Sunday, May 17, 2015

Jesse Ballard, Holding Nothing Back with Solid Hits Let Loose

Cut It All Loose - With a heart full of soul Jesse Ballard opens his heart on this release and lets you into his world. Smooth sounds that sooth the broken heart and calm mind roll from the vocal approach of Mr. Ballard. Whether it’s the driving tone on the title track or the gentle key and flute work on “Every Time I See You”, Jesse creates textures that will appeal to a variety of tastes. In a plea for peace JB sarcastically phrases “Just Another War” in an effort to show the senseless waste of human life that is never truly appreciated. Soundscapes on this record are strong in Pop, Rock and R&B. The mix is well balanced. Guitars shine like a golden sun reflecting off a clear pure shoreline. Percussion work is tight and right in the pocket. Bass guitar work brings a deft amount of groove and undertones the sour feelings, but washes away the pain. With a nod to Folk tones the opening of “Constantly In View” Jesse sings raw and from the heart wishing for and even-handed day. Cranking up the Rock n’ Roll swing JB throws down on “I Just Can’t Wait” for a long lost love and the longing to have them back in his arms. You can almost taste the sweat in the air as he hurries to the airport. Many of the tracks here would be great for a movie soundtrack for the depth of passion and imagery conveyed is poetic and thick. Rounding out the set with “Once Upon A Time” you hear a man dedicated to passing on knowledge through the notes of musical scales. One thing is for certain, and that is Jesse is a tried and true storyteller. With a life lived full of experiences Mr. B isn’t just a love song hack. He is the real deal with a real heart for music. I would highly recommend this album to those that like Rock, Blues, Folk, R&B, Pop and Americana genres. With Cut It All Loose you will definitely cut yourself in on a good time. 


Michael
Music Reviews


Bucket Fresh Studios, Out From the Underground

Fuck Gotham City Chapter 1 - Concept albums are always tricky business especially in this day of single oriented sales. Bucket Fresh Studios deliver here with a Batman and Robin storyline. With a deep load of samples from the famous franchise and a stable of artists this album takes you off on a journey behind the mind of Batman and his foes. This release is Grade A underground Rap. From track to track you get a delivery of thick beats and variety of background textures that allows this mixtape to evolve while never getting stale. With a top talent producer in Mufasa RKG he reins in all the ideas like a Grand Master chess player. Breakout spins that stand strong are “Pawns” and “The Getaway”. I would recommend this album to those that like the underground vibe in music. While the sample rate on much of the tracks lends to mild sonic distortions the tracks, they hold up strong, and this is one of those keepsakes that you can pull out months later and prove your cred in music by showing that you were into Bucket Fresh Studios before the whole world knew about them. 


Michael
Music Reviews


Young Tipzey, For a Spin of a Ride You Gotta Hit This Stoner

“Stoner” - An oriental soundscape sets the scene for this number from Young Tipzey, however if you think that this cut isn’t going to have any bounce you got another thing coming. The backing tracks are lush in nature and you almost feel the cherry blossoms raining from the trees and the cool breeze rolling over your skin. While some of the notes seem to fall of beat the track is interesting enough and creates a nice bed for YT to flow over. A tight kick holds the beat in check and provides concrete points to counter over. Young Tipzey either uses an uncommon mic placement or short delay effect on his vocals here. The result is a minor echo or short stutter effect that adds to the dream quality of the track. For a quick freestyle cut this serves a purpose, but for a longer composition I would recommend raising the level of the vocal track or cleaning it up some so that the lyrical delivery is unveiled better. Presentations such as these always makes you wish that they were longer, so inevitably you end up listening over and over again. Young Tipzey shows a talent for flair and thinking outside of the box producing with untraditional sounds. I would recommend this cut to those that like Rap, Hip Hop or Alternative genres. While YT is getting Zen with “Stoner” he shares like a pal and takes you along for the ride. 



Michael 
Music Reviews


The Mighty Cash Cats, Not Just Reliving the Past but Spinning Towards the Future

The Ballad of Johnny and June - With a press of play this release from The Mighty Cash Cats will make you think you dusted off your collection of old Johnny Cash LP’s. You don’t have to worry about record scratches or the hiss of the needle crawling across the vinyl here. Just sit back, relax and enjoy 9 great Cash tracks. The guitar work here has done some embellishments to spruce up the well known Cash sound. Those that loved the trumpets in “Ring of Fire” maybe a bit sad to hear their omission, but the core of the songs hold solid and intact. Bass and drum work is more forward on these versions which help the songs have a fresh and pushing sound. A personal favorite of mine was the cover of “Long Legged Guitar Pickin’ Manthe” it had attitude and swagger much embodied in the original. Singing duties on this album come very close to the mark of the originals. No one can ever cover all the nuances of the original Mr. Cash, but Michael nails it bout as good as anyone could, and his “June” does darn good job as well. I will say that I nearly got a case of whiplash on the last track. Coming out of the blue the song, “Ballad of Johnny and June” cut from the rest of the pack. The song had a heavy dose of spitfire. While the world still awaits the arrival of the next Johnny Cash, Michael J. and his Mighty Cash Cats do an excellent job of keep things covered. I would recommend this group to anyone that is a lover of things Johnny Cash and June Carter.



Michael
Music Reviews


The Black Delta Movement, With Groove and Grit It’s Time to Take a Trip

“The Trip” - Guitars Soaked in reverb and fuzz open this song sure to take you on a trip through the mind’s visualization abilities. Vocal delivery saunters out of your speakers like a man who cares little about life and throws a wad of cash up in the air to only let it rain to the ground. To be a great rock singer/frontman you don’t have to have perfect classical delivery, you need attitude and here that quality is on full display. Guitars rage but still obtain a laid back quality that make you feel like you are in the back of a ’62 Impala with the top down with your feet up. Bass guitar holds the groove for this track and will make you feel like you have the perfect buzz on. The Black Delta Movement don’t let you down on this track, and you have no fear of a harsh crash. The drum work holds the ride and keeps the flow fresh. With the kick and snare riding the beat you will feel as if you can kick back and coast this ride all night long. At the 2:18 mark the Movement mellows things out a bit and guitars howl for a spell. You find that moment of space in the song just like when you lock eyes with a beautiful woman and feel compelled to go and introduce yourself. As the tempo begins to ramp up the song peaks into pure Rock n’ Roll jubilation. I would highly recommend this track to those that like Rock, Classic Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Alternative and Garage Rock. Life can be too serious too much of the time. Take “The Trip” with The Black Delta Movement and cut loose for a few. You won’t regret it and they’re happy to come along for the ride. 




Michael
Music Reviews


Cats Park, Reveling Organic Bliss in Plastic World

“Plastic World” - With hypnotic guitars that call to your soul and beckon you to come out to play, Cats Park deliver an excellent track once again. With silky vocals from Faijee, she will enchant you senses. You will it find it difficult to not want to sing along wether you know the words or not. Bass lines will carry your feet as you try to float across the floor like the cool breeze. Drum work has just the right amount of groove and swing making it nearly impossible to keep your hands below shoulder level. Guitar tones employ an amount of grit that exemplifies the tension in the world surround. Keyboard textures adds a mellow pulse to this piece that excellently counters the guitar tones and empowers the passion in the percussion work. Together this collection of sounds come together in perfect unison. At the 2:23 mark a cool chill out middle pause helps the song regroup as it builds toward another plateau. Cats Park defines themselves as “Trip-Rock” and live up to the title. I would highly recommend this to those that like Pop, Alternative, Rock and Psychedelic genres. While the onset of a “Plastic World” may be ensuing, Cats Park is here defining what a truly human and organic experience of bliss can sound like. 




Michael
Music Reviews


The Whereabouts, True Careless Rock n’ Roll Bliss

“I Don’t Care” - There is just something about a slinky guitar that puts a swagger in your step, and makes you strut like gigolo on a Friday night. With a dash of sneering attitude vocals come bouncing out of your speakers ready to corrupt your eardrums and then you mind. Wayne has a grit to his vocal approach that will make all the fathers lock up their daughters when this band comes to town. Crooning from behind the mic and rocking the guitar with lead guitarist Scott the two tear up the calm silence and rip chords in tandem that will make you want to dance till you're raining sweat. Hopping up the back of the stage and the seat of your girls pants is Joseph on bass guitar. The infectious bounce he adds to this track will make your girl want to sway and bounce till you go mad. Countered by the searing feedback and slick leads from Scott you will find yourself coming back for more and cranking it up each time. Holding this band of madmen together is Dara on the drums. Holding the tempo and beat down solid he can still throw in snare rolls that make it sound like a humming bird is playing the kit. These guys are authentic Rock n’ Roll. I would highly recommend this to those that like Rock, Garage Rock, Alternative and Pop Rock. While the Whereabouts are screaming “I Don’t Care” at the top of their lungs you will l, and will not want to miss out. 




Michael
Music Reviews


Archers Hope, No Need for an Anchor to Slow Them Down

Broken Anchor - Releasing their brand of Alternative Rock out of Williamsburg, VA this band of young gentlemen lean out into the world of music and onto their guitar strings. From the opening piano strikes in “Walls” Archers Hope hold nothing back and let all their emotions pour out of their heart and straight into their amplifiers. The band has crossover appeal due to the fact of Drew’s melodic vocal approach. Guitar work from Drew and Corey do well to play phrases that move from pads to dissonant passages that open up to chords that soar to the stratosphere like in “Canvas”. The backbone of this band is the drum work from Ben who holds a tight lock on the tempo. With heavy double kick work there is enough drum action here to keep the average Metalhead banging. Ben’s ability to lay textual work behind the melody on this release does well to accent the songs, and he avoids playing heavy just to show off his chops. The shrill guitar tones in the opening of “Tomorrow” exemplify the fact that Archers Hope have some real feeling in their gut and aren’t just following formulas in mainstream Alternative Rock. Hailing the low frequencies like Poseidon in a furious rage John lays down a bed of 4 string girth that gives each song immense power. Even in a power ballad number like “Always” you will find yourself swaying to the cadence of the song due to the pulsing from the bass and its hypnotic groove. Lightning fast single note runs of “Morning Star” hook up with the grit from the bass and hammer of the drum kit to create a musical ecstasy that most Thrash guys will appreciate. They uncannily bridge the classic soundscapes from Alt Rock to Heavy Metal on this release and will surly please followers of both camps. Overall this is a professional release. The mix has quite a bit of breathing room. The vocals shine through and melodies are allowed to spread their wings so that they can rise above the mountains and dive into the valleys of these songs. Guitars have the room to grind without crowding the snap of the snare or slap of the kick drum. With the tune “Brighter” acoustic guitars take over to deliver a solid yet more mellow take of the band. While vocals and lyrics sound as if they lacked some focus here, I am sure with more experiments such as these Archers Hope could easily crank out an interesting acoustic album just as potent as their electric numbers. Phrasing and structure on “My Everything” is rather interesting and while it has an anthemic quality it has a unique flow to it to keep you on the balls of your feet as it bobs and weaves. Closing just as it opened the song “Compass” employs the use of piano which by itself and vocals for the first half of the song, lends for a nice mellow “fade out” track. This is a solid release that I would recommend to those who like Rock, Alternative Rock, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal genres. While the guys from Archers Hope my have delivered a Broken Anchor here they are far from just drifting to sea. They are on a mission and have no need for an anchor because they don’t sound like they want to dock anytime soon. 



Michael
Music Reviews

Grenouer, Past the Point of No Return With a Power Unmatched

“Point of No Return” - The guitars open this track and sound so lonely that you almost wait for autumn leaves to pass by your feet. Grenouer once again deliver an emotional track that not only expresses eloquently how they feel, but also make you think introspectively. Synth percussion sounds propel this song and will dance through your mind like better days remembered. Ghostly vocals muffled seem to echo as if they are your conscience. As the track unfolds traditional acoustic drum work takes over and the track itself opens like a spring blossom of hope. With the weight of a heavy heart the kick and snare almost feel like tears of sorrow hitting the floor like 2 ton bricks. Crystalline like clean guitars sprinkle notes like a cold frost, sharp, clear and poignant. With a growling bass guitar swaying in the background you know that Grenouer haven’t given up yet. Singing from heart they refuse to give up and deliver epic anthemic art song after song. Mellow vocals will drift out of your speakers and seep deep into your soul. With hope for a better day the band cranks it up at the 2:20 mark and they drop the Hard Rock hammer like only Grenouer can. As the soundscape opens for the second half of this song with distorted guitars that ring with a passion power of a mighty lion. As the vocals take flight like an eagle in its peak strength Grenouer show that they have pasted the “Point of No Return” and refuse to give up anytime soon. With tracks like these the good times are just getting started. 




Michael 
Music Reviews


Saturday, May 9, 2015

Feisty Piranhas, Rocking Out Like an Evil Monkey

Evil Monkey - Sometimes wonderful things come out of such dire circumstances. On this posthumous release you gain view to a great Pop Punk band from the sunny lands of L.A. California. Even though Peter Alex Lust is no longer with us, his music still reverberates through the air refusing to die. From the epic openings of the title track you can hear the passion and fury unleashed from a life taken too soon. With grinding guitars you hear the anger that lies within. From behind the mic Peter sings with just as much passion and the notes soar into the air trying to find their way home. The melodic opening of “PCH” unfolds with classic Pop Punk fashion and melodic vocals hold the core of this group solid as an 100 ton anchor. Countering the vocal and guitar dynamics is the drum work from Peter’s father. With fills that fly like a hummingbird’s wings the drum work pushes each song and help them unfold like a golden sunrise. The Reggae textures found on “Change the World” help shake things up and keep the overall the sound of the album from getting stale. The band rocks out lock tight with pure mechanical precision. Production on this release is top shelf. Guitars sound clean and cut through the mix. Drums stay on top of the beat and never vary in tempo. Bass guitars hold down the low-end and add just right amount of bounce to each track. The anthemic rocker, “From Within” sounds like a solid rallying cry from a man refusing to give up. Turning the page and completely mixing things up comes “Memories” with acoustic guitars and a laid back guitar solo you can almost hear the tears smashing on the floor. With so much ground covered here I would recommend this album to those that like Rock, Pop Punk Reggae and Alternative genres. While Peter may have left us all there is still plenty to sink your teeth into from this Feisty Piranha.



Michael
Music Reviews


Stacy Jones, Pouring a Round of True Sass and Class

Whiskey Wine & Water - From behind the microphone  Stacy Jones will kick you so hard you will fall backwards over your chair. This is truly a band that knows their craft and will have you swinging hard. With foot stomping attitude Stacy and the band will have dancing the floor afire with the track “Can’t Do Nothing Right”. From the snap in the snare, the pulse of the bass and the sizzle of guitars Stacy sets you up for a time of great fun. With the acoustic guitar swagger on “You and Me Tonight” you will feel like grabbing your love and holding them tight all night long. Fiddle work weaves like a true hard passion through this song that is so sweet you might just get a toothache. Overall the production on this collection is top shelf and you can tell this is no band of hillbillies cutting in their daddy’s garage. This is a band of true, seasoned pros. With a bit of slide in your step you will sway to the cool breeze that blows through your soul on “Dreams”. Stacy has a classic voice that commands from the mic. She can weave tales with her voice that make you feel like you are there with her. A true artist with a  soulful voice you will open your eyes while listening and feel a bit sad that she is not right there in the room with you. The chicken pickin on, “Hole in My Sole” add extra flavor with the right dash of sass. The rhythm section of ensemble is undeniably  one of the greats. Drum work is in perfect balance with the band and adds the right amount of kick and roll. Bass guitar work pulses the tunes along and courts your ears to dance like a sultry lover. With title track in ear, “Whiskey Wine & Water” resisting the urge to hit your local Honky Tonk and tear up the night is going to be hard to do. Stacy Jones delivers a soundtrack for great fun and trouble all night long just make sure you don’t get caught. I would highly recommend this album to those that like Country, Blues, Rock or a 5 star class of sass. You don’t need to wait till the weekend to have too much fun. Just slide over and press play for just the right dose of Whiskey, Wine & Water.


Michael
Music Reviews


Ramesh B. Weeratunga, An Album For the World Two People at a Time

Two People - With a delicate touch Ramesh slides into your heart and soul. From the opening title track he creates a mood that radiates love and uplifts. With touching acoustic guitar work “Madha” floats around your ears and beckons you to come in Ramesh’s world of auditory bliss. Mr. Weeratunga does an excellent job of taking traditional Pop, Folk and Rock elements and combining them with Electronic and World sounds to create a true piece of art. One thread that remains constant from track to track is Ramesh’s vocals. You almost feel as if he is singing to just you up close and personal. I feel a strong Pink Floyd influence here and if you are a lover of the Floyd then you will fall head over heels for Ramesh. Not only does he pick up where they left off but he pushes the envelope even further and does it with such beauty and passion that I am sure even Mr. Waters would be a bit jealous. While this release is probably not what you would want to listen to when trying to get amped up for a football match, this is an excellent collection of songs to listen to at the end of a long hectic day. Kicking the tempo and spirit up a bit the number, “Healing Tree”  has a real snap to it. The world has so much that it can throw at you every single minute of every day its nice to have art that can calm the mind and help regain your center. Songs off this release roll over the air like a fresh water spring over land. A personal favorite is the cut “Mr. Hurry” featuring Momo Djender. While full of spirit the song has the ability to make you want calm down and smell the roses. With the number “Erotic Paradise” Mr. Weeratunga shows off his off-center comedic artistic flare. Creating atmosphere on every track and keeping it fresh you have a collection from a true artist that his helping make the world a better place one note at a time. I would highly recommend this album to those that like Rock, Progressive, World, Electrobeat and Funk. With so much static in the air it’s nice to listen to an album that makes you feel like there are just Two People in the room. 


Michael
Music Reviews
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John Enghauser, Getting You Through Your Day With a Dose of Reality

 Reality - Like an onion that never makes you cry and only reveals more sweetness with each layer John has managed to create a beautiful piece of work in Reality. This is truly a guitar album with tantalizing notes hiding in ever single sonic corner. With the opening track “Black Dress” you are immediately launched into an uptempo number that makes you feel like running on the beach on a wonderful summer day. With its shift in dynamics the you will find yourself wanting to dance a funky breakdown in your car, living room or no matter where you are. On the track, “Keep Your Jacket On”, you hear John cranking some blues influenced rock with grinding slide work and acoustic bliss. This is the type of record that you would want to put on while you run errands around town. Its got the spunk to get you through you day no matter how much you find going to the laundry mat a bore. Shifting gears in “Reality” Mr. Enghauser reaches for a larger sound and even brings in some ballsy brass. Such strutting numbers are great for those days when you awake and realize that once again you for got to buy coffee and need a pick-me-up. Production on this release is done rather well but has a nice “indie” streak running through it for good measure. The guitars sound absolutely awesome providing a smooth bead of grass for theses songs to frolic in. Bass guitar tones are round, full and in the pocket and give true power to this collection. Drum work holds the beat and keeps the band together with its sonic glue. Holding the right amount of snap it keeps everything in check. Singing on this release from John explores different approaches showing that he is no one trick pony. John has the ability to write interesting songs and has the voice to back them up. Even on such low-key numbers like “Tears of Yesterday” John lays a bed of harmonies that sound so sweet he barely needs any backing instruments. With a bit of electronic flare the song “Tower” takes you on a journey of the mind, spirit and soul. With its thick groove, spirited drum work, grit and grind it certainly was a standout track for me. Rounding out this collection in delicate acoustic fashion is “We Hear You Cry”. With shakers counting off like sands of time and gentle acoustic guitars that float through the air with hope and promise till 2:17 where John explodes with powerful drums and explosive electric guitars. You can almost feel yourself grow three feet taller. I would recommend this album to those that like Rock, Blues-Rock, Classic Rock, Pop Rock and Alternative. With so much craziness in the world you may often feel like you need a reset of Reality, and with this Mr. Enghauser truly delivers. 


Michael 
Music Reviews

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Jim Baugh, Power of an Earthquake and the Passion of an Artist

Benefit Concert for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra -  Continental plates shift and grind creating great earthquakes that can destroy beyond imagination. Climate fronts of hot and cold air collide and can generate massive tornados that rip across the plains and give the great mother nature a facelift. And so 12 notes colored black white on a piano over and over again can evoke such tension and release. With Jim’s fast and furious right hand glancing across the keys of his piano grace and beauty roll off the soundboard and into the air. From the power of his left hand it almost feels as if he can on his own construct massive mountain ranges. Truly a seasoned talent in conjunction with his passion Jim creates where others merely observe. You will find yourself wishing to take flight like a hawk in its prime, so that you can soar high into the air where you can savor the notes longer and truly realize that vastness on display. A specific treat is his original composition entitled “KE”, while a dedication to Keith Emerson Jim seems to also excel in channeling the greats into his own playing. Even if you are not a fan of Jazz or Progressive Rock I would highly recommend taking an opportunity to watch this talent on display. For even those that like a catchy tune on the radio will appreciate the true artistry on display here.

Entire concert (edited)

Michael
Music Reviews


Michele D’Amour and the Love Dealers, Laying Out the Real Deal

Ante Up - You know every once in a while I spin a record and I hear a voice crack in my feeble mind and it says something like, “You damn youngins and yer yay yay whoop whoop music. If you knew anything bout anything you would be listening to the blues. What you done be listenin to know is bad recycled trash!” With Michele and her Love Dealers you have a release that just gets down and plainly plays the blues. The guitars have a great cut to them and will pierce your heart and covert your soul. They can get right up in your face like a dog howling at the moon or lay back and sound like a sour heart has been plugged straight into an amplifier. The bass work on this collection is really great. Laying in the pocket between the guitar and the drums it can dance like a seasoned woman of the night or wind through the song like a cool breeze on a hot summer night. Hitting the skins in all the right places, the drum skills on display here work excellently to evolve peak moments in each song to ring paramount. Whether it's laying back and cracking the rim of the snare to exemplify a somber mood, or cranking it up with the right amount of bounce the drum work fits the bill on every single track. Fronting this band of seasoned blues rascals is Michele D’Amour. With her smooth delivery she sets up for nice laid back journey through the heart of a blues soul. With all the dirt that her backing band kicks up it would be nice to hear Michele get a little dirty on the vocal side but her voice is hers and she holds her own. She can wind a tale of serious heartache or cut up over the blues “Dress Code”. I would recommend this band to those that like the blues genre. So with this gauntlet thrown down Michele and the Love Dealers challenge you to Ante Up and throw the current fad called Pop Music aside and listen to something real.

Links: 




Michael
Music Reviews


Clay Howard, Its Time You Found Out Who the Hell is Clay Howard!

Who the Hell is Clay Howard? - Its rare anymore to hear a real rock band at the top of the charts, but here Clay Howard cranks one and doesn’t even care if you know his name. With the grinding of the six strings, cracking of real drums and the groove of bass guitar you might not know who Clay is before you spin this, but you will by the end of this record. On display is a man that spins out one great song after another. This is truly just a great rock record. I am sure that many will try and call this Alternative or Indie but this is just an awesome rock record. Clay has a voice that is just made for great rock songs. His searing voice has the ability to soar into the heavens while possessing the grit of  a soul that has lived life the hard way. While nay sayers of the rock quote cliche cracks about how “it all sounds the same” obviously they haven’t heard Clay and his band in action. While guitars don’t ape the classic tones of Jimi Hendrix they often employ interesting use of effects that help each song have its own voice and push the sonic envelope. Backing the voice and grind of this band is the groove of the bass guitar, which will make it nearly impossible to keep your girl standing still no matter how tight her jeans are. Rounding out this powerhouse dynamo is touch and power from behind the drum kit. Whether pummeling the skins with reckless abandon or adding that right amount of sizzle to the track, the drums take this band from a bunch of guys in their garage to a future Rock n Roll hall of fame nominee. This band truly has the goods. I would highly recommend this album to those that like Rock, Pop, Indie and Alternative genres. Who the Hell is Clay Howard? He’s the guy who’s going to melt your face off with pure Rock ecstasy. 

http://www.clayhoward.com
http://www.thesilveralerts.com
http://www.amazon.com/Who-Hell-Is-Clay-Howard/dp/B00UUK3HFU/ref=zg_bsnr_195254011_6 

Michael 
Music Reviews