Monday, March 30, 2009

"2D Tune" by 2D Tune (Electronica Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

Attention all electronica fans! Get yourselves ready for 70 minutes of pulsating trance music with the self titled CD "2D Tune" by 2D Tune. From the opening synth chords and raging drum beats of "Arise," any fan of this genre knows they are in for a treat. The mixture of pulse, electronic, and chill music makes for some interesting themes. It is also great to hear various vocal cuts splayed throughout different tracks, as heard on "Pain Reliever." There is also a very mysterious setting going on in "King of Kings," but don't be afraid to listen to that one alone in the dark. "2D Tune" is a very well written record and can be enjoyed by music lovers who would not normally buy a trance CD.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out 2D Tune's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Friday, March 20, 2009

"Burden of Proof" by Jenuine J.A. (Rap Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

Jenuine J.A.'s latest rap record "The Burden of Proof" is a great throwback to the early sounds of that genre. Jenuine isn't exactly a hip-hop artist as his songs rely more on his lyrics and the instrumentation than just beats. The opening track, "Dyin' to Floss" says it all, as you can hear how Jenuine wants his words to be heard and not lost under a sea of electronic drums. His struggle to be heard is evident throughout the disc as he lets listeners in on his personal hurdles in becoming a successful rap star. Just listen to "What's Your Plan?" and you will feel what he has gone through. The title of "The (Lost) Art of Storytellin'" is a truthful statement about where most rap songs are at today. They rely more on abusive lyrics, instead of just telling a story. If you want to hear rap music the way it should be done, you won't be disappointed when you hear "The Burden of Proof."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Jenuine J.A.'s music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Morning Grooves" by Alessandro Bottura (Jazz Artist from Italy)

Jaco Pastorius would be proud to hear the bass chops of jazz artist Alessandro Bottura. His latest record, "Morning Grooves" is a smooth fusion of rock, jazz, and pop instrumentals all rolled into one amazing sound. Bottura's bass playing speaks for itself and is immediately evident right from the opening track, "Out of Sight." His jazz fueled bass runs fly up and down the neck and are nicely driven by some outstanding guitar/drum work. Bottura changes gears a bit and slow things down on "Sweet Tears," which also highlights his staccato playing skills. Any fan of Jaco Pastorius or of virtuoso bass playing will love this album, plus the band behind Bottura is just as exceptional as he.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Alessandro Bottura's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Jambossa" by Stevan Pasero (Jazz Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

The amazing finger style talents of guitarist Stevan Pasero are undeniable on his latest effort, "Jambossa." The record, an eclectic mix of jazz, flamenco, classical, Brazilian, and tango, also offers listeners some tasty covers to boot. For starters, Pasero takes his aim on Van Morrison's classic "Moondance" and the outcome is brilliant. You also have to listen to his cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven," it is pretty remarkable. Pasero transforms this classic rock epic into a bouncy, Latin pop song with a jazz infused shuffle, light years away from the original recording. Don't let the covers make you forget just how exceptional a guitarist Pasero is, his talent is superb and his soloing shines through on tracks like "Boulevard of Broken Dreams." If you want to hear some fine guitar playing or like listening to well performed cover songs, "Jambossa" is a safe bet.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Stevan Pasero Trio's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"In Season Songs for the Sin Sick Soul" by Harry Smyer (Spiritual Artist from California(CA))

Harry Smyer is a talent that we hope will be heard by the whole world soon enough. His record, "In Season Songs for the Sin Sick Soul," is a tasty mix of 50's soul and southern gospel. Although each song is spiritually themed, this shouldn't stop you from giving this record a good chance if that genre isn't your thing. Smyer's vocals are steeped in the sounds of Sam & Dave or Eddie Kendricks, which is no easy feat. Whether it's "Walk Around Heaven All Day" or "I Got Something Within Me," Smyer consistently delivers a fine performance and will make you wish he was preaching down the street from your house. There is also a beautiful classic gospel cover, "Just a Closer Walk With Thee," which he eloquently puts his own stamp on. Be sure to give a good listen to the fine guitar playing on this record which is very James Burton-esque. Whether you're a gospel fan or just looking for some good soul music, Harry Smyer and his album, "In Season Songs for the Sin Sick Soul," is the way to go.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out HARRY SMYER 's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"A Thousand Songs" by Ric Seaberg (Rock Artist from Portland, Oregon (OR))

Veteran songwriter Ric Seaberg takes listeners for a musical journey through his life and much more on "A Thousand Songs." Overall, Seaberg's songs are very reminiscent of late 70's Jackson Browne, both in his vocal approach and melodies. The Browne influence can be heard throughout the disc, but is most recognizable on "The Queen of Hollywood High" and "In My Daddy's Car." There are also some faint hints of John Lennon and Warren Zevon scattered about as well. Seaberg also touches upon the subject of divorce in songs such as "Make it About Me" and "Smiley Emoticon." His ability to write openly about his life experiences and feelings makes it very easy for any listener to attach themselves to these great songs. Any Jackson Browne or Brian Wilson fan will be spinning "A Thousand Songs" over and over again.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Ric Seaberg's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Take My Soul" by Shak (World/New Age Artist from Washington (WA))

Instrumentalist and songwriter, Shak, has written a very unique love story on his latest album, "Take My Soul." Although it is all instrumental, Shak does an excellent job depicting a couple's blossoming and sometimes tumultuous relationship through song. Listen to "A New Dawn," a track which screams of hope and curiosity, much like any new relationship. Along the way, the couple goes through extreme highs and lows, all documented through the creative mind of Shak. Sometimes the couple's relationship is doing well as heard on "Close to My Heart" and sometimes not, which "I Am Sorry" clearly portrays. Shak does an outstanding job composing his well written emotional feelings through melody and instrumentation about what most average couples all go through. If you are looking for a really interesting CD and you love instrumentals, then you won't be disappointed when you listen to "Take My Soul."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Shak's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"God, Love & Mexico" by Game Six (Country Artist from Washington (WA))

The musical duo, Game Six, mixes country music with spiritual themes, tropical, folk, rock, Latin, and jazz sounds on "God, Love & Mexico." Their sound is primarily country, but the choices of instrumentation really throws each song in a different direction. For instance, "Shamrock Bar" has the classic pedal steel sound which is very much associated with country, but it is played more in a Hawaiian/Slack key form with a tropical drum groove underneath. "Bahia de Banderas" is also another unique track that features some eclectic Mexican sounds with a sweet brass section and the occasional Spanish sung vocals. "God, Love & Mexico" is a great CD for any Jimmy Buffet fan as it mixes country with tropical themes throughout.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Game Six's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, March 19, 2009

"I Wanna Dream" by Warped Angel (Electronica Artist from Las Vegas, Nevada (NV))

From the city that brought us Wayne Newton and The Killers, Las Vegas' own Warped Angel are back with their newest disc "I Wanna Dream." The band is comprised of singer/songwriter Lisa Chambliss and musician/songwriter Chris Chimo. Together, they have created an album filled with industrial and electro angst. Don't take that last sentence lightly, Chambliss' voice is chocked full of emotion and drive. "We use the power of emotion to write the lyrics and compose the music," says Chambliss and that can easily be heard on the title track "I Wanna Dream." There are also some hints of Nine Inch Nails hardcore tones scattered about this disc. Just listen to songs like "Distance" and "My War" as they ooze that NIN sound. If you are into that Euro/Industrial rock sound, than Warped Angel is a safe bet.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Warped Angel's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Experienced Zydeco Riders" by E.Z. Riders (Rock Artist from New York (NY))

The blues/rock band, E.Z. Riders, have released a throwback to the days of Humble Pie with their latest effort, "Experienced Zydeco Riders." Their roots are obvious, with raging Steve Marriott guitar riffs and gritty vocal tones reminiscent of early ZZ Top. "Witchy Woman" is by far the best track on the CD and is not an Eagles cover. Instead, it is an E.Z. Riders blues jaunt, filled with Lynyrd Skynyrd style slide guitar playing. That is really what this band and this disc are all about; strong and rocking guitars. If you crave more string bending guitar action, give a listen to songs like "I Should Have Quit You" and "Mean Mistreater" and you will get your fill. "Experienced Zydeco Riders" belongs in the hands of any 70's blues/rock fan.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out E.Z Riders's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Inside the Helix" by Mystic & Miranda (Soul/Urban Artist from New York (NY))

R&B gets an upbeat facelift with the fresh sounds of Mystic & Miranda. The duo's latest album, "Inside the Helix," sounds like what Toni Braxton would if she threw in some hip-hop. The hip-hop style is actually the coolest thing about Mystic & Miranda, as what could be just another female fronted R&B disc, is danceable and grooving at the same time. "Crying Game" features some of their finest vocal performances on the album. Together, they complement one another's voices quite well without overstepping each other. The musicality is also a treat as listeners get some good chunks of hip-hop beats and melodies on songs like "Fallin' (Heart is Callin')" and "Just Another Day." Any true hip-hop fan will love "Inside the Helix" as will the old school Janet Jackson lover.

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Mystic & Miranda's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"Voluntad" by Gal Tamir (Latin Artist from South America)

From the stages of theatre to the world of pop music, Gal Tamir is proving his worth with "Voluntad." Between being raised in Israel and performing on stage in various plays such as Grease, Tamir gathers up all of his influences to produce a well written Latin pop record. His warm, mature voice is really what makes this album come alive and it does not let you down. A solo vocal on "Nadie Nos Vio" shows Tamir's vocal range and just what he has to offer. There is also a beautiful duet with a lead female vocalist on "Sueno," which compliments Tamir's voice very nicely. Also, keep your ears alert for the standard Latin dance number on the track "Donde Van?." Any fan that is fluent in Spanish or a fan of Latin pop music will thoroughly enjoy "Voluntad."

-Shaun H. and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Gal Tamir's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

"Anything But Love" by Brooksie Wells (Rock/Pop Artist from New York (NY))

Female vocalist/songwriter Brooksie Wells serves up some well-written pop/rock with a touch of blues on her latest album, titled "Anything But Love." Wells' vocals glide through each track with style and grace while delivering crisp and clean clarity. Wells has a talent for writing, as her lyrics are well-composed with meaningful content. Be sure to take note of the dynamic balance between vocals and instruments giving this album a high-quality sound. Look no further for that old school guitar sound on tunes such as "Talk to You" or "Loose End." Feel the bluesy tones of the harmonica on "High Road" while the background vocals balance out this catchy little tune. Fans of Bonnie Raitt or Dixie Chicks won't be disappointed when hearing Brooksie Wells' "Anything But Love," full of pop blended with blues.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Brooksie Wells's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Saturday, March 7, 2009

"Nondirectional" by Roch Lockyer (Jazz Artist from California(CA))

What do you get when you take a touch of smooth jazz and a heaping mound of tasty guitar chops? Well, the final result would very much sound like Roch Lockyer's latest effort "Nondirectional." Lockyer's jazz guitar skills are right up there with the likes of Pat Metheny and John Scofield. His licks are most defiant on tracks like "Major Transitions (A Life)" and "Monk's House." Roch's improvisational jazz runs will make any guitarist stand up and take listen to this album. There are also some great moments from bassist Bijoux Barbosa, who lays down some funky jazz grooves under Roch's guitar work. Alluring piano chords and the vibrant trumpet also embellish these smooth and delectable arrangements. This album is a necessity for any jazz guitar enthusiast or a fan of Pat Metheny.

-Shaun H. and the radioindy.com reviewer team
Check out Roch Lockyer's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites