Enrico Sarzi-Drive Through

Street Symphonies Records/Burning Minds Music Group
2017

Enrico Sarzi (Midnight Sun) is an Italian singer-songwriter/hard & heavy rocker. Back on November 17th, 2017 this veteran musician released his full-length debut, "Drive Through". With the album's title being a nod of appreciation towards Enrico's biggest passion (Formula 1 car races), the 11-track disc finds this Midnight Sun member drawing from a wide-array of inspirations. Self-dubbed "Easy Hard Rock", Enrico's first solo album features something for everyone's tastes. Not only is there a couple of real hard and heavy rockers, but (grunge-infused) classic rock, AOR-like ballads, and a excellent sax-laden number ("Strange Freedom"). Granted that is to be expected when an artist is influenced by everyone from Alice In Chains to Adèle! Geared towards anyone that just loves all things rock (from Bad Company to The Cult), "Drive Through" has great production values, well-crafted numbers, and a remarkably confident vibe. It's the perfect album for when you are in the mode for something slightly-different...

Duke Garwood-Heavy Love

Heavenly Recordings
2015


Just released this past February, "Heavy Love" is the fifth full-length solo album from impassioned singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Duke Garwood. Largely unknown outside of his native country, South Londoner Duke Garwood is a graceful old folk singer trapped in the body contemporary bluesman and even though "Heavy Love" holds the distinction of being my first sampling from this stirring man there was an instant connection and it felt as if I finally found a long-lost kindred spirit! That might sound fanciful or come across as a leap of faith to some of our more cynical readers, but scratch just under the surface of this mournful LP and you too might just discover how those ghosts of yesterday are alive and well and speaking directly to you through Duke's imaginative voice! Though it often looks as if it has been stripped nearly naked the unassuming "Heavy Love" is remarkable deep and lovingly thoughtful as it's words and music slowly break down any and all barriers. As haunting as it might be Duke Garwood's latest release is also memorizing in it's own right and it stands out as a fully-completed work of art. There are no bumps along the path and there are no side-distractions to keep you from enjoying the breath and scope of compelling LP like this. "Heavy Love" could just as easily have been entitled Love Heavy as the heart of this recording seems eerily tied to Duke's own ghosts and the haunting way in which they still seem to want to strangle his soul. All told "Heavy Love" is a masterful work from an artist that London seems to have been previously hoarding. Now's the time for the U.S. market to stand up and take notice of Duke Garwood as this has all the makings of a mutually-beneficial relationship!

Mia Doi Todd-Floresta

City Zen Records
2014

Just released a few weeks back, "Floresta" is a choice collection of Brazilian covers from inspiration singer-songwriter Mia Doi Todd. Featuring this (indie folk/word music) artists' favorite moments, it is also the latest in a long line of highly-respected/well-loved albums from the always evolving Mia Doi Todd. Inspired by a 2009 tour to Brazil (as well as a life-long love of Brazil, it's culture and of course it's music!), "Floresta" finds this L.A.-native strolling about at a leisurely pace where ideals such as comfort and hospitality are but a given! This collection also goes a long ways toward further cementing this graceful singer's status as a creative (read: endless creativity from this beautiful soul!) and wonderfully imaginable artist. As bold and colorful as the country that inspired it, "Floresta" is simultaneously invigorating and relaxing and thanks to a "cast of all-native players" it ends up feeling as authentic as the woman who helped mold and shape this charming collection! For a true artist who has conquered every musical challenge that appeared before her with pride and heartfelt determination, Mia Doi Todd's latest work should stand the test of time and end up being a release that many people will no doubt turn to in times of joy and distress. "Floresta" is long-over and well-deserved vacation where the listener is able to travel far away from the ordinary and mundane in order to land in world where peace, love and understanding not only exist, but ultimately reign supreme and unchallenged. Thank you Mia Doi Todd for allowing us to pick up our bags and our burdens and journey there with you so that we too can freely share in all the peace and love that our hearts have been longing for!

