Congratulations on the release of “Art Gallery.” How does it feel? This piece is probably one of my favorite that I’ve ever put out, surpassing some of the works from “Paper House.” It feels amazing. What’s the story behind the song? I dated someone for a short time. In that time we were both learning …
Album Review: “Rags And Ragas” – Charu Suri. Words: Sammy Stein.
Composer and pianist Charu Suri has released ‘Rags and Ragas’ and she has achieved a beautiful and well-crafted merger of two cultures. A raga is a modal scale, usually performed at a specific time of day. There are hundreds of such ragas found in India and here Suri introduces us to just a few of …
Single Review: “Mindfulness” – River Nelson.
This track starts off with a jazzy gospel part that’s just two chords over some lush strings. When Andy Kettle sent me this, he had me from the chord progression. But this is not where I was invested. Oh no. No no no. The hard hitting drums? Nope. The lack of bassline? Oh yeah I …
Album Review: “Greek Street Friday” – Ian Shaw. Words: Sammy Stein.
I first heard Ian Shaw in 2021 when I reviewed Hannah Horton’s album ‘Inside Out’ on which Shaw was the guest vocalist on tracks ‘Frozen Light’ and ‘Breathing Out’. Horton told me, “I mentioned I was recording a new album and he (Shaw) offered to take a listen and then wrote the lyrics for ‘Frozen …
Blog interview: Ria Barkr
Hello Ria, How are you? Good. Super excited to be talking to you. Thank you so much for having me on. Congratulations on the release of Alpha She – how does it feel? I’m feeling very proud of this body of work. I started writing the EP during the pandemic and to see everything from …
Single Review: “24F” – Maya Lane
This song is a thing of beauty, it’s acoustic, and has Maya’s signature vocal… She sings strongly over an acoustic guitar that has percussion underneath. For me it’s the harmonies that are doing the job, especially where they are adding more and more in the chorus – there are harmonies throughout the song, but the …
Blog interview: B. Dolan
Congratulations on the release of “The Rock Cried Out” how does it feel? Everything around returning to releasing music and touring feels very strange and surreal right now. Also, this collection of songs is highly personal to me, and was made during a very private isolated time. Dealing with the onslaught of emotions attached …
Single Review: “Old Folks” – Chris Botti
This track is just… beautiful. Muted trumpet, piano, double bass, and drums played with brushes no less! This is a slow tempo track that calls to mind a slow dance in a black and white film, in an empty club. Or the first dance at a wedding. I don’t know which, but this is stunning, …
Blog interview: Kendra And The Bunnies
Hello Kendra how are you? Hello!! I am so good! Thank you for inviting me to interview! Congratulations on the release of “I’m A Showstopper” how does it feel? My favorite thing to do is release music. I love the process so much from songwriting to recording and performing. I’m thrilled. What’s …
Album Review: “Kairos” – Izumi Kimura and Gerry Hemingway. Words: Sammy Stein.
‘Kairos’ is the new release from Izumi Kimura and Gerry Hemingway. Kimura is a pianist, originally from Japan, but now residing in Ireland. She has released several recordings, notably with contrabassist Barry Guy, trumpet player Artur Majewski (Vasco Trilla, Foton Quartet), and drummers Ramon Lopez and Gerry Hemingway. Much of Kimura’s work focuses on the …