Katie Garibaldi’s official music video “Delightful” directed by Anna Haas has WON for Best Music Video in the November 2016 Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival!
Month: November 2016
Bay Area Rock Songstress Karney to Release Her New Singles Vol. 2: Restless Wind w/ Same Song This Fall
Upcoming Full-Length Album Renditions To Be Released Early 2017
San Francisco – Karney is a San Francisco-based singer/songwriter that has been making great music for many years, performing across the US and collaborating with many talented and notable artists. Keeping her mind on social justice and positive messages, her lyrical content offers a sardonic and sometimes straight forward approach to many of the issues facing people today, with a message of hope resonating throughout every song she writes. Karney is digitally releasing a handful of new songs between August and the end of 2016 in support of her upcoming full-length album Renditions, due out in early 2017.
While Karney’s eclectic songwriting is based in solid musicianship, her new material echoes a diverse set of musical influences. She will release a series of digital EP’s, featuring a few different renditions of her new songs on each, through her own independent record label, Karney Music & Sound. The second in the series, Singles Vol. 2: Restless Wind w/ Same Song, was released on November 18th, 2016. This digital EP will include 2 versions of the track “Restless Wind” ranging from a solo acoustic to a full rock band version with drums, bass, electric guitars, overdubs and top notch production. The release will also include solo acoustic to a full rock band version of “Same Song.”
Some songs in the upcoming series will feature additional remixes rendered by some of Karney’s producer colleagues and friends, exploring Karney’s music in an assortment of other styles. These releases will culminate in a full album of recordings titled Renditions, which has a tentative release of March 2017.
For this body of work, Karney has been collaborating with other Producers and musical artists in the SF Bay Area such as: Producer/engineer Mark Pistel (Michael Franti, Grace Jones, Chuck Prophet, http://www.markpistel.com); Producer/Engineer Michael Rosen (Rancid, Tesla, Smashmouth, Santana, and Papa Roach, http://www.michaelsrosen.com); Adam Munoz (Herbie Hancock, Dave Mathews, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Chester Thompson and Lyle Lovett); and renown trumpet player, recording artist and producer Bill Ortiz (Santana, Destiny’s Child, Tito Puente, Tony Toni Tone, http://www.billortiz.com).
Also joining Karney on these new recordings are members of her live band, including long time musicians Jeff Herrera (Drums), Kimon Manolius (Bass and Vocals) and Mike Doyle (Guitar), while Karney holds down Guitar and Lead Vocals and Keyboards on all songs.
Additionally, Karney is very excited to be working with New York based visual artist Susan Kaprov, who will bring a dynamic visual interpretation to her songs with assorted artwork. Kaprov’s work is in the permanent collection of major museums worldwide such as the Museum of Modern Art NY, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Museum Boijmans-Beuningen in Rotterdam. http://www.kaprov.com
Karney has had a diverse musical career, having spent many years composing music for computer games with credits such as Monkey Island IV, Star Wars Galaxies, Armed and Dangerous, many Sim City titles, Metal Dungeon, Death Jr. and many more.
She is also now adding youth choral director to her list of musical endeavors, having recently received the esteemed “Dreamcatcher” award from the Visual and Performing Arts division of the San Francisco Unified School District for her work as a choral teacher and conductor for middle and high school students, as well as her contribution to the furthering of music education in the San Francisco public school system.
Karney has created music in the ballet and contemporary dance world for many choreographers and dancers such as Edward Valela, Anna Sokolo, San Francisco Ballet School, Margaret Jenkins Dance Company, Oberlin Dance Collective, Richard Gibson and The Academy of Ballet, June Watanabe, Joe Goode, Lucas Hoving, Ed Mock, Janice Garret, Melissa Fenley and many, many more. She also composed her Opus 1 Chaconne Sur Sept for nationally renowned contemporary music group, Earplay Ensemble. In addition, Karney was composer in residence at Mills College graduate dance department, San Francisco State’s graduate dance department.
For Music Samples or to pre-order Singles Vol. 2: Restless Wind w/ Same Song visit: https://karney.bandcamp.com/
Visit iTunes to order or check out Karney’s entire catalog: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/restless-wind-w-same-song/id1174636537
Check out Karney’s website for more information and touring schedule: http://karney.org/music/
Interview Requests contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR at glassonyonpr@gmail.com or call 828-350-8158
Live Performance Bookings and Management contact Karney Music and Sounds at karney@karney.org
The Daily Country: Carlos Santana, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Narada Michael Walden Join Jennifer Saran in an Inspiring World Peace Anthem “Wake Up”
All Proceeds from Sale of New Track to Benefit the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
“A beautiful mission of sound and healing” – Carlos Santana (Featured Guitarist)
Alt-pop/adult contemporary singer-songwriter Jennifer Saran has teamed up with South African Grammy-winning male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Grammy and Emmy-winning producer, drummer, singer and songwriter Narada Michael Walden (Producer/Co-writer), known for his work with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey, to create her newest single, “Wake Up.” Making a special guest appearance on the track is Grammy-winner and legend Carlos Santana (Featured Guitarist), whose guitar licks generate inspiring vibes. The stunning collaboration is a heartfelt appeal to the world to recognize and address inequality and impoverishment, a cause incredibly personal and important to all the amazing artists involved. “Wake Up” will be featured on Saran’s third album, produced and co-written by Narada Michael Walden, which will be released in early 2017.
“Wake Up” is a rousing and uplifting anthem for the world at large. Saran takes meaningful action through her lyrics to encourage change – “It’s time to Wake Up!” This worldly, heartfelt, and thought-provoking singer has been dazzling listeners with her message of positivity and encouraging them to stand up to the world’s struggles and incite change, first on her debut album Walk With Me (2016), and now on this new song.
Each of the legendary guest artists joining her on the song believe strongly in her cause. Carlos Santana, whose searing guitar work is featured on the track, says Saran’s song is “a beautiful mission of sound and healing.” Saran adds, “’Wake Up’ is the second inspirational song that Narada and I have written. Eighteen months ago we were inspired to write ‘Rise Up Time,’ which came from an inspired jam session. We had put aside time to experiment with a new idea in the wake of so much hate and violence in America and what came from that time together was this song.”
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who won a Grammy for “Best World Music” in 2015 for their album Live: Singing For Peace Around The World, was brought in through Walden, whose goal was “to make a new sound for the world and inspire a new consciousness in the world – that of waking up.” It was Walden’s responsibility to create a space between these artists – passionate about the same worldly concerns – with the intention of inspiring a global movement of like-minded people with a single goal in mind: peace.
Proceeds from sales of the song, which is available now on iTunes, will go directly to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. As an outspoken defender of human rights and campaigner for the oppressed, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is one of the world’s most revered peacemakers. The mission of his US-based nonprofit is to support and promote the creation of a culture of peace throughout the world.
Saran created an accompanying web-based video that was released on the Archbishop’s 85th birthday. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/rWRljsgvUQY
Help spread the word of peace with “Wake Up” – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wake-up-feat.-ladysmith-black/id1161862170
More info can be found:
http://jennifersaran.com
https://www.facebook.com/jennifersaranmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/jennifersaranmusic/
For more information about The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation please visit: http://www.tutufoundationusa.org
http://jennifersaran.com
https://www.facebook.com/jennifersaranmusic/
https://www.instagram.com/jennifersaranmusic/
For more information about The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation please visit: http://www.tutufoundationusa.org
Music Street Journal Interview: Cure for Gravity
MSJ: Can you catch the readers up on the history of your involvement in music – both individually and as a band?
Joe Markert: All of us have been performing in one capacity or another for over 25 years each. My background began at nine performing trumpet through my years in school – all styles from jazz to symphonic to competing in marching band competitions across California. My real life as a writing musician began with the discovery of Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration in high school. I was just blown away that all of that sound was being created by a couple of guys with a computer and samplers. This began my deep journey into synthesis, sequencing and sound design. From that point on, music was simply something I could not, not do.
