Single Review: “All Your Life” – Nick Ward

I’m not sure what it is about this song, but lyrically it caught me off guard.  Why?  Well, the main part of the song says I hope you’re really happy all your life. The first line talks about his birth and how he took a deep breath and started to cry. He then starts to …

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 …

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 …

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: 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 …