Gareth Dickson-Invisible String

Sleeping Man Records
2014

More often than not doesn't it just seem as if it is the simple things that prove to be the most pleasurable? Whether it's a welcoming smile or the comforting touch of a friend or even the smell of fresh coffee or the way in which rain ends up mesmerizing you as you sit there and stare it is often the small things we treasure most. And that concept holds true when it comes to music. As much as I love complex and creative studio recordings like the Beach Boy's "Pet Sounds" there are moments where I want to be surrounded by the sounds of simplicity. Not necessarily the sounds of simple music (as in noisy, three cord punk), but music that has been stripped of all of it's pretenses and is presented almost as-is. Case in point-"Invisible String". Recorded in 2012 as Gareth Dickson (a artist with a wonderful, fully-engaging range) worked his way across Europe in support of "Quite A Way Away" with sometimes as little as his voice and a guitar, "Invisible String" is not only a stunning collection of live material from this remarkable musician, but a picture-perfect presentation on how oftentimes less can be magically transformed into more! Or in this case how unexpected locations can be used to create awe-inspiring music of the heartfelt and heartwarming variety!. For you see not only was the sincere music on "Invisible String" collected from the "usual" locations (traditional live performances), but from off the wall and (dare I even say it!) odd spots like a apartment lobby in Caen, France! That particular location (along with a handful of other "unexpected" areas) proved to be nothing short of a godsend though as this album is filled to overflowing with the sounds of naked and natural music that is breathtaking in it's simplicity. For this Glasgow-native (who, unjustly or not, often gets compared to Nick Drake), "Invisible String" is a once in a lifetime moment where a man and his instrument(s) work together in perfect harmony. Available on just about every format you could ask for, "Invisible String" is easily one of the most intimate and inspirational live albums of 2014!

Matteah Baim-Falling Theater

Dream Drive Records
2014

New York-based Matteah Baim (Metallic Falcons) presents her third solo release in "Falling Theater". Just released last week, and serving as the follow-up to 2009's "Laughing Boy", the eight-track "Falling Theater" is (theme-wise) an album said to reflect the state of America's pre-war movie theaters: both luxurious and decayed. That little nugget of information is very important in the grand scheme of things (or at least later on when it comes time to picture what this fashionably dated album is trying to say) as is the understanding that Baim is another talented New Yorker with both a visual arts background and a musical one! Recorded and mixed by Eric Gorman at his studio in Brooklyn (with arrangements having come by way of Antony and the Johnsons member Maxim Moston) "Falling Theater" features a plethora of special guests such as Antony Hegarty (also of Antony and the Johnsons), James Richardson (MGMT) and various members/musicians of dream pop band Au Revoir Simone, The New York Philharmonic and The Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem! As a graduate of San Fransisco Art Institute (where Baim received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and drawing!) Matteah puts all of her various talents into the musical/orchestrated soundtrack that is "Falling Theater" and when one listens to this very brief album it really does feel as if you are in another era! When looking to place "Falling Theater" into your neatly arranged CD collection it would make the most sense to create a new category as this atmospheric Dream Drive Records' release is one of a kind. Picture a poetic album that is seamless, softly psychedelic and casually dreamy. One that captures the sounds of old-fashioned musical theater, non-religious hymn arrangements, art-house folk and melodic dream pop and is then aided by Matteah Baim's healing, whisper-like voice. Such a lush little album like this one (at best it's like 25 minutes long!) deserves it's own slot in a music collection as (structure-wise/sample-wise) "Falling Theater" gathers together the tiny particles of life that continuously surround us and then this delightful singer/songwriter grants these elemental structures a new audience! Matteah Baim's latest solo release was an absolute pleasure and for those who might still be on the outside looking in "Falling Theater" also goes about proving once more that the combination of art and music does not have to be too pretentious or cerebral for it's own good. Instead it can be beautiful and graceful for those willing to open up their hearts to the possibility of previously foreign ideas!

Edward Rogers-Kaye

Zip Records
2014

For the uninitiated, UK-born (Birmingham, England), NYC-based Edward Rogers is a singer-songwriter who began his long and varied career behind the drum kit, playing in several garage bands. That was just as the British Invasion began here in the States and now, all these years later and following a life-changing accident (see below for details) that would see this prolific singer-songwriter take on a new role. With  "Kaye", Edward Rogers' fifth solo album (fourth on Zip Records) which was recorded live in the span of just three days(!) and is inspired by/dedicated to the late English singer-songwriter Kevin Ayers (Soft Machine), this extremely talented singer-songwriter pays tribute to Ayers not only by covering his "After The Show" in fine fashion, but by way of  the overall vibe of "Kaye". Teamed up with (among others) musicians such as James Mastro (Ian Hunter, Bongos), Sal Maida (Roxy Music, Sparks, Cracker), Joe McGinty (Psychedelic Furs) and Dennis Diken (The Smithereens) Edward Rogers has released a charming album that (in his own words) is "a mixture of madness and softness". For fans of Kevin Ayers (a true psychedelic legend!) this album will end up being a welcomed-addition as the same soft, comforting and melodic undertones that made Ayers so remarkable are on full display here. The fact that "Kaye" was created over a mere three days only adds to the sense of wonderment this impressive album holds and for Edward Rogers, a man who is every bit as good a vocalist as he is a lyricist, it would be understandable if he was than a little bit proud of his latest solo release. The beautiful "Kaye" is due to released in July and one can't help but to get the impression that this is one of those fine albums that will be making an appearance on more then a few "Best of 2014" lists!

In 1985 a subway accident left Edward without his right arm and right leg below the knee. Unable to continue as a drummer he eventually turned to songwriting and actually found that he enjoyed singing and writing more then playing drums.

Vagabond Flag-"Not Afraid" Single Version

Self-Release/Independent
2014

The single version of "Not Afraid", due to drop on June 16th with a debut album scheduled for July 4th (seemingly fitting as his music shadows his inner independence) was my first introduction to Vagabond Flag. And I'll tell you what, I'm glad we meet. We all know that first impressions are everything and the impression I got from "Not Afraid" was that yes, I would like to spend more time in the presence of this man. Indeed, Vagabond Flag is a man, not some band or a collection of differing personalities working their way through those differences in the hopes of settling on a spark. His interests include making music (and at this point he's only a year or so removed from picking up a guitar in order to make that music!) and to protest, to rebel. And above all else to find the next love of my life (music being his first love!). That last part many of us can relate to. I know that I can. And it's that personal touch that kind of tugs at you on "Not Afraid". Having grown up in London, where he now works as hard as he plays, Vagabond Flag (https://www.facebook.com/VagabondFlagArtist?fref=ts) is in the thick of it all from politics and art to the hustle and bustle of everyday people (their movements and mannerisms re-shaping London daily). Maybe it's no wonder then that his music, like the man himself, is so personal, completely invested in the human condition. That seems like a fair connection, drawing a line from the music to the message and from the message back to the music. On the single "Not Afraid" we find Vagabond Flag relaying that message over-top of (somewhat gruff) Lo Fi indie rock. Influences run from the likes of Oasis, The Verve and The Pixies to Nirvana, Soundgarden and Dinosaur Jr. Oh, and David Bowie. We must not forget that part! Especially seeing as Vagabond Flag, like David Bowie before him, provides clear evidence on the (exceptionally cool!) guitar-driven/classic rock-infused (and yet unmistakably Lo Fi indie rocker!) single "Not Afraid" that rock can be passionate and intelligent (to go along with it's shapely body). Hopefully the upcoming debut album from Vagabond Flag, which is likely to be rich in content (political and personal lyrics) will be able to cast a similar reflection, music-wise. To hear "Not Afraid" for yourself simply click here: https://soundcloud.com/vagabond-flag.

The Cheek of Her-"Write me a Letter"

Self-Released/Independent
2013

Today we look in on the quirky and fun, London-based pop rock intuitive The Cheek of Her (aka: Helen Dooley) and her single, "Write me a Letter". With a new EP due to be released on May 30th entitled "Adult Angst Anonymous" (upon which you will be able to find said single) and one acoustic solo performance for the (other) new single "Guitar Muse" having recently shown up on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW05cCQSDIw list=PLUMPTUd56RnFGmdBcO1Ig0kjG4wC3DFSf), The Cheek of Her (TCOH) is everything there is to love about avant-garde dressed up in the form of delightful, keyboard-driven pop! A world-traveled woman of many hats, what with several degrees under her belt only complimenting her wonderful skills as a keyboardist and vocalist, this delightful singer-songwriter easily wins you over with her cheeky lyrics and (in a world of overly-digitized, Top 40 garbage) freshly-baked/sugary-sweet (and thus down-right addicting!)  take on pop-rock! Music-News.com (http://www.music-news.com ) pretty much nailed it when they said that The Check of Her sounds like a "fuller and heartier version of Lilly Allen but with the added edge familiar with Marina & The Diamonds and the quirkiness of Paloma Faith" although to be fair to Helen and her natural talent as a singer-songwriter I'd suggest one picture a place where pop-punk meets pop-rock under a rainbow of never ending (pop) possibilities! Besides, I'd add in an alphabet worth of other ingredients. From a dash or two of the B-52s to a spoon full of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and some helpful points of reference along the lines of both Adele and Zolof the Rock and Roll Destroyer, The Cheek of Her carefully picks the finest in comfort foods so that those listening in on her delightful pop end up filling nothing if not full and content! You can read about all Helen and her work right here: http://www.thecheekofher.com/ while you can check out the goodness of "Write me a Letter" over here: http://thecheekofher.bandcamp.com/

Rachel Taylor Brown-Falimy

Penny Pop Records
2014

Residing in her birth-state of Portland, Oregon (a continuous hotbed of new and exciting talent!), Rachel Taylor Brown (every bit a philosopher dressed up in a quirky persona) is not so much a singer-songwriter as she is vocalist/pianist. "Falimy", which (despite assurance otherwise) is spelled out correctly, perfectly reflecting the disharmonious nature of the family unit/relationships (the theme that runs through this album's 11 tracks), is Rachel's ninth overall album and her seventh recorded with friend Jeff Stuart Saltzman. Teamed up Jeff and a small army of guests (incl. a choir!) Rachel waists precious little time formalities and simply jumps right in to the fray never once pretending to be anyone but herself. There's no shortage of honesty here as Rachel's lyrics are direct, pointing out the logical lapses in ideology and presenting thoughtful arguments on a variety of topics pertaining to not only the family structure, but both the beauty and ugliness of this world we call home. On "We'll Have A" (the album's opener which, with an eye set on free-form imagination, helps to set the mood for this honest and thoughtful collection of care-free piano folk) Rachel finds a remedy for mankind's ever encroaching downfall by suggesting the need to start a family. Quite obviously it's more tongue-in-cheek then anything and one can see from the little sparkle in her eyes that there's undoubtedly a devilish streak to be found in Rachel and in her music. That merely plays into to the overall strength of this recording though as numbers like "Mt. Athos" (a real steamroller in which Rachel addresses the confines of the catholic church and all of the obstacles that stand in her way as she tries to get to Heaven) and the child-like "Robin" contain observant messages that cut deep into the core of this life's countless hangups. With that said, "Falimy" is not a complete masterpiece of alternative piano pop (even if the quirky "Family" is piano punk bliss!). For one thing, "Trade" doesn't exactly come off right. It felt as if it was lacking Rachel's complete focus and it drifted in places. Thankfully she gets back on track with "Little Fucker", "Me Hurting You" and (one of the better moments on "Falimy") "Litany Of The Family". These moments show off Rachel's ken ability as both a vocalist and a musician as do the likes of "(Bird)" and "Falimy's"closing number, "One Brave Soul". As a whole Rachel's latest work is bold and brave. It's honest and wide-open for all to see. And, just like Rachel herself, it has a natural beauty to it. While one might be hard-pressed to offer a definitive description of this album's intelligent and inventive music (quirky (free-form) piano folk?) that simply cannot take away from it's appeal and the desire at hand to share this one with those who see themselves as more open-minded and in desperate need of a new creative awakening! You can check out "Falimy" at the link below. To find out more about Rachel Taylor Brown be sure to visit her website here:  http://www.racheltaylorbrown.com/

http://racheltaylorbrown.bandcamp.com/

Steve Weinstein-Last Free Man

Resonator Music
2013

As "Lost & Found" opens Steve Weinstein's late 2013 release "Last Free Man" I took a moment to reflect on the lost art of simple rock and roll. Call it part Bob Dylan part Tom Petty (or Tom Waits with a more keen eye for philosophy or maybe even a smoother take on Eddie & the Cruisers without the sax and way more honesty) or just Steve Weinstein being Steve Weinstein, but whatever it is it certainly sets the mode for this splendid David Baron (Peter Murphy, Lenny Kravitz) produced 10-track release from this part-time rocker/tenured professor of Philosophy at the University of Waterloo. Rewarding tracks such as "Lost & Found" and the title cut are merely the start of this fantastic journey which finds Steve and guests (Bassist Sara Lee of B-52s/Gang of Four, drummer Tony Mason (Al Green, Norah Jones), guitarist GE Smith of Bob Dyan, Tom Waits and Hall & Oats fame, guitarist Adam Widoff (Lenny Kravitz), guitarist Larry Saltzman (David Johansen, Paul Simon) and gospel piano/B3 organist Better Sussman of Whitney Houston fame) drawing from a vast array of sounds and textures so that the music at hand comes of as natural as possible. And that it does. Natural, smooth and organic rock swirls within the likes of "Til I Die", "No Vacancy" and "Seeing Stars" and for those that simply cannot get enough of garage rock and roll "Last Free Man" should be the drug of choice! Lest you think it's all driven by the upbeat early days of rock and roll (specifically mid-late sixties rock!) there's the dark blues rock of "Storm Warning", the gospel-infused "Throw It Away" and a quirky cover of Mission of Burma's "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate". Things finish up with the late-seventies/early-eighties pop punk of bonus number "Girls that Don't Exist" and really I couldn't have been happier with this magical piece of nostalgic rock and roll. Sure enough it could easily fit in with today's hip scene where the likes of Beck and The White Stripes roam about freely and that's a good indication of it's staying power. Still, I'll admit that it's the old-fashioned charm of these numbers that draws me in and will keep me there. Why not join me there then? There's room for plenty on board this pleasure cruise and we could all learn a thing or two about life and love from Steve Weinstein while we're at it!

http://steveweinstein.net/

Scout Paré-Phillips Fields of Ash 7"

Pesanta Urfolk
2013


This was actually released back in August, but for whatever reason I kept passing it over. That proved to be nothing short of a mistake as this 7' EP from singer-songwriter Scout Paré-Phillips (The Sterling Sisters) is a compelling take on folk music! Well, it's sort of folk music and then again it's also like dark Americana I suppose. Or is it graceful goth? Counter-culture music? Maybe it's early gospel country? Whatever you choose to call these two numbers it's a wonderful, graceful (yes, I know I already mentioned graceful once already but this really is!) and frankly charming solo release from one extremely talented individual! Backing up Scout Paré-Phillips (vocals, autoharp, guitar) are Emil Bognar-Nasdor (drums, percussion) and Jonathan Elliott (electronics) and if this 2-track release (available as both a limited-edition, white 7" and a digital download) is any indication of  the talent of Scout Paré-Phillips then by all means fiends, release a full-length album of hers already! With a simply stunning and devilishly charming voice she breaths life into both "Fields of Ash" and "In The End" and while the music can be viewed as earthy and enchanting it's also haunting and gives off a slight feeling of dread. As an alternative to the usually heavy, thrash and death metal that's been clogging up my veins it's a beautiful thing but it also stands just fine on it's own. With "Fields of Ash" singer-songwriter Scout Paré-Phillips proves that there is always some new and exciting to be unearthed if you just allow yourself to take a chance on the unknown!

http://scoutparephillips.bandcamp.com/