain with additional instruments to beef up their sound and then they will blossom, as I would expect.

Artist: The Tea Club
Title: General Winter’s Secret Museum
Genre: Progressive Rock
Label: Independent
Myspace
MyBandsMusic Profile

Tracks:
01. Werewolves
02. Cool Smack
03. Big Al
04. Castle Builder
05. Purple Chukz
06. The Clincher
07. Will O The Wisp
08. The Moon
09. Ice Clock
© MuzikReviews.com

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck