Anne Stott
“Born Under a Full Moon,” the first single from ANNE STOTT’s upcoming third album, Watershed Synapse Experience, is a cinematic alt.rock anthem born out of the restless need for… for more. For release. For abandon. The growling guitars and spare drum kit bring an indie moodiness that takes Stott’s rich raw sound to new depths. Recorded in one night on a full moon (in mercury retrograde), ”Born Under a Full Moon” was produced by Barb Morrison (Deborah Harry, Rufus Wainwright, Gina Volpe). Official Video For Anne Stott’s “Born Under A Full Moon” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sIBssUsgIY Incisive. Vibrant. Dramatic. Provincetown, MA-based Anne Stott is a singer/songwriter, actor and political rabble rouser whose style has evolved from indie folk rock to a more elastic and enigmatic sound embracing eighties pop, Indian chant, and spoken word aesthetics.
Her second album Love Never Dies peaked at #19 on the Relix radio chart and aired on stations across the US and Canada. Anne’s “good girl to the bad girls and bad girl to the good girls” energy brings an edgy compassion to the hundreds of gigs she has performed along the Eastern Seaboard and beyond. As an actor she has appeared in plays at many Cape Cod theaters and short films and was a presenter at the first annual TEDx Provincetown. Musicians on “Born Under A Full Moon” Vocals & guitar by Anne Stott All other instruments by Barb Morrison & Jeremy Kinney Produced by Barb Morrison
Ben Okafor and The Liberators
On the album Politic YoYo, the music of Ben Okafor & The Liberators moves effortlessly between the best of African Reggae with its rich lyrical heritage, classic folk protest songs in the vein of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” and driving reggae beats betraying the early influence of Peter Tosh, the Wailers, and Marley himself. And it’s all flavoured with a hint of jazz, rock, and ska. According to Okafor, the album’s title is about the state of affairs with politicians these days: “You know if just kind of feels that right now, we are shoved from one corner to another in terms of broken promises. That’s the current state of politics. Feels like it’s time to say something about that.
Time to say things as they are.” Ben’s earliest musical memories of are live street performances of West African Hi-Life—dancers and percussion bands in the market squares of eastern Nigeria. Ibo and European church music, alongside his mother’s love of Miriam Makeba, combined with influences from James Brown, Jimmy Cliff, The Beatles, Fela Kuti and The Wailers. Ben’s sound is a combination of rich lyrical African heritage, folk protest and driving reggae beats, which led to winning the Outstanding British Reggae Artist Award.
Ben moved to the UK in 1979 and soon released two albums, both produced by Bob Lamb of UB40 fame. Ben’s commitment to social justice later led to collaborations with Amnesty International, The Anti-Apartheid Movement, and The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers. Okafor campaigned and toured as part of War Child and Make Poverty History, always using the global language of music as his main tool. In 2006 Okafor wrote the title track “Bemamou” (Enfants Soldats) for the album No Child Soldiers, featuring Alpha Blondy, Angelique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour and Salif Keita.
BEN OKAFOR: Vocals, guitars, ROGER INNIS: Bass guitar, MARK STEPHENS: Drums, percussion vocals, keys, brass, trumpet, CHRISSY LEMONTE: Vocals, AMAKA OKAFOR: Vocals, CAROLYN MALONEY: Vocals. With: P.J. Wright – led guitar, Mike Stevens – sax and flute, Harvey Jones – keys. Produced by Ben Okafor and Mark Stevens Recorded at Moulton Pie Studios
Beware Wolves
Beware Wolves is as restless as a ghost, a wry, haunted songwriter spiriting across styles, sounds,
moods, and decades. You might hear him in dark woods or moonlit clearings, heart-aching
melodies, salvific harmonies, and buzzing acoustic guitars like a voice on the wind.
Sometimes, he’s wrapped in rapturous ennui, shaking a doomed love’s death rattle, only to lurch,
fangs bared, into a drunken master’s foot-stomping groove. In the morning, you find embers, but
there are too many trails to know which way he’s gone.
Volume 3 finds the songwriter in a liminal mood, caught between desperate pursuits and giving
up ghosts. Only For the Love of You, a Loudon Wainwright-if-psych gloss on love and eternity,
admits “Time, one of these days, is gonna take me.”
Glow is sweeter and sadder, layers of vocals
and guitars creeping vinewise in and around a lolling lullaby you’d hand to John Prine on a back
porch. Elsewhere, Good Ride swaggers and yearns, while Healing Eyes summons Roy Orbison with
a silky smooth high, sweet and lonesome vocal hook over a twangy blues.
Goodbye, Starry Evening
states the record’s thesis, intoning in a luscious milk-and-honey harmony, “Don’t hold on too tight,
you’ll lose your grip.” And closer Heaven & Earth underlines the thought over a gentle pickin’ and
musin’ guitar figure, drifting into the ether with the lyrics “I used to wonder but now I know / If
you want to hold on, let it go.”
Christian Parker
On Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds, CHRISTIAN PARKER lets his band—including, but not limited to, original Byrds session player Earl Poole Ball, Gary Jacob on pedal steel and electric guitar, and Todd Staudinger on backing vocals—stretch their legs and build the album around the individual styles everyone brings to the recording. “Everybody knows their spot, and that was a theme that I picked up on, to let everybody have their moment. It’s the best way to let the music breathe, to hear the beauty of these songs,” Parker explains. You can hear it on the breathtaking harmonies of “Here Without You” and the expertly picked guitar lines that carry “Ballad of Easy Rider.”
It’s an homage to one of the great, overlooked bands of all time, but Parker’s miracle is how he honors the music while still asserting himself as a confident, thrilling songwriter. This ability to blend his voice with some of history’s great songwriters like Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, and Gram Parsons comes from his reverence and respect for the music. The story of Change Is Now: A Tribute To The Byrds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuKlC3L6Qpo Based in upstate New York, Christian Parker has been making music since childhood. He took his first guitar lesson the day after John Lennon was killed, an inauspicious beginning but one that served more as a metaphor for his perseverance than anything else.
A few years later, he was introduced to Bob Dylan’s music, which gave him the songwriting bug. He wrote his first tune, “Reflections,” as 16-years-old, and that song became the title track to his first album, released when he was 17. Through the ‘90s, Parker played regionally and co-wrote several songs with Peter Pendras, who performed with Gail Davies and was a writer for Bug Music. Before his latest tribute to the Byrds, Parker released six studio albums. On Change is Now, he expands his scope even further, imbuing one of music’s great catalogs with his one-of-a-kind voice.
Christos DC
“If Christos DC’s aim was to create a project that was both groundbreaking in its approach and sweeping in its complexity, then he’s achieved those aims with Kung Fu Action Theatre—the result is scintillating and breathtaking.” – Mr. Topple, Pauzeradio CHRISTOS DC’s intriguing new release Kung Fu Action Theatre features roots Reggae beats across an instrumental album that also employs the use of traditional Chinese instruments—a first for the genre. According to Christos DC, “I’ve always been a big fan of instrumental reggae—it gives me inspiration. At the same time, I grew up watching Kung Fu movies and loved the music, which lead me to learn more about Chinese music in general. For several years I’ve had the idea of merging these two styles together and the result is Kung Fu Action Theatre. The backdrop is 100% reggae, but the Chinese instruments blend very well in creating a new sound that seems mysterious in nature.”
The compositions, performances, and production across Kung Fu Action Theatre also feature inventive arrangements – from “Dread and Alive”’s meandering, slightly melancholy rationale to “Far East,” which picks up the pace and fluidity of the rhythmic arrangement. “Long Road” sees Kung Fu Action Theatre hone in on the title of the track, across a mournful, unsettling composition, while “Mystic” brings in something special with its rapid-fire drum arrangement. “Rising Sun” is sheer, shimmering bliss; “Survival” makes the listener feel thoughtful and reflective, while “Swan Lake” (much like “Mountain King”) takes “Song of the Swans” from Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet and reinvigorates it.
Drums: Lincoln Style Scott, Bass: Kenyatta Hill and Christos DC, Keyboards: Laurent “Tippy I” Alfred, Saxophone: Brian Falkowski, Guitar and Guzheng: Christos DC, Erhu: Feifei Yang. Additional Percussion: Kenyatta Hill and Christos DC. Kung Fu Action Theatre is a bold, innovative, and beautifully crafted album that takes the listener on a journey through soundscapes that are as intricate as they are expansive. This project is a must-listen for anyone interested in the fusion of musical genres and the exploration of new sonic territories.
Kung Fu Action Theatre was mixed by Laurent “Tippie” Alfred in St. Croix and mastered by Justin Weis in San Francisco.
Danah Denice - Album
“Danah’s musical prowess, stage presence, and powerful voice [have] her in high demand…as a singer/songwriter. -Extraordinary Entertainment Danah Denice is the powerhouse voice that propelled indie darlings The Dead Pens onto the college radio and indie/non-comm charts. Now she releases her first solo EP: Light From A Dark Room. Written during a period of great personal loss that culminated in the shocking aneurysm of her Dead Pens bandmate, Light From A Dark Room is a beautiful testament to the fragility of life, and the importance of participating in this world with our entire being. In 2020, Danah Denice’s songs and vocals drove her previous project onto the Relix/Jambands.com Top 30 for 3 months.
Unaddressed spent 16 weeks on the CDX-Nashville Americana Charts, 5 weeks on the College Radio Charts, and was added at over 120 radio stations across the country. Her live video, recorded at The Music Space in Baltimore, MD has nearly 600,000 views on Facebook. “To Say Goodbye” was the #9 MMD single in October. Original song “No Rules” and her yearning and powerful cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” are sure to win even more fans. FFO: Fiona Apple, Bonnie Raitt, Christine McVie, Joni Mitchell. www.DanahDenice.com
Danah Denice
DANAH DENICE is the powerful voice that propelled indie darlings The Dead Pens onto the college and indie/non-comm radio charts in 2020. Now she releases the single “To Say Goodbye” from her first solo EP, Light From A Dark Room (due early 2024). Written during a period of great personal loss culminating in the shocking aneurysm of her Dead Pens bandmate, Light From A Dark Room is a beautiful testament to the fragility of life, and the importance of participating in this world with our entire being. In 2020, Danah Denice’s songs and vocals drove her previous project onto the Relix/Jambands.com Top 30 for 3 months. Unaddressed spent 16 weeks on the AMA’s Americana Charts, 5 weeks on the College Radio Charts, and was added at over 120 radio stations across the country. Danah Denice: Vocals and piano Sally McGee: Cello
Dangermuffin
DANGERMUFFIN’s new song “Icarus” is the first single from their upcoming self-titled album. On the track, we find ourselves on a winged journey, flying fearlessly towards love and light. “A million stars, a million names, but always one thing remains the same. We are living in the same way, and we’ll die someday.” Dangermuffin are, above all else, storytellers. Casting images that are timeless yet novel, the band blends mindful lyrics with contemplative sounds, creating songs aimed at reinvigorating the soul.
Having played festival stages and concert halls across the US and beyond, this seasoned outfit continues to share its music through live shows as well as online, where their streaming numbers have recently garnered exponential growth. The band’s far-reaching catalog is ripe with engaging, singable tracks that ask to be played on repeat. Dangermuffin’s upcoming self-titled album reaches sunward, elevating the band’s role as a well rooted, unparalleled presence that crosses the borders of Americana, Folk, Jam, and Rock. Recorded in the vast halls of Echo Mountain, a church turned into a legendary recording studio in the heart of Asheville, NC, this collection of songs showcases the band’s continued growth and commitment to their craft.
Dan Lotti’s powerful vocals soar through the hallowed rafters of the old church as he sings on themes of light, healing, and growth, while floating on the beachy and breezy sounds we have come to recognize as uniquely Dangermuffin. The recent addition of Andrew Hendryx on mandolin adds a fresh hue to the band’s palette. Hendryx’s colorful style coupled with Mike Sivilli’s lyrical guitar lines, creates a newfound dialogue that propels the band into unexplored territory. At the cornerstone we find the distinct and diverse drumming of Steven Sandifer, providing a comfortable yet firm bedrock for the quartet’s storytelling. The band’s 2024 self-titled release marks a season of synergy and rediscovery for Dangermuffin.
David Haerle
After the release of his third full length album, El Camino Sierra, DAVID HAERLE found himself still inspired by the album’s namesake road and the geography that surrounds it. According to Haerle, “I ended up writing a song of the same name after the album’s release. This resulted in ‘El Camino Sierra’ the song, which is not actually on El Camino Sierra, the album.” Official Video for David Haerle’s “El Camino Sierra”: https://youtu.be/b-J8_HsIJ04 The setting of the song is Highway 395 (or The Sierra Highway) running through the Owens Valley of California alongside the High Sierras and The White Mountains. “El Camino Sierra” is about important places in one’s life where formative memories have been made with loved ones, some of whom may now be gone. It is about mourning and honoring them and our own journey toward acceptance and healing. Where are our now gone loved ones? Are they aware of our visitations to these sacred places we once shared? Can they see us? Can they hear us? David Haerle would like to think yes. He states that “such pilgrimages are about a desire for connection. Connection with, in the end, what matters most: those we love and cherish.”
The Healers (ft. Peter Hutchison) - Single
Inspired by the likes of The Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues, Wilco’s Mermaid Avenue Sessions, and Van Morrison’s Tupelo Honey, THE HEALERS’ eponymous celt & country folk-influenced debut was recorded entirely live in the studio. Lead by Peter Hutchison, the album features a veritable all-star lineup of Brooklyn musicians, including Rod Hohl (the Silos, Yarn), Konrad Meissner (Syd Straw, Brandi Carlile, Freedy Johnston), Dennis Lichtman (Jim Kweskin Band, Ghost Train Orchestra, Pokey LaFarge), Bobby Hawk (Taylor Swift, Bleachers, Post Malone) & Rob Jost (Björk, Imogen Heap, Jesse Harris).
While the band’s original Americana rendition of the Kiss classic “Detroit Rock City” stirred the airways across North America earlier this year, their original songs on Healers are even more memorable & striking, so please take a listen. Peter Hutchison (Vocals, guitar) Rod Hohl (Guitar, vocals) Konrad Meissner (Drums, vocals) Dennis Lichtman (Fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar, clarinet) Bobby Hawk (Fiddle) Rob Jost (Bass, vocals, French horn) Produced by Roderick Hohl @ Grand Street Recording, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.
The Healers (ft. Peter Hutchison)
Inspired by the likes of The Waterboys’ Fisherman’s Blues, Wilco’s Mermaid Avenue Sessions, and Van Morrison’s Tupelo Honey, THE HEALERS’ eponymous celt & country folk-influenced debut was recorded entirely live in the studio. Lead by Peter Hutchison, the album features a veritable all-star lineup of Brooklyn musicians, including Rod Hohl (the Silos, Yarn), Konrad Meissner (Syd Straw, Brandi Carlile, Freedy Johnston), Dennis Lichtman (Jim Kweskin Band, Ghost Train Orchestra, Pokey LaFarge), Bobby Hawk (Taylor Swift, Bleachers, Post Malone) & Rob Jost (Björk, Imogen Heap, Jesse Harris).
While band’s original Americana rendition of the Kiss classic “Detroit Rock City” stirred the airways across North America earlier this year, their original songs on Healers are even more memorable & striking, so please take a listen. Peter Hutchison (Vocals, guitar) Rod Hohl (Guitar, vocals) Konrad Meissner (Drums, vocals) Dennis Lichtman (Fiddle, mandolin, tenor guitar, clarinet) Bobby Hawk (Fiddle) Rob Jost (Bass, vocals, French horn) Produced by Roderick Hohl @ Grand Street Recording, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY.
Horsefly Gultch
“Link Wray meets Primus by way of Crazy Horse, or what might happen if Rush played incognito at a cowboy bar – Horsefly Gulch is a twang-tastic good time!” – Michael Witthaus HORSEFLY GULCH’s new single “Long Road” is about the journey through addiction and recovery, about how it’s so easy to fall down but much harder to climb out of the hole you dug. Our protagonist is reaching for substances and various outside influences to relieve the sting of lost love, which is reflected in the fascinating musical contrast in this song via driving guitar solos, banjos, big drums, and more.
Inspired by retro-rock of the ‘70s mixed with hints of modern folk, Horsefly Gulch have their roots seeded deep within the New England music scene. Branching off from a popular New Hampshire metal band, the trio diverges away from the heavy side of things but still manages to keep its roots firmly on the ground. Musically encouraged by the local landscape, people and stories, Horsefly Gulch released their debut album, A Western Love Story, in March. Horsefly Gulch is… Paul Davidson – Bass, Samples & Backing Vocals Adam Cote – Drums, Percussion & Backing Vocals Steve Haidaichuk – Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitar, Banjo & Mandolin
Jon Durant
Momentarily is an ensemble tour de force from celebrated composer guitarist JON DURANT. The album
showcases the best of Durant’s unique skillset, an amalgamation of transcultural, jazz-related styles, that
gives way to euphoric, universally relatable grooves and soundscapes. A trio recording featuring Durant
alongside longtime musical partners Colin Edwin (bass) and Andi Pupato (drums/percussion), both legends
in their own right, this musical jewel showcases rare mastery through individually compelling tracks and
comprehensive arc.
Throughout Momentarily, Durant’s explorative guitar leads the way. His expressive use of fretless guitar on
all but one of the tracks “shows he is one of the precious few practitioners on the instrument that elevate it
beyond its usual presence as a mere novelty” (All About Jazz). In addition, his use of guitar synth – in this
case playing a modified sample of an Armenian Duduk – adds a breathy counterpoint to his emotionally
tinged guitar parts.
Percussionist Andi Pupato (Nik Bärtsch’s Ronin, Andreas Vollenwider, Fractal Sextet) shines throughout
with his totally unique hybrid kit comprising both hand drums and conventional drum set. This distinctive
collection of timbres emotes the open space of European jazz with considerable Middle Eastern elements that
the hand drums reveal alongside Durant’s Fretless guitar. Anchoring the whole process is bassist Colin
Edwin (O.R.k., Gaudi, Burnt Belief), with whom Durant has worked extensively over the past 12 years. On
Momentarily he is playing acoustic basses (upright and fretless acoustic) providing a sonorous low end
balancing out the whole picture. His beautifully melodic playing on the opening track “In A Moment”
provides especially delightful interaction with Durant and Pupato.
Among the standout tracks on the album is the epic “Rockets on Kyiv.” Originally conceived and recorded
on the morning Russia bombed the glass bridge in Kyiv (where Durant, Edwin, and Ukrainian singer Inna
Kovtun had filmed many scenes in the video for their song “Gannochka”). When Durant steps on the
distortion on this one, you can instantly feel the deep emotions he was experiencing that morning. In
addition, the one track with fretted guitar (“Bitter Wind”) shows a depth of gratitude towards his
Scandinavian musical influences.
Keegan McINROE
When news broke that the great American songwriter John Prine had succumbed to covid-19 on April 7,
2020, Keegan McInroe was in lockdown in Dublin, TX with his family. The world, already upside down
and shaken, now appeared even darker.
That evening, as Keegan sought to process a world without John
Prine, his young niece, recognizing her uncle’s pain, lovingly offered up some unexpected perspective,
comfort, and wisdom. Inspired by the simple, yet powerful message from “the little girl,” “John’s Songs”
playfully recounts the events that unfolded that night, celebrating and giving thanks for life and the gift of
John’s music while imagining Mr. Prine facing his own words from his song “When I Get To Heaven.”
Keegan McInroe has shared the stage with Leon Russell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Willis Alan Ramsey, Otis
Taylor, Carolyn Wonderland, Ian Moore, Shovels & Rope, Kaitlin Butts, Charley Crockett, and others. He
has been published in various papers and magazines for his travel writings, stories, poems, and occasional
forays into politics. Additionally, he hosted The Keegan McInroe Radio Hour and The Uncouth Pilgrim
podcast.
Musicians
Keegan McInroe – vox, guitar, Clint Kirby – drums, percussion, Aden Bubeck – bass, Matt Tedder –
guitar, Chris Watson – piano, Gary Grammer – harmonic, Jeff Dazey – saxophone
www.KeeganMcInroe.com
Linda Marks
In a world weighed down by many heavy issues and challenges, Waltham, MA based singer-songwriter Linda Marks believes we could all benefit from a generous helping of hope.
Marks hopes the songs on her 14th studio album, touch heartstrings and strike some chords of healing, vision and inspired action. Hope and love are powerful forces that can bring forward the power of the heart, build bridges and transform our world into a kinder, better place for all.
Linda Marks, a multi-award winning, piano playing Boston-based singer-songwriter, is a healer at heart. An emotional alchemist whose music gracefully uplifts the spirit and transform-sorrow into gold, her music offers a full genre buffet, anchored in folk. Recipe For Hope includes poignant, timely songs, with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure.
Lucas Jack
“Slipping Away” is the new single by LUCAS JACK from his forthcoming album, Bittersweet Is Better. The compelling track is about feeling and watching a relationship unravel and longing to return to the beginning, back when everything was on fire and all you wanted was to be together—before it all started slipping away. According to Lucas, “the song started with a piano riff that I’d been toying around with since 2012, but could never fit into a song. In 2023, I started playing that old riff, and the song seemed to finish itself.” Lucas Jack began his songwriting and performance career creating songs for family occasions as a small boy, a passion he carried as a teenager to the bars, hotel lobbies, and social events growing up in Michigan – anywhere with an unguarded piano.
This creative impulse was cultivated throughout his twenties, playing in bands, and honing his craft while practicing law in Chicago. Sacrificing the certainty of a professional career and following a move to Texas, he began pursuing music full-time and put out his first release, The Chicago EP, in 2012. Two more studio albums followed: Before I Forget (2015) and Make it Beautiful (2016). After six years of playing shows, writing music, and developing his sound with bandmates Justin Schneider and Mike Gomez, the band signed a record deal and recorded some of their most inspired music yet throughout 2022 and 2023 at Studio G in Brooklyn with producer Pete Harper.
The result is the album Bittersweet Is Better, a journey through the complexities of love, aging, chasing the dream, and fending off demons. Lucas Jack’s new album Bittersweet Is Better will be released in July. Keys and vocals: Lucas Jack, Bass: Justin Schneider, Drums: Michael Gomez, Guitar: Peter Harper. Produced by Peter Harper. Recorded @ Studio G in Brooklyn, NY.
Mark Egan
Grammy winning bassist MARK EGAN has teamed up with the all-star rhythm section of drummer Shawn Pelton (Van Morrison, Buddy Guy, Regina Spektor) and guitarist Shane Theriot (Neville Bros., Beyonce’, Dr. John) to create an elegant but powerful instrumental masterpiece—Cross Currents. This musical tapestry bridges contemporary Jazz, R&B and Rock roots to create a captivating musical journey exploring highly adventurous interplay and soloing over multi-layered orchestrations. The eleven original compositions on Cross Currents were recorded at the world acclaimed Power Station New England.
These instrumental compositions explore a fusion of Jazz, R&B, Rock, Funk and multidirectional ambient grooves with masterful improvisations from some of the most influential contemporary musicians. One of the premier electric bassists of contemporary jazz, Mark Egan has distinguished himself over the past five decades with his distinctive fretless bass sound that has graced countless jazz and pop albums as well as award-winning movie and television soundtracks. An in-demand New York City studio musician who has played on multi-gold and platinum-selling recordings by Sting, Marc Cohn, and Joan Osborne, Egan has also recorded with a wide variety of artists like Roger Daltrey, Sophie B. Hawkins, Marianne Faithfull, Judy Collins, Cyndi Lauper, Art Garfunkel, David Sanborn, John McLaughlin, Randy Brecker, Gato Barbieri, Freddy Cole, Joe Beck, Pat Martino, and Larry Coryell.
A charter member of the Pat Metheny Group (formed in 1977) and member of the Gil Evans Orchestra for 13 years, Egan has 14 albums as a leader to his credit and another 10 as a co-leader of Elements, the fusion band he formed in 1982 with his Pat Metheny Group bandmate Danny Gottlieb.
Marta Kassawa Quintet
Introducing the Marta Karassawa Quintet, a group of exceptional musicians led by pianist, composer, and arranger Marta Karassawa. Graduating from Berklee College of Music, Marta has brought together a stellar lineup including Teco Cardoso (tenor sax and flutes), Sidmar Vieira (trumpet and flugel), Frank Herzberg (double bass), and Zé Eduardo Nazário (drums). Drawing inspiration from the classic jazz quintets of the past, their music combines nostalgic elements with a fresh and eclectic approach. Get ready to be captivated by the enchanting melodies and infectious rhythms of the Marta Karassawa Quintet.
Official Video For Marta Karassawa Quintet’s “Cama de Gato” VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPYh8qKooe4 The single “Cama de Gato,” which means cat’s cradle—the elastic band game you’ve might played in your childhood—is the first single from Marta Karassawa’s debut album Tempo bom (Good Times). It features saxophinist Jacques Schwartz-Bart and brazilian flute virtuoso Teco Cardoso in a beautiful Partido Alto, a funky Samba rhythm. https://www.instagram.com/marta.karassawa/
Marta Kassawa Quintet - Tempo Bom
Introducing the Marta Karassawa Quintet, a group of exceptional musicians led by pianist, composer, and arranger Marta Karassawa. Graduating from Berklee College of Music, Marta has brought together a stellar lineup for her album Tempo Bom (good times), including Teco Cardoso (tenor sax and flutes), Sidmar Vieira (trumpet and flugel), Frank Herzberg (double bass), and Zé Eduardo Nazário (drums). Also appearing on Tempo Bom is guest saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart (Roy Hargrove, Eric Benet). Drawing inspiration from the classic jazz quintets of the past, their music combines nostalgic elements with a fresh and eclectic approach. Official Video for Marta Karassawa Quintet’s “Mantra” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3arLu8Vil0
Marta Karassawa is a Brazilian pianist whose musical journey has been marked by an intense passion for music and a career defined by overcoming challenges. She was born in Niterói – RJ and grew up as the oldest daughter in a family of engineers and architects where music always held a special place, even if it was not a career pursued by her family members. Early on, Marta showed a liking for the piano and began taking lessons at the age of 7, initially only as a hobby. However, her love for music deepened over time, and although she studied Architecture and Urban Planning in Brazil, her passion for music drove Marta to change her career course.
Determined to pursue her passion, Marta began her transformative path to the prestigious Berklee College of Music where she received a scholarship. This experience gave her the unique opportunity to learn from jazz legends such as Danilo Perez, Horace Silver, and Pat Metheny, and attend inspiring workshops. Her dedication resulted in graduating with honors with a diploma in Performance and Arrangement. After graduation, Marta returned to Brazil and married her great love, German bassist Frank Herzberg, who also studied at Berklee College. Together, they built a partnership in music and life and founded a family with three children that became a source of inspiration for many.
Michelle SgP
Michelle SgP is described in international media reviews as a kind of “music cosmopolitan,” a “voice of Singapore,” a show-woman with proximty to artists like Diana Krall, Roberta Flack, Joan Armatrading, and bearing traces of Sarah Vaughn & Shirley Bassey. While another review describes Michelle’s playing as similar to Roger Fisher from Miami Sound Machine, and gargling vocals with a versatility sounding different with each piece – Grace Jones, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Annie Lennox, or Al Jarreau. While as singer-songwriter, she’s been described as giving “100 inspiring minutes,” convincing with “great jazz-pop ballads” & “great songwriting.”
A multi-dimensional & authentic artist, Michelle finds identity with young multi-dimensional talents as Cyrille Aimee, Jon Batiste, Jacob Collier, while inspired by the greats as Quincy Jones, Betty Carter. YOLO – You Only Live Once was birthed after Michelle suffered several health scares during the pandemic, at one point indicating that she may not live much longer. Thankfully, her health stabilized and she set out to produce this dream EP of horns and strings from Italy with Michelle personally directing recording sessions in Italian studios where Elton John & Gregory Porter had recorded, and brought in strong Singapore-based artists like Christy Smith (Wynton Marsalis, Aaron Copland, Jeremy Monteiro), soundscape additions by Kenn Lim (A*mei, JJ Lin- Asia megastars music director), along with post production by Grammy nominated engineer Jerry Chua (Arun Shenoy), and mastering by Simon Cotsworth (Incognito, Seal).
‘Michelle believes in music as a tool for sharing stories that resonate with the soul. The song “I Just Want To Be Me” gives upbeat liberating vibes with jazzy interjections; “Shark Filled Oasis” lends Sinatra/Buble’ big band vibes; “Lonesome Star,” wistful longing for a tribe to belong, compelled by convincing strings; “Don’t Have to Turn Back,” a ballad for a thoughtful drive through scenic routes, forging ahead never looking back; and “Serenity,” featuring expressive dynamic vocals set to a great string score, soundscape, and grand movie vibes. Watch https://youtu.be/9_ru7OfizG8?si=zcGz_dUDgckR6Dqv for the making of the YOLO album. Music videos for YOLO songs are available on the artist’s youtube channel.
The Neybas
Extended Flow is the upcoming studio album from NEYBAS (pronounced “nay-bahz”), a Trad Rock-Alt-AmericanaJam band from Connecticut. The album will feature 16 hook-laden original songs spanning multiple genres, and will be released on One House Records in late May, 2024. The first single from the album is “Down to the Sea,” an Americana-flavored song that was one of the first songs written for the release. The inspiration came after playwright/actor/songwriter Bill Arnold told Waesche about a musical he was working on, and played him one of the songs, which centered around a river. Waesche awoke the next morning with the lyrics and melody to a song he thought could represent the beginning of a river – “rain is falling on the mountainside… through the valleys, fill the lakes and streams…”
After the record-setting flooding in the Northeast over the summer of 2023, the song seemed more timely than ever. Neybas: Russ Waesche: lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel guitar, percussion; Kevin “English” Bornstein: vocals, bass; Nicholas “Toad” Eckert: vocals, acoustic and electric guitars; Emmet Hale: Drums, vocals; Greg Marshall: keyboards. Guest musicians: John Bolduc: additional vocals, percussion; Kate Hubbard: Vocals; Peter O’Connell: harmonica; Mike Ryan: percussion.
Ontologics
“This duo is dynamite, and they explode thunderously!” – Daily Vault Ontologics is an experimental, multi-instrumentalist duo that has been recognized for fusing genres like progressive rock, hip-hop, electronica, and world music into their eclectic sound, which can be heard on their latest release It’s Safe To Say The Veil Is Thinning. Based in Providence, RI, the duo features singer/songwriter Ian Campopiano and drummer Andrew Morris (Indiana).
It’s Safe To Say The Veil Is Thinning is Ontologics’ fourth album overall and the third featuring PNUT of 311, this time on the track “Cooking The Books.” Prior to working with Ontologics, PNUT said in a PopDose.com interview, “they turned this song into a science fiction masterpiece. And if we can’t beat that, I think we should just do a cover of their song.” Ontologics have had three consecutive albums on the Relix/Jamband.com national radio chart, as the band achieved outstanding success in general on national, specialty, and college radio. Ontologics’ latest effort is over an hour of odd meter tight walking, exploratory psychedelic layering, and delivery of words reaching past the veil and landing somewhere between genres and culture.
Passion over profit. Ian Campopiano is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (Lead Vocals/Lyrics, 2nd Perc/Drum Kit, Guitars, Programming, Midi-Controllers, Producer) Andrew Morris [Berklee alum] is playing the main drum kit.
Nuke The Soup
Just in time for trillions of Cicadas to re-emerge and invade the US (as they do every 13 years), NUKE THE
SOUP brings us “Bugs”! Although the track is related to the quickly coming literal bug invasion, it also has
a double meaning about fighting addition. According to songwriter Mark Davison, “we gotta work out the
bugs, whether it’s something that drives us to drink or actual bugs that stick around just long enough to
drive us nuts with their mass chirping and migration.”
Nuke the Soup channels Davison’s well-honed rock songwriting craft, bringing his witty, gritty songs to life
with a top-notch band: keyboardist Brian Simms, bassist Mike Mennell, guitarists Rennie Grant and
Andy Thurston, and Chester Thompson (Genesis, Zappa) on drums. The track was produced by
Brendan Canty of Fugazi.
www.NukeTheSoup.com
Radha Thomas
Vocalist RADHA THOMAS, one of India’s most widely recognized figures in Jazz is, as Jazz historian Scott Yanow put it, “at the peak of her creative powers” on As I Sing, an offering of ten interpretations of jazz standards that feature Thomas’ vocals accompanied only by guitar. These sparse arrangements leave little room for error, and Thomas takes on the challenge fearlessly and fearsomely. “I’ve loved all the tunes I’m singing on this album for a long time and each one means something special. I’ve tried to bring a little ‘me’ into each song,” says Thomas. And indeed, each recording is filled with ingenuity and personality.
On “Daahoud,” Thomas conveys an air of effortless control as she intertwines intricate vocal melodies with the sensuous guitar work of Reg Schwager (four-time winner of Canada’s National Jazz Award for ‘Guitarist of the Year’ and member of the Order of Canada). The exuberant re-interpretation of the vocal melody on “Autumn Leaves” creates tension with the melancholic lyrics, which in combination with Schwager’s careful, virtuosic interaction on guitar makes for a highly compelling track. The opening song “Summertime” is an even more radical reinvention of a perennial classic, dancing and skirting around Gershwin’s original melody. “Just Friends,” a cut featuring the deft guitar work of New York City jazz mainstay Tom Dempsey, breathes new life into a ninety-year-old classic. Also performing on the album are guitarists Pete McCann (Manhattan Transfer) and Paul Meyers (Jon Hendricks).
Radha Thomas excels in the most stringent of environments on As I Sing, showing herself to be a Jazz vocalist of imagination and mastery. Vox: Radha Thomas. Guitarists: Reg Schwager (tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7), Pete McCann (tracks 3, 9, 10), Paul Meyers (track 5), Tom Dempsey (track 8)
Rare Union
RARE UNION brings a rare breed of bluesy rock on the trio’s sophomore effort, Times They Always Change. Given the range of instruments and timbres found on tracks like “I Know You Lied” and “Times They Always Change,” it’s perhaps no surprise that the group was formed by percussionist LA Smith, aided on this album by drummer Danny Carroll. Together they bring a rhythmic complexity to the band rarely heard in their genre.
If Smith and Carroll run the engine of this ship, guitarist Martin Cage and guitarist-vocalist Max Soler are at the wheel, perfecting the craft of their tag-team songwriting, a partnership that dates back to their days in the Fort Myers hard rock band Nemesis. This partnership has proven to be remarkably fecund, leading to songs that cover a wide variety of salient topics. On opener “Blues Be Strong,” vocalist & lyricist Max Soler tells a classic story of the ups and downs of musicianship; “So Strong” is a mid-tempo rock ballad about stoicism in the face of adversity; and “Slaves to No One,” a speedy ¾ rocker inflected with the influence of Scandinavian metal and the cello strings of frequent collaborator Molly Healey, tells a tale of epic and historical proportion.
On Times They Always Change, Rare Union comes into its own, fulfilling the promise of transcontinental rock befitting a group composed of musicians from across America. RARE UNION is: Max Soler (Guitar/Vocals), LA Smith (Percussion), Martin Cage (Guitar). Additional Artists: Danny Carroll (Drums), Will Reeves (Bass), Molly Healey (Cello). www.RareUnionBand.com
Reagan Hudson
“Mama’s Going To Rehab” is the first single from REAGAN HUDSON’s forthcoming album, House Arrest Ankle Bracelet. The track is a comedic look at a dysfunctional, redneck family. Listen to the wild adventures the family has, as mama finds love and rehabilitation at a court-ordered rehab facility. Reagan Hudson grew up in the wild hills of western North Carolina, where the roots of traditional music go back as far as the first settlers who entered the hills.
As those sounds evolved over time in NC, from traditional folk music, to country music, to honky-tonk and rockabilly, Reagan was influenced by all. Hudson’s unique songwriting ability combines elements of heartache and humor, providing a great and entertaining listening experience.
Reagan Hudson: vocals and acoustic guitar Dale Meyer: Electric guitar, bass, keys James Brock: drums Jim Ashton: steel guitar, banjo Recorded at Sherwood studio Morganton, NC Produced by Dale Meyer
Ricciardi Ronstadt - Full Album
Featuring a dream team of players: percussionist Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys, H.E.R.), trumpeter Matt Cappy (Jill Scott, John Legend & The Roots), saxophonist/keyboard player Jay Davidson (Whitney Houston, Taj Mahal, Steve Winwood), and drummer Chuck Staab (Melody Gardot), Blue Bayou is the debut album from RICCIARDI/RONSTADT. Vocalist Neysa Ricciardi and cellist Michael Ronstadt weave together influences from jazz to Americana to singer/songwriter, and have created little universes of stacked cellos, percussion, guitars, trumpet, Rhodes, and vibes within each of the 12 tracks. According to Ricciardi, “Michael and I met on the 4th of July, 2013, at a concert that was part of a tour for him and his family. Afterwards, Michael and I started jamming on tunes like ‘Moondance’ and ‘At Last’, and it was instant magic.
We immediately started writing together and had so much fun playing songs we both knew, including ‘Blue Bayou’, that it naturally evolved into us recording some of the songs we loved and some we had written. Both of us have extensive experience in writing, recording, and performing, so when Michael suggested we do an album together, I jumped at the chance.” In February of 2022, Neysa and Michael invited Pablo Batista to Morningstar Studios in the suburbs of Philly to begin tracking. In one weekend, they tracked all the percussion and cello bass for 9 of the songs. The rest followed over the next several months. Glenn Barratt and Dave Schonauer engineered, mixed and mastered. Ricciardi/Ronstadt are planning a bi-coastal release, one in San Francisco, so Michael’s Aunt Linda Ronstadt can be included, and one in the Philly area.
Ricciardi Ronstadt
What’s old is new again. A new generation of Ronstadt has a fresh take on the song that musical legend Linda Ronstadt made her own nearly 50 years ago. Michael Ronstadt and Neysa Ricciardi take “Blue Bayou” to the Louisiana swamp, strip it down to the bare bones, and add in the unexpected. Layers of cello, Latin percussion and haunting vocals punctuate the atmosphere of “Blue Bayou,” the new single and title track from their forthcoming debut album Blue Bayou.
Featuring a dream team of players, the album includes percussionist Pablo Batista (Alicia Keys, H.E.R.), trumpeter Matt Cappy (Jill Scott, John Legend & The Roots), saxophonist/keyboard player Jay Davidson (Whitney Houston, Taj Mahal, Steve Winwood), and drummer Chuck Staab (Melody Gardot). Vocalist Neysa Ricciardi and cellist Michael Ronstadt weave together influences from jazz to Americana to singer/songwriter, and have created little universes of stacked cellos, percussion, guitars, trumpet, Rhodes, and vibes within each of the 12 tracks.
According to Ricciardi, “Michael and I met on the 4th of July in 2013 at a concert that was part of a tour for him and his family. Afterwards, Michael and I started jamming on tunes like ‘Moondance’ and ‘At Last’, and it was instant magic. We immediately started writing together and had so much fun playing songs we both knew, including ‘Blue Bayou’, that it naturally evolved into us recording some of the songs we loved and some we had written.
Both of us have extensive experience in writing, recording, and performing, so when Michael suggested we do an album together, I jumped at the chance.” In February of 2022, Neysa and Michael invited Pablo Batista to Morningstar Studios in the suburbs of Philly to begin tracking.
In one weekend, they tracked all the percussion and cello bass for 9 of the songs. The rest followed over the next several months. Glenn Barratt and Dave Schonauer engineered, mixed and mastered. Ricciardi/Ronstadt are planning bi-coastal release parties—one in San Francisco so Michael’s aunt Linda Ronstadt can be included, and one in the Philly area.
Rizz and The Believerz
RIZZ & THE BELIEVERZ is a movement, a philosophy, and a beacon of positivity in the world of music…and their official introduction begins with the release of their first-ever single and video, “Don’t Stop Tryin’,’ which was written to spark this movement. As founding drummer Troy Luccketta (formerly of Tesla) states, “I feel that all of the projects I’ve been a part of and the things I’ve done throughout my career have all led me to this moment, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Featuring a stellar lineup of A-class musicians, their sound is an intricate blend of rock, reggae, and hip-hop influences, creating a global resonance that appeals to the masses. They represent a fusion of iconic talent, each bringing their unique legacy to the ensemble. In addition to powerhouse drummer Luccketta, Peter Keys, the masterful keys maestro from Lynyrd Skynyrd, injects soulful layers into the sound, while Michael Staertow brings a pedigree that includes many years as lead guitarist with original Foreigner vocalist, and solo artist Lou Gramm. Michael Devin, a stalwart from Whitesnake and The Dead Daisies lays down the bass grooves, and multi-instrumentalist John Salaway adds his distinct touch. Percussionist Troy Luccketta Jr. introduces a rhythmic dimension that bridges the musical eras.
Fronting this illustrious lineup is the dynamic Rizz, a vibrant singer hailing from a different era of music. Born and raised in Reno, NV, his youthful energy and modern vocal stylings harmonize seamlessly with the collective experience of the seasoned musicians. More new music will continue to be released in coming months, culminating in a live tour and a full album that was recorded, in part, at Tuff Gong Studio in Jamaica at the invitation of Wilburn “Squidly” Cole (son of Ska legend StrangeJah Cole and nephew of Donald “Tabby Diamond” Shaw). Last month Rizz & The Believerz appeared as part of the 2024 Reggae Rise Up Florida in St. Petersburg, FL along with The Dirty Heads, Slightly Stoopid, and Damian & Stephen Marley, performing on the Sugar Shack Stage.
Roots Asylum
“The diversity that they bring to bear seems to assure them a presence in the indie music scene for years to come.” -Hollywood Digest Originating from Kalamazoo, Michigan, ROOTS ASYLUM stands out for their diverse musical style and innovative approach to Americana Rock.
]The band is composed of James McMillan (acoustic guitar, vocals), Katy Velten (vocals), Jeromy Timmer (electric guitar, vocals), Brett Huckabee (bass guitar, vocals), and A.A. Miller (drums), with songwriting contributions from Susan Spade.
The band is known for their originality, drawing inspiration from a wide array of experiences, while being compared to artists such as Tom Petty, The Talking Heads and Barenaked Ladies. Roots Asylum’s sound, a creative amalgamation that spans genres, includes a mix of blues, rock, country and a dash of pop-punk flair.
It’s all captured in their latest album Ride On, featuring their rootsy take on Traveling Wilbury’s “Handle with Care,” the biting satire and guitar-riffing of “Talk About You,” and the nostalgia-filled “90’s Grunge.” Produced by Mike Roche. Recorded at La Luna Recording and Sound.
Roots Asylum
90’s Grunge Trivia! There are nine 90’s grunge songs referenced in the lyrics of Roots Asylum’s newest single. Can you name them all? Warning: Answers below! Take a nostalgic journey through the era of flannel shirts and 90’s pop culture with ROOTS ASYLUM’s new single “90’s Grunge.” From the band’s forthcoming album Ride On, the track immerses listeners in a soundscape of storytelling where a couple of kids are hit by a runaway train, casting them into the middle of this iconic era.
“90’s Grunge” comes to life with the skillful artistry of its musicians. Jimmy Macaroni’s acoustic guitar and vocals set the stage while Katy Velten’s vocal harmonies add depth and emotion to the narrative. Jeromy Timmer’s electric guitars create the signature grunge sound, and Mike Roche from the 90’s thrash metal band Thought Industry contributes additional guitars to enhance the texture. Levi Strickland keeps the rhythm solid with his bass guitar, and A.A. Miller’s drums provide the heartbeat of the song. Samuel Peters’ percussion adds a special layer of rhythm. Official Video For “90’s Grunge”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvoWtfMjUD8 The song was meticulously crafted by Susan Spade, Jimmy and Katy, engineered by Samuel Peters at La Luna Recording and Sound. And again, Mike Roche from Thought Industry took charge of production, mixing and the mastering process. Produced by Mike Roche. Recorded @ La Luna Recording and Sound, Kalamazoo, MI. 90’s Grunge Trivia Answers: “Counting Blue Cars” by Dishwalla “Flies in the Vaseline” by STP “Closing Time” by Semisonic “What I Got” by Sublime “You Oughta Know” by Allanis Morissette “When I Come Around” by Green Day “Teen Spirit” by Nirvana “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter” by Pearl Jam
Scott Albert Johnson
The future is a mystery that awaits us, just around the corner. That’s the idea behind “Invisible,” the new single from singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Scott Albert Johnson. “Invisible” is a tour de force from the St. Louis-born and Jackson, Mississippi-based artist, who played all the instruments except for drums (performed by longtime collaborator Kenny Graeber) and sang all the vocal parts except for a backing vocal from son Charlie Johnson.
The new track is the follow-up to Johnson’s 2020 single “Float,” which received airplay on more than 75 stations nationwide (and named “Pick of the Week” by Ann Delisi @ WDET in Detroit). “With ‘Invisible’, I wanted to create a song that captured the nervous sense of foreboding that seems to be enveloping all of us right now,” says Johnson. “Between the rise of AI and similarly advanced technologies, climate change, the growing recognition of anomalous phenomena, and a seemingly intractable sense of ‘us against them’ in our own backyard, it’s easy to feel hopeless. In spite of the heavy subject, however, the song is ultimately about optimism emerging from darkness.” Musically, Johnson is known for his virtuosic harmonica playing, but he started his musical career as a bassist/vocalist and sometime guitarist. He brings his multi-instrument abilities and production skills to “Invisible,” which is also Johnson’s ode to his favorite progressive artists. “My music is influenced by musicians like Peter Gabriel, the Police, Daniel Lanois, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Miles Davis, Bruce Hornsby, Radiohead, and others,” he says. “These artists have always understood the power of dynamics, texture, and lyrics to create drama.
And thanks to them I have aspired to create music and words that impact the listener emotionally and intellectually.” Produced by Scott Albert Johnson. Recorded and mixed at Monkaroo Studios. Scott Albert Johnson: lead and backing vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, harmonica, programming Kenny Graeber: drums Charlie Johnson: backing vocals
Scott Tournet - Fever
SCOTT TOURNET has lived a lot of stories. He grew up on a dirt road in rural Vermont with no electricity. He went to a clothing optional college with no grades. After college, he drove across the country by himself with a tent and a guitar. He co-founded Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. He’s played with The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Bob Weir, Billy Gibbons, and Robert Plant, performed for President Obama, wrote and recorded with Dan Auerbach, Willie Nelson, and Alison Krauss, earned a gold record, played Letterman, Conan, Leno, Ellen, Lollapalooza, Rock in Rio in Brazil, Fuji Rock in Japan, and Farm Aid. During a tour of football stadiums across the United States, Tournet opened for Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, but soon became disillusioned and stepped away from the band he helped build at the height of their success.
In the years following his departure, Tournet moved to California and formed the world music ensemble, Elektric Voodoo. He wrote and produced three full length albums, toured the country a number of times, and started a family. In 2021, Scott and his wife decided to leave California and move back east with their kids to be closer to their families. After leaving the Nocturnals, Scott had been seeking a new creative challenge and was deliberately avoiding writing guitar driven rock and roll. Back on the east coast, he decided that the time was right to go back to his roots and pick up his guitar again. So began the creation of Rock & Roll Stories.
Scott Tournet
SCOTT TOURNET has lived a lot of stories. He grew up on a dirt road in rural Vermont with no electricity. He went to a clothing optional college with no grades. After college, he drove across the country by himself with a tent and a guitar. He co-founded Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. He’s played with The Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule, Bob Weir, Billy Gibbons, and Robert Plant, performed for President Obama, wrote and recorded with Dan Auerbach, Willie Nelson, and Alison Krauss, earned a gold record, played Letterman, Conan, Leno, Ellen, Lollapalooza, Rock in Rio in Brazil, Fuji Rock in Japan, and Farm Aid. During a tour of football stadiums across the United States, Tournet opened for Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney, but soon became disillusioned and stepped away from the band he helped build at the height of their success.
In the years following his departure, Tournet moved to California and formed the world music ensemble, Elektric Voodoo. He wrote and produced three full length albums, toured the country a number of times, and started a family. In 2021, Scott and his wife decided to leave California and move back east with their kids to be closer to their families. After leaving the Nocturnals, Scott had been seeking a new creative challenge and was deliberately avoiding writing guitar driven rock and roll. Back on the east coast, he decided that the time was right to go back to his roots and pick up his guitar again. So began the creation of Rock & Roll Stories.
Snatam Kaur
Grammy-nominated devotional singer from the Sikh kirtan tradition, SNATAM KAUR, is renowned for her luminous
voice, radiant presence, and her globally treasured discography, which spans over two decades. Her highly
participatory concerts in Europe, Latin, and North America draw crowds of up to 3000 people, and have come to be
known for their powerful transformative energy. Snatam’s concerts draw inspiration from her childhood, throughout
which her stepfather Sat Santokh Singh exposed her to ample folk music from his experience as the manager of the
Grateful Dead while she and her mother immersed themselves in the study and practice of Sikh Kirtan. This diverse
influence culminated into a 2019 performance of her song “Darshan Maago” live at the Grammy Awards. She is a
favorite artist of Oprah Winfrey, who quoted, “I play her every day before meditating,” and invited Snatam to appear
on OWN’s Super Soul Sunday.
Official Video For “Walkin’ Into The Light” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx6Aw2Tt2aA
With its organic, soul-touching, live feel, Snatam’s latest album Heartflow seamlessly blends traditional kirtan music
of Northern India, spirit-raising anthems, folk tunes, and deeply personal compositions. Heartflow was recorded at El
Desierto Casa Estudio in Mexico with Kaur’s touring band Ram Dass, Grecco Buratto, and Sukhmani Rayat, and
features celebrated vocalist/violinist Jahnavi Harrison and classical Indian singer Ganavya as guests on the project.
The album draws upon traditional kirtan elements with tabla and harmonium instrumentation accompanying chants in
the Sikh language, Gurmukhi, while also extending into English folk tunes with rich acoustic guitars and stirring,
layered vocals. The album is an eclectic mix of music from Snatam’s own musical roots and experience that illustrate
her journey of healing after her experience of loss and betrayal in discovering the harm that had been caused by her
former spiritual teacher.
“Tayraa Naam” features the artist’s plea to give her troubles to the divine, with a powerful tabla groove, along with
exquisite vocals and violin from guest artist Jahnavi Harrison. “Ekongkaar-Heartflow” is a deeply profound,
prayerful mantra, central to Snatam’s journey into her own heart, with delicate piano, poignant guitar, and expansive
vocals. “Runnin’ from This” is a sweet, playful, and intimate folk song that Snatam sings, “as an instruction for
myself to stay present in life,” accompanied by two acoustic guitars and a soulful pedal steel. “Gobinday-Joy” is an
up tempo, epic chant piece with creative percussive elements and choral vocals sure to inspire absolute joy.
“Waaheguru-Fearless” is a traditional chant piece with vibrant, articulate, and groovy tabla and courage provoking
group vocals, and “Walkin’ Into the Light,” a stirring guitar-rich, get-on-your-feet-and-dance folk anthem inspired
by Snatam’s Grateful Dead roots, and an ode to her stepfather who passed away this winter. “Naraayan-Peace” is an
expressive and prayerful track with guitar picking, gentle piano, and the stunning vocals of acclaimed classical Indian
vocalist Ganavya, who joins Snatam for this unique vocal duet. “Gobinday-Serenity” is a soft, intimate vocal and
guitar meditation piece for relaxation.
Susan Wendelken - "Rewrite"
“We didn’t always look at ourselves or think of ourselves and immediately go to our ‘flaws’,” states SUSAN WENDELKEN. “Someone taught us that.” Changing a negative dynamic of self-worth can be challenging and sometimes requires a complete “Rewrite,” which is the subject and title of the new single from Wendelken’s album Alayne’s Echo. Weaving together influences as diverse as Carole King, Sinead O’Connor and Iron Maiden, Alayne’s Echo is a welcome disruption to the music scene. Although Wendelken was initially known as a frontwoman for NYC area bands, her songs have been frequently featured in ESPN’s X Games and in independent and foreign films. Susan has performed with musicians from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Thin Lizzy, along with artists from Broadway productions Come From Away, Rock of Ages, American Idiot, and Kinky Boots. More recently, she was a guest vocalist touring the U.S. and Canada with Grammy-winner Eileen Ivers and SNL alum Jim Breuer.
Recorded, mixed, and produced by Grammy-winner Cynthia Daniels, the single “Rewrite” features allfemale musicians, underscoring its key relatable message about embracing your quirks and protecting all the wonderful qualities that make you You. Or as Wendelken puts it, “Someone gave us a story about how there’s a million things we needed to change about ourselves. But what if we owned all those characteristics and also understood that they don’t make us any less wonderful? It’s time for a Rewrite.”
Susan Wendelken - Single
Susan Wendelken’s debut solo album Alayne’s Echo features nine diverse acoustic-based tracks that represent her true Gemini spirit by combining the many sides of her musical personality. Weaving together influences as diverse as Carole King, Sinead O’Connor and Iron Maiden, Alayne’s Echo is causing a welcome disruption to the music scene. Although Wendelken was initially known as a frontwoman for NYC area bands, her songs have been frequently featured in ESPN’s X Games and in independent and foreign films. Susan has performed with musicians from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Thin Lizzy, along with artists from Broadway productions Come From Away, Rock of Ages, American Idiot, and Kinky Boots. Grammy-nominated virtuoso Joaquin Lievano once lauded Susan as “the best female hard rock vocalist today.” More recently, she was a guest vocalist touring the U.S. and Canada with Grammy-winner Eileen Ivers and SNL alum Jim Breuer. The Irish Examiner’s Mike Fitzpatrick wrote “my goodness what a voice!” In 2020, Susan took the huge but necessary leap of faith to release her first single, “Rewrite,” which also appears here on Alayne’s Echo. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Grammy-winner Cynthia Daniels, the song features all-female musicians, underscoring its key relatable message about embracing your quirks and protecting all the wonderful qualities that make you You. Throughout 2021-2022 Wendelken returned to the studio with additional producers, discovering unique ways to combine the musical techniques of her influences with her own stylings, resulting in a sound that is all her own. “I mostly did this for me,” Susan said about Alayne’s Echo. “I love the audacity of believing in my potential, releasing my first solo album at age fifty-one.” Featuring performances by Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, Beach Boys, Taylor Dayne) and Lloyd Maines (The Chicks, The Waybacks, Dale Watson), Alayne’s Echo is just the start of Susan’s momentum in cultivating her original and inspiring work.
Susan Wendelken
Larry Kirwan of Black 47 and WFUV’s “Celtic Crush” show: “She’s a wonderful voice. She reminds me a little of Janis Joplin. That’s fair enough by me!” Susan Wendelken’s debut solo album Alayne’s Echo features nine diverse acoustic-based tracks that represent her true Gemini spirit by combining the many sides of her musical personality. Weaving together influences as diverse as Carole King, Sinead O’Connor and Iron Maiden, Alayne’s Echo is causing a welcome disruption to the music scene. Although Wendelken was initially known as a frontwoman for NYC area bands, her songs have been frequently featured in ESPN’s X Games and in independent and foreign films. Susan has performed with musicians from Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and Thin Lizzy, along with artists from Broadway productions Come From Away, Rock of Ages, American Idiot, and Kinky Boots. Grammy-nominated virtuoso Joaquin Lievano once lauded Susan as “the best female hard rock vocalist today.” More recently, she was a guest vocalist touring the U.S. and Canada with Grammy-winner Eileen Ivers and SNL alum Jim Breuer. The Irish Examiner’s Mike Fitzpatrick wrote “my goodness what a voice!” In 2020, Susan took the huge but necessary leap of faith to release her first single, “Rewrite,” which also appears here on Alayne’s Echo. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Grammy-winner Cynthia Daniels, the song features all-female musicians, underscoring its key relatable message about embracing your quirks and protecting all the wonderful qualities that make you You.
Throughout 2021-2022 Wendelken returned to the studio with additional producers, discovering unique ways to combine the musical techniques of her influences with her own stylings, resulting in a sound that is all her own. “I mostly did this for me,” Susan said about Alayne’s Echo. “I love the audacity of believing in my potential, releasing my first solo album at age fifty-one.” Featuring performances by Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, Beach Boys, Taylor Dayne) and Lloyd Maines (The Chicks, The Waybacks, Dale Watson), Alayne’s Echo is just the start of Susan’s momentum in cultivating her original and inspiring work.
Tobin Mueller - Chill
“Excellent final volume displaying Mueller’s calmer side. Highly emotional yet serene. From stunningly beautiful to playfully buoyant. Music for the thinking listener.” –Jazziz Magazine The multi-colored musical palate of keyboardist TOBIN MUELLER has the five volume Best Of series coming to a mellow close, with music to “chill” by. A wide range of creative contemplations that resonate with a resounding blue pulse. The rich mix of jazz standards, originals, and creative covers makes for an additional color of glass to put into Mueller’s rich mosaic of a catalogue. Joined by Ron Carter, Woody Mankowski, Ugo Rossi, Fran Dagostino, and others, Best Of Tobin Mueller Vol. 5 clearly demonstrates what an accomplished and versatile artist Mueller really is.
Official Video for “Come In Funky” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkqmL18ZlmA Best Of Tobin Mueller Vol. 5 is final chapter of a re-mastered 5-volume collection featuring music recorded by Mueller over 40 years. The first volume highlights Mueller’s original jazz ensemble and small combo recordings; the second volume features his best arrangements; on volume three we hear Mueller’s prog fusion masterpieces; and Mueller’s vocal compositions are featured on volume 4. Tobin Mueller has released over 35 albums in his career, written a dozen musical plays, and composed over 500 songs.
He’s written music for Broadway, film, ballet, youth education, and video games. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Carl Fisher, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (of the band Yes), Brian Welch (of the band Korn), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson, Grammy nominees Dane Richeson, Ken Schaphorst, Entcho Todorov, Janet Planet and more. In his early days, Mueller also played keys with Maynard Ferguson. Produced by Kenny Cash “What I love about Tobin Mueller the most is his understanding that songs are journeys rather than destinations, and there is no way of knowing when or where that journey ends. Such an attitude means he is always ready and willing to add the next step to the story of a song. To have it pass through new sonic realms and unexpected genres, to have it change and evolve over the years.” –Dave Franklin, UK Album Reviews
Tobin Mueller - Turn it Around
Can dancing save the world? Turn the world around? A perfect track to start the New Year, keyboard wizard TOBIN MUELLER uses electro pop rhythms with his fusion brass section to bring all the world to the dance floor on his latest single “Turn It Around.” From Best of Tobin Mueller, Vol. 4: Vocals, Mueller layers harmonies over an infectious beat on “Turn It Around.” Produced by Kennny Cash, the track will make you smile, make you move, make you feel like the future is bright! Tobin Mueller has released over 35 albums in his career, written a dozen musical plays, and composed over 500 songs.
He’s written music for Broadway, film, ballet, youth education, and video games. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Carl Fisher, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (of the band Yes), Brian Welch (of the band Korn), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson, Grammy nominees Dane Richeson, Ken Schaphorst, Entcho Todorov, Janet Planet and more. In his early days, Mueller also played keys with Maynard Ferguson. Tobin Mueller: vocals, pianos, synths, bass, percussion Mikie Martel: trumpets, flugelhorns, saxes
Teresa Storch Band
Open Your Heart, the new album from Teresa Storch Band, is a social and political body of work, revealing a woman attuned to the world and its discontents—reckoning with the #metoo movement, searching for optimism in the Trump era and recovering from a dysregulating pandemic. The album is grounded in the band’s tight arrangements and freewheeling improvisation. Peter Lacis’ guitar playing interweaves pop, rock, and jam. Open Your Heart also includes Chad Mathis on bass and Travis Moberg on drums.
They fold together influences from Emmylou Harris to the Allman Brothers and call their approach Jamericana. The album was recorded at Chimaera Sound Studios by Josh Depperschmidt, and Cinder Sound Studio by Christopher Wright, and arranged, produced and mastered by Trans-Siberian Orchestra bassist Tony Dickinson. Storch’s previous solo album Come Clean garnered international radio play in the Roots and Americana charts across the US and Europe. It was chosen for The Top Country/Americana Albums of 2015 by The Telegraph (UK).
Teresa Storch Band
“Storch inhabits her songs so fully you can’t help but be pulled into her world.” –Daniel Gewertz, Boston Herald Teresa Storch needed some uplifting and decided to ease her worries by writing a song of hope for all of us. The result is “Things Will Get Better,” the new single from TERESA STORCH BAND’s upcoming album, Open Your Heart. According to Storch, “I’d been focusing too much on ‘doom & gloom’ and was feeling stuck in a funk. But when I saw my step-son successfully play the sax in middle-school band it changed my perspective from shadows to joy—I knew things were going to get better and I had to write about it!” Teresa’s song “Things Will Get Better” eventually propelled her band to come together and complete their new full album, due later this Spring. Official Video For “Things Will Get Better” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-LOIs03HNM&t=2s
Teresa Storch Band grew organically from the meeting of (now husband and wife) Teresa Storch and Peter Lacis. Storch’s soulful voice and lyrics combine with Lacis’ soaring and complex guitar arrangements, creating an original, genre-pushing rock sound with jam and roots origins. As the Teresa Storch Duo, they have toured internationally, performing at festivals in Scotland and Ireland. The band also includes musicians from the vibrant Boulder area.
Most recently joining the band are bassist Chad Mathis and drummer/recording engineer Chris Wright (both from Billy Shaddox, and Antonio Lopez Bands). Previously, Peter Lacis played with jam/funk/prog/pop bands in New Jersey (Barbuda, Jackson Observer) and Colorado (Sylva, Johnny & The Mongrels, Broken Holmes) and studied under Wayne Krantz and David Fiuczynski. Teresa Storch steeped herself in the subways and coffeehouses of the New England folk scene after transplanting to the Boston area. The two connected musically in 2013 in Boulder, CO after Storch had paused her 8 years of touring troubadour life, while Lacis was looking for local musicians to play with.
Teresa Storch’s previous solo album, Come Clean, included Peter Lacis on guitar, along with Phil Parker (Gregory Alan Isakov), Bridget Law (Elephant Revival), and Garret Sayers (The Motet). Storch was chosen a 2015 GrassyHill New Folk Finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival, selected as an Emerging Artist at the 2015 Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, and received Honorable Mention in the 2015 Rocky Mountain Folks Fest Songwriter’s Competition.
Tobin Mueller Vol. 1
“Nothing short of excellent. Tobin Mueller, who has performed across the entire spectrum of jazz, combines genres to recreate a fabulous assortment of jazz classics.” –O’s Place Jazz Magazine Best of Tobin Mueller is a 5-volume collection of his best contemporary jazz, funk, fusion, and vocal recordings. Volume 1 includes Mueller’s best original jazz ensemble and small combo recordings; Volume 2 presents his covers / arrangements; Volume 3 highlights his progressive rock jazz-fusion forays; Volume 4 is a collection of his best original vocal works; and Volume 5 focuses on his chill jazz, new age and late night offerings. All tracks have been remastered, some have been remixed and edited, many contain additional layered-in instruments, a few are completely new versions released here for the first time. Many of the selections come from Tobin Mueller’s three long-play double albums Standard Deviations, What Survives, and Wonder. Remixed versions from his recent album Prestidigitation are also included. Older recordings are represented, as well, such as Come In Funky (featuring Ron Carter), The Muller’s Wheel (featuring Woody Mankowski) and others. A few tracks are new, never released on any previous album.
Tobin Mueller has released over 35 albums in his career, written a dozen musical plays, composed over 500 songs. He’s composed for Broadway, film, ballet, youth education, video games. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (from the band Yes), Brian Welch (“Head” from Korn), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson, as well as Grammy nominees Dane Richeson (Blue Note Records), Ken Schaphorst, Entcho Todorov, Janet Planet and more. Mueller’s albums have included contributions from drummers Scott Rockenfield (Queensrÿche), Lamar Moore (Lettuce), Mike Nappi (J. Geils Band) and countless other musicians from around the globe.
Early in his career, Tobin Mueller had the honor of playing with Maynard Ferguson. “Tobin Mueller composes some of the freshest, well-crafted jazz tunes of the era. He adroitly combines post bop, fusion, funk and progressive Big Band in entertaining and unique ways.” –Dr. Jazz (Bob Cohen)
Tobin Mueller Vol. 2
“Inventive, energetic, joyous virtuosity elevates each track. Paul Nelson’s electric guitar sizzles. Woody Mankowski’s saxophone soars. Drumming is stellar. Fresh, clean, crisp. You will not view these standards the same after hearing Mueller’s thoughtfully crafted takes.” –Jazziz magazine BEST OF TOBIN MUELLER VOL. 2 presents reimagined standards, an homage to the most influential Jazz Greats.
Unique arrangements, fresh harmonic and conceptual expressions, top notch performances and high energy production make each recording a standout. Styles include post-bop, fusion, funk, jazz-blues, and musical textures that can only be labeled as multi-genre. A journey worth embracing. The band includes: 3-time Grammy winning blues guitarist Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter, Eric Clapton), saxophonists David Dejesus (director of the Birdland Jazz Club) and Woody Mankowski (Mueller’s long-time L.A. collaborator), hand percussionist Ruben de Ruiter (Amsterdam Funk Orchestra, The John Patitucci Band), drummers Lamar A. Moore (Lettuce, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe) and Mike Nappi (J. Geils Band), bassist/producer Kenny Cash (Factory Underground), and of course Tobin Mueller (Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Maynard Ferguson) on piano, Hammond organ, synths and enumerable vintage keys.
Official Video For Tobin Mueller’s “God Bless The Child” https://youtu.be/2peiuUhJDzc “An amazing jazz amalgam that captures at its zenith Mueller’s genius ability to dance in and out of motifs and themes while paying such great respect to the jazz composers he quotes.
He makes the intertwining of the composer’s intent with his own interpretation sound effortless, expansive, beautiful, awesome…” –Downbeat This 20 track compilation includes must-hear instrumental covers of classic compositions by W.C. Handy, George Gershwin, Hoagy Carmichael, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Thelonious Monk, Billie Holiday, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder, Sly Stone, Frank Zappa, Leonard Bernstein, Lennon-McCartney, Weather Report, Tower of Power, as well as vocal tributes to James Taylor and Bob Dylan. Every recording glows with its own personality. The compilation focuses on Mueller’s instrumentals: tracks 1-17. Mueller’s vocal takes (tracks 18-20) deviate from mainstream jazz and are bonus tracks.
Tobin Mueller Vol. 3
“One of the most diverse and talented jazz composers today presents a career spanning 5-volume compilation. Every track delivers. Contemporary jazz at its finest.” –Jazziz magazine Keyboard virtuoso TOBIN MUELLER applies his chops to Progressive Rock in his latest Best Of Tobin Mueller release: Volume 3 – Prog Fusion. His massive keyboards and Hammond B3 organ are accompanied by Scott Rockenfield’s drums (Queensrÿche), Bob Piper’s guitar synth (Pleiades), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson (Johnny Winter), Grammy winning saxophonist Donny McCaslin (David Bowie), Carl Fischer (Billie Joel), Sal Giorgianni (Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson) and more. It is a two-part compilation of completely remastered (and some re-performed) recordings. Part 1 (tracks 1-14) includes Mueller’s prog vocal tunes. Part 2 (tracks 15-22) features his best prog-jazz-fusion instrumentals.
High energy and poetry meet in epic fashion. Official Video For “Contemporary Insanity” (instrumental), featured on AllAboutJazz.com https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvmayEqc0YU Best Of Tobin Mueller Vol. 3 is part of a re-mastered 5-volume collection featuring music recorded by Mueller over 40 years. The first volume highlights Mueller’s original jazz ensemble and small combo recordings; the second volume features his best arrangements; and now on volume three we hear Mueller’s prog fusion masterpieces. Tobin Mueller has released over 35 albums in his career, written a dozen musical plays, and composed over 500 songs. He’s written music for Broadway, film, ballet, youth education, and video games.
He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Carl Fisher, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (of the band Yes), Brian Welch (of the band Korn), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson, Grammy nominees Dane Richeson, Ken Schaphorst, Entcho Todorov, Janet Planet and more. In his early days, Mueller also played keys with Maynard Ferguson. Official Video For “Puzzle City” (w. vocals) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k613lw7tyEY “A masterpiece in the epic prog tradition.” –Progressive Magazine
Tobin Mueller Vol. 4
“Soul searching, social commentary, intense personal experiences, music as redemption, singing as celebration, all explored brilliantly. A subtle and fluid conversation.” –U.K. Album Reviews Like Shakespeare’s Sonnets, the songs on Best Of Tobin Mueller Vol. 4 are the most personal and innermost expressions of TOBIN MUELLER. The listener is introduced to Tobin as poet and playwright as well as Tobin the musician and composer.
Literally in his own voice, we are privy to his thoughts, feelings, and observations about life. The recordings intimately accentuate his clear and expressive voice. The order in which they are presented adds to the enjoyment. While his solo piano compositions may be the heart of his artistry, these songs articulate his emotions in ways that are close and revealing. Listening, you will get to know him like longtime friends do. Some of Tobin’s friends are also featured on this album—the late great Michael Hedges, Ron Carter, Donny McCaslin, Woody Mankowski, and Tobin’s son, Anton Mueller. Official Video For “Let Me Play”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwW0VE9U1cw Tobin Mueller has released over 40 albums in his career, written a dozen musical plays, and composed over 500 songs.
He’s written music for Broadway, film, ballet, youth education, and video games. He has recorded with Grammy winners Dave Brubeck, Ron Carter, Carl Fisher, Michael Hedges, Donny McCaslin, Jon Anderson (of the band Yes), Brian Welch (of the band Korn), Hall of Fame blues guitarist Paul Nelson, Grammy nominees Dane Richeson, Ken Schaphorst, Entcho Todorov, Janet Planet and more. In his early days, Mueller also played keys with Maynard Ferguson. Tobin Mueller makes albums with a lot of depth, forged of deftly wrought musical lines, albums with sonic intrigue and rewards garnered from numerous replays. Vocals is the album where the lyrical component adds one more layer to enjoy, one more level to explore in his already intricate and intriguing music. Soul searching, social commentary, intense personal experiences, music as redemption, singing as celebration, all explored brilliantly. Subtle and fluid conversations.
The Players Tobin Mueller: vocals, acoustic piano, electric pianos, organs, accordian, nylon string guitar, harp, synths, basses, various percussion, Anton Mueller: backing vocals, acoustic guitar, mandolin, Mikie Martel: trumpet, flugelhorn, saxes, John Luper & Darren Chapman: electric guitar, John Selvia: electric fretless bass, Ruben de Ruiter: hand percussion, Ugo Rossi: drums Featured sax: Donny McCaslin, Woody Mankowski, Featured clarinet: Bill Barner, Featured acoustic guitar: Michael Hedges, Featured violin: Entcho Todorov, Martyn Kember-Smith, Featured acoustic Bass: Ron Carter, Kenny Cash, Additional backing vocals: Johnny Gray. Produced by Kenny Cash. Recorded @ Factory Underground.
Zakiya Hooker
If you set out to be a musician in America, you are laying claim to a grand heritage with deep roots and endless branches. If, like ZAKIYA HOOKER, you are exploring and revitalizing the many roads of blues, jazz, classic pop and the early days of rock & roll, there’s a near-endless well to draw from and a potential audience of millions waiting to rediscover it.
Zakiya is heir to one of the most uniquely American musical traditions – the blues – and to one of its most distinctive and acclaimed innovators, her father John Lee Hooker. Given the reverence that his name commands, Zakiya Hooker could likely have made a career out of nostalgia, doing her best impression of the haunting, minimalist blues boogie that was his signature sound. Instead, she pays tribute to his name as she establishes her own style while continuing to establish her powerful voice as a writer, singer, and performer in the larger legacy of American music. Zakiya had written and recorded with her beloved father for years before his passing in 2001, and she has covered his songs enthusiastically on record and on stage.
But inevitably, a female voice and perspective plus a lifetime of absorbing other sounds led her in unique directions. Bluesman’s Journey was recorded and produced by Zakiya’s husband, veteran R&B artist Ollan Christopher, in the Douglasville, Georgia facility that he co-founded with Zakiya’s father—Boom Boom Studio. The album literally brings it all back home for an artist who has toured and recorded internationally, from her childhood home of Detroit to South America, Europe and beyond. Zakiya says of the title track, “I wrote ‘Bluesman’s Journey’ as a tribute to my dad. I thought about him doing what he loved best, The Blues. While writing the song I realized the sacrifices he made to achieve his dream and to take care of his family. Whatever the circumstance, he would get up grab his guitar and amp and head to whatever club in whatever state or country he was booked in.
My father was a humble man who had a dream and followed it. The music was entwined in his DNA and like him, it is in mine as well.” Bluesman’s Journey features all new music and is the first release since Zakiya Hooker’s highly anticipated album Legacy (2023). After coming off a long hiatus with a renewed enthusiasm, Hooker knew she had stories to tell. There have already been countless gigs and a healthy handful of albums from Zakiya Hooker—but even if Bluesman’s Journey is your first taste of her talents, you got here just in time.