For more information about OPEN YOUR HEART or live EMILY JOHNSON performances please visit her website: www.emilyjohnsonofficial.com
To Pre-Order OPEN YOUR HEART on Digital Platforms worldwide please visit:
http://radi.al/EmilyJohnsonOYH
Month: April 2018
MidwestRecord.com Review: EMILY JOHNSON “OPEN YOUR HEART”
For more information about OPEN YOUR HEART or live EMILY JOHNSON performances please visit her website: www.emilyjohnsonofficial.com
To Pre-Order OPEN YOUR HEART on Digital Platforms worldwide please visit:
http://radi.al/EmilyJohnsonOYH
To see the video for the title song “OPEN YOUR HEART” please visit:
Reggaeville.com Review: I-OCTANE “LOVE & LIFE”
Order Digital copies now at:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-life/1355196143
or
http://smarturl.it/I-OctaneLoveandLife
Order Physical CDs now at:
Germany Review: GEORGE ST. CLAIR “BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM”
http://www.wp.rocktimes.de/george-st-clair-ballads-of-captivity-and-freedom-cd-review/
George St. Clair / Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom – CD Review
The American singer, musician and composer George St. Clair has been living in England for several years, but grew up in Texas. His family worked on the local oil fields, so the young George has already received a proper dose of so-called hard life with hard work and poor pay. At some point he moved to Austin, Texas, where he got his real baptism of fire as a live artist. He has been working as an archaeologist and anthropologist for over twenty years, leading him through several southern US states and Mexico, before moving to Europe. However, the music never left him like his homeland, so he moved back to the USA for the recordings of “Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom”, more specifically to Richmond, California.
And if that was just good for finding musicians with the right feel for St. Clair’s songs and style, then that step was well worth it. The American puts on the twelve tracks presented here wonderful, melodic Americana and Roots Rock songs that are far from being smoothed or set up. With the usual organic instruments recorded, it is in addition to the high-quality performances of the session musicians above all again and again the vocal melodies that go very well in the ear and stay there mostly for a long time. In addition to piano, bass and drums, the acoustic guitar is the dominant instrument. The icing on the cake comes mostly from the pedal steel guitar, which rounds off the pieces again and again.
Lyrically, George St. Clair is about interpersonal issues, but another big point is the relationship between the original American inhabitants and the so-called ‘white’ population. The above style designations suggest it already: Here are of course many country influences in the game, but also folk and singer / songwriter bonds are represented. The very successful mixture of these genres then makes the disc the one it has become. The pedal steel guitarist Dan Lebowitzbut also brings an electric into the game, which of course does not hurt. For example, “Cynthia”, which is otherwise only supported by the acoustic, the bass and some percussion, has a vocal line to die for, and a ton of feeling. And before I forget it: A good pinch of Westcoast is also in there.
“Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom” has not become a lurid album, but also not overly thoughtful or melancholy. The lyrics raise a lot of unanswered questions about which it would be essential (especially for Americans) to think about it. However, the disc does not pull the listener into an emotional basement at any time, because the songs themselves are much too good for that. The opener “Tularosa” is (like “Up To Fail”) a very strong country rock-number, with “New Mexico” it’s back to Westcoast and with “Talkin ‘Mesquite” one automatically thinks of the Talking Blues- Pieces of a Townes Van Zandt ,
George St. Clair does not (yet?) Have a big or well-known name, but you should definitely check “Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom”, if you are on very good Americana and Roots music.
Line-up George St. Clair:
George St Clair (acoustic guitar, bongos, lead & background vocals)
Mike Stevens (drums & percussion)
Dan Lebowitz (pedal steel guitar, electric guitar)
Ben Bernstein (bass, lead acoustic guitar – # 3)
Kirby Hammel (piano, organ )
Mark Estall (background vocals)
Maya Abramson (background vocals)
With:
David Cuetter (pedal steel guitar – # 1,2)
Amy Sher (fiddle – # 1)
Tracklist “Ballads Of Captivity And Freedom”:
- Tularosa
- The Places Where They Prayed
- Autumn 1889
- Corridors
- Good Times
- Cynthia
- Up To Fail
- Lie To Them
- Cimarrones
- New Mexico
- Pedro Paramo
- Talkin ‘Mesquite
Total playing time: 56:36, release year: 2018
For more information or to order BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM please visit www.georgestclairmusic.com or http://smarturl.it/GeorgeStClairBCF
To order BALLADS OF CAPTIVITY AND FREEDOM from Bandcamp please visit georgestclair.bandcamp.com
US Review: EMILY JOHNSON “OPEN YOUR HEART”
For more information about OPEN YOUR HEART or live EMILY JOHNSON performances please visit her website: www.emilyjohnsonofficial.com
To Pre-Order OPEN YOUR HEART on Digital Platforms worldwide please visit:
http://radi.al/EmilyJohnsonOYH
To see the video for the title song “OPEN YOUR HEART” please visit:
Successful Debut from I-OCTANE for Long-Anticipated 3rd Studio Album “LOVE & LIFE”
Kingston, Jamaica (MPR CONSULTING) – On March 30th, 2018, International recording artist I-OCTANE released his long-anticipated “LOVE & LIFE” album. It had been 4 years (“Crying to the Nation” 2012 and “My Journey” 2014) since fans have been clamoring for the artist to deliver a musical offering.
Reflecting on his “Love & Life” journey, I-Octane expressed “Just want to say thanks to my fans who’ve waited 4 years for this project, It was a joy to see the album debut at #3 on US iTunes chart. Also want to say thank you to the media and music players (djs & selector) who have supported every move my team and i have made with this project and the fact that most of you not only promoted it but also went out and bought copies of ‘Love & Life’ makes me even more grateful to you all.
So much work went into creating this album because it would be the very first major production from my company (Conquer The Globe Productions) and I needed it to be perfect in every way so, I could not thank everyone and not say thank you to the people who sacrificed their private and social lives to make sure this album is a success. My team, I’m truly grateful for every one of you. Everyone’s input got us to where we are today. Thank you!”
Adding further “I am forever grateful for the support and love from my fans, team and the industry. And just want to say continue supporting this album by getting it on your favorite music site or ordering your hard copies from Amazon and spread the word. Much respect to my distributor IDC.” – I-Octane
Making its debut at #3 on iTunes Reggae charts, “Love & Life” album features 17 tracks with the addition of 2 bonus tracks produced by I-Octane’s own imprint label Conquer The Globe Productions distributed by California based IDC. The multi-talented crooner is presently on a promotional tour in New York, and will upon his return to Jamaica announce the date for his album release party ahead of the spring tour as a special guest to twice GRAMMY nominated J-Boog.
“Love & Life” album is available on all major digital outlets at smarturl.it/I-OctaneLoveandLife
DOWNLOAD WORD FORMAT PRESS RELEASE
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https://app.box.com/s/fhbnflfuf97l6o2e2n8slf6et8wnytsl
“Fluid riffs, a unique and rhythmic style, thoughtful lyrics, inspired by I-Octane’s Jamaican roots, Love & Life is the type of album that we could expect from the artist, an album where he experiments new areas. Powerful, cohesive and creative as we can hear on the last track of the album “Weh di Fire Gone” which happens to be the second bonus track of the album.” – La Grosee Radio France
“The album is a tribute to a true reggae style. Tropical notions and sunny production bleed through. Those mellow drums and accompanying vibes beg for replay value, which is exactly what you get from Love and Life by I-Octane.” – Indie Band Guru
”Love and life” takes you on a musical trip through I-Octane’s musical mind touching the pleasures and struggles of Love and Life, using a good mix of Reggae and Dancehall tracks” – Danny Creatah, World A Reggae.
“I-Octane’s ‘Love & Life’ opus picks up where his sophomore project, ‘My Journey’, left off with a full throttle into international terrains and no signs of looking back. Vocally and lyrically the Reggae crooner appears to be in his comfort zone; as if to play it safe with existing fans while officially introducing himself to new audiences. It must be said that the album standouts come in the form of his collaborative tracks – with the likes of Shaggy, Ginjah, Demarco, Yanique (Curvy Diva), JBoog and Romain Virgo – but in the same breathe I-Octane didn’t allow them to outshine him. Nonetheless, ‘Love & Life’ is the type of project you’d expect from I-Octane at this point in his career. Cohesive, potent, experimental and creatively crafted.” – Biko Kennedy, Music Journalist.
SoulandJazzandFunk Review: Cornell “CC” Carter “That Feelin'” Single
For the past few years San Francisco’s CORNELL CARTER (who sometimes just works using his initials “C.C.”) had made himself plenty of friends in the soul community. The one time top session singer (he’s worked with people like Ray Charles, James Brown, The Whispers, The Temptations, Natalie Cole, Kool and the Gang and most recently Narada Michael Walden) really took off with his long player ‘In The Moment’ from which a series of well-crafted singles and their remixes scaled the credible soul charts.
The good news is that CC is putting the finishing touches to a new album – ‘One Love’ – due June/July. Cornell says it’s his homage to the world of classic soul, R&B and jazz, but in the meantime there’s a new single on the way. ‘That Feelin” will be the album’s lead track and though it’s not officially available till April 27th, previews reveal a tasty, insistent modern soul beater. Cornell is in great vocal form (remember, the man has pedigree!) and the vibe and groove are bob on…. so they should be! The tune was co-written and produced by UK muso Morgan Howell, better known, of course, as ‘Soulpersona’…. and if anyone knows the modern soul groove, then it’s Morgan H! It’s all looking good for that new long player!
For more information about CORNELL “CC” CARTER or upcoming tour dates, please visit CC’s website and social media pages via http://www.cc2000music.com
Nightwalk/Via Nocturna (Portugal) Review: KARNEY “NO MERCY”
Translated:
No Mercy is a combination of new themes with some others already presented and that here gain new clothes from a new remix , or even a complete new recording. According to Anna Karney , the need to change some old themes came from the live experiences and from her own evolution as a creator and an interpreter. Thus, No Mercy , the fifth album of the North American, brings us a good and fresh dose of rock , where the acoustic guitars mark a strong presence. An approach where it is well-known that there is well-developed work in the creation of easy listening themesand, above all, they appeal a lot to the stage. [81%]
Tracklist
- No Mercy
- Wild Green
- Restless Wind
- Same Song
- I Got Mine
- Speed Of A Bullet
- Not Lost
- Hold On
- Beautiful Day
- I Got The Light
- Manifest Destiny
- Nine Lines (In The 21 st Century)
Line-Up
Anna Karney – vocals, guitars and keyboards
Jeff Herrera – drums and percussion
Michael Doyle – Guitars
James DePrato – guitars
Kimon Manolius – bass
Kevin White – bass
Bill Ortiz – trumpet
Paul Hanson – Bassoon
Michael Hajimichael – poem
Karl Perazzo – percussion
For more information please visit Karney’s website at www.karney.org
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” on iTunes and Other Digital Retailers please visit:
http://smarturl.it/KarneyNoMercy
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” from Bandcamp please visit:
https://karney.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy
Big Blend Radio Interview: KARNEY “NO MERCY” – Sunday, April 22 at 11am PT / 2pm ET
Listen Live or anytime thereafter on-demand: http://tobtr.com/10719751
Anna Karney has been making great music for many years, performing across the US and collaborating with many talented and notable artists. She has put out several singles and EPs as a solo artist and together with her band, has released the fifth full-length KARNEY album of original songs titled NO MERCY. Keeping her mind on social justice and positive messages, Anna Karney’s lyrical content offers a sardonic and sometimes straightforward approach to many of the issues facing people today, with a message of hope resonating throughout every song she writes. Hear her music and Big Blend Radio conversation with hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine.
This episode is made possible by the National Parks Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates unique artist-in-residence programs within National Parks. Listen Live or anytime thereafter on-demand: http://tobtr.com/10719751
For more information please visit Karney’s website at www.karney.org
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” on iTunes and Other Digital Retailers please visit:
http://smarturl.it/KarneyNoMercy
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” from Bandcamp please visit:
https://karney.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy
Big Blend Radio Interview: KARNEY “NO MERCY” – Sunday, April 22 at 11am PT / 2pm ET
Listen Live or anytime thereafter on-demand: http://tobtr.com/10719751
Anna Karney has been making great music for many years, performing across the US and collaborating with many talented and notable artists. She has put out several singles and EPs as a solo artist and together with her band, has released the fifth full-length KARNEY album of original songs titled NO MERCY. Keeping her mind on social justice and positive messages, Anna Karney’s lyrical content offers a sardonic and sometimes straightforward approach to many of the issues facing people today, with a message of hope resonating throughout every song she writes. Hear her music and Big Blend Radio conversation with hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, the mother-daughter travel team and publishers of Big Blend Radio & TV Magazine.
This episode is made possible by the National Parks Arts Foundation, a non-profit organization that creates unique artist-in-residence programs within National Parks. Listen Live or anytime thereafter on-demand: http://tobtr.com/10719751
For more information please visit Karney’s website at www.karney.org
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” on iTunes and Other Digital Retailers please visit:
http://smarturl.it/KarneyNoMercy
To Pre-order “NO MERCY” from Bandcamp please visit:
https://karney.bandcamp.com/album/no-mercy
Independent Distribution Collective Blog 