Year: 2018

Charles Bradley – I Feel A Change

     Like other blues, rhythm and blues, and soul artists before him, Charles Bradley defined his music with heart-felt and hard-won emotions that followed his hard life and eventual musical discovery. Those life experiences were the defining characteristic of music that demanded that the listener sit up and take notice. On what would have been Charles Bradley’s 70th birthday, Dunham Records (a division of Daptone) has released a collection of Bradley recordings made in the studio during the recording sessions of each of his three long players. As…

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Lydian Collective – East

     Vodka seldom posts straight-up instrumentals, but there are exceptions, and East from Lydian Collective is an exception well worth the spotlight. East is from their debut long-player Adventure (March 2018), and the band may seem to have burst onto the music scene as some sort of a “where have these musicians been?!” moment. That isn’t the case. The collective made up of Aaron Wheeler (keyboards), Todd Baker (guitar), Ida Hollis (bass), and Sophie Alloway (drums), all have individual success stories before forming Lydian Collective. The composition duties fall generally to…

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Sister Speak – The Stand

     Sister Speak is essentially singer/songwriter, Sherri Anne (vocals/guitar) and an ever-changing group of solid musicians, which at the moment includes  Sarven Manguiat (electric guitar) and Avli Avliav (keyboards, Moog bass, and programming). The sound is a delicious blend of indie-pop, folk, and electronica that is immediately pleasing to the ear. The title track of the six-song EP by the same name, The Stand (seen/heard here) is about taking a stand on issues, particularly social issues, but never ends up too preachy or self-important. Sherri Anne’s vocals lend perfect inflection…

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Jenie Thai – Night On Fire

     I dare you-NO, double-dog dare you, to listen to Edmonton, Alberta’s Jenie Thai without moving!  Night On Fire is the title track to Jenie’s September 2018, long-player, and it simply rocks! And that band!!  Tight, full, absolute soul-blues masters here, while Jenie, hammers the keyboard into rockin’ blues submission! The LP itself is spot on in every aspect. Dreamers and Lovers was the first single released from the long-player back in June, and it simply oozes smooth.  Track two, Sugar, is just right for your tea. I’m not…

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