Thursday, April 30, 2009

"No One Claps For The Low Notes" by The Soiree Band (Jazz/Blues Artist from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (PA))

Shake up a dirty martini and throw on "No One Claps For The Low Notes," the second jazz CD from Pittsburgh's The Soiree Band. Now with a larger ensemble of nine horns, this modern big band is certain to get you tapping your foot and feeling the groove. The strong and solid brass section performs with intense precision and is well balanced by the supporting instruments. In addition to the swinging big band arrangements, this album delivers fine vocal expertise from talented singer Christina Cataldo as heard on jazz/soul ballads like "Since I Fell For You" and an original and energetic command on a classic cover of "Gimme Some Lovin." "No One Claps For The Low Notes" is a dynamic album with a tonality that effectively matches the throwback classic styles of the big band era. You will be delighted to hear these fun and tasteful tunes with cool jazz style.

-Max B and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009

"Bandaids on Bullet Wounds" by Black Lung Bandits (Rock Artist from California(CA))

From the infectious opening track, "It's Just Our Way," by original and innovating artists Black Lung Bandits, they establish a coalition of genres on their album "Bandaids on Bullet Wounds." The first track kicks off with an organic four on the floor pulse, balanced with dirty guitar interjections, and baritone vocal twang. There are songs with hard syncopated rhythms and riffs such as "On the Verge of a Good Feeling" or "The Girl from Iwo Jima" later juxtaposed by a more folk-infused approach, hip-hop rhyming, and even mariachi. One such example of this creativity is "Another Place" with edgy guitars, Middle Eastern tonality, and rapping rhymes. Saying that Black Lung Bandits are eclectic would be an understatement as they have originality and pull off the diversity of these genres. "Bandaids on Bullet Wounds" is a disc well worth hearing with the unique and fresh sounds of hard core rock, a touch of folk and rhyming hip-hop.

-Max B and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out Black Lung Bandits's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

Thursday, April 23, 2009

"Raincoat" by Greg Gibbs (Rap Artist from Illinois(IL))

What do you get when you take a person with a sense of humor and a talent for music? It won't be hard to find the answer when you hear "Raincoat," the latest album by singer/composer Greg Gibbs. This collection has over forty tracks featuring a wide variety of musical styles in such genres as electronica, hip-hop, and rock. Sit back and kick up your feet to the relaxing ambiance of the guitar on such tracks as "Bacon Boat" or "Ugly Fish." Gibbs definitely will put a smile on your face with his humorous lyrics, especially when you listen to the rock version of "You Don't Know What I like On My Pizza." There are catchy guitar riffs and bouncy drum beats on the melodic rock song "Raincoat." Switching to electronica, "Pokie" is soothing while sustaining an intellectual feel. His wordplay on the rap track "I'm a Rapper that Sings" flows with style and finesse. Fans of witty tunes with a variety of musical styles will really take pleasure in hearing Greg Gibb's "Raincoat."

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

"Saving America" by Michael Behm (Pop Artist from British Columbia, Canada)

Talented artist Michael Behm, no stranger to the music scene, has released his fifth album, titled "Saving America." A Canadian, Behm projects his insights about his neighbors that are south of the border through his music. This album offers up a collection of some power pop/rock tunes with creative lyrics and song titles. There is a hint of influences of band greats such as the Beatles on tracks "The Art Of Letting Go" and Danger Boy." Not only does Behm have strong and solid vocals, but he gives listeners a taste of his guitar abilities with clean-cut power chords on "Honesty." The ballad "Lincoln" presents another side to the range this album has, as the piano highlights a rock solid accompaniment. Look no further than "Saving America" by Michael Behm if you want to hear some fun and enjoyable pop/rock music.

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

"Let's Make a Truce" by Transit Only (Rock Artist from Washington(WA))

Sit back and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of "Let's Make a Truce," Transit Only's latest release. This duo performs with laid back vocals complemented by guitar and piano. Feel the chemistry between these two musicians as they carry out dreamy, easy listening arrangements. Vocals are soft and tender, which blend with the heartfelt lyrics. "Parachute Boy" mingles the vocals and instruments with graceful style. "Bye, Bye Baby" moves up in tempo and has a nice strumming guitar, while the piano helps maintain the balance of this tune. If you are looking to hear some ideal mood music, then check out Transit Only's "Let's Make a Truce," especially for listeners who are a fan of John Mayer or Augustana.

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

"Live at the Bluebird Cafe" by Celeste (Blues Artist from Ohio(OH))

"Live at the Bluebird Cafe" is the latest release by Grammy nominee artist Celeste. Featured on this album is a wonderful collection of performances highlighting Celeste's vocal abilities with various styles and lyrics. This highly talented country/blues singer and songwriter kicks out vocals that are melodic, strong, and alluring. Her bluesy and bold lyrics on "I Can Change My Mind" will have all women nodding their heads in agreement. "Suddenly, We're All French" has witty and fun lyrics which Celeste delivers with easy flowing spoken wordplay. Sweet and tender, "Body and Soul" shows the diversity in style this delightful singer has to offer. Celeste's "Live at the Bluebird Café" is a great album to hear especially if you're looking for some new and refreshing country and blues.

