The Aquarian Review: Jennifer Saran “Wake Up”

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“Singer/songwriter Jennifer Saran doesn’t rap, she sings in a most delectable way, always in service to the song. The title track of her self-released Wake Up features Ladysmith Black Mambazo and some guitarist named Santana as produced by Narada Michael Walden. It’s a clarion call for the enlightened. Saran is based in Hong Kong and has the kind of eclectic musical worldview to the point where she takes George Michael’s “Jesus To A Child”—with Walden on drums—and wraps it in the gauzy haze of four violins, two violas, cello and flute with her voice emanating out from within the middle. Similarly, when she tackles the Billy Paul hit “Me And Mrs. Jones,” changing the gender and leaking body fluids all over the mix, one can feel the danger of falling in love with someone when you’re already married to someone else. Most impressive, though, is her complete overhaul of the 1957 Patti Page hit “Old Cape Cod” and the 1952 Doris Day hit “My Love And Devotion” which sent me scurrying to YouTube to hear the originals. Her “Lean On Me” does Bill Withers proud and her originals beg to be interpreted in other genres. Welcome to the big stage, Jennifer Saran! You deserve it.”

By Mike Greenblatt at www.theaquarian.com

WAKE UP was released July 7th, 2017.
Order or preview the album now on iTunes http://smarturl.it/wakeuplp
 
More information about JENNIFER SARAN or WAKE UP can be found at:

 

Watch The “Wake Up” Music Video

 https://youtu.be/WAzK3mAlmrA

Please Help Zion I After Armed Robbery

https://vimeo.com/226396604

Zion I is calling on his fans for help. Monday, July 10th, Zion I was shooting a music video for a new song. Four hours into the shoot, he was robbed at gunpoint and the camera was stolen. Thankfully no one was hurt.

Zion I’s last album was inspired by his own personal losses as well as the current political and social climate of the world-at-large. His reason for filming in the heart of West Oakland and the storyline of the video, written by director David Telles, make it all the more ironic that he ended up being victimized.

There is a deductible to pay to get the camera covered by insurance, but the money spent on the video has to be raised to re-film. As an independent artist, Zion I is funding this alone. There is no record label financing this, which is why he is reaching out to you.

Please help him raise the money to get the camera back and the ability to reshoot the video and see your name as an funder in the credits!

Please Donate to Help Zion I at www.gofundme.com/theystoleourcamera

Please Join Ray Vaughn at Hotel Utah Saloon, Saturday, July 29th!

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Please join Ray Vaughn and special guests Karney and Air For Ants for a magical performance at Hotel Utah Saloon in San Francisco on Saturday, July 29th!

For More Information, please visit the event’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/events/241112686389549/

Rootstime.be Review: Indubious “From Zero” (translated)

From Zero Cover_Low Rez

“A music genre that is not often discussed here at ‘Rootstime’ is reggae music, but luckily there are sporadic exceptions to that rule. Like now, with the latest “From Zero” CD of the American Dubrock, Roots Rock and Reggae Formation ‘Indubious’ from Ashland, Oregon.

The four core members of this band are singer, guitarist and bassist Spencer Burton (‘Skipwicked’), singer and keyboardist Evan Burton (‘Evton B’), guitarist Teddy Presber and drummer Corey Foster. The Burton brothers are responsible for the creation of “Indubious” and also for all production of the fourteen tracks on “From Zero,” the fourth album of this quartet and the successor to their previous success album “Wake The Lion”.

The debut of “Indubious” dates back to 2008 with the album “Fresh Leaves” and was complemented with a second CD “Cosmic Seed” in the following year. Of course, reggae icon Bob Marley is one of the heroes to influence this band, but the addition of dubstep to the genre also makes for their own emphasis on their songs.

For three songs on “From Zero” guest vocalists were invited: “Golden Ones” features Jamaican reggae singer Sizzla Kalonji, “Do not Lose Sleep” carries Vaughn Benjamin from “Midnite” for the lead vocals and Canadian soul- And reggae singer Zahira sing along with Spencer Burton on the song “Root Down”.

The honesty means that we can say that we can not find anything bane-breaking on this album, but in the reggae genre it’s an album that will hit many fans. Therefore, we prefer the final judgment on “From Zero” of “Indubious” to the connoisseurs of the genre. We have played the entire CD without any slipping of any track, and we could really enjoy what we were told. In particular, the songs “See Sharp”, “If You Follow”, the catchy “Perfect” and the “We Got Vibes” look like something like Jimmy Cliff will surely follow us.”

www.rootstime.be

To purchase or previous “From Zero,” please visit: http://smarturl.it/fromzero

For more information about FROM ZERO or upcoming tour dates, please visit the INDUBIOUS website and social media pages via http://www.indubiousmusic.com/

For Booking inquiries please email booking@indubiousmusic.com

For Press and Interview inquiries please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR:  (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com 

For Reggae Marketing or Radio please contact King I-Vier at Independent Distribution Collective: kingivier@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing please contact Jerome Forney at Independent Distribution Collective: jerome@independentdistro.com

Watch Now: Birdseed’s “Not Out Of Time” Teaser Part 2!

Watch this great teaser video for Independent Distribution Collective and Bird Records band, Birdseed!

Bird Records is proud to present the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, a 10” limited edition vinyl and digital release from BIRDSEED, an American rock band formed in 2012 that has been attracting large numbers of Gen X and Gen Y fans with their classic Fleetwood Mac-meets-Wilco sound. This new release will be available worldwide online and in stores August 4, 2017, and features some amazing players and solid, compelling songs that are the manifestation of many hours of hard work and drive. With an interesting backstory of ordinary moms and dads chasing a teenage dream, BIRDSEED was formed while their children were studying together at the Bird School of Music in San Francisco, CA. Their songs address adult angst, lost loves, perseverance through pain, and the transcendent power of music.

Pre-Order NOT OUT OF TIME on iTunes:

 http://smarturl.it/notoutoftime

BIRDSEED will be touring in the Fall of 2017 in support of their NOT OUT OF TIME 10” Vinyl EP, which is available worldwide online and in stores August 4, 2017.

For more information about BIRDSEED and the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, or upcoming tour dates, please visit the band’s website and social media pages via www.birdseedband.com

For more information about Bird School of Music please visit http://bird-sf.com/

To pre-order the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, please visit the Bird Records Bandcamp page at https://birdrecordingfoundation.bandcamp.com/

For Press and Interview inquiries, please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR at (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing, please contact Jerome Forney at Independent Distribution Collective at jerome@independentdistro.com

Fatea Records Review: Jennifer Saran “Wake Up”

Jennifer Saran Cover.2.1

“This is indeed a rare jewel.”

“Jennifer Saran is an American born Hong Kong based singer songwriter of whom I knew nothing prior to the receipt of this latest album to review. I am certain that this is more my loss than hers. One of her aims in life, through both her music and charitable work, would seem to be to make the world we live in a better place. She is involved with a number of charities and the proceeds from the title track, “Wake Up” will go to the Desmond Tutu Foundation in South Africa.

The “Wake Up” album is a bit of a jewel for music lovers, containing a mix of almost every genre of music with the exception of opera. In addition to Jennifer’s amazing voice, it includes the Ladysmith Black Mambazo choir from South Africa and the renowned guitarist Carlos Santana. One thing that really struck me about Jennifer’s vocals is the clarity of her diction. No need here to rush off to find the sleeve notes to understand what she is singing about.

The album contains a mix of new songs written by Jennifer either alone or in collaboration with others and a number of tribute songs to other artists. All produced by Narada Michael Walden in California.

The tribute songs make for an unusual contribution to this production. A couple are fairly predictable, Bill Withers (Lean On Me) and Billy Paul (Me and Mr Jones.) The others, much less so! George Michael’s “Jesus To A Child” is quite superb and emphasises the quality of Jennifer’s voice. It also demonstrates what a talent the world of music lost with the death of George. Two of the other renditions came as a bit of a shock to this listener. Patti Page’s “Old Cape Cod” and Doris Day’s “My Love and Devotion” are not tracks that you would expect to hear on a CD issued in 2017. They are both however quite wonderful and the producer has done an incredible job of making the songs sound like they had been recorded at the relevant period in time, demonstrating total respect for the original artist and musicians! “Old Cape Cod” reminds me of music from a Busby Berkeley film although it never appeared in one. It just has that sound and feel to it and even includes vocal backing that is reminiscent of The Andrews Sisters.

There are a few real gems in the self-penned songs too. The title track “Wake Up” is a very uplifting song despite its very harsh warning about the state of our planet. Rather unusually for a protest song, it is played with a real beat and the backing of the choir. It works for me though and makes me listen to the words far more than some of the dirges I have heard in the past which try to make a point. “I Will Always be Your Home” is a line that all parents will have, at one point, told their children. A delightfully slow and very thought provoking track! “Really” sounds as though it has come straight from the local disco and “Grace is the Champion” is an excellent example of modern alt pop.

Jennifer is a lady who really cares about life and has produced an album to match her passion. I can honestly say that I like every track on this album. Some more than others but the same can be said of almost every album ever issued. One track will lift you up, the next will make you think about your life and that of others less fortunate. This is indeed a rare jewel. A lady who would make a wonderful dinner guest and is a very accomplished singer songwriter to be admired and taken notice of!”

www.fatea-records.co.uk

WAKE UP was released July 7th, 2017.
Order or preview the album now on iTunes http://smarturl.it/wakeuplp
 
More information about JENNIFER SARAN or WAKE UP can be found at:

 

Watch The “Wake Up” Music Video

 https://youtu.be/WAzK3mAlmrA

Don’t Miss The “10 Fundamental For Getting Along In Today’s Music Business”

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“So much has changed in the music industry over the last few years that affect an artist’s ability to be successful. Some of it is brand new and a result of the technology we use, while some of it is good common sense that’s been used over and over during the past decades of the business. Here are 10 business fundamentals taken from [Kevin Cornell’s] Music 4.1 Internet Music Guidebook (in no particular order) that an artist, musician, producer or songwriter needs to grasp in order to get along in today’s music environment.”

Click Here For The Full Article!

Watch Now: Badi Assad “Vejo Você Aqui” Official Video

The tranquility of the city of Paraty, on the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, was the scene for the music video “Vejo Você Aqui,” a composition by Badi Assad with Zélia Duncan. Intimate, the ballad speaks about feelings such as solitude and love. It is one of the recorded tracks off Hatched, Badi’s last album.

For more information or to purchase Hatched, please visit the following sites:

http://www.facebook.com/AssadBadi

https://www.instagram.com/badiassad

https://twitter.com/badiassad

RockTimes Review: Indubious “From Zero” (Translated)

From Zero Cover_Low Rez

“Two brothers, Skip and Evton of Indubious, are now presenting their fourth album “From Zero.” This album is not to be taken for granted, because both were born with cystic fibrosis and had received rather gloomy predictions from their doctors on their longevity since early childhood. People affected by this disease have to be connected to oxygen during the day, in the car and at night, but through brave resilience, it is all the more pleasing that the two musicians are able to sing.

If the band Indubious , which originated in Portland, Oregon, simply defines their music as Reggae, it would certainly not be wrong. The special underlying rhythm is anchored in Jamaican musical style. However, I would like to describe the style of Indubious as a modern one. Modern in the way that the otherwise purist interpretation is used in conjunction with other musical elements that come into play.

This variant of the reggae seems to be successful and it is fitting for the band who describes themself as the ambassador of “West Coast Reggae.” The laziness, which is attached to the Reggae, is transported beautifully by Indubious and as I listen, in my head I picture the band more on the beach in California than in Jamaica. But the sound is just not on a California beach, because Indubious tours throughout the world. When you see what festivals they are already on the billing for, it might serve as a reference to see their true skill and talent: Wakarusa, Gathering Of The Vibes, Reggae On The River , Sulafest in India, Sierra Nevada Word Music Festival, Earthdance, Gaia Festival, Beloved, Britt festivals, just to mention a few.

Dancehall and Raggamuffin is beside the Roots Reggae main genre of the music of Indubious on “From Zero”. The guest musicians, Sizzla and Vaughn Benjamin, whose authenticity absolutely lies in their voices, are an important part of this album. Sizzla is justified in the title “Dancehall Icon” and Vaughn Benjamin is certainly heard in Midnite and Akae Beka. Gloriously, Sizzla’s vocal outbreaks are showcased on “Golden Ones.” Also, the appearance of Zahira Soul in “Root Down” brings a special feel to the music.

Many tracks also have a kind of psychedelica. By virtuosic synths, Indubious creates something like psychedelic dancehall. Reduced tempos, cellar-bass-bangles and singing down to voice-ling give the works a special flair. In addition, there are very harmonious tracks, Such as “Rocketship.” There are also pieces à la “See Sharp” in which the offbeat phrasing is lifted and the flirting keyboard sequences are intercepted. All this makes the music special.

You can feel that the album is performed with heart and skill. The fact that Evton and Skip are Americans cannot be felt at any moment. Another professional component is to be seen in the producer’s name of their previous album, because Daniele Gaudi is “legendary” in this genre. The messages of the band are in a positive context. Evan confirmed this positive attitude in 2011 after a complete recovery from a double lung transplant.

The ability of the band may also be recognized by whom they shared the stages over the years. In addition to Western artists such as Matisyahu, Michael Franti, Rebelution and Blondie , Black Uhuru , Stephen Marley , Junior Reid and Paton Banton are also members of reggae’s country of origin.

For the next few months, another album is planned, which can now be looked forward to, Indubious should remain faithful to this style.”

www.wp.rocktimes.de

To purchase or previous “From Zero,” please visit: http://smarturl.it/fromzero

For more information about FROM ZERO or upcoming tour dates, please visit the INDUBIOUS website and social media pages via http://www.indubiousmusic.com/

For Booking inquiries please email booking@indubiousmusic.com

For Press and Interview inquiries please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR:  (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com 

For Reggae Marketing or Radio please contact King I-Vier at Independent Distribution Collective: kingivier@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing please contact Jerome Forney at Independent Distribution Collective: jerome@independentdistro.com

Watch Now: Get Ready For Birdseed’s “Not Out Of Time,” Out August 4th!

Bird Records is proud to present the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, a 10” limited edition vinyl and digital release from BIRDSEED, an American rock band formed in 2012 that has been attracting large numbers of Gen X and Gen Y fans with their classic Fleetwood Mac-meets-Wilco sound. This new release will be available worldwide online and in stores August 4, 2017, and features some amazing players and solid, compelling songs that are the manifestation of many hours of hard work and drive. With an interesting backstory of ordinary moms and dads chasing a teenage dream, BIRDSEED was formed while their children were studying together at the Bird School of Music in San Francisco, CA. Their songs address adult angst, lost loves, perseverance through pain, and the transcendent power of music.

Pre-Order NOT OUT OF TIME on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/notoutoftime

BIRDSEED will be touring in the Fall of 2017 in support of their NOT OUT OF TIME 10” Vinyl EP, which is available worldwide online and in stores August 4, 2017.

For more information about BIRDSEED and the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, or upcoming tour dates, please visit the band’s website and social media pages via www.birdseedband.com

For more information about Bird School of Music please visit http://bird-sf.com/

To pre-order the NOT OUT OF TIME EP, please visit the Bird Records Bandcamp page at https://birdrecordingfoundation.bandcamp.com/

For Press and Interview inquiries, please contact Billy James at Glass Onyon PR at (828) 350-8158 or glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For Digital Marketing, please contact Jerome Forney at Independent Distribution Collective at jerome@independentdistro.com