Chris Camper: I was born into a musical family and solidified my infatuation with drums at around age eight. While working as a professional drum set artist in the 1990s, I graduated college with a degree in Jazz Studies and Percussion in 1995. Central State University (Ohio) awarded me top honors and gave me five years of extensive performance experience with an emphasis on marimba, vibraphone, steel drums and hand percussion. I moved out to the San Francisco bay Area from New York City back in 1996, and embraced my position as a busy working drum set artist playing in a variety of projects that spanned many genres of music in various settings. My favorite part about playing is to try and utilize as many of my disciplines as I can without leaving my place behind the drum set. I am trying to visit as many musical worlds as possible, moving from symphonic percussion to an ancient tribal drum circle to a melodic mallet passage, all while trying to honor the wealth of amazing drum set artists that have inspired me to embrace the drum set as my voice. Cure For Gravity is an essential part of this exploration for me, and I am so lucky to have Joe and Dave support me in these sonic adventures.
Dave Walcott: My musical journey began when I was about 10, when someone renting a room in my Mom’s home showed me how to play the bass line for “Day Tripper” on my sister’s long-unused nylon stringed classical guitar. A few months later, I’d convinced my mom to buy me a Peavey T-15 guitar (tricked out with a case that had an amp built-in!). I spent the next five years or so obsessively learning the guitar parts to as many Rush songs as I could. Since then, my journey has led me to music school, teaching music theory and playing bass and some banjo, studying jazz, classical. And all these years later here I am on electric guitar again playing music I’ve written with Joe Markert and Chris in Cure for Gravity!.
Joe Markert: The band, Cure for Gravity, has been performing together now for about six years, and this is our second EP. In a lot of ways, this CD is truly representative of the Cure for Gravity sound and represents a great launching point for the band. This album was written together collaboratively, and the sound we stumbled upon three years ago as a result of our letting our old keyboardist move on to other projects, and my shift back to keys as a primary writing instrument. Along with that shift came the root of the sounds you hear on songs like “Tonight,” “BlackMetal” and “Push.” We’re considering this our coming out party and can’t wait to start getting in front of more audiences outside our home town.
Chris Camper: I’m really proud of the album we are putting out. When Joe says collaboration, that’s for real. We developed these songs by improvising together and then rewriting and fine tuning together until we felt they were ready. Then we played them in front of many fans and friends and countless other musicians. By the time we went into the studio these songs were as close to polished as anything I’ve ever done. I am very proud to say that we took the best band performance from start to finish and used that performance as the track. I am so proud to present true performances without the endless cutting and pasting that usually drains so much energy from the music. For me we were really able to keep that “live to tape vibe” that I love so much. I am very happy to say that when you come to see us play live, you will hear what you hear on the album!
MSJ: If you weren’t involved in music what do you think you’d be doing?
Joe Markert: If not music, something creative, that’s for sure – production of some kind. I love to be creating as part of a team, working toward a larger goal. I’ve done some stints in event and television production, and I’d probably want to do more of that.
Dave Walcott: If I weren’t playing music, I might spend that time building guitar effects pedals, which is a hobby I’ve taken up in the past few years (and amazingly, am yet to burn myself too badly with my soldering iron!).
Chris Camper: If I weren’t playing music, I would be listening and going to shows and writing about it. Does that count?
Maybe Pro Bowling although it would have to be something to do with spending a lot of time around really, really, really good looking people with minimal clothing. And there would have to be good music playing!
MSJ: How did the name of the group originate?
Joe Markert: Actually, the name “Cure for Gravity” came from an album title concept we had for a previous project I fronted, years ago, called “Separate Ways.” We had planned to use that name for our last record, but the end product wasn’t quite representative of the vision we had, and I felt it would be a waste to use such a good name on an album that wasn’t living up to our expectations so I saved it.
Years later when I formed this band that was one of the first ideas that came to mind – there really wasn’t much discussion or thought about anything else. We knew this was the name we wanted. We feel it captures what we’re going for – music that is cinematic, moody, atmospheric in nature that helps transport you somewhere else – escaping gravity. I also like the idea of trying to cure the incurable.
MSJ:Who would you see as your musical influences?
Joe Markert: It’s fairly varied across the board, as we all come from very diverse musical backgrounds. For me, I grew up with my Mom playing everything from Barry White to Barry Manilow and everything in between. She definitely gave me an honest musical education. My earliest personal selections were discovered at my Uncle Kevin’s turntable where he introduced me to Toto, Rush, and of all things, Hall and Oates! As I shared, Depeche Mode really got me writing music years later. These days, I listen to everything, but I’ve also found a lot of influence and excitement in other forms of music like tango and flamenco, which have helped me break out of the typical writing formats while still creating something exciting in our style. I think this mélange of influences explains a lot of the reason behind my pretty eclectic tastes and styles in writing.
Dave Walcott: Some big influences on guitar for me include Alex Lifeson, Jimmy Page, The Edge, Johnny Greenwood, Nick Drake, Alexi Murdoch and Kevin Shields. Outside of the rock domain, I’ve also been shaped and inspired by Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Bill Evans.
Chris Camper: I love all music that comes from an honest place, is passionate and shows a devotion to the craft. Even if I don’t necessarily dig the music, I have great respect for the artist who can present these attributes.
MSJ: What’s ahead for you?
Joe Markert: That all remains to be seen based on acceptance of this album, but our hopes are for increased touring. We want to get out on some support slots for regional tours so we can develop a wider audience. We’re also eager to get into the studio and begin tracking some of the material we’ve written since this album, expanding on our sound and challenging ourselves further. The next release will be a full album for sure and, we think, quite ambitious.
MSJ: I know many artists hate to have their music pigeonholed or labeled, but how would you describe your music?
Joe Markert: I think it was tough for a long time to respond, but it’s becoming clear we’re sitting well in the post progressive rock category but with a mainstream edge and appeal. I think this is happening due to our instrumentation, arrangements, experimental aspects and lack of fear about going instrumental or exploring longer ambient sections. It just feels natural to us. I like to tell people we’re “cinematic, progressive, alternative rock ”
Dave Walcott: The release of our recent material has taught me that I have little visibility into how our music looks and sounds from the outside. Most of the recent feedback seems to land us squarely in the prog rock camp, and I wouldn’t have thought to describe our music that way. And the artists we seem to remind people of most are ones I wouldn’t think to liken us to. So clearly I have no idea about this one.
MSJ:Are there musicians with whom you would like to play with in the future?
Joe Markert: Most definitely! From a touring perspective we’ve love to get out there with Glass Animals, Polica, My Morning jacket, Porcupine Tree, Muse, The National, God is an Astronaut. These are all groups we think we’d have a lot of fun with. More locally there is a band called, “Astronauts Etc,” that has been making waves, and we’d love to get out on some bills with them.
Personally, I’d love to collaborate with Feist or Imogen Heap – I can’t get enough of their music!
MSJ:Do you think that illegal downloading or streaming of music is a help or hindrance to the careers of musicians?
Joe Markert: Well, it’s both, quite honestly. Of course, there’s the loss of artist revenues which hurts, but given the new economy – free – the upside is it’s much easier for your music to get out there and be heard by as many people as possible. I think there are shifts ahead in the New Music Industry. I think there are ways to make a real living at this that are not dependent on typical structures and can allow artists to thrive even with illegal downloading. Fundamentally, you need to focus on a smaller audience, not larger – quality over quantity. There are those superfans out there who will pay for your music and will open their wallets. You just need to find them, and we now have the tools and means to do that worldwide. No matter what you do, there will always be those who will skirt the law and steal art – even unintentionally. You can’t stop this, so how to get around it? That’s the focus we need to have.
MSJ:In a related question, how do you feel about fans recording shows and trading them or posting them online?
Joe Markert: Yeah, I mean – again, I can recall the feeling and excitement of a live concert as a kid – wanting to have that with me long after the event – or recording songs off the radio, even. I’d say it’s a tough one – that desire for this often comes from true excitement about what you’re creating and the sharing aspect can generate even more fans. Often today I say I’d rather have five new fans than five new dollars. But, the more fans we have, the more likely we are to find those SuperFans I talked about who will pay. And this can make up for the losses others present.
MSJ:If you were a superhero, what music person would be your arch nemesis and why?
Joe Markert: Ha, interesting question – and a tough one. I mean, we’re not into being in competition really. I like music from all avenues – the only bad music is bad music, period. If I were to take a more humorous approach, I might say Dave Grohl, if only because I get compared to him a lot, physically speaking. I think it’s the hair and the beard honestly. But, man would I love to share a stage with that guy – so, not really my arch nemesis.
MSJ:If you were to put together your ultimate band (a band you’d like to hear or catch live), who would be in it and why?
Joe Markert: Oh man, I may defer to Dave and Chris on this one – they’re the more knowledgeable musicians in the group when it comes to individual performers. I do have to say, it’s already been done, but Robert Plant and Allison Krauss put together a phenomenal album. I love it when two artists from seemingly different avenues collaborate.
Chris Camper: Wow! Now there is a question that will be rolling around in the old noggin’ for a while! I’ve got to say this relates to why I’m so happy not be single and dating! In all seriousness, every band is a relationship between multi faceted individuals that are all attempting to express themselves simultaneously. I would have to meet my favorite artists first to see if I can even stand being in a room with them much less open up my soul to them and create music. However, It would be really interesting to see someone in the producer seat of the band that could add to our research and development of new music from a different perspective. I would love to get Questlove in the house because I think he’s a genius and has his finger on the pulse of so many genres of music and because he’s the only guy I could accept being critical of my drum parts!
Dave Walcott: I’d love to see what fell out if you put Kevin Shields, Johnny Greenwood, Matt Berninger, John Bonham, and John Entwistle in the same room (hopefully there’d be no brawls).
MSJ:If you were in charge of assembling a music festival and wanted it to be the ultimate one from your point of view who would be playing?
Joe Markert: Oh man – OK – well for me I’d definitely want to see:Snow Patrol
ColdPlay
The National
God is an Astronaut
Porcupine Tree
Explosions in the Sky
Depeche Mode
Feist
Imogen Heap
My Morning Jacket
Glass Animals
Polica
Chris Camper, Dave? Maybe we’d have three stages? (laughter)
I love Joe Markert’s list!
Alt-J
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Hiatus Kaiyote
Esperanza Spaulding and Emily’s D+Evolution
Little Dragon
The Police (another reunion tour just for us?
Dave Walcott: Fun question! The ultimate Dave-a-Palooza line-up would be:
Explosions in the Sky
Sigur Ros
Radiohead
The National
Ride
The Verve
My Bloody Valentine
Slowdive
Jimi Hendrix
Led Zeppelin
The Kinks
Cheap Trick
MSJ: What was the last CD you bought and/or what have you been listening to lately?
Joe Markert: I recently bought a copy of High Violet by The National.at Dave’s suggestion. I’ve really been enjoying that. And I recently grabbed the first albums by My Morning Jacket and Glass Animals – actually, have those on vinyl – so awesome. Oh, Nils Frahm, Spaces – so freaking good – totally inspired some of my recent writing.
Dave Walcott: Dream Signals in Full Circles by Tristeza, Signal Hill’s self-titled EP, and Snow Patrol by Snow Patrol (the latter of which Joe Markert turned me onto when he queued it up on my Apple Music during the two day drive back from Denver to the Bay Area in July after playing the UMS!).
MSJ: Have you read any good books lately?
Joe Markert: I’m currently reading Slade House by David Mitchell ( the author of The Bone Clocks) – awesome read – but, just finished Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Man, if you grew up in the 80s you have to read this one. Then go watch “Stranger Things.” Actually, Jackie Dallas, the protagonist in our video for “BlackMetal” has a cameo in “Stranger Things” – as an aside.
Dave Walcott: Currently reading Tribe by Sebastian Junger and loving it. Also read and loved The Alchemist recently.
Chris Camper: I inherited a love of science fiction from my father, so any good sci-fi reads, bring it on! I have been thinking of rereading my all time favorite The Mars Trilogy by Kim Stanley Robinson about the colonization of Mars – so good!
MSJ: What about the last concert you attended for your enjoyment?
Joe Markert: The last major concert I attended (cause I see a lot of local artists live – like Emily Afton, The Sheshen, Gold Minor) was Van Morrison. Man, can that guy still belt them out! I’m heading out to see Brian Wilson perform Pet Sounds live next week – cannot wait!
Dave Walcott: Explosions in the Sky at the Fox in Oakland earlier this year – my fourth time seeing them, and they were as good (and loud!) as ever.
MSJ: Do you have a musical “guilty pleasure?”
Dave Walcott: “London Rain” by Heather Nova (don’t tell!).
Joe Markert: Flamenco and tango – I just love those rhythms and what groups like Gotan project did to bring that front and center. I also just adore the classic American song book – the old big band and lounge classics – transports me back in time
MSJ: What has been your biggest Spinal Tap moment?
Joe Markert: I’m going to defer to Chris and Dave – they’re our resident ST fans.
Chris Camper: Oh Man! It’s rock n roll so, yeah, we have some stories! But unlike Spinal Tap, we are a fine tuned well oiled machine of professionalism that would never stoop to Spinal Tap levels of dysfunction! (laughter) Our Stone Henge is made in feet, not inches, and our pods always open!
Dave Walcott: Well I’ve never modded any of my amps to go to 11, but I bet the 20 pedals on my board would make good fodder for a Nigel Tufnel scene of some sort.
MSJ:If you could sit down to dinner with any three people, living or dead, for food and conversation, with whom would you be dining?
Joe Markert: BT (Brian Transeau) – pick his brain on production and sound design, Nils Frahm, and – for a ringer – John Denver. Man, I loved that guys music as a kid. (laughter)
Chris Camper:
Miles Davis- the future of music and being forward thinking and out of the box
John Bonham- to geek out on drums and drum sounds
Questlove- knower of all things current music scene and drums
Dave Walcott: Nick Drake, Kahlil Gibran, and Roberto Assagioli: possibly a conversation of depth, art, and archetype.
MSJ:What would be on the menu?
Joe Markert: Oh, we’d start with some Burrata, move on to a wonderful seasonal gnocchi, head into a little arugula salad with seared pears and walnuts and then nice juicy ribeye steak and spring potatoes with Manhattans up, with Rye whiskey, as my drink of choice. Desert can be another Manhattan or an awesome ice cream sundae.
Chris Camper: Joe Markert, sign me up! Like now for real! I’m hungry.
MSJ:Are there any closing thoughts you would like to get out there?
Joe Markert: Oh man – just if you like what you hear, get in touch with us – let us know. We’re looking for new towns to play in and people to connect with. If there’s a band you think we sound like, let us know – research. And share our links around – say “Hi” – we want to connect with our SuperFans.
-http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_interview_display.cfm?id=100760
Order Cure For Gravity here!
iTunes Hot Track Alert: “Wake Up,” the inspiring world peace anthem from Jennifer Saran, Carlos Santana, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and Narada Michael Walden
Congratulations to Jennifer Saran on her new single “Wake Up,” which is now being featured on the front page of iTunes and is currently climbing the Hot Tracks Chart!
Alt-pop/adult contemporary singer-songwriter Jennifer Saran has teamed up with South African Grammy-winning male choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Grammy and Emmy-winning producer, drummer, singer and songwriter Narada Michael Walden (Producer/Co-writer), known for his work with Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Mariah Carey, to create her newest single, “Wake Up.”
This stunning collaboration is a heartfelt appeal to the world to recognize and address inequality and impoverishment, a cause incredibly personal and important to all the amazing artists involved. “Wake Up” will be featured on Saran’s third album, produced and co-written by Narada Michael Walden, which will be released in early 2017.
Watch the video now: https://youtu.be/WAzK3mAlmrA
Buy the song:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wake-up-feat.-ladysmith-black/id1161862170
More info can be found:
http://jennifersaran.com
https://www.facebook.com/jennifersaranmusic/
https://twitter.com/jennsaranmusic
https://www.instagram.com/jennifersaranmusic/
Exclusive Magazine Review: Jordan Hurwitz “LOVESICK.”
For those not in the know, at least for right now, Jordan Hurwitz is a singer/songwriter. At age 16, she came out with her first album on iTunes called Infinity. At the age of 17, she released her second album on iTunes called The New Me. At the age of 18, she released her third album called Here I’ll Stand, produced by Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, et al) at his very own Tarpan Studios.
Now aged 19, and Jordan is preparing to release a new 6-track album, again with Narada. Entitled Lovesick, it will be released via Tarpen Studios on December 9th, 2016.
Each song here in this set of six focuses on emotions and experiences that Hurwitz has herself enduring this past year. Never one to shy away from how real life can twist and turn your emotions like their on one crazy rollercoaster of a ride, her level of lyrical depth is both commendable and exciting.
Whether it be a story of heartbreak within ‘Obilterate My Heart’ (a duet with Tarpan artist Cornell “C.C.” Carter), or the stunning title track, ‘Lovesick’, each song begins with a statement, flirts with optimism, and breaks through with boundless resolution.
In truth, no matter if it’s the tongue in cheek pop song ‘I Love Your Abs’, the poignant ballad ‘Power’, the stoic Blues-feel of ‘Riverbank’ or even ‘Hurricane’, this new album is as good as anything Narada has been involved with, in my opinion. I mean, just ‘Lovesick’ alone, with its Latin beats, engaging hipsway rhythm might just be as close to a genuine Top 10 radio hit as Hurwitz has ever been – and deservedly so, trust me.
-http://annecarlini.com/ex_cd.php?id=2133
For Music Samples or to pre-order LOVESICK. visit:
https://jordanhurwitz.bandcamp.com/
Website
Music Street Journal Review: Cure For Gravity “Cure For Gravity”
Those looking for traditional prog rock will not find it here. Instead, this lands more in the atmospheric direction of groups like Porcupine Tree and RPWL mixed with a guitar based sound that’s perhaps closer to Tool. No matter how you label the sound, though, this music is compelling and the disc is very strong. There isn’t a huge amount of range from track to track, but this is an EP so that never weighs heavily on it.
Track by Track Review
Tonight
Atmospheric keyboard sounds lead this off. Guitar comes in after a bit, and the piece feels ready to explode. It eventually moves outward to a cool textural modern prog sound for the entrance of the vocals. This is a bit like Pink Floyd, but also tied to things like RPWL, Porcupine Tree and more.
Sunspots
This rocks out just a bit more than the previous cut did. It’s packed with some cool prog elements. I love the vocal arrangement. The thing is, I like just about everything about this song. It has similar elements to the opener, but I’d say there are also some hints of modern Rush here. There is some really hard edged jamming built into this thing.
Just Like Candy
This is very much more of the same. That said, it’s still a unique cut. I love the vocals on this thing. There is some meaty guitar work here, too. The fast paced rocking jam later in the track is one of the coolest musical passages of the whole disc. I love it.
Blackmetal
I love the balance between harder rocking and mellower music here. This is an energized tune that works really well.
Push
This one is a bit more of a modern alternative rocker than atmospheric prog tune. It’s a strong cut however you label it, though.
Killing for the Queen
There is some particularly effective guitar work on this. I also love the soaring vocals.
-http://www.musicstreetjournal.com/index_cdreviews_display.cfm?id=105583
Order Cure For Gravity here!
Exclusive Magazine Review: J French “Jaguar Jesus”
If you have not thus far heard of musician J French, once this album comes out, the songs hit the radio, you’re gonna want to know a whole lot more about him, trust me.
The son of Grammy-winning reggae percussionist and vocalist Brother Num (Burning Spear), Jamal French aka J French is an accomplished rapper, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in Oklahoma City.
Having been a rapper since he was 12 years old, over the subsequent years J French has been quietly composing his rhymes and creating his lyrics to bring forth to an adoring public. For those that know him love him, and those that don’t know of hm (myself included) find a core within his music that we can all too easily relate to.
J French, who also plays cornet, piano and drums, has worked with several rappers in the Oklahoma-Texas scene over the years, but it was his childhood time, split between his Harlem-based father and his mother’s home in Edmond, OK, where he really began soaking up the musical spoils that both the East Coast and the Midwest had to offer.
He has just released a new EP entitled Too A.M. this past April 2016 and now come December 9th, 2016 via IV League Entertainment, his will be bringing out his high anticipated debut album, Jaguar Jesus.
1. X-Ray Vision (03:29) 2. Electric Paris (03:34) 3. Unsatisfied II (03:49) 4. Ultra Bass (03:16) 5. White Chocolate Droppa Interlude (00:20) 6. Check (02:53) 7. Reign (03:49) 8. Dallas (02:44) 9. Sure (03:20) 10. Up There (02:35) 11. Such an Art (03:20) 12. Clouds (03:39)
The album is smooth, it’s structured, it’s chock full of hipsway and technique. The lead single ‘Dallas’ is a gem all unto itself, the storytelling within it, well, you just know it’s obviously something that J French experienced himself. J French knows this music, raps perfectly to every rhyme and rhythm like it’s a second language to him.
He may well have been in trouble for a while back in the day, but nothing from his negative past ever makes it through to his lyrics, to his music. J French knows where he need to go from here. He’s always trying to climb, to make the next best move for him. This album, for now, is that move.
