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Tom Willner – Rescue Me review

muzikman — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:19:35 +0000

Tom Willner’s Rescue Me is a fine album because of several things, but primarily because of its consistency. It gives you those warm and fuzzy feelings right out of the gate.

The lead off and title track is a funky rhythm filled romp as good as it gets.It is the best choice of tracks to kick off the album. The following track “If Women Ruled the World,” is a great tribute to the female of the species, all set to a reggae beat. This music is all about life and relationships. It is understandable that the artist is inspired to write and perform songs like this as he survived cancer and came out of it with entirely different perspective on life. He wrote every song except “I Could Always Make Her Laugh,” where co-writer Ed Schieblin provided the lyrics. Ben Wakeman helped with the words to “Over You” and played guitar and added vocals on tracks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11. Willner also did all of the programming and played everything else you hear on the CD. This project is an exceptional achievement. Yet another triumph for a man that feels there is nothing he cannot overcome so it does not surprise me at all.

The mixture of rock, pop and blues suits Willner’s vocal style just right. He throws in a little change of pace, showing off his prowess as a piano player with an instrumental ragtime rollicking foot stomper called “Tom’s Boogie.” Besides that one instrumental treat, he stays with the pop-rock-blues format while telling his heart warming and inspiring stories. Interesting enough there is a sequence to the stories being told as well, there is no coincidence that “Rain” is followed by “You Are My Storm.”

This music wasted no time digging its hooks in me, by the time I listened for the third time I was sold, hypnotized by the words and music. This album will grow on you faster than grass after a mid July shower, and the fragrance is just as sweet.

Artist: Tom Willner
Title: Rescue Me
Genre: Rock-Blues-AC
Label: Independent
Website
CD Baby Link
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Rescue Me
02. If Women Ruled the World
03. When I’m With You
04. I Could Always Make Her Laugh
05. Rain
06. You Are My Storm
07. Over You
08. What’s Wrong Baby
09. Tom’s Boogie
10. September
11. No Time Like Now

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Laura Pursell Releases AC Masterpiece And Critical Acclaim Follows

muzikman — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:54:10 +0000

Somewhere In This Room is a work of art put into motion with the angelic voice of Laura Pursell.

Pursell is the latest hot Adult Contemporary artist, holding her own with the likes of LeAnn Rimes; Five for Fighting; Brooks and Dunn, Barry Manilow, Taylor Swift, and she was ahead of the popular Alicia Keyes. In the ACQB e-tracking charts, Laura continues to gather additional spins over the previous week with the cut “I’ll Wait”, off Somewhere In This Room.

This new and haunting themed CD is one of the fastest rising new collections of songs in the nation. Former movie producer and internet pioneer, Andrew Bonime, who produced such 70’s classics as The Harrad Experiment, The Bell Jar and the cult classic C.H.U.D., provides the melodic compositions with lyrics by Laura Pursell. The CD frames out a story of love, passion, turmoil and salvation in each of the 12 tunes written for this collection.

Laura is no stranger to the music business as she is the daughter of Bill Pursell, famed Nashville composer and arranger and owner of the 1963 hit “Our Winter Love.” After one listen to Somewhere In This Room it becomes obvious that music and a penchant for poignant lyricism runs through her blood.

What is most compelling about Somewhere In This Room is not only the sweet vocals of Laura but also the way different styles of musical expressions, sometimes several within one track, comes at you from all sides. You will hear cutting rock guitar licks followed by a jazz infused piano, anything that seems appropriate to the lyrics at any given moment, leaving you awaiting the next notes of spontaneity. This musical diversion and the heartfelt lyrics contained in these sessions offer originality and a substantially rewarding listening experience for the introspective listener in us all.

Visit the Laura Pursell or the Cloudshine Global Music for more information, updates, and other media related items regarding Laura and other artists currently on the label’s roster.

Contact: Kenneth Levine
Company: Cloudshine Global Music
Address: 333 Newbury Lane, Newbury Park, CA 91320
Cell Phone: (805) 368-5336
Email
Website
Somewhere In This Room CD Baby Link
Source Link

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Laura Pursell – Somewhere In This Room

muzikman — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:37:42 +0000

Somewhere In This Room is a work of art put into motion with the angelic voice of Laura Pursell. If you were to base this recording on the lengthy write up that Laura contributes in the CD booklet before you listen, there is no doubt you will perceive everything quite differently. I took the time to read the introspective outlook the artist has on her world and music, and found that the output of her work matches her philosophy.In retrospect, after listening to this CD several times, I was able to focus on the lyrics and appreciate all of the musical talent that was necessary to make this work. Pursell has a bevy of musicians contributing to her project, and obviously the diversity that was in the studio at the time that this was recorded benefited each track in an exceptional manner.

The recording begins with a lush orchestration befittingly titled “Overture.” This lays the groundwork and sets the expectation for a tasteful musical voyage. ”It Might As Well Be Magic” showcases the singer as budding pop diva with a positive message for ears that are ready to accept it. What I found compelling about this album, besides Laura’s sweet and inviting vocals, was the way she used different styles of musical expressions, sometimes several within one track. At times, you will hear a stinging rock guitar run followed by a jazz infused piano; everything rolls right along to set the mood.

My ears are most appreciative of musical diversification. If a performer’s voice maintains the same tone and level of resonance most of the time, the music behind them needs to change and evolve. If this does not happen, every song sounds the same. We have all heard albums like this; the artist is successful with a certain formula and sound, it sells, so why change and take a chance? This is why I found a love for indie artists long ago. Indies set their own pace and make the music for themselves, not a label or overpaid lawyer looking to keep the bigwigs happy. In the end, the music usually finds appreciative ears.

“Maple Tree” has a simple premise but a good message. The song sounds like something you would hear on a children’s show, and it is even complete with a child chorus. Do not be fooled by the innocence of this track, the lyrics speak of how mean kids can be in the schoolyard; however in the adult schoolyard of life, they can be just as mean and vicious. I depends what perspective you take while listening. Everyone needs a special place to go find serenity and recharge their soul with something spiritual like nature, like a big maple tree that nobody else visits. I heard the words and was able to reflect upon my own existence, the tears and laughter I experienced throughout life and the love of a quiet walk up the river into the woods to feel in touch with everything I am. Maybe this is being a bit too idealistic for some but the track really hit home after giving it a chance and thinking about the whole picture.

After 11 thought provoking tracks, you find your way to the “Finale” and the show closes out with an impressive musical roar. At times you feel this can be a pop-like syrupy excursion, but if you take the time to read the CD booklet, listen to the words, and process everything presented here, you find much more.

Artist: Laura Pursell
Title: Somewhere In This Room
Genre: Adult Contemporary-Rock-Pop
Label: Cloudshine Global Music
Website
Somewhere In This Room CD Baby Link
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Overture
02. When You Come Down
03. It Might As Well Be Magic
04. Skywriting Neon Lights
05. Not Much To Lose
06. When You Smile
07. Somewhere In This Room
08. I’ll Wait
09. My Heart Knows You Were Here
10. Maple Tree
11. He Is Everywhere
12. Finale

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

Paul Cullen – Dreamdance

muzikman — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 15:06:13 +0000

After listening to Paul Cullen’s new release Dreamdance I had a hard time envisioning him as the former bass player for the rock legends Bad Company. He has an interesting story; after departing from the band in the early 90s he decided to take control of his career, taught himself how to play guitar and took singing lessons, and here we are with an appealing solo album that grabbed me right from the first track. I cannot speak for everyone, but that’s the way this CD affected me and I suspect there will be many other listeners that will feel the same way. Right from the first cut I felt relaxed and enchanted, and I was able to hold on to that feeling until the album concluded.

The title cut has you dream dancing on the clouds with its airy backdrop of keyboards, guitar and rhythm. Cullen has a smooth and pleasing voice; he soothingly invites you into his world with a lucid and succinct vocal style. He sings about women and love, a subject that never seems to wear out its welcome. If you’re a hopeless romantic, and whether you show it or not, this kind of album is something to play when you want to get closer to your partner and become intimate, allowing the music to guide you down that path.

Different styles get a workout on this CD. Cullen explores elements of jazz and Latin blended with calming pop for an uplifting adult contemporary sound. “Dreamdance”, “And We Danced” and “Sometimes” would be my choices for airplay if I were a DJ and had first crack at this CD. “And We Danced” and “Sometimes” have hard to ignore hooks running through them and Cullen does a great job with his vocals by getting in total sync with music that is just as catchy and attention-grabbing. There are some nice acoustic guitar runs throughout this recording, particularly with the Latin jazz flavor in the tracks. This one exacting element is predominant as the pop weaves its way through to give each song an exceptional balance and appeal that will reach out grab a varied group of listeners.

This is “curl up by the fire with a glass of wine” music and the cover does a good job suggesting that you do just that, and you know what? I think it will work.

Artist: Paul Cullen
Title: Dreamdance
Genre: Adult Contemporary-Pop-Jazz
Label: Dreamdance Music
Website
Dreamdance CD Baby Link
Source Link

Tracks:
01. Dreamdance
02. Sara
03. Forever Blue
04. Mama
05. Summer Nights
06. And We Danced
07. Friends Don’t Kiss
08. Sometimes
09. Goodbye My Love
10. Tango De Havana
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Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-September 27, 2007