Hi thank you for coming to the site. Take a seat. You’re helping me realise a dream come true. Sounds soppy but I’ve been wanting to launch this site under this domain for a very long time and it’s part of a list of dreams that I’ve had for the last few years that are …
Single Review: “Spider Song” – Celia Grace
This starts off really gently, just an a cappella section at the beginning which is then joined by synth and piano, but don’t let that make you think it’s a ballad. It’s far from it – there’s a roar of distorted guitar before it just idles. This has a driving beat to it but that’s …
Single Review: “Perfect Victim” – Hailey Orion
This track starts off with some ethereal sounds that disorient you but in a good way! The vocals are arranged in such a way in the beginning, sung ahhhs in different pitches, then there’s a sound that makes it feels like you’re sucked into reality. Then the main vocals come in over bell like synth …
Single Review: “Axel F” Harold Faltermeyer
While everyone’s gripped in election fever, I thought I’d revisit a track that holds a lot of good memories for me. Not only is it a track from a film that holds a very special place in 80s pop culture it’s also a pop culture reference in itself. That film was Beverly Hills Cop, and …
In The Spotlight: Sammy Stein Talks To Diana Torti
Diana Torti is an improviser, singer, and composer who specialises in jazz but blends ancient music, bel canto, and contemporary repertoire. Her performances have encompassed many prestigious venues, and she has collaborated with Ennio Morricone and Mula Francesco among other luminaries. Her project On A Cloud was mentioned among the best jazz albums of 2019 …
Blog interview: Andrew Hartshorn
Hello Andrew how are you? I’m doing great thanks and the sun is shining at last. Congratulations on the release of your EP “Sketches For The Requiem” how does it feel? Thanks, I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by some of the comments and making it on to the Fresh Faves was a pleasant surprise. It’s …
Blog interview: Flo Perlin
Hello Flo how are you? That’s a BIG question. I’m feeling excited. Congratulations on the release of “Clay”, how does it feel? Thank you very much! It feels surreal. It’s called a ‘release’ for a reason as that’s literally what it feels like. It’s a ten track project, what was the inspiration behind it? This …
Single Review: “Scream” – Ben Chango
Well! This is a fabulous piece of punk rock isn’t it? It starts off with a melodic bass line that is higher up in the register – really good bass work by the way – before settling into the song properly – joined by sticks clicking together as well as a snare, kick and tom …
Album Review: “The Gospel Of Getting Free” – Lara Taubman. Words: Sammy Stein.
Lara Taubman is a singer/songwriter from southwest Virginia, residing in New York City. She believes in the power of song and story as an aid to people needing respite in a rapidly transforming world. Her third album is ‘The Gospel of Getting Free’ which follows her albums ‘Revelation’ on Wolfe Records and ‘Ol’ Kentucky Light.’ …
Single Review: “Good Day” – Titus Glenn
This song has the feel good factor from top to bottom!!! What did I just listen to??!! Gospel choir? Check. Piano playing a great upbeat part??? Oh yes. Bass giving me Motown vibes? Come on now. Oh and the harmonies… yes there are harmonies. This song just made me feel a hundred times better. I’m …
Single Review: “Here, There And Everywhere” – Pat Metheny
I’ll be honest, Beatles songs to me are sacred texts. It’s almost sacrilegious to cover a Beatles song, because you have to make sure you get it right, or at least bring something new to the table for it. Thankfully most of the covers I’ve heard have been approached with reverence by true fans that …