I’m gutted to hear about Steven Tyler’s decision to retire. It’s epic. The vocals at the point that I’ve picked where he goes full on banshee wail gives me goosebumps! Admittedly the first time I heard this song was when Eminem sampled it for “Sing” but when I went back and listened to the original …
Single Review: “Love Love Love” – The Gulls
This is a fun acoustic number combining a bit of folk, and old fashioned rock n roll lyric wise! This track is about being in love with someone and it’s expressed in such a fun way, the chorus is catchy as hell, because they’re declaring that they’re in love love love love love. Love. My …
Single Review: “Evergreen Time” – Erica Jean
This one starts off with a warped electric piano playing a progression that sounds like it’s been passed through old tape.. great effect! Add to it finger snaps that have a ping pong delay on it.. it gives it a real blues/soul vibe! Add strings to it then you’re away. This has such a summery …
Single Review: “Sunlight To My Soul” – Angelique Kidjo
An extraordinary thing happened yesterday. I met a couple from South Africa and we talked about music. Complete strangers. But the thing that connected us was that I love Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and the late great singers Miriam Makeba and Lionel Petersen. We talked about their impact and for just a brief moment we sang …
Single Review: “Golden” – Llinos Emanuel
This week’s FOTN inbox was full of gems and this was one of them. Where do I start? This is the kind of song you’d put on late at night, when you’re just chilling with someone you love, that comfortable silence when you don’t need to say anything, just let the music and the lyrics …
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 …
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 …
In The Spotlight: Sammy Stein Talks To Jo Harrop
Jo Harrop is a vocalist whose personality flows into her sound. I have seen her perform in the intimate space that is Hampstead Jazz Club and more recently in the Piano bar in Soho, where my companion, Georgia Mancio, herself a wonderful singer, was greeted by Jo and invited to join her for a song. …
Single Review:-“Every House Gets Dark When The Sun Goes Down” – Project Blackbird
This is the second single from the upcoming Project Blackbird album, and it reinforces what I’ve always known about this band. They produce damn fine songs. This starts off with an electric piano bathed in warm chorus, over which trumpet player Jon Read plays a really simple melody over this chord progression – G Maj …