And worth a listen in my opinion…..

Steve Sabet – From My Living Room : If you like instrumental rock, then you must have a listen to this wonderful work by Steve Sabet – he frames his acoustic guitar with some really tasty sounds to create a rich and varied landscape that really plays well. Here is a perfect selection to have in the background on any given day. Enjoy

Drew De Four – Bartillery : Like blues piano played well by a guy who can sing too? You have to check out this 12 song collection of originals written and played by Drew De Four, and accompanied by a tight little four piece band. There’s something different in every one of these selections that makes me want to see the guy perform them live. Have an earful.

Missy Andersen – Missy Andersen : Here is Memphis Soul that you are not going to want to miss – Missy brings it in this 8 set collection of her, some tight horns and a groovin’ rhythm section. She’s got that kind of a voice that just stands out and delivers, and is a real pleasure to listen to. Some really nice selections are on this release too. Get your headphones on.

As always, your comments on the above are welcome. – Jim

And worth a listen in my opinion…..

No Limitz – Hold That Thought : This folk/pop duo sings serious songs without sounding like they’re taking themselves too seriously. They sing of everyday life but in a way that somehow makes it a little more than that. I like the arrangements, the harmonies, and the way that their voices work together to bring this one off. Check it out.

Mike Hubbard – The EP : Pop rock at it’s finest, this 6 song offering from Mike Hubbard really gets at what writing and performing songs is all about – having fun and getting a message across. Something in Mike’s voice belies the innocence of these songs. Good writing (both lyrically and musically)… this one is a keeper. Put your ears on.

Shattered Sky – Shattering Skies : Great guitar work on this 10 song selection and a well matched vocal from Richard Clark, this has been a pleasure to review. The fact that he and his co-collaborator Derek Cvengros’ musical development is rooted in heavy metal music makes this all the more amazing – it couldn’t be more different, and it’s really good. Cue it up.

As always, your comments on the above are welcome. – Jim

And worth a listen in my opinion…..

Randy Lyght – Just In Time : I like Randy’s delivery on these classic tunes – some of the best from the ‘40s through the 60’s. This selection is well orchestrated and highlights his deep bass voice. Randy reminds us all that you don’t necessarily have to have new material to really shine – just a load of talent and a brilliant sense of the feel of the song. Have a listen.

Matheu Watson & Matheu Watson – Matheu Watson : This is wonderfully played Scottish string music at its finest – listening to the interplay between the fiddles and other traditional instruments I am taken to a different place completely – the cut ‘Drying Out’ features some amazing guitar playing as well. Here is another gem for your collection. Put your ears on.

The Floozies – At Dusk We Launch : Electronic Funk lovers, rejoice! You have a winner in this 7 song set of well produced, in your face, get the party started electro-funk slamdowns….stuff like this should really be listened to with headphones on, but if you want to play it at your next house party, I guess I couldn’t really blame you. Enjoy

As always, your comments on the above are welcome. – Jim

And worth a listen in my opinion…..

Jennifer Drummey – From Then Till Now Till When : Jennifer has a wonderfully warm, and colorful voice, and brings it fully to bear on this very rich collection of originals on her 11 track offering. Folk-tinged and beautiful, this CD is well produced and is one of those smooth Sunday afternoon listens that you can pop in to the player and be glad that you have it. Take a listen.

Bob Burger – The Day After : This is really good stuff – good writing, well produced, and really well delivered pop-tinged acoustic rock. Reminiscent of early Beatles tunes, Bob knows how to write a song, and I will always recommend people who know how to get my aural attention and keep it. This one’s a keeper. Knock your ears off.

Mario Sollazzo – Piano Express – From Bach to Satie : Maybe it’s because I am a pianist, or because I recently rediscovered a Handel sonata, but I find that I really must recommend this collection of wonderfully played piano solos by various classical composers. Played exquisitely by Mario Sollazzo, it is something everyone should have in their collection. Enjoy

As always, your comments on the above are welcome. – Jim

And worth a listen in my opinion…..

Juan Galiardo – Juan Galiardo : I will always have a soft spot for well played modern jazz, and it comes across very well in Juan’s self-titled 8 cut offering. Juan is joined by Jerry Bergonzi on Tenor Sax, Joe Magnarelli on Trumpet, Dave Santoro on Bass, and Andrea Michelutti on Drums. Timeless standards alongside wonderful new originals make this a must have. Happy Listening.

River Guerguerian – Grooves for Odd Times : Finding stuff like this makes what I do on this blog very satisfying – turning people on to musicianship that is unique and quite wonderful in it’s own way – and so it is with River’s 11 track offering. Unique percussion grooves overlaid on a rich sonic palette. This is interesting listening from a world class musician. Check it out.

Chris DiCroce – American Dream : I really like the way Chris delivers his message in this set of eight songs. A very lush soundscape and good songwriting chops make for a very appealing aural journey in this work. A pleasure to listen to on many levels, Chris makes you wish that there was more of him to listen to on the radio. Enjoy.

As always, your comments on the above are welcome. – Jim