-http://annecarlini.com/ex_cd.php?id=2130
“Dallas” – Official Music Video
To Pre-Order the album on iTunes visit:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/jaguar-jesus/id1167160648
For Live Performance Bookings and Management please contact IV League Entertainment:
MusicGuy247 Interview: FloRocker, Rapper and Producer of the new full length album “Rich in the Heart”
FloRocker has just released a full length Album titled “Rich in the Heart”. An interview with the Rapper and Producer. “I’m telling a story about my life, and things that I experienced or may know about.”
11/22/2016
FloRocker is a young talented rapper and producer from California. He has just released a full length CD titled “Rich in the Heart”. Judging by the quality material on it, he’s gonna be “Rich in the Wallet”, because the songs flo’ with strong lyrics, catchy hooks and danceable beats. What keeps it interesting from track 1 to track 12 is the variety… from rap, to hip hop and more. FloRocker explains “I’m telling a story about my life, and things that I experienced or may know about.” FloRocker also produces other gifted artists on his ‘FloStyle Independent” record label. Get in the current, the music will flo’ worldwide. I asked FloRocker a few questions on his new release.
R.V.B. – Congratulations on your new album release “Rich in the Heart”. Does the title suggest that your heart is where this music was born?
F – Yes. Just stating no matter where I go, Richmond Cali will always be in my heart.
R.V.B. – What was the process of creating this collection of works? Were these recent compositions or things that took some time to complete?
F – Process was going through beats that I already made in previous months… that was inspiring.
R.V.B. – Who were some of the people that helped out with this album? How did they contribute?
F. – Bentley, Ms. Denaro & K-Rob the singer – Well for starters Bentley is a producing partner helped on the production side. We have Ms. DeNaro did a great job lending vocals on several songs. Also I have K-Rob the Singer who is a business partner, along with sharing some vocals.
R.V.B. – What was the catalyst that got you involved with music? What were some of your early influences?
F. – Sons of Funk bringing me too Master P’s No Limit recording sessions & videos. That’s when I realized I need to be a part of the entertainment world.Watching all the powerful people come from the Bay Area rich history. In the Rap and Hip Hop genres, the beat is sometimes the core of the material.
R.V.B. – Do you start with this and build around it when writing music?
F. – That’s correct, the beat pretty much tell you what direction to go.
R.V.B. – Does the environment that surrounds you have an influence in your music?
F. – Yeah, because I’m telling a story about my life, and things that I experienced or may know about.
R.V.B. – Do you have any live performances that stand out?
F. – I actually do. A couple years back K-Rob the Singer had a performance in LA on Sunset. I was on stage with him as a hype man. A female yelled out we love you FloRocker I didn’t even have a song out. That was Crazy!!!!
R.V.B. – Is it difficult to keep up with the electronic technology in this music genre with all of the changing advances?
F. – No, because you have to make technology keep up with you. Remember good music will never die. Stick to what’s working for you.
R.V.B. – What are your plans on supporting the new release?
F. – I plan to do a little touring with some buddies, and continue to promote Rich in the Heart album.
R.V.B. – Where do you see yourself in music 5 years from now?
F. – Involved in some of the hottest records in the world. Covering all parts of the entertainment business.
Interview conducted by Robert von Bernewitz
This interview my not be reproduced in any part or form without permission from this site.
For more information on FloRocker visit his facebook page Florocker Facebook
For information on this site contact musicguy247 (at) aol (dot) com
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rich-in-the-heart/id1162350313
Midwest Record Review: Jordan Hurwitz “Lovesick.”
Almost aging out of the teeny pop bracket, Hurwitz’s second pairing with Narada Walden finds her showing too much soul for someone named Hurwitz. Growing in to the person and persona she wants to be, this duo is quickly becoming a dynamic duo giving Walden his chance to show the ageist entertainment biz that age ain’t nothing but a number. Tasty stuff that let’s you feel, as well as hear, the growth this artist is maturing into as she seems serious about being a collaborator instead of a puppet. Check it out.
-http://www.midwestrecord.com/MWR1166.html
For Music Samples or to pre-order LOVESICK. visit:
https://jordanhurwitz.bandcamp.com/
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