Ilene Springer paints large canvas of words and sounds on Got To Be Brave album
Ilene Springer’s new CD Got To Be Brave offers listeners of seriously good singer-songwriter material plenty to feast their ears on. Springer’s voice gives new meaning to the word lovely and she applies it to several larger than life themes and soundscapes.
Blues scene veteran Bobby Leger scores big with impressive debut CD Imaginary Dream
Bobby Leger’s debut CD Imaginary Dream is loaded with fantastic blues songs and some fine songs influenced by the blues. Leger’s voice is often a plaintive scream. At other times it’s a drawling lead vocal over a slow boil build up. His flair for writing and co-writing the music that best serves his voice is on full display in these ten knock out, drag out original numbers.
Young Frontier offer impressive debut album
Young Frontier is a soulful folk-rock outfit with a good amount of dramatic tension in their songs. Actually, “soulful folk rock” might not even be the best terminology to describe their music. It’s hard to pigeonhole what this trio and their guest musicians are doing here. Vocalist Joe Young, guitarist Daniel King, and cellist Bethany Weiman are doing their own thing, regardless of the number of roots elements they incorporate here. Besides, how often does a roots combo or folk band utilize a cello?
Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio offers sweeping Celtic beauty on Return To The Castle
The Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki Trio first release as a musical combo, Return To The Castle, brings a fresh perspective to Celtic music. Instead of the usual rambunctious party music played on acoustic instruments, the JTW trio play wide, sweeping ballads that immerse the listener in the gentler, softer side of this centuries old folk music from the other side of the pond.
Spiritual Rez offer a fun party vibe with Setting In The West
Spiritual Rez’s latest release Setting In The West offers a lot of fun reggae/ska material that keeps the toes tapping, the heads bobbing, and the hearts singing. Nothing beats good musicians who can make their fans feel good, like they’re having a nonstop party on an eternal beach.
Steve Morgan And The Kingfish offer a lot on Blues In Paradise, a must have local CD
Steve Morgan And The Kingfish have been gaining more attention this past year in greater-Boston/New England blues scene. After winning a Cape Cod talent contest and winning the Boston Blues Society’s Blues Challenge , Morgan and his Kingfish earned larger press coverage as well as the opening slots at major area blues festivals. Their 2013 CD Blues In Paradise gives a taste of what local blues fans have been missing from Cape Cod’s best kept secret.
The Wildcat O’Halloran Band offer interesting blues arrangements of familiar songs on That Boy Don’t Play No Blues
Wildcat O’Halloran has come up with an interesting blues album. His That Boy Don’t Play No Blues disc features blues renditions of classic rock, oldies, and R&B numbers. O’Halloran defies expectations in that he has come up with authentic blues renditions of these all so familiar numbers. This isn’t “blues rock” and these players are not dabblers. This is real blues.
Esthema intrigue the ear and imagination with gripping third album Long Goodbye
Esthema might be a hard band to categorize or label but their music is easy to enjoy. This six piece band from Boston are highly skilled musicians who perform and record exotic, explorative instrumental music. Each of their compositions is inspired by a story from real life and they take their listener through a journey, creating their sonic landscape with Mac Ritchey on electric and acoustic oud and bouzouki, Naseem Alatrash on cello, and Onur Dilisen on violin as much as with Andy Milas on guitar, Tom Martin on bass, and George Lernis on drums and percussion. Their third CD, Long Goodbye, offers the listener many pleasant and some dark but always exciting and intriguing journeys into sound.
Rockin’ Ed Thomas turns vocal, lyrical quirks into wonderful fun on Not My Job album
Rockin’ Ed Thomas has finally released his slightly edgy, fun flavored Not My Job album, ten years in the making. Thomas brings a quirky world view and sense of humor to his lyrics. He takes things seriously but he knows enough to look at life with a grain of salt. His sense of fun fills each song with a sunny disposition and likeable personality. Thomas also has backing vocalists Lee Villaire and Maia Cataldo along for his joy ride while bass players Brent Godin and Spencer Wright keep the bottom running smooth.
Steven Pelland releases beauty of an album with These Days
Steven Pelland’s new These Days CD is chockfull of beautiful vocals, an album that will long be remembered for the quality of the voice. These songs also make an impression through the way Pelland uses his acoustic guitar melodies to conjure emotions and contemplations. This singer makes one feel like he’s conversing with you, not just singing his lyrics over sparse accompaniment. His personality shines through in each track, making one feel the man behind the song.