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

"Original Live Cast Recording" by Banjo Boy (Easy Listening Artist from New York(NY))

Vibrant and entertaining show tunes is what listeners will hear on "Original Live Cast Recording" by Banjo Boy. This album contains a bustle of energy with versatility to cover a range of music. Take a step back to barber shop style of vocal prowess on the track "The Clip-Clop Life." Humorous and amusing lyrics highlight the comical song "The Only Time To Act Is Now." A charming and delightful holiday ballad "Where Is The Christmas" also graces this collection of brilliant tunes. Clever arrangements and solid performances give this album an enjoyable musical experience. Banjo Boy's "Original Live Cast Recording" is a wonderful album to hear especially if you like energetic show tunes with memorable originality.

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

"Indigo" by Cheryl Hodge (Jazz Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

With her most recent album release "Indigo," talented vocalist/composer Cheryl Hodge shines on this fantastic jazz performance. Hodge's gift of music is thoroughly enjoyed with her vocals that are polished and sophisticated. Take note of the strong and solid range her voice carries especially on the title track "Indigo." Feel the expression and emotion pouring out as she delivers an amazing collection of songs. Listeners will notice the outstanding support from band members as they blend balance and texture while adding a cool swing feel with soft brushes on drums, sweet guitar riffs, or electric piano. Let the melodic sax riffs carry you away on "Guide to Recovery." If you are looking to hear jazz with refreshing vocals, then you will definitely want to add Cheryl Hodge's "Indigo" to your collection.

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

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Sacred Fire" by Jonae' (Easy Listening Artist from Tennessee(TN))

Melodic and fascinating is the recently released disc "Sacred Fire" by innovative artist Jonae'. With a unique blend of violin, cello, viola, guitar, and world percussion the tracks on this CD have a very rich and instrumentally layered sound. There is a strong rhythmic backing to these songs and a unique sound. The CD is energetic and filled with vibrant and upbeat instrumental arrangements. Take for example the titled track "The Sacred Fire" as the burning runs on the strings gives spirited life to this dynamic piece. Feel the rhythmic beats of the percussion as it swirls around the strings on "Fireflies." Showing a little versatility and moving the tempo to a waltz feel, which is seldom heard these days, "Blue Mountain Waltz" draws attention with the beautiful balance of harmonies of the strings. "Sacred Fire" is a wonderful collection of contemporary instrumentals and is a CD well worth listening to.

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

"Limpopo" by New World Jazz Project (Jazz Artist from San Francisco, California(CA))

Catch the cool and refreshing jazz feel blended with Latin and soul on "Limpopo" by New World Jazz Project. These creative and invigorating melodies were written through the sounds and textures experienced from travels abroad. This CD prominently features the alluring expressions of the sax tastefully blended with other instruments. The musicianship on the CD is very impressive. Slow and steamy, "You Don't Know What Love Is" is flavored with colorful chord progressions on keys while the drums deliver soft brushes and steady snare hits. Taking the lead on "Fava Beans," the flute carries you away with breathy and melodic phrasing. "Call of the Toucan" is delightfully filled with dreamscape sounds and gives the impression of a toucan actually talking. "Limpopo" will impress all jazz fans and is a disc gracefully balanced with Latin/soul roots.

-Diane and the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
Check out New World Jazz Project's music on RadioIndy.com with link to purchase and links to popular sites

"I Am" by James McKenna (Pop Artist from Los Angeles, California(CA))

Sheer entertainment describes James McKenna's first full length album, "I Am." McKenna has creatively taken pop/rock music and splashed country ambiance into it. His vocals are strong and polished with lyrics that are straight from the heart. The tracks on this CD are full of energy and enthusiasm, and nicely delivered with high quality production. Catchy and upbeat, "No Remedies" is a pop/rock track with a powerful, sing-along chorus. "Seven Cigarettes" is a poignant and exquisite composition brimming with acoustic country flair. If you are looking to hear intelligent music that merges pop/rock and a little country, then look no further when you hear "I Am."

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

Thursday, April 9, 2009

"Life Like Sad Music" by Chancellorpink (Pop Artist from Pennsylvania(PA))

Chancellorpink busts out the John Lennon influences in full on his latest disc, "Life Like Sad Music." Although there are more influences present on this record, it seems that the late Beatle has inspired Chancellorpink (aka Ray McLaughlin) in a big way. Listening to songs like "Dying Dreams Day" and "Walk On Water," evokes the album "Double Fantasy"/late 70's Lennon tone that we have all grown to love. McLaughlin's vocal melodies and low tonality screams of that era and he pulls it off quite well. There is also a strong David Bowie influence, more heard in the music than the singing. For instance, there seems to be some throwbacks to Bowie's "Tin Machine" album, a disc (like this one) that was filled with experimental music sounds. This unique sound can be heard on songs like "Third Time, No Charm." If you are into Lennon's latter work, then you will thoroughly enjoy "Life Like Sad Music